This book was digitized by Microsoft Corporation in
cooperation with Yale University Library, 2008. You
may not reproduce this digitized copy of the book for
any purpose other than for scholarship, research,
educational, or, in limited quantity, personal use. You
may not distribute or provide access to this digitized copy
(or modified or partial versions of it) for commercial purposes.

FITCHBUEG

-IN THE-

WAR OF THE REBELLION.

BY HENRY A. WILLI b:

¦".mjjL j./j.£,aii.~-.ttj;Ca Uii&D9 WHICH SHOULD NOT PASS AWAY,
AMD NAMES THAI MUST HOT WITHER."

F I T C II B U R G :
'UBLISIIED BY STEPHEN S II E P L E Y
PB1KXKD BT J. GAEFLELD & CO.
1866.

FATHERS AND MOTHERS
WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR NOBLE BONS ;
TO THE WIDOW WHO HAS OFFERED UP HER HUSBAND;
TO THE SISTERS AND BROTHERS OF THE DEAR ONES FALLEN;
AND TO THE ORPHAN, WHO ONLY KNOWS THAT ITS FATHER WENT TO
THE AVAR AND NEVER MORE RETURNED ;
TO THESE, siS si TOKEN OF SJSASTFJSI,T STM^siTsr,
THE WRITER DEDICATES THIS BOOK.
Pitcheukg, Oct. 1st, 1866.

INTRODUCTION

Many Histories of the Great Rebellion have been written;
many others will be, and perhaps the best and truest record of
the perilous times through -which we, as a Nation, have just
passed, will be written many years hence. These will be general
in their character, and will not descend to the details of the
part which states, cities, towns and communities had in the great
contest. Our present purpose is to put upon record in a concise
form our share as a Town in the great work of vindicating the
Constitution, the establishing of universal freedom, and preserving
unsullied the glorious " flag of the Republic."
Justice, alike to the living and the dead of the actors in the
great drama, demands that their deeds shall be embalmed in the
memories of posterity through all coming time. Gratitude to the
living and precious memories of the dead prompt us to the wel
come task before us.
A community which has sent nine companies into the field
during the war, which has promptly filled its quotas under all
calls and has now to its credit seventy-five men surplus above
all demands upon it, has certainly a record of which it may well
be proud, and one well worth preserving.
The personal experiences of these our sons and brothers and
fellow-citizens if they could be related — " the story of their

INTRODUCTION.

lives from year to year; the battles, sieges, fortunes they have
passed ; the most disastrous chances ; the moving accidents by
flood and field ; of hair breadth 'scapes in the imminent deadly
breach ; of being taken by the insolent foe, and of their re
demption thence, and portance in their travels' history ;" — these
would fill with intense interest many a volume.
Our purpose in the present volume is to give an account of
the early action of the town in the first weeks and months of
the Rebellion ; the organizing of the various companies and the cir
cumstances of their departure, and a history in brief of the
operations and adventures of each regiment with which they
were connected, following them through the whole term of service,
and noticing particularly the principal engagements in which they
bore a part.
Also, an account of the various enterprises organized and
carried on by our citizens for the relief of the soldiers and
their families. Our " patriot dead" will be appropriately noticed,
and accounts will be given of the various public funerals of the
martyrs whose precious remains have been borne to our
midst from the places where they fell. Also, narratives of
our citizens who suffered and perished in Southern prisons.
A complete list will be given of every soldier who enlisted
from Fitchburg, with his rank, company and regiment, when and
for what discharged, deaths, wounds, &c. Also, a full account of
the two drafts with lists of men drafted, &c. Also, correspon
dence of soldiers — incidents — and various matters of interest.
In short, it will be our effort to make the book as complete a
record as possible of who our soldiers were, what they did, and
what befel them during their term of service.
With thus much for introduction, we enter upon our work
fully conscious of our inability to do the subject full justice,
and humbly craving the kind consideration and gentle criticism
of the reader.

OPENING SCENES & EARLY ACTION OF THE TOWN.

The opening scenes of the Rebellion are fresh in our minds ;
the Presidential Election of 1860, the secession of State after
State, the imbecility of the wretched old " functionary" who
encumbered the Presidential Chair, the occupation of Fort
Sumter by Major Anderson, the attempt to provision the Fort,
and the final attack upon it.
On Saturday, the 13th of April, 1860, news came to our
town that Fort Sumter had been attacked and was gallantly
holding out. On Sunday evening, the 14th, the writer in
company with the telegraph operator and another gentleman,
visited the Telegraph Office for news. So much had been
said and written of the " impregnability of Fort Sumter" that
we were ill prepared for the message which soon clicked off
to us as follows: • " Charleston, Apkil 13tii, 1861.
Fort Sumter has unconditionally surrendered. The news has just
come. Gen. Chestnut (Ex-Gov. and Commander-in-Chief,) has just
landed and marched to Gov. Pickens' residence followed by a great
crowd with great joy. It is said that ten men of Fort Sumter were
killed, and that the Federal Flag was shot away by the Palmetto
Guards on Morris Island. In all, two thousand shots have been fired.
No Carolinians hurt. Maj. Anderson and men under guard were con
veyed to Morris Island. The bells are ringing out merry peals. Our
people are engaged in every demonstration of joy. It is estimated that
there are eight thousand men on the Island and in the neighborhood.
I have just returned from a visit to Fort Sumter and I am assured that
no one was killed at the Fort — this is reliable and puts to rest all
reports about Sumter. Maj. Anderson has reached the city and is

8 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
the guest of Gen. Beauregard. Our people sympathize with Major
Anderson, but abhor those who were in the steamers off our bay and
in sight of our people, and did not even attempt to re-enforce the Fort.
Judge Magrath has just returned from the Fort and reports that the
wood work and officers' quarters are all burned ; none of the officers
were wounded. The Fort will be taken possession of to-night by the
Confederate troops.
Later. Lieut. Worden of the Federal Navy has been taken prisoner
of war and his despatches from Lieut. Slimmer to Washington seized.
Fort Pickens was reinforced last night. Great rejoicing in this city."
Such was the sad story as first communicated to Fitchburg.
The ball had fairly opened, and the rebels had achieved the
first victory. What would be the result ? Where would it end ?
No one then could predict. But we who survive have learned
too well the sad history of the last four years of bloody war
and can rejoice over the final glorious consummation.
The sad news was fully confirmed by Monday morning's
papers, which gave all the details.
The call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand Vol
unteers opened our eyes to the fact that war, so long feared,
so much to be deplored, so uncertain in its duration and
consequences, was at last upon us. We can well l'emember
the excitement of that memorable day ; the prompt 'response
of Gov. Andrew to the President's call, and his order for
several regiments of the Militia tq, proceed at once to Wash
ington to the defence of our National Capitol.
We had at that time two companies of Militia in town :
the "Fitchburg Fusiliers," Capt. John W. Kimball, and the
" Washington Guards," Capt. Edwin Upton, both of the old
Ninth Regiment, which then had but three other Companies.
The commanders of these Companies, in response to " General
Orders, reported their companies in condition to go forward at
once, if called upon. But it appeared that enough whole reg
iments to meet the present emergency had been offered and
accepted. Meantime the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth
Regiments were hurriedly started for the scene of action.

FITCHBURG: IN THE REBELLION. 9
All was excitement ; little business was done ; people gathered
on the street corners with saddened hearts, but with deter
mined looks, discussing what might next occur.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday passed, and Friday, the
ever memorable 19th of April came. Late in the afternoon
the telegraph flashed to us the news of the attack in Balti
more as follows : " The Sixth Mass. Reg't. is now fighting its
way through Baltimore ; four men have been killed, many
wounded, and the fighting still going on." Who that remem
bers those days can ever forget the shock? What patriotic
heart does not remember its impulses as the terrible truth burst
upon him that our own Massachusetts soldiers had indeed become
the first victims of this wicked outbreak? The impulse to rush
to arms and descend like an avalanche upon the accursed city
which had permitted this thing to come to pass, was only a
feeling shared in common with the whole North. The next
morning's papers gave full particulars, and a meeting of our
citizens was held the same afternoon to see what this town
would do towards sustaining our government in its trial hour.
Alvah Crocker, Esq. presided and opened the meeting with .a
few eloquent and patriotic remarks, and was followed by various
• other gentlemen, after which the following resolutions were
presented and unanimously adopted.
"Resolved, That we respond cordially to the Proclamation of the
President of the United States ; that we declare our unflinching
resolution to support our government in its struggle to maintain its
honor, integrity and existence.
Resolved, That we will use our utmost endeavors to secure a
vote of the town whereby tlie sum of ten thousand dollars shall be
raised by direct tax, which sum of money shall be appropriated to
provide for the support of the families of any of the soldiers who may
be called out during the present war, and for fitting out and
equipping such men."
The excitement had become intense and almost painful. Men
met and grasped each other's hands in silence ; in tears ; with
hearts too full for utterance but with looks which meant war.
6

10 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
All felt that there was now one duty above all others de
volving upon every loyal man ; to give personally a full and
hearty support to the Government by all the means within our
power. The next day was Sunday, the first Sabbath in " war
time." How unspeakably sad it was! Our good people
wended their way to church with altered feelings and under
circumstances greatly changed from what had been their wont.
The beautiful "flag of the Republic" floated sadly over the
street in the gentle breeze of that Spring morning — but its
stars seemed dim, its stripes only suggested blood. Whether it
was longer to be the symbol of a free, united, happy country,
or only to exist as a relic of a " fallen Republic" was a
question that no one could answer that morning — and yet, as
we gazed upon it we seemed to gather strength and confidence,
for we remembered that it also represented power which
properly put forth by loyal hands could bring us out of all
our difficulties, and we thanked God that the departments of
Government, at least, were in honest, loyal hands.
The services in the churches were of a patriotic nature and
our National Hymn, " America" which never before seemed of
particular significance, was sung with a pathos and a meaning
which reached all hearts. Thus passed the quiet Sabbath/
It was not however, altogether a quiet one. It being expected
that our companies might be ordered forward the next morning
the "busy notes of preparation" were heard, and many of
our ladies were engaged through the day in preparing clothing
for the brave fellows who, like the minute men of the Revo
lution stood ready to move at a moment's warning. But, as
will be seen they were not called upon for several days.
On Saturday, April 27th, a Town Meeting was held at
which the resolutions adopted at the Citizens' meeting April 20,
were carried into effect by appropriating by unanimous vote the
sum of ten thousand dollars for the benefit of the soldiers
and their families. The following were chosen a committee

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 11
to take charge of the same: Ebenezer Torrey, Moses Wood,
C. Marshall, William Woodbury, Levi Downe, Alpheus P.
Kimball, Timothy S. Wilson. A committee was also appointed
to ascertain what reduction might be made in the expenses of
the town for the current year, to report at an adjourned
meeting one week later.
The " Fusiliers" and " Guards" had recruited their companies,
and this day, April 27th, had witnessed a grand parade and
drill of both, joined also by Capt. Rockwood's company, of
Leominster, which had marched up from that town to show us
their skill in drilling and for the purpose of getting into
" marching trim." All three of these companies were ready and
anxious to be called upon to join the " fray." But their
time had not yet come. Patriotic, impetuous, brave hearted
young men ; they feared the struggle would be ended and they
might have no part in it. Would to God it might have been
so. But - alas ! it was destined that the war should go on, and
before it ended room should be found for all who desired to
enlist to do battle in the cause of their country and for freedom.
The zeal of our citizens suggested various measures, not all .of
which were of practical value.
One of these was that every soldier that we should send to
the field should be armed with a revolver and a bowie-knife.
Accordingly one hundred and fifty revolvers were purchased and
brought into town for the use of our two organized companies,
and at the same time Messrs. Whitman and Miles with character
istic liberality, offered to manufacture the same number of
bowie-Jcnives. Suffice it to say, that before the troops were
called upon to march, it was decided that neither of the above
mentioned articles would be much needed for ornament or use.
The revolvers were sold to go to a "Western State which believed
in " arming to the teeth," and the bowie-knives-, we hope, were
put to some good use. Meantime, preparations went forward, for
it was felt that our "boys" would soon be called upon to march.

12 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
The ladies took hold of the sad but patriotic work and held
meetings at the armories of the soldiers to prepare bandages,
clothing, &c. At these meetings might be seen the soldiers with
their female friends together winding the bandage or scraping
the lint that might ere long be used to bind up their own
wounds. Sad thoughts! but far from deterring any man they
only served to fix more firmly the determination to do their
whole duty at whatever cost.
On Saturday, May 4th, the adjourned town meeting was
held, at which the committee on retrenchment recommended a
reduction of five thousand dollars in the town appropriations
for the current year, which recommendation was adopted —
two thousand dollars being taken from the schools, two thousand
from highways, and the balance from the public library and other
departments of town expenses. Every one deplored the reduction
of the amount appropriated for schools, and many thought the
necessity for it did not exist, but the general feeling at the
time was that the war would completely paralyze business, that
great distress would follow, that the raising of money necessary
for carrying on the war would bear very heavily upon all,
and while great liberality should be practised in granting money
for war expenses, the most rigid economy should be observed
in all other directions, even though the cause of Education should
in the mean time suffer. But it may be proper to add in
this connection that through all the other years of the war
our schools at least were sustained with the accustomed liberality
of our people.
At the town meeting of the 4th of May, the chairman of
the committee having in charge the ten thousand dollar appropri
ation read a note signed by the various physicians of the town
offering their professional services gratis, to all families of soldiers
engaged in suppressing the rebellion, which we believe they
continued to do until the war had closed. The following is a
copy :

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 13
" To the Military Relief Committee; Gentlemen;
The undersigned, Physicians of Fitchburg, members of the Massa
chusetts Medical Society, through you, hereby tender gratuitous
professional services, when desired, to the families of the soldiers of
this town, while engaged in the war to defend the Government of the
United States against the present Southern Rebellion. Thomas K. Boutelle,
Jonas A. Makshall,
Alfred Hitchcock,
James R. Wellman,
George Jewett,
George D. Colony.
"Fitchburg, May 1st, 1861."
Thursday, May 16th, was a great day with us. The
High School and the Day Street Schools had procured flags
which were thrown to the breeze amid the booming of cannon,
music, and speeches by several of the young men of the schools,
the teachers, and other citizens. The two military companies
paraded on the occasion and united in the ceremonies. The
same evening witnessed an interesting scene at .the Town Hall ;
the presentation to the Fusiliers and Guards of two beautiful
silk flags which the ladies had procured at an expense of
eighty dollars.
The Hall was densely crowded. Hon. J. W. Mansur presided
and opened the meeting, in well chosen remarks defining our
duties as citizens in the present crisis. At the conclusion of
his remarks Miss Emily Twichell stepped forward with one of
the flags, and addressing Capt. Kimball of the Fusiliers,
presented it to his company, expressing the hope that they
might never be called upon to bear it to the field ; but if
otherwise, that they would stand by it to the last. Capt.
Kimball responded eloquently on accepting the flag in behalf of
his command. He caused his men to swear that it should
never trail in the dust while a single arm was left to uphold
it. He spoke of the scenes through which the banner of the
Republic had been borne in times past; of the Revolution;

14 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
and of the victories ,and defeats of that and subsequent wars.
" Emblem of liberty ; if struck down now, the hope of men for
free government would be forever extinguished."
Miss Eliza Trask then, in a clear voice and appropriate
language, presented the other flag to Capt. Edwin Upton, who
received it in behalf of his command with a few appropriate
remarks. We now propose to give a history of the recruitment and
organization of each of the nine companies sent out from this
town, taking them up in their regular order and following out
the record of each in connection with the regiment to which
it was attached. The circumstances attending the formation, of
each will be given— ^accounts of public meetings held for the
purpose of stimulating recruiting' — amount of bounties offered,
and paid, if any. The original roll of each company will be
given which will contain the names of all belonging to the
same, whether residents of Fitchburg or not.
Also, the ceremonies and parades attending their departure
for camp where any occurred. We commence with Capt,
James Savage's company, of the Second Regiment,

HISTORY OP THE SECOND REGIMENT.
The first company actually raised and accepted from this
town under the call of tire President for three years troops,
was recruited by Capt. James Savage Jr., who opened his
office about the 1st of May, and recruited his company in
about a week. Capt. Savage was from Boston, but well known
to many of our citizens. Educated at " Harvard," brought up
amid all the luxuries wealth could afford, he was one of the
first to respond to the call of our country. His record is a
short but noble one. His company was attached to the Second
Regiment. He was promoted to Major in June, 1862, wounded
at Cedar Mountain August 6th, and died in a Richmond prison
on the 19th of September following. The following is a list of
members of this company :
, ROLL OF COMPANY D, SECOND REG'T MASS. VOLS.
OFFICERS.
Captain, JAMES SAVAGE, Jr., Boston.
1st Lieut., William D. Sedgwick, Lenox.
2d Lieut., Henry L. Hioginson, Boston.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.
sekgeants. Moulton Ansel A., Fitchburg.
Parker Theodore K., Winchendon. Cobb Horatio S., Lee.
Crocker Harry A., Winchendon. Palmer William, West Boylston.
Cheney Harry A., Ashburnham. Fay Benjamin F., Ashburnham.
Miller Adam, Lee. Thompson Jed. C, Marlboro'.
Snow, George W., Nashua, N. H. musicians.
coepokals. Taylor Jameg H Winchendon,
Newton George B., West Boylston. ft^fa ^lvin q., Fitchburg.
Kendall Charles W., Ashburnham.
Thurston Thomas B., Fitchburg. wagoner.
Maynard Frederick, Winchendon. Webster George W., Bedford.

16

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

PRIVATES.
Anthony Webber F., Tyringham.
Alden George II., Templeton.
Allen Charles, Boston.
Anderson John E., West Boylston.
Balcom Muron E., Marlboro'.
Barry Patrick, Northampton.
Bartlett Anson B., Clinton.
Beach Win., West Boylston.
Bickford Walter, Gardner.
Billings Alfred, Lunenburg.
Billings Amos, Lunenburg.
Bisbee Charles E., Fitchburg.
Boston George II., Winchendon.
Blivon Arthur, Lenox.
Blunt William IL, West Boylston.
Brooks Albert E., Westminster.
Bruce George A., Winchendon.
Cahill John, Northampton.
Cassady William, Leominster.
Chase Wm. P., West Boylston.
Clapp Cyrus J., Rindge, N. II ,
Clapp Samuel B , Gardner.
Cleaves Charles, Dayton, Me.
Cheney Gilbert A., Newton U. Falls.
Childs Isaac, West Boylston.
Cobb Horatio S., Lee.
Colman Michael, Hinsdale.
Colvin Frederick, West Boylston.
Conant Alphonzo, Fairhavcn, Ct.
Curtis George S., Lunenburg.
Dorr John, Stockbridge.
Eager William 0., Westminster.
Farewell Abel, Jr., East Boylston.
Farewell Charles B., Northbridge.
Fielding Gersham W., Tyringham.
Fitzgibbon James 0., Ashby.
Hadley Isaac C. Winchendon.
Harris William L., Shirley.
Hayward Horace P., Fitchburg.
Heald Charles H., Ashburnham.
Ilimes James P., Gardner.

Holmes Theodore D , Tyringham.
Hosmer Geo. B. T., West Boylston.
Houghton Albert, Leominster.
Houghton Roseoe, Lee.
Hyde Wm., West Boylston.
Ingram Gilbert B., Tyringham.
King Ossian M., Fitchburg.
King Wm. J., Tyringham.
Kinsman Frederick, Fitchburg.
Lakin J. C, Bennington, Vt.
Lakin Crosby, Fitchburg.
Largler Thomas, Lunenburg.
Litchfield Charles D., Lunenburg.
McComber Elijah, Fairhaven, Ct.
Newton Winsor, West Boylston.
Nason Edwin F., Fitchburg.
Nutting Allen A., Ashburnham.
Orne David, J., Clinton.
Palmer Wm , West Boylston.
Partridge Henry J., Westminster.
Parkhurst William, Springfield.
Peterson John, Boston.
Pierce Henry 0 -, Fitchburg.
Pierce Henry S., Winchendon.
Phillips George R. , Leominster.
Phillips James M.,
Priest M. A., Marlboro'.
Pollard Edwin R. Winchendon.
Prescott James M , West Boylston.
Rafferty Thomas, Lee.
Reed William II., East Boston.
Shattuck Danforth, Pepperell.
Sweet George II., Tyringham.
Tarbox Charles, Fitchburg.
Toombs Wm. D., West Boylston.
Tichenor George, Tyringham.
Wilcox Franklin, Westminster.
Walker Charles C, Lunenburg.
Wetherbee Joseph A., Westminster.
Whyte Alfred A., West Boylston^
Woodward Mclvin A., Lee.

It will be observed that most of the men were from other
towns but it must be remembered that we already had two
full companies ready to go, and as the prospect was now good
that they would be accepted, the young men who had enlisted
in them did not feel like leaving to join Capt. Savage.
But his company though not mainly of our own citizens,

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 17
still went out from us and was known as the "Fitchburg
Company" and as such, we propose to give its record here.
The fortunes of the Second Regiment were the fortunes of
this company, and we give in brief its history. This regiment
was mustered into the United States service May 11th, 1861,
and left the State July 8th, and at once joined the command
of Maj. Gen. Patterson on the upper Potomac, and remained
in that neighborhood engaged in picket duty until about the
1st of March, 1862. It led the column of Gen. Banks up
the valley of the Shenandoah, was engaged at Front Royal,
and participated in the celebrated "retreat of Gen. Banks,"
and sustained a loss of seventeen killed, forty-seven wounded,
eighty-four missing. On the 6th of August occurred the disas
trous battle of Cedar Mountain. This regiment was in the
thickest of the fight ; at one time being alone, nearly surrounded
by rebel troops, but after pouring a terrible volley into the
enemy, succeeded in retreating in good order. The loss of
the regiment in this action was five officers killed, six wounded,
three taken prisoners, among the latter Major Savage who died
in the enemy's hands. About half the non-commissioned officers
were killed or wounded, and one-third of all the privates. Total,
thirty-four killed, one hundred twenty wounded, thirty-one missing.
During the retreat down the valley this regiment was engaged
in a midnight encounter with the enemy in which four companies
only were engaged, but which made so obstinate a resistance
that three rebel regiments were brought up one after another,
before they gave way. We give below an account of the affair
written by Col. Quincy, supported by " rebel " testimony.
" THE SECOND MASSACHUSETTS. New Orleans, July 1, 1866.
To the Editors of the Boston Daily Advertiser: —
To the survivors of the old regiment who were present at its first
' baptism of fire ' in the midnight skirmish of Bartonsville, where as
rear guard, it covered Banks's retreating column, the following account
3

18 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
of the affair in Dabney's 'Life of Stonewall Jackson,' page 375,
will be of interest : —
' But as it (the column) approached Barton's Mills, five miles from
Winchester, the enemy, posted on both sides of the road, again
received it with so severe a fire that the cavalry advance retired
precipitately out of it, carrying the General and his attendants along
with them, and riding down several cannoneers who had been brought
up to their support. So pertinacious was the stand of the Federalists
here that the 27th, 2d and 5th Virginia Regiments were brought up,
and the affair grew to the dimensions of a night combat before they
gave way.'
The ' Federalists ' engaged as above described, consisted of four
companies of the Second Massachusetts, deployed as skirmishers on
either side of the pike, the rear of the battalion being in column by
platoon in the road. The skirmish line was commanded by our brave
and lamented Maj. Wilder Dwight. The company most hotly engaged,
and whose losses were heaviest, was Company I, commanded by Cap
tain, since Brevet Major-General Adin B. Underwood. The regiment
was unsupported by any other troops. Its friends cannot but be satis
fied with the enemy's account of this its first achievement under fire.
— three confederate regiments being brought against our skirmish line
of four companies, and the affair growing to the dimensions of a night
combat, before the well remembered 'cease firing' and 'retreat,' at last
rang out from Major Dwight's bugler and was repeated in varying cadence
along the line.
Whether the ' Federalists ' would have received so much credit for
their "pertinacity," had the historian known who they were, may be
a question. A few pages further on, General Banks is depicted as
deserting his army long before the conclusion of the next day's battle.
Should it be desired, however, to specify in the next edition the
particular body of ' Federalists ' by whom Jackson's column was
checked at Bartonsville, the facts here stated may be relied on as the
truth of history.
S. M. Q."
From this time until the 17th of September, the Regiment
had the usual experience of marching and countermarching, and
performing picket duty. September 17th, 1862, occurred the
battle of Antietam. In this action the Regiment sustained itself
most gallantly, and captured a flag from the enemy. Their loss
was thirteen lulled, fifty-four wounded, two missing. The accom
plished Lieut. Col. Wilder Dwight was mortally wounded in

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 19
this engagement. After this battle the Regiment was assigned
to picket duty on the Potomac where it remained until nearly
the close of the year, when it was marched to Fairfax Court
House, in which vicinity it remained in winter quarters until
April 27th, 1863, when the whole army broke camp and started
on the Chancellorsville campaign. May 3d, 1863, occurred the
disastrous battle of Chancellorsville, in which the Regiment was
hotly engaged for one hour and a half, and suffered a loss of
five officers and one hundred twenty-three enlisted men in killed
and wounded. On the 9th of June the Regiment was engaged
in an attack on Stuart's cavalry, at " Bearly Ford" which was
driven back with small loss to our army, the Second losing but
one killed and two wounded. On the 2d and 3d of July,
1863, the Regiment was engaged at Gettysburg and its record
there was a most honorable one. We copy from the Official.
Report :
"At about seven o'clock A. M, July 3d, orders were given to the
Second Regiment and one other regiment to advance across the open
meadow and take the enemy's position. It seemed certain destruction,
but such were orders, and Lieut. Col. Mudge gave the commands —
'Rise up, over the breastworks double quick.' With a cheer, with
bayonets unfixed, without firing a shot, the line advanced as rapidly
as the swampy ground would allow. Col. Mudge fell dead in the
open field as on foot and sword in hand, he was cheering on the men.
Three color-bearers were shot in going two hundred yards — but the
colors kept on — into the enemy's line, over the breastwork, and the
Regiment holds the old line. But from behind every tree and rock
the rebel fire is poured in. Another color-bearer is shot dead waving
the colors. The regiment on tho right falls back in disorder. Ten
of the officers of the Second are killed or wounded, and a regiment of
the enemy is flanking it. Major Mcree gives the order to fall back
just in time to prevent it from being surrounded. Slowly and sullenly
it retires to the other side of the meadow, and taking position behind
a rained stone wall, opens fire on the enemy wherever they show
themselves. In that advance of four hundred yards, and in twenty
minutes time, the Regiment had lost out of twenty-two officers and
two hundred ninety-four mpn, one hundred thirty-four killed and
grounded,"

20 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Immediately after the battle this Regiment joined in the pursuit
of the retreating enemy which (as is well known,) was without
important result.
After considerable marching and countermarching, with an
occasional skirmish, until the 27th of September, it took passage
in the cars from Bealton Station for the West to re-enforce
Gen. Rosecrans. It arrived at Stevenson, Alabama, October 4th,
having travelled one thousand one hundred seventy-eight miles
by rail, and finally settled down at Elk River Bridge, Tennessee,
where it remained until the end of the year.
The marches of the Regiment during this year were eighty-
one in number, making eight hundred sixty-five miles, and its
travel by railroad and steamboat one thousand three hundred
ten miles. Its losses during the year were two hundred ninety-
eight killed, wounded, and prisoners.
During the last few days of December, 1863, a portion of the
Regiment numbering one hundred fifty-five re-enlisted, and on
the 10th of January, 1864, left for Boston on a furlough of
thirty days. On the 22d of February, it started on its return
and joined its corps in Tennessee, March 1st. Active operations
were at once resumed and from this time until September 2d,
the " campaign of Atlanta" was carried on, in which the Regi
ment took a prominent part, engaging in several battles and
skirmishes, and suffering a loss of forty-six in killed and wounded.
From September 2d, to November 16th, the Regiment remained
on provost duty at Atlanta, and at the end of that time
commenced " Sherman's grand march to the sea." Space will
not allow us to give a detailed account of this great campaign.
This march of three hundred miles through the enemy's country
without a base or line of supplies, will ever be a grand historic
event. It resulted in the fall of Savannah and the virtual
union of Grant's and Sherman's forces. The troops had only
half rations of coffee, sugar, and salt, and one-sixth rations of
bread — making up the deficiency from the sweet potatoes, corn

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 21
meal, beef-cattle, sheep, poultry, and other provisions of the
country, of which there was an abundance. The losses of the
Regiment in the campaign were nine prisoners and three
wounded. The Regiment arrived near Savannah, December 22d, and
remained there until January 17th, 1865, at which time the
march into South Carolina commenced. From this time until
the 24th of March, when the army reached Goldsboro', N. C,
the Regiment was almost daily on the march, and during the
time engaged in some fighting, losing about thirty in killed
and wounded.
Here a few days rest was obtained, when the march was
again resumed (April 9th,) for Raleigh, which place was
reached on the 13th, and about which time hostilities ceased.
On the 30th the march to Washington was commenced, and
on the 19th of May Alexandria was reached.
It took part in the grand review of the whole army May
24th, after which it performed provost duty in the vicinity of
Washington until July 14th, 1865, when it was mustered out
of the service and started for Boston, and had a fine reception
in New York as it passed through the city. On the 26th
the Regiment was finally discharged having seen a service of
four years, two months and fifteen days.
Such in brief, is the history of one of our earliest and best
regiments. Its record is indeed a brilliant one.

THE FUSILIERS AND THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT.
On the 11th of May the Fusiliers voted to volunteer for the
war. Posters were issued for recruits to fill up the company to
the maximum. -The " Guards" also commenced filling up for the
same purpose and it was hoped that the old Ninth Regiment
might be filled up and accepted as the old Ninth. But for some
reason unknown, its claims were ignored at " Head Quarters" and
a regiment of foreigners recruited in Boston and vicinity, was
assigned its number. In the meantime other regiments were
being organized, and at last the Fusiliers were ordered into camp
at Worcester and assigned to the Fifteenth Regiment. This
Company left us on the 28th of June and their departure was
made the occasion of quite a demonstration. The company turned
out at about ten o'clock A. M. They were escorted by a large
company of " old Fusiliers" composed of men from forty to sixty,
who had served in its ranks in "bye gone days," being officered
for the occasion as follows:
Captain, Jonas A Marshall.
Lieutenant, Ivers Phillips.
Mnsign, Alfred R. Ordway.
Orderly Sergeant, Alfred White.
These " veterans" presented a very creditable appearance, being
accompanied by a portion of the " old Fitchburg Brass Band"
composed of the following : Jonathan Farnsworth, Cyrus Thurston,
Ebenezer Thurston, Jeremiah Kinsman, Charles Derby, J. K.
Gibson, the first three of whom paraded with the company at its
first appearance forty-five years before. One of these who com
monly was obliged to walk with one cane and sometimes with two,
was so inspired by the influence of the occasion that he threw
away his staff and marched erect and vigorous as of old.
Following these was a " Second Edition" of the Fusiliers composed

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 23
of younger men, who had more recently served in the ranks, and
who, from various causes were prevented joining their old comrades
for service in the field. These were commanded by Captain E.
T. Miles and wore the uniform of the old Fusiliers and escorted
the company to camp at Worcester.
After a short march the procession entered the Town Hall at
10£ o'clock A. M., where a -large number of their friends and
fellow citizens had met to say " good bye." Remarks were made
by Hon. Alvah Crocker and others. Captain Marshall of the
ancient Fusiliers addressd the company who were about to leave
for the seat of war, counselling them to do their whole duty in
every emergency, and to sustain the honor of the " old Fusiliers"
and their native town wherever duty called them. Captain Kimball
in behalf of his command responded eloquently. Each member of
the company was then presented with a New Testament from the
clergymen of the town and the following note was read.
" To Captain J. W. Kimball and command:
Gents : The undersigned feeling a deep interest in you, as a portion
of that mighty host now being marshaled into the greatest conflict of our
age, (that between liberty and despotism) tender to you all our warmest
sympathy, and offer for your highest welfare our earnest prayers; and
we ask each of you to accept from us as a token of our friendship for
you personally a copy of the New Testament. It is of small pecuniary
value, but priceless in its permanent worth. It will occupy but a small
place in your knapsack, but may it fill with its principles of love to
God and man, the widest, warmest chambers of your hearts, and mould
all your activities to its own ideal of Christian manhood. May its divine
light shine upon your path; and amidst all the possible scenes before
you, in health and in sickness, in rest and in conflict, in fife and death,
may its peace be your's through the noble Captain of our Salvation, the
Lord Jesus Christ. (Signed) Elnathan Davis,
William P. Tilden,
Kendall Brooks,
Alfred Emerson,
Henry M. Loud,
Andrew* J. Weaver."
The soldiers were then vaccinatad gratuitously by Drs. Hitchcock
and Jewett.

24 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Emerson, after which the
company was escorted to the Fitchburg Hotel to partake of a
dinner provided for them by the citizens, subsequent to which the
procession was again formed and marched to the Worcester R. R.
Dapot followed by an immense crowd of citizens. Here many
affecting scenes took place — the tender parting of the soldiers with
their friends, (alas! to how many.fhe last on earth) — the affec
tionate heartfelt God speed of many of the comrades of the
soldiers, sad even to tears some of them, that they could not join
them — the final starting of the train amid the hearty huzzas of
the multitude, made the occasion one long to be remembered.
Before the departure Captain Kimball in a few earnest words
consigned to the care of that portion of the company remaining at
home the flag presented to his command a short time previous by
the ladies of Fitchburg. As the train moved slowly away the
Band played sadly and slowly the old familiar air of " Auld Lang
Syne." And so left us our first company of Fitchburg men for the war.
Oh, ye who witnessed that scene, and had no son, no brother,
no husband or father there, did you then understand the full force
of its meaning ? Did it then occur to any of us that this noble
company of young men, the pride of our hearts and homes, were
leaving us for three long years of hardship and suffering, and that
ere their return should see thirty-three of their number killed or
dead from disease contracted in the^ service, while two-thirds of
the remainder should have been wounded, many maimed for life?
Such was the tale, and such is war; cruel, heartless war.
Below is given the list of members of the company.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain, J. W. KIMBALL, Fitchburg.
1st Lieut., Clark S. Simonds, Fitchburg.
2d Lieut., J. Myron Goddard, Fitchburg.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.
sergeants. May Jameg) Fitchb
Eager C. II., Fitchburg. Murkland John, Fitchburg.
Spooner Henry A., Fitchburg. Kich Harrison, Fitchburg.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

25

CORPORALS.
Taylor Geo. C, Fitchburg.
Monroe Chas. D., Fitchburg.
Sibley Fred. H., Fitchburg.
Hildreth Francis A., Fitchburg.
Brown Cyrus, Fitchburg.
Fisher Andrew, Winchendon.
Hunkings Harrison M., Fitchburg.
Daniels Geo. T., Fitchburg.
MUSICIANS.
Harwood Geo. A., Fitchburg.
Pierce Daniel R-, Fitchburg.
WAGONER.
Scott Abraham, Winchendon.
privates.
Adams George, Fitchburg.
Bruce Abel Jr., Fitchburg.
Brown Frank A., Fitchburg.
Benjamin Geo. F., Westminster.
Bailey Wm. E., Winchendon.
Boss Geo. L., Fitchburg.
Britton Fred. H., Fitchburg.
Bonney Daniel, Sterling.
Bruce Robert, Winchendon.
Beaudry, Anable, Winchendon.
Bowen Roland E., Millbury.
Cunningham Geo. H., Fitchburg.
Church Alfred B., Woonsocket.
Carpenter Daniel, Fitchburg.
Carpenter George, Cambridgeport.
Clark Benj. F., Fitchburg.
Chase Edwin, Winchendon.
Campbell John, Fitchburg.
Carpenter Henry M., Southbridge.
Eames Walter A., Fitchburg.
Elliott Robert J., Ashburnham.
Eaton Calvin J., Worcester.
Farnum John R., Fitchburg.
Farmer Chas. H., Fitchburg.
Fletcher Philander H., Fitchburg.
Gilchrist Geo. S., Fitchburg.
Gibson Artemas H., Fitchburg.
Gibson Wm., Fitchburg.
Griswold Wm. T., Fitchburg.
Griswold Chas. E., Fitchburg.
Harwood Kilburn, Fitchburg.
Hosmer Granville, Fitchburg.
Hosmer Henry J., Fitchburg.
Hosmer Joel K., Fitchburg.
Houghton Joseph R., Westminster.
4

Howard N. Porter, Westminster.
Hartwell Rollins E., Winchendon.
Holman Wm. H., Winchendon.
Johnson Marcus R-, Bradford.
Joslin Henry L., Fitchburg.
Kendall Edward S., Westminster.
Kendall Chas. W., Winchendon.
Kendall Oscar A., Winchendon.
Lowell Henry C, Winchendon.
Litchfield Albert, Fitchburg.
Lawrence Amos W., Fitchburg.
Loud Francis H., Winchendon.
Marshall Joseph A., Fitchburg.
Morse John E., Fitchburg.
Moody Jos. L., Fitchburg.
Matthews Jos. B., Winchendon.
Marshall Frank S., Fitchburg.
Maynard Winthrop, Winchendon,
Nichols Lyman, Westminster.
Nichols Frederic, Westminster.
Nichols Francis, Westminster.
Osborne Ai D., Fitchburg.
Pope Horace T., Fitchburg.
Pope Chas. F., Winchendon.
Phillips Geo. W., Fitchburg.
Pratt Joel, Fitchburg.
Plaistead Amos C, Fitchburg.
Prichard John H., Fitchburg.
Ring John R., Fitchburg.
Riley Andrew, Winchendon.
Simonds George B., Fitchburg.
Simonds Alvan A., Fitchburg.
Sheldon Henry L., Fitchburg.
Scott Frank, Fitchburg.
Scott D. Walter, Winchendon.
Scott Elijah M., Winchendon.
Stewart Frederic C, Winchendon.
Safford Stillman, Winchendon.
Stevens Charles A., Winchendon.
Stone Luman W., Fitchburg.
Taylor Thos. P., Fitchburg.
Taylor Wm. E., Winchendon.
Whittemore Henry F., Fitchburg.
Wetherbce Orlando, Fitchburg.
White Lowell C, Westminster.
Walker John K., Ashburnham.
Wyman Horace H., Winchendon.
Whitcomb Gilman W., Princeton.
JOINED AETER REG't LEFT MASS.
Bliss David, New Salem.
Bruce Napoleon B., Winchendon.
Davis Samson, Ashby.

26 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Edgell Stillman W., Fitchburg. Marsh John, Fitchburg.
Fisher Seth R., Winchendon. Mclntire Herbert D., Fitchburg.
Flagg Augustus, Royalston. Newton Silas M., Royalston.
Gibson Lemuel W., Fitchburg. Wheeler Chas. A., Fitchburg.
Leach Flavel, Royalston. Whitcomb Benjamin, Winchendon.
This Company was at once incorporated into the Fifteenth
Regiment. Capt. Kimball was promoted to Major, and Lieut.
Simonds to Captain, before leaving the State.
This Regiment was mustered into the United States service
July 12th, 1861, under the command of Col. Charles Devens, Jr.,
and left the State for Washington August 8th following, where it
arrived August 11th. August 15th it was ordered to march
to Poolesville, Md., distance thirty-five miles, and arrived there
August 27th. It became a part of the " Corps of Observation,"
under command of Gen. Charles P. Stone. The Regiment was
occupied with camp and picket duty until October 21st, 1861,
when occurred the unfortunate affair at Ball's Bluff. The events
of that disastrous day are familiar to all ; the morning attack, the
obstinate resistance of our troops to superior forces from morning
till night ; the retreat to the river, the lack of facilities for crossing,
the scenes of murder and drowning in the dark waters of the
Potomac. Suffice it to say that the Fifteenth Regiment sus
tained itself nobly in this its first trial under fire, but lost most
heavily. Of the six hundred and twenty-five men of the Regiment
who crossed the river in the morning, but three hundred and thir
teen returned uninjured at night. The loss was twenty-six killed,
sixty-six wounded, and two hundred and twenty-four missing, mostly
taken prisoners.
The Regiment remained at Poolesville until Feb. 25th, 1862,
when it marched for Harper's Ferry, reaching there the 26th.
Remained in this vicinity until March 22d, when the Regiment
started to join the Army of McClellan, on the Peninsula, arriving
at Hampton April 1st. Soon after this Col. Devens was promo
ted to Brigadier General, and the command of the Regiment was
at once assumed by Lieut. Col. Kimball, Col. Ward being absent

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 27
from the Regiment on account of wounds received at Ball's Bluff.
Under Lieut. Col. Kimball's command, the Regiment took an
active part in the siege of Yorktown and the various battles
fought during the occupation of the Peninsula by McClellan, be
ing actively engaged at the battles of "Fair Oaks," "Savage
Station," and "Nelson's Farm;" we give below the
OFFICIAL REPORT OF COL. KIMBALL AT FAIR OAKS.
" Headquarters Fifteenth Mass. Vol's.
In Camp at Fair Oaks, Va., June Bd, 1862.
Capt. Daniel Hebard, A. A. G. :
I have the honor to report that on Saturday, the 31st ult.,
I received orders for my regiment to be ready to march at a moment's
notice, and in light marching order. At three o'clock I left camp and
took my position in brigade line, which was the extreme left of said line.
At this time and for an hour previous, very heavy firing was heard on
the south side of the Chickahominy creek. The brigade was immediately
put in march, and we crossed the stream at the Corduroy bridge, and
found the plain upon the south side partially overflowed, and we were
obliged to wade through it, the water in some places coming up to the
waists of the men ; but they rushed through without hesitation, cheering
as they went. The roads were very heavy from the recent rains, but
the men pressed forward with alacrity, and a portion of the way at
' double quick' time, and I arrived on the field at about five o'clock,
bringing in all my men. I immediately formed in line of battle in the
rear of the 82d New York volunteers. I had scarcely given the
order to rest when a sharp fire of musketry commenced upon Kirby's
battery stationed a short distance to my right. I was ordered to go to
the support of that battery, thereby relieving the 6th Massachusetts, Col.
Russell. I immediately formed in line of battle in the rear of the battery,
and remained in that position some time. My men stood up manfully
to the work and three several times rushed forward and helped work
the guns, by extricating them from the mud into which they settled at
each discharge. At this time, after the fire had slackened somewhat, I
was ordered to move by the left flank and to come into the rear of the
82d New York volunteers, and then to move forward at ' double
quick' passing their line to the front, and to occupy and hold the
wood from which the enemy were being driven. My orders were promptly
obeyed, the men charging bayonets into the woods with a terrible yell.

28 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
I established my line by your command near the edge of the wood, throwing
out pickets to the front. The men rested upon their arms until morning
without sleep, ready and anxious to renew the conflict at daybreak, if
necessary. I desiie to remark that my regiment behaved with great coolness and
bravery during the entire action, obeying my orders as promptly as at
dress parade. There was no one officer or private that showed any signs
of trepidation or fear, but instead, a fixed determination of all that their
bayonets should drink deep of rebel blood before they should take the
battery, which they attempted to do three several times but were repulsed
each time with great loss. As to the behavior of my command during
this portion of the engagement I would respectfully refer you to Lieut.
Kirby commanding the battery. It gives me great pleasure to speak
approvingly of the conduct of Major Philbrick, who had just assumed the
duties of that position, showing conclusively that our confidence in him
had not been misplaced; also of my entire staff. Surgeons Bates and
Haven were indefatigable in their attendance upon the wounded. Chaplain
Scandlin labored incessantly bringing the wounded from the field, often
exposing himself to imminent danger by so doing. Too much praise cannot
be awarded to Adjutant Baldwin, who got up from a sick bed against my
express wishes, to render me what service he could. He was scarcely
a~ble to sit upon his horse, but he remained with me during the entire
tattle, conveying my orders with great promptness and precision.
When all did their duty so well, it would be manifestly unjust to
particularize any one or more of the fine officers for individual notice, and
I will therefore say that their behavior, without exception, during this
engagement, meets with my entire approbation and approval. I have the
•honor to remain, Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN W. KIMBALL, Lieut. Col. Commanding."
In this connection we give below a copy of a private letter
from Gen. Gorman to Gov. Andrew, complimentary to the Fifteenth,
which will be read with interest and pride. We are not aware
that it has ever before been published. It is more valuable because
the spontaneous tribute of an officer of large experience, and who
knew whereof he affirmed. He commanded the Brigade of which
the Fifteenth was a part.

FITCHBURG IN "THE REBELLION. 29
"Headquarters Gorman's Brigade,
Fair Oaks, near Richmond, Va., June 12>th, 1862.
His Excellency John A. Andrew,
Sir : Now that the smoke of the battle-field has cleared away, I
cannot forbear taking the opportunity to testify to the gallant, soldierly
conduct of the Fifteenth Regiment of your troops in our late contest —
the bloodiest of the war. It was their fortune to be participants in a
real, not imaginary bayonet charge made upon the most intrepid and
daring of the rebel forces, at a critical moment for our cause. Most
nobly and gallantly did they honor themselves and their gallant State,
and most proudly may she feel over them. With such troops in the
field we are invincible, and the result of this contest with an unholy
rebellion cannot be doubtful. I ask, sir, in conclusion, that the history
of the Fifteenth Mass. Volunteers may be made part of the history of
the State, as associated with one of the most brilliant exploits of the war,
which the official reports will soon disclose to your Excellency, to which
I refer with pride and satisfaction.
I have the honor to be your Excellency's obedient servant,
W. A. GORMAN, Brig. Gen'l U. S. V. Com'g."
On the 22nd of August the Regiment arrived at " Newport
News" and took passage for Alexandria, where it arrived August
28th. Left the next day for Chain Bridge, and from there marched
to Centreville in time to cover the retrograde movement of the
array from the " Second Bull Run" towards Washington. Nothing
of great importance occurred to the Regiment until the 17th of
September, 1862, when was fought the memorable battle of
Antietam. We quote from Lieut. Colonel Kimball's official account
of the fight.
" On the morning of September 17th the great battle of Antietam
commenced, and at nine o'clock General Sumner's corps was ordered to
the front to follow up the success already achieved by the troops under
General Hooker. It has been the subject of much remark that troops
never went into battle more cheerfully than did ours that morning, so
confident were all that the shattered enemy would be driven ere night
across the river. At half past ten o'elock, the Fifteenth in the front line
of the Division became engaged, and for twenty minutes sustained a
terrific fire from the enemy, at the expiration of which time the disheart
ening order to fall back was given. We have neither time, space, or
heart to record in detail the disasters to the Fifteenth on that day. It

30 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
was repulsed in common with all other regiments attached to our Division.
In the history of our State we claim to be mentioned as having fought
a good fight; as an evidence of which we ask only that the list of.
casualties occurring in tho Regiment that day may always be coupled
with the report of the commanding officer. The record stands thus :
Twenty-four officers and five hundred eighty-two enlisted men went into
the fight; five officers wore killed, six were wounded (one mortally,)
sixty enlisted men left dead on the field, two hundred forty-eight wounded,
twenty-four missing — total, three hundred forty-three killed, wounded and
missing. The National and State colors, hardly to be recognized as the
same once so bright and beautiful, were brought off in safety by hands
other than those who had borne them into the fight, together with a
battle flag of the enemy.
The enemy held in check by the artillery, did not follow up his success,
but evacuated the position during the night, and the terrible battle-field
fell into our hands the next morning."
Our Company B lost heavily in this engagement, among them
Captain Simonds who was instantly killed while conversing with
Colonel Kimball after the battle was nearly over.
The following is an extract from a letter of Major General
Sedgwick, who commanded the Division of winch the Fifteenth was
a part at Antietam, to Gov. Andrew.
" I have already forwarded through the military channels a list of
officers and soldiers who were distinguished for gallantry and good conduct,
recommending them for promotion, and I would again commend to your
Excellency Colonel Lee of the Twentieth, Colouel Hinks of the Nineteenth,
Lieut. Colonel Kimball of the Fifteenth, and Lieut. Colonel Palfrey of
the Twentieth. Great credit is due these officers for the splendid condi
tion in which these regiments took the field. The Fifteenth and Nineteenth
are iu my opinion fully equal to any two in the service."
The following is Lieut. Colonel Kimball's official report of the
engagement : " Headquarters Fifteenth Reg't Mass. Vol's.
Camp near Shaipsburg, Sept. 20<A, 1862.
Capt. Daniel Hebard, A. A. G. :
I have the honor to report that on Wednesday, the 17th
inst., at seven o'clock A. M., I was ordered to hold my command in
readiness to move at a moment's notice. At half past seven o'clock
we took up our line of march, with five hundred eighty-two muskets,

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 31
including First Co. Andrew's Sharp Shooters, Captain J. Saunders,
attached to this command, being the third in the Brigade line. We
moved in a direct line towards the ground held by the forces under
command of General Hooker, fording in the march Antietam creek. On
reaching the field a line of battle was formed in which my command
occupied the position of third regiment of the first line. We then
moved forward in line of battle about a mile over the ground gained by
General Hooker, passing fences, fields and obstacles of various description,
eventually occupying a piece of woods directly in front of which and
well covered by the nature of the ground, fields of grain, haystacks,
buildings, and a thick orchard, were the enemy in strong force. At this
time we were marching by the right oblique in order to close an interval
between my command and that of Colonel Hudson, Eighty-Second New
York Volunteers, and as we gained the summit of a slight elevation my
left became hotly engaged with the enemy (covered as before mentioned)
at a distance of not more than fifteen yards. A section of the enemy's
artillery was planted upon a knoll immediately in front and not more
than six hundred yards distant from my right wing. This was twice
silenced and driven back by the fire of my right concentrated upon it.
The engagement lasted between twenty and thirty minutes, my line
remaining unbroken, the left wing advancing some ten yards under a most
terrific fire of infantry. Meanwhile, the second line of the Division which
had been halted some thirty or forty yards in the rear advanced, until
a portion of the Fifty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers, Colonel
Sidball had closed upon and commenced firing through my left wing on
the enemy. Many of my men were by this manoeuvre killed by our own
forces, and my most strenuous exertions were of no avail either in
stopping this murderous fire or in causing the second line to advance to
the front. At this juncture General Sumner came up and his attention
was immediately called by myself to this terrible mistake. He immedi
ately rode to the right of the Fifty-ninth Regiment and ordered the
firing to cease and the line to retire, which order was executed with
considerable confusion. The enemy scon appeared in heavy columns
advancing on my left and rear, pouring in a deadly cross fire on my left
wing. I immediately and without orders ordered my command to retire,
having first noticed the same movement on the part of the second and
third lines. We retired slowly and in good order, bringing off our colors
and a battle flag captured from the enemy, re-forming by the order of
General Gorman in a piece of woods some five hundred yards to the rear
and under cover of our artillery. This position was held until I was
ordered to support a battery planted upon the brow of a hill immediately
in our rear, the enemy having opened again with artillery. His fire
being silenced, the position was held throughout the day. I desire to say

32 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
that my entire regiment behaved most gallantly during the engagement,
evincing great coolness and bravery as my list of casualties will show.
Although suffering terribly from the fire of the enemy, it was with great
surprise that they received the order to retire, never entertaining for a
moment any idea but that of complete success, although purchased at the
cost of their lives. The order forbidding the carrying wounded men
to the rear was obeyed to- the very letter. Of my line- officers without
exception, I cannot speak in too high praise. They were all at thelr
posts bravely and manfully urging on their men and equally exposed
with them; those wounded refusing all assistance, ordering their men to
return to the rank and do their duty. I desire to call your particular
attention to Major Philbrick and Adjutant Hooper. They were with me
during the entire engagement in the thickest of the fight, receiving and
executing my orders with great coolness and promptitude.
I have the honor, Captain, to remain your most obedient servant,
JOHN W. KIMBALL, Lieut. Col. Com'g Fifteenth Reg't."
After the battle of Antietam the Regiment was engaged in a
campaign in the Shenandoah Valley until about December 1st;
was engaged at Fredericksburg, Dec 12th 1862, and went into
winter quarters at Falmouth about December 20th. Three
hundred ninety-one recruits were received by this Regiment from
the State during the year. Nothing of note occurred until the
spring campaign under General Hooker. The first movement was
made on the first of May, 1863, and from this time the Regiment
was engaged in reconnoissances and picket duty on the Rappa
hannock until the 25th of June, when the forced march commenced
which ended at Gettysburg. The march was a most trying one,
but how these men stood up under it is best shown by the
following order which was read to them June 27th.
"Headquarters 2d Division, 2d Corps,
June 2§th, 1863.
General Orders, No. 105.
The Fifteenth and Nineteenth Mass. Volunteers for marching to-day
in the best and most compact order, and with the least straggling from
their ranks, are excused from all picket duty and outside duty for four
days. By command of BRIG. GEN'L GIBBON.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 33
On the 2d, 3d and 4th of July, 1863, the Regiment was hotly
engaged ftt Gettysburg; that terrible battle which rolled back
the rebel tide of invasion, and proved the turning point in the
fortunes of the war. It was indeed our Waterloo, and to have
been engaged in it and survived it, is an honor which any man
may well be proud of, and death there, was better than many
years of grovelling fife. The record of the Fifteenth here is
Very brilliant, and we extract from the Official Report an ac
count of the second day's battle :
" On Friday, July 3d, the rebels opened on our lines with a hundred
pieces of artillery, at about one P. M. This terrific fire was continued for
about two hours ; but, though the air seemed filled with fragments of burst
ing shells, but comparatively little damage was done. At three P. M., the
rebel infantry moved to the assault. Our men sprang promptly to meet
them, glad at a prospect of work — relieving them from their painful recum
bent position, which a boiling sun rendered the more intolerable. The contest
lasted an hour or two, during which both armies showed a determination to>
hold its ground regardless of results. A slight wavering of the rebel line
Was detected, and, at the suggestion of Colonel Hall, commanding Third
JJrigade, the colors of the Fifteenth were ordered to advance, when the
remnant of the Regiment rallied promptly around them, and the whole line
moved as if by one impulse, marched forward, and carried the position.
The Regiment was sent out to picket the field; and at daylight on the 4th,
skirmishing commenced and continued until the Regiment was relieved at
eight o'clock. The Regiment went into action with eighteen officers and
two hundred and twenty-one enlisted men. During the three days it lost
three officers (Col. Ward, Capt. Murkland of Fitchburg, and Lieut. Jorgen-
sen,) killed, eight officers wounded, nineteen inlisted men killed, eighty-five
wounded, many of them mortally. Saturday, July 4th was spent upon
the field."
After this battle, the Regiment moved into Virginia, and was
engaged in the neighborhood of the Rappahannock and Manas
sas, on picket duty, occasional reconnoisances and skirmishes with
the enemy, until about the 1st of December, 1863, losing at va
rious times four officers and about thirty enlisted men in killed,
wounded and prisoners.
5

34 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Dec. 5th, the Regiment moved to Strasburg, Va., where it
went into winter quarters, and remained until the first of May, 1864.
The Spring campaign of 1864 opened about the first of May.
At that time the Fifteenth had present about three hundred of
ficers and men. In the battles of the Wilderness it lost about
one-half this number in killed and wounded. The simple state
ment, that in all the marches and battles from the Rapidan to
Petersburg in which the Second Corps was engaged, the Fif
teenth bore its part, is of itself sufficient history.
On the 22d of June, the Regiment (dwindled down to five
officers and seventy muskets') confronted the enemy near the Je
rusalem plank road before Petersburg. A break, or gap in the
line of battle allowed the enemy to throw a large force on the
flank and in rear of the Second Division, Second Corps. Hid
den from view by the dense undergrowth, the manoeuvre was not
comprehended until too late.
The first intimation of the position of affairs was a demand
from the enemy to surrender. Taken by surprise, and over
whelmed by numbers, the remnant of the Regiment was captured
almost entire. Four officers and sixty-five men were marched off
prisoners of war ; one officer and five men escaped to tell the
story. This officer being wounded the same day, the few re
maining, increased somewhat by the arrival of convalescents, were
placed for a few days in another command, until officers and
more men on their way from the hospitals should arrive. On
the 12th of July, 1864, the Regiment was ordered to proceed
to Worcester, Mass., to be mustered out of service, its term of
three years having expired, and left immediately, arriving there
July 21st, about one hundred and fifty strong. The Regiment
had a splendid reception by the State and city authorities, and
the remnant of our Co. B, (only about twenty men) were given
a public reception the same evening at Fitchburg.
During the year, but one officer of the Regiment was killed,

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 35
Lieut. Simonds, of Fitchburg, who went out as a private in the
Company. He was a brave soldier, and a pure man, and muoh
esteemed and beloved by his comrades and all who knew him.
This ends a brief narrative of the Fifteenth's three years ser
vice. To give in detail the varied experiences of this gallant
Regiment through these weary years, would make a good sized
history of itself. It may truthfully be said that no regiment has
a prouder record; none will live longer in history.

THE WASHINGTON GUARDS AND THE TWENTY-FIRST
REGIMENT.
The " Guards," although ready and anxious to go into the
Fifteenth Regiment, with the Fusiliers, for some reason were not
permitted so to do. The Company was finally ordered into Camp
at Worcester July 19th, 1861, and became a part of the Twen
ty-First Regiment. Their departure was the occasion for a pub
lic demonstration. The " Home Guards," Capt. J. B. Proctor,
¦" Home Fusiliers," Capt. E. T. Miles, and Engine Company
No. 2 turned out for escort. A meeting was held at the Town
Hall, at which prayer was offered in behalf of the departing sol
diers, by Rev. Mr. Tra'sk, and addresses pertinent to the occa
sion were made by various citizens. A nice dinner was served
the soldiers at the American House. During the afternoon the
Ashburnham and Templeton Companies arrived, also on their way
to Camp at Worcester, when a grand parade of the three Com
panies took place through our principal streets, finally taking the
cars for Worcester late in the afternoon. The occasion was a
very enthusiastic one, and they left amid the wildest cheers, and
with the blessings of the crowd assembled.
So passed into the line of their country's defenders our second
band of heroes. Their subsequent history, until the expiration of
their term of service, is contained in the narrative of the Twen
ty-first Regiment, which we now proceed to give in brief.
COMPANY D, TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain, THEODORE S. FOSTER, Fitchburg.
1st Lieut, Charles Barker, Fitchburg.
2d Lieut., Eben T. Haywabb* Fi^Mnr*.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

37

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.

SERGEANTS.
Beckwith Henry A., Fitchburg.
Goodrich George E., Fitchburg.
Whitney Julius D., Fitchburg.
Cummings Israel, Fitchburg.
Hill George C, Shirley.
CORPORALS.
Skinner Qrrin E. Fitchburg.
Goodrich I. B., Fitchburg.
Stewayt WiUiam M., Fitchburg.
Jaquith Azro B., Fitchburg.
Whitney Charles M., Fitchburg.
Whitney, James D., Grafton.
Brock Andrew M., Fitchburg.
Crosby Charles C, Waltham.
MUSICIANS.
Whitcomb Charles A., Fitchburg.
Lamb Levi L-> Fitchburg.
WAGONER.
March Addison, Charlton..
PRIVATES.
Adams Ephraim, Fitchburg,
Abbott Henry S., Fitchburg.
Albee Seth,
AldrichF. W., Westmoreland, N.
Atherton Galen P., Harvard.
Bigelow Orlande, Wolcott, Vt.
Battles Harrison W-, Fitchburg.
Boynton,, William S., Fitchburg.
Barker Horace R., Fitchburg.
Bailey Akmzo A., Wolcott, Vt.
Bigelow Frank W., Fitchburg.
Bronson, James, Fitchburg.
Carter Rufus H., Fitchburg.
Childs George H., Greenfield.
Davis Charles F., Bangor, Me.
Delany Dennis, Fitfehburg.
Delany John, Fitchburg.
Delharty James F., Templeton.
Donahue Edward, Shirley.
Doherty Thomas A., Worcester.
Elmer Qrin, Shirley.
Eastman Amos S., Ashby,
Fay Charles E., Fitchburg.
Fiske Dwight G., Greenfield.
Flint Samuel W-, Fitchburg.

Grant Charles M , Northfield.
Goodrich Charles E., Fitchburg.
Gleason Amos W., Lunenburg.
Green Charles T., Fitchburg.
Dean Nathaniel C, Fitchburg.
Graves, William R., Lunenburg,
Goodfellow Daniel W-, Fitchburg.
Horton Charles L., Southbridge.
Howe, Edward A., Grafton.
Hodgman William, Shirley.
Haskell Henry, Winchendon.
Hardy George H, Harvard.
Hastings Lewis T., Deerfield.
Ingerson William W., Harvard.
Jaquith Asa S., Fitchburg.
Kempton Ehas J., Fitchburg.
Lamb Ansel H., Hartford, Conn.
Lynaugh John, New Ireland, Conn.
Matthews George H., Winchendon.
Marsh Alphonso, Fitchburg.
Marsh Timothy S., Fitchburg.
Marshall Joseph F., Fitchburg.
Montjoy Charles F., Fitchburg.
Murry James M., Worcester.
Millett Henry B. , Oakham.
Montgomery James, Harvard.
March Harry, Charlton.
May Simeon, Fitchburg.
rr Nelson Henry 0., Wales.
Newell John D,, Greenfield.
Osborne P. E., Westmoreland, N. II.
Owen Benjamin, Leominster.
Prentice Henry 0., Grafton.
Patch Henry J., Fitchburg.
Parkhurst Emmons M., Fitchburg.
Pratt Lewis G. , Shelburne.
Rugg Daniel W., Fitchburg.
Rickett William J., Wales.
Roth Gilbert, Wales.
Stearns Albert C, Worcester.
Smith George S., Lunenburg.
Sands Harrington W., Shirley.
Safford Frank, Bmlington, Vt.
Swift John, Fitchburg.
Tolman Calvin E., Fitchburg.
Wheelock Samuel, Fitchburg.
Whiteomb George A., Fitchburg.
Warren Thomas, Fitchburg. J
Warren Preston, Fitchburg.
Warren Henry A., Fitchburg,

38 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Weeks Frank W., Northfield. Wright Walter S., Fitchburg.
Warren John G , Harvard. Willis George, Stowe.
Ward George, Brookfield. Waitt Erastus F., Deerfield.
Williams Jonathan, Wales. Wood Charles, Sunderland.
The Twenty-first Regiment left Worcester for the seat of war
on the twenty-third of August, 1861, with full ranks, under Col.
Augustus Morse. It was at once ordered to Annapolis, Md., to
become a part of an Expedition fitting out by Gen. Burnside.
From this time until about the first of January the Regiment was
engaged in perfecting itself in discipline and drill, the ordinary
duties of the camp, and picketing the Annapolis railroad. The
Regiment left with the Expedition to North Carolina, Jan. 6th,
1862, under Lieut. Col. Maggi, Col. Morse remaining (at his own
request) at Annapolis, in command of that post. And it may be
proper to add in this connection, that Colonel Morse never again
joined the Regiment, but was honorably discharged the following
May. On the 8th of February, 1862, occurred the battle and
victory at Roanoke Island, in which the Regiment was for the
first time under fire, acquitting itself most nobly, capturing a
battle flag from the rebels, and planting its own flag on the
battery, the first Union flag inside the works. The loss of the
Regiment in this battle was fifty-seven killed and wounded. No
higher tribute to the gallantry of the Regiment in this action
could be paid than the following letter, which explains itself.
" Headquarters 21st Req't M. V.,
Camp Burnside, Dep't N. C.
Roanoke Island, Feb. 10th, 1862.
To Capt. Tueodore S. Foster,
Dear Captain: — The day before the battle of the 8th inst., the aid-
de-oamp, Lieut. Frank Reno, told me that he would present a flag to the
company of the Second Brigade who would fight most bravely. The day
after the battle in which our Regiment comported itself so gallantly, he gave
the flag to me, saying, ' Give it to the company which has fought the best in
your Regiment.'
But at a meeting of the officers of the Twenty-first Begiment, presided

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 39
over by me, it was decided that the flag be given to you alone, as a small
token of the great coolness, bravery and intelligence which you displayed on
the 8th instant.
You may inscribe on the flag these words : The Officers of the Twenty-
first Regiment M. V, to the brave Capt. T. S. Foster, of Co. D.
I am your sincere friend,
A. C. MAGGI, Lieut. Col. Com'g."
The flag alluded to was sent home by Capt. Foster to be depos
ited in the Public Libraiy. The following note accompanied it:
" Camp Burnside, Roanoke Island,
March 4th, 1862.
To the Chairman op the Fitchburg Library Committee :
Enclosed I send a flag, together with a letter accompanying it, which
has this day been presented to me by the officers of the Twenty-first Regi
ment Mass. Volunteers. As it has been my honest endeavor to faithfully
serve my country and its flag, I have tried to win, not glory for myself, but
for the town which I have the honor to represent. Therefore I feel it my
duty to present the flag to the town of Fitchburg, to be preserved in the
Public Library, as a memento of the gallant services of Company D, Twenty-
first Regiment, Feb. 8th, 1862.
Very truly yours,
THEODORE S. FOSTER,
Capt. Co. D, 21st Regt. Mass. Vols.
On the 14th of March the Regiment was again engaged at the
battle of Newbern, and was highly commended in the official
reports for the dash and bravery which it displayed in this action,
and was presented by General Burnside with the first gun taken
by them from the enemy, (a brass field piece,) "as a monument
to the memory of a brave man," referring to the gallant and
youthful Adjutant F. A. Stearns, of Amherst, who was killed early
in the action.
The total of the Regiment's loss in this action was three officers
and fifty-four enlisted men killed and wounded. April 17th the
Regiment took passage from Newbern to EUzabeth City, landing

40 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
the 19th, and after a forced march of twenty miles, took part in
the spirited battle of Camden, in which a victory was achieved.
Their loss in this engagement was fifteen in killed and wounded.
The Regiment then returned to Newbern, remaining in that
vicinity performing the ordinary camp and picket duty until July
6th, 1862, when it took passage for Newport News, arriving
July 9th, and became a part of the Army of the Potomac.
Here it remained until about the 2d of August when it took
passage aboard steamers for Aquia Creek, Va., arriving on the
4th, and immediately proceeded to Fredericksburg, where it went
into camp. The Regiment took part in the unfortunate campaign
of General Pope and participated in his retreat from the Rapidan,
suffering, in common with the rest of- that army, all the hardships
incident to a disastrous retreat. Says another:
" Without shelter from the elements, exhausted by long and distressing
marches, suffering frequently for want of food, for three weeks they constant
ly stood to their arms with undiminished courage."
The battles of " Second Bull Run" and Chantilly soon followed,
in both of which this Regiment bore its share. In the latter the'
Regiment suffered a greater loss than any it had before met with,
owing to being drawn into an ambuscade of rebel regiments. Its
loss was as follows : Officers killed, wounded and prisoners, eleven ;
enlisted men, one hundred thirty-three.
Among the killed were the brave Lieut. Colonel Rice, and
Lieut. H. A. Beckwith, of this town. At South Mountain the
Regiment was again engaged, losing five wounded ; and again on
the 17th of September, bore their full share in the bloody battle
of Antietam. The Regiment was in the left wing of the army.
" The brigade to which they Tbelonged charged across the bridge over the
' Antietam ' and held their ground upon the other bank, for more than an
hour of the time without ammunition, against an attacking force far superior
in numbers." Their loss was large in proportion to the number (about one

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 41
hundred fifty,) taken into the action, and was as follows : One
officer killed, two wounded ; six men killed, thirty-four wounded.
After this battle, and until about the first of November, ' the
Regiment was encamped in the vicinity of Pleasant valley, Md.,
when it again crossed the Potomac into Virginia. On the 13th
of December, 1862, occurred the great battle of Fredericksburg,
and the Twenty-first was again hotly engaged. We extract from
Colonel Clark's account of the battle the following :
" The Second Brigade was ordered to the front, and forming in double
line of battle, most gallantly and steadily moved across the plain, swept by
the destructive fire of the enemy. When about sixty rods from the city,
Color-Sergeant Collins of Company A was shot, and fell to the ground.
Sergeant Plunkett of Company E instantly seized the colors and carried
them forward to the farthest point reached by our troops during the battle,
when a shell from the rebels was thrown with fatal accuracy at the colors
and brought them to the ground, wet with the life blood of the brave
Plunkett, both of whose arms were carried away. The glorious flag was
then raised by Color-Corporal Olney of Company H, and carried by him
during the remainder of the day. Color-Corporal Barr of Company C was
shot while carrying the State Colors, and the post of honor and danger was
quickly filled by Color-Corporal Wheeler of Company I. The whole
number of casualities in this battle is sixty-nine, viz.: eight killed, fifty-six
wounded, five missing. After expending their ammunition, the Twenty-first
fell back into the line of support and remained until dark, when they return
ed to their position near the bridge, where they passed the night and next
day." Soon after the battle of Fredericksburg, the regiment moved to
Falmouth and went into winter quarters, remaining until Feb. 9th,
1863, on which day the regiment left for Newport News, arriving
there on the 11th, and remained there until March 26th, when it
started for the West. It reached Paris, Ky. , April 1st, 1863, and went
into camp ; on the 5th was marched hr Mount Sterling, Ky., where it
remained engaged in camp and picket duty for three months, gaining
the highest enconiums from the people of that rebellious neighborhood.
From there it went to Camp Nelson, Ky., and remained two months.
Sept. 12th it started for Knoxville, Tenn., marching one hundred
6

42 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
and eighty-five miles via Morristown, arriving about 1st October.
On the 22d of Oct. the Regiment was engaged at " Elk Springs,"
where the enemy was driven from his position and pursued twenty-
six miles. From this time to November 14th, 1863, the Regiment
marched and countermarched, exposed to the severe storms of that
season, without tents, upon half or quarter rations, all of the time
poorly clothed and badly shod. Many men marched and did duty
all the time who were completely barefooted. The Twenty-first was
a part of the besieged force which for several weeks was shut up at
Knoxville. It made one of the most brilliant charges of the seige
on the 24th of Nov., when, in company with another picked regi
ment, it attacked the . sharp-shooters of the enemy and drove them
(twice their own number) entirely out of North Knoxville, and took
and held possession of all the fortified ground in that part of the city.
During the entire siege, the regiment was constantly on duty.
The men were fast wearing out, when on Dec. 5th the siege
was raised. The Twenty-first, with others, was ordered to fol
low the retreating enemy. From that time, the regiment saw
weary marches and constant exposure, and was reduced to such
an extremity that two ears of raiv corn per day were issued to
each man as his ration. Thus situated, in the woods of East
Tennessee, on the 29th of Dec, 1863, the proposal was made
to the regiment to re-enlist for the new term of three years, and
in thirty-six hours all but twenty-four of the regiment had re-
enlisted. Surely here was heroism of which we may well feel
proud. Could any one " despair of the Republic," when our
soldiers showed such courage, such patriotism, such fidelity to
the holy cause in which they had engaged ? On the 8th of
January, the Regiment started for home on a " veteran fur
lough," and arrived at Worcester during the same month, where
it had a public reception by the citizens.
At the expiration of its furlough, the regiment agaim left Wor
cester for Annapolis, to join its old corps (the Ninth) which was
getting ready for another movement, and on the 23d of April,

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 48
1864, moved into Virginia. It took an active part in the battle
of the Wilderness, and its official record of that bloody day we
give below.
" Early in the morning of May 6th, the Regiment left ' Germania Ford,'
and hearing afar off the rattle of musketry, started for the scene of action.
There was not that ' spoiling for the fight ' which had once been its experi
ence, but there was in the closed ranks and steady march, an indication that
every man appreciated what was before hr'm ¦ what was expected of him, and
what might be called for as a sacrifice for Union and Liberty. There is
nothing more sublime than the sight of a body of veterans who, hearing the
terrible rattle of musketry, and knowing that the death struggle is going on,
though yet unseen, prepare to obey the command 'Forward.' The ' Wilder
ness ' of many trees and thick under-brush which formed the battle field of
the day is well known, and the Regiment was even within a few yards of the
contending parties before any of the troops engaged could be seen. Together
with the One Hundredth Penn., the Twenty-first was formed in line of battle
on the left of the Second corps, and made subject to Gen. Hancock's orders.
Thus situated, the Twenty-first was not at first actively engaged. The Brig
ade of Gen. Stevenson which assisted in the advance, was composed of new
Massachusetts regiments, which did nobly, and took the most advanced posi
tion during the day. Their heavy losses were sustained in taking that
position and holding it. Afterwards, when a terrible charge was made by
the rebels, and the raw troops of the Second Corps gave way before the
attack, and rushed across the line of the Ninth Corps, throwing them into
confusion and final disorder — then, when they seemed flanked, and only
till then, did the Brigade of Gen. Stevenson's Division give way. And
then were gallant officers slain while attempting to rally their troops and
inspire them with their own spirit of courage. Then fell Gen. Wadsworth.
Then was General Stevenson surrounded by rebels and almost captured,
or slain, and only saved by his coolness and invincible courage. Then
Colonel Griswold fell, and many, many whose valor left them only with
breath. While all seemed confusion, and really was so, when the rebels
stopped in their charge, we know not why, and when no line of our
troops remained, the Twenty-First Mass. and One Hundredth Pennsyl
vania were deployed and advanced, and by their celerity and gallantry,
prevented the rebels reaping any fruits from their temporary success.
The rebel line was attacked and the advance repulsed by these veterans,
and soon the old lost line was restored in a beautiful manner by General
Hancock." The loss of the Regiment in this battle, was three officers and

44 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
twelve enlisted men. After this battle the Regiment " fought' it
out on this line" all the way to Petersburg. On the 10th May,
the Regiment was again engaged, making a charge, and losing ten
men. May 12th, was also engaged at " Spottsylvania" all day,
losing twenty-seven in killed and wounded. Several more were
killed and wounded in skirmishes of May 31st and June 1st. On
the 2d of June, while protecting the rear of the Corps, the enemy
suddenly charged upon them. The Regiment fell back slowly,
engaging him fiercely, when the whole corps soon became actively
engaged, thus bringing on a general battle of the whole army. In
this action the Regiment lost seven killed, twenty-six wounded,
thirteen missing.
After a few days of rest, interrupted by an occasional skirmish*
the Regiment marched for Petersburg, arriving there June 16th.
On the 17th the Regiment was engaged in a brilliant charge
upon the enemy's works. We give the account of it from the
official report of the commanding officer :
" The charge was ordered at about five o'clock P. M. The Twenty-
First arose, but sunk almost immediately beneath the withering fire which
met them. There was need of all the courage which they possessed.
They rose again, and this time with a patriotic hurrah. The colors were
swung aloft gloriously by Color-Sergeant Frank Peckham ; brave officers
went ahead, among whom was Captain Charles Goss, who, in that terrible
moment of trial, brought out all the resources of his soul, proved and
tempered in more than twenty battles of the war. A noble courage
filled him. He seemed to forget the times when he had been wounded
"nigh unto death," and when the line was well formed and advancing
nobly, he fell never to rise again till a louder trumpet summoned him
than that which was sounded for that advance. In that moment of
sublime patriotism which few can know, his soul passed from a body
before pierced in many places, but now beeome unworthy to claim any
longer such a noble spirit. Captain Sampson again renewed his courage
iu leading the Regiment up even to the rebel lines, whence we drove
the occupants.
The lines were ours. Darkness settled around — our ammunition was
entirely exhausted. Repeated requests were sent for supplies, or for relief;

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 45
hut none came to our aid. Immediately a rebel charge was made.
Nothing was there with which to resist it, and the whole Division fell
back in confusion, and the lines so gallantly taken were again lost.
The next morning came, but the rebel army had withdrawn, and we
advanced without opposition, to works we had conquered and lost the day
before." In this last action, the Regiment lost three officers and twenty
four enlisted men killed and wounded ; missing, four. From this
date to July 30th, the Regiment was constantly at the front, in
the rifle pits, and exposed to the fire of the enemy, occasionally
losing a man. On the 30th occurred the explosion of the mine,
and this Regiment was in the Division which rushed into the
" crater" only to be repulsed with severe loss.
Of the causes of the failure of that fatal day much has been
said and written, but we have no space to discuss it here. It is
sufficient for us to know that the difficulty lay above the officers
and men actively engaged, than whom, none could have done their
duty nobler or better. The Twenty-First lost in this most unfor
tunate affair, five officers and twelve men killed and wounded,
and seven missing.
This was the last action in which the Twenty-First was engaged,
and on the 18th of August, it was decided that the Regiment
was not a " veteran regiment," because, of the three-fourths that
had re-enlisted, fifty-six had been rejected for various reasons, and
it was ordered that the Regiment be broken up, and the officers
and non-enlisted men proceed home to be mustered out. They
accordingly left August 19th, for home, arriving at Boston the
22d. They were furloughed until August 30th, 1864, when they
assembled at Worcester and were mustered out of the service.
The re-enlisted men of the Twenty-First were organized with
the Thirty-sixth, and their subsequent history will be found in
that regiment's history, which we propose to give in its proper
place. It was a great disappointment to those men, as well as to
all those who have ever been connected with the Regiment, that

46 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
it could not be continued as an organization until the close of the
war, but it has a history of which they, and all of us, may well
be proud, and indeed it would have been difficult to add anything
to the glory of its record. Its deeds from Roanoke to Petersburg
are prominent in the history of the war, while the memories of
its Stearns, its Rice, its Goss, its gallant Sergeant Plunkett, and
scores of others, will live in the hearts of their countrymen to the
latest posterity.

HISTORY OP THE TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT.
Authority to raise the Twenty-Fifth Regiment was granted on
the 9th of September, 1861.
Col. Edwin Upton, of this town, and formerly of the old Ninth
Reg't. M. V. M., was designated as its Colonel, This was con
sidered a most excellent appointment. Col. Upton had been for
years one of the very best officers in the Militia, and a regiment
raised, disciplined and drilled under his directions could not fail
of being a most efficient body. The Regiment was mainly com
posed of the very "flower of the youth" of Worcester County.
The company from this town of which the old Washington Guards
again formed the nucleus, was raised by Charles H. Foss who was
commissioned its Captain.
This Company was recruited under circumstances such as had
not existed when the previous ones were sent to the field. The
terrible disaster and slaughter at Bull Run had, for the time,
dampened the ardor of our young men, and they saw more clearly
the probability of a long war. But although recruits came more
slowly, they were of splendid material — earnest, courageous, patri
otic young men, who considered long and well the step they were
taking when they resolved to give up all, aye, even life for the
sake of their country. The time seemed to have arrived when it
was a most serious question with every young man of spirit,
whether it was not his duty first and foremost, to enter the ser
vice of his country. " Death, or an honorable life," — To many
an honorable life could only seem to be attained by exposing
themselves to an honorable death by following the clear path of

48 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
duty. This spirit was manifest through all classes and conditions.
The sturdy husbandman left his farm ; the mechanic his shop ;
the clerk his desk ; the student his books, for what they knew
must be a hard and probably a perilous service. Yes, it was now
stern, relentless war, and because they loved their country more
than wife or child, home or friends, they were willing to leave all
and to throw their energies into the great struggle for the Nation's
existence. Not more credit is due the soldiers of this recruitment
than those who gallantly came forward at the first, it may be, but
this much is certain, that those who now entered the ranks saw
plainly before them (what the earlier volunteers could not see,)
three years probably, of hard service, even if the Tjullet, or disease
spared them so long. They shrunk not from if; — the prize was
worthy of the sacrifice. They helped to win it, we enjoy the
fruits of their victory — Blessings on them forever. During the
recruitment of this Regiment, a war meeting was held of which
the following is an account:

WAR MEETING-
A large meeting of the citizens was held at the Town Hall on
Monday evening, Sept. 23d, 1861, for the purpose of helping recruit
ing in our midst; D. H. Merriam, Esq., presiding. Rev. H. M.
Loud opened the meeting with a strong appeal to the young men
to rally with more zeal in support of the government. He was
followed by Hon. G. F. Bailey, in an eloquent address, in which
he reminded the citizens of Fitchburg of a meeting held here
ninety years before, at which it was Resolved, " to stand by Bos
ton in her opposition to tyranny," in an hour when our infant coun
try was expjsed to perils as great as those which now threatened
us. He urged upon the citizens that they should be true to the
blood and fame of those revolutionary fathers, and send forth
speedily more of our young men, and offer more freely of our
means to carry on this war with vigor.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 49
Gen. Wilson, of California, was next introduced, and addressed
the meeting at length on the present condition of the country, its
dangers and its necessities, and closed with an earnest appeal to
the young men to fill up the ranks.
At the close of the meeting, a subscription paper was started
for funds to assist the new Worcester County Regiment, and was
headed by Dea. S. A. Wheeler and Dr. C. W. Wilder, with
one hundred dollars .each.
The effects of the meeting were very salutary, and several re
cruits were added to Capt. Foss' Company.
The Company was speedily filled, and started for Worcester
about the first of October, 1861, and was honored in leaving
by an escort of the " Old Guards," from whose organization it
had in one sense sprung ; the officers, and many of the men hav
ing been members of the same. After parading the streets,
the Company marched to the American House, where a dinner
had been provided for them through the liberality of Charles T.
Crocker, Esq., who was present and addressed the men briefly in
words of encouragement. Addresses were also made by Amasa
Norcross, Esq., and Rev. Geo. Trask.
The company finally left amid great enthusiasm and the hearty
God-speeds of their friends and fellow citizens.
It was sad indeed to see our young men continually going out from
us to certain danger and death, but it was also inspiring to see their
enthusiasm and the noble motives which actuated them. Accepting
with all its hardships the service they had chosen, they resolutely
turned their backs upon home and friends, and steadfastly set their
faces toward the field of their future sufferings and privations — toils
and victories.
The following is the roll of Capt, Foss' Company:
7

50

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain, CHARLES H. FOSS, Fitchburg.
1st Lieut. Levi Lawrence, Fitchburg. 2d Lieut. J. Henry Richardson, Fitchburg.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.
Fitzgibbon Michael, Ashburnham.
Fenno Frank B , Westminster.'
Gilchrist John A., Lunenburg.
Gardner John F., Fitchburg.
Gird Joseph W., Fitchburg.
Gibson Appleton, Fitchburg.
Gates Francis, Gardner.
Gates Hiram, Gardner.
Henshaw Dexter, Fitchburg.
Howe Wm. B., Princeton.
Howe Luther B., Princeton.
Hartwell Chas. W., Westminster.
Hartwell Samuel, Lunenburg.
Haynes Sylvester, Fitchburg.
Hunter Charles H, Fitchburg.
Holden Ethan W., Westminster.
Hagar William S , Fitchburg.
Jenkins George E., Holliston.
Kinsman George W., Fitchburg.
Maynard Charles H., Princeton.
Morton Orrin, Ashburnham.
Morton Francis H., Ashburnham.
Mclntire Parley, Ashburnham.
Minott Edwin M-, Westminster.
Miller Charles A., Westminster.
Nixon -Nahum, Fitchburg.
Nichols George, Westminster.
Phillips George W., Westminster.
Phelps W. W., Fitchburg.
Phelps Phineas, Fitchburg.
Partridge Wm. H., Fitchburg,
Page George H., Westminster.
Rice George W., Fitchburg.
Roach William, Fitchburg.
Smith Charles E., Ashburnham.
Stockwell James A., South Gardner.
Savaria Louis, Fitchburg.
Spaulding J. Calvin, Fitchburg.
Sylvester George F., Fitchburg.
Sylvester Atwood G., Fitchburg.
Southic Elmer G., South Gardner.
Sanderson Calvin D., Lunenburg.
Stowell Joshua T., Ashburnham.
Scollay John, Westminster.

SERGEANTS.
Farwell Artemas S., Fitchburg.
Upton Charles E., Fitchburg.
Wilder Oliver D., Ashburnham.
Simonds John, Fitchburg.
Hall Charles, Fitchburg.
CORPORALS.
Rockwood S. A., Ashburnham.
Graham James, Fitchburg.
Proctor George B., Fitchburg.
Barnes Dwight W., Orange.
Lowe George, Fitchburg.
Sawtelle, Walter H, Westminster.
Spaulding John A., Ashburnham.
Putnam Thomas F. Fitchburg.
MUSICIANS.
Brick Charles A., Fitchburg.
Peckham Samuel H, Westminster.
PRIVATES.
Alger Edward, Winchendon
Andrews Frederic A., Fitchburg.
Adams Wm. F., Townsend.
Brooks Benjamin V., Fitchburg.
Boss Orlando, Fitchburg.
Battles Wm. E., Fitchburg.
Bassett Frank J., Ashburnham.
Brown Octavus, Ashburnham.
Brown Alonzo F., Westminster.
Brown, John L., Westminster.
Ball George V., Lunenburg.
Clark Luther, Ashburnham.
Clark Harvey, Ashburnham.
Cotting George P., Fitchburg.
Collins Richard, Fitchburg.
Davis Frank A., Ashburnham.
Dadmun Frank S., Fitchburg.
Elleck Edward W. D., Leominster.
Ellenwood Artemas W., Fitchburg.
Esty Francis, Westminster.
Flagg Warren A., Orange.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 51
Simonds Putnam, Fitchburg. Willis William M., Fitchburg.
Stratton Charles H, Winchendon. Ward Carlos P., Rindge, N. H.
Thompson Michael, Ashburnham. Walker James L., Ashburnham.
Upton Thomas, Fitchburg. Walker Edward P., Gardner.
Wiley David D., Ashby. Whiting Alonzo, Lunenburg.
Whittemore Oliver H., Fitchburg. Wait Milan B., Fitchburg.
Winn Noah, Lunenburg. Whitney Charles H, Fitchburg.
Wetherbee Silas, Ashby. Ware G. F., Fitchburg.
Wallis Lincoln, Ashburnham. Whitman Edward, Westminster.

PRESENTATION.
A few of the many friends of Colonel Upton, who had received
the appointment of Colonel of the " Twenty-Fifth," being desirous
of showing their regard for him as a citizen, and their appreciation
of his patriotism, united in the presentation to him of a fine horse
and set of equipments.
The presentation took place at the American House on Thursday
evening, October 10th, and the occasion was one of great interest.
The meeting was organized by the choice of Amasa Norcross
Esq. as Chairman, when a committee was sent to wait upon Col.
Upton, the whole party withdrawing to the front of the Hotel,
where in charge of a groom the horse fully equipped awaited
them. Mr. Norcross then addressed the Colonel as follows:
" Col. Upton : In behalf of several of your friends and neighbors, I have
the pleasure of presenting to you this horse with equipments fitting him for
military service. It is not in the gift itself they would have you find the
measure of its value, but as a memorial of friendship, an expression of esteem
and confidence, they present this token. From your own resources this
necessity could easily have been supplied, but the sentiments of friendship
and regard, of which this gift is but the symbol, no money can measure or
purchase. This expression comes from those who have for many years
observed your course in private as well as public life, and now on the
eve of your departure to join the forces now marshalled in defense of
all on earth we most highly prize, they would give you assurance that
you have not failed that good name which is rather to be chosen than
great riches, and that loving favor which is better than silver or gold.
Accept then, this expression of their regard, with the full assurance that
wherever in the defense of your country, you may be found, your

52 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
personal welfare, and the success of the great cause of government and
humanity shall be alike near and dear to their hearts.
The donors tender their earnest hopes and strongest wishes for your
personal safety, and, when the safety of the country may permit, for
your return to your native town to enjoy once more among your friends
the blessings of peace."
To this Colonel Upton replied as follows :
"Mr. President, gentlemen, fellow^ townsmen, friends and neighbors :
For this beautiful horse, and these splendid equipments, accept my thanks,
and allow me to assure you that my earnest endeavor shall be to use them to
the best advantage while I shall be spared to assist in putting down the most
wicked rebellion that ever cursed a people on the face of the earth ; and in
conclusion, I say again accept my thanks."
At the conclusion of his remarks the Colonel' invited his friends
to partake of a bountiful collation after which1 several hours were
spent in social intercourse. The intellectnal entertainment was
opened by Hon. Moses Wood, who, in a spirited speech, congratu
lated the Colonel that he had been placed in a position where he
could be of so much service to his country. He was followed by
Hon. J. W. Mansur in an earnest and eloquent speech upon the
times, who closed with the following sentiment:
" The Worcester County Regiment of the Revolution, and the Worcester
County Regiment of to-day, and their commanders Bigelow and Upton ; may
the laurels won by the former be brightened by the courage and patriotism of
the latter. "
John J. Piper, Esq., followed in defenee of the militia system
of Massachusetts which enabled her to respond so promptly and
efficiently, to the sudden emergencies of the country.
Remarks were also made by Messrs. Crocker, Stone, Sabin,
Ruggles, Blood, and others, and at a late hour the company
separated with many fond wishes for the welfare and safe return
of their honored host.
Colonel Upton was subsequently presented by his brother officers
at the Custom House, with a complete set of regimentals as an
expression of their regard during his short term of service with
them.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 53
The Twenty-Fifth left the State for the seat of war, Oct. 31st,
1861, and proceeded at once to Annapolis to join Gen. Burnside's
expedition. Here the time was occupied until January 7th, 1862,
in acquiring proficiency in the duties of soldiers. And it may be
added that this Regiment during that time became, and was com
plimented by the General Officers as one of the best of the large
number gathered at that post. On the date last mentioned the
Regiment took passage for North Carolina, arriving at Hatteras
Inlet on the 14th of January, 1862. Here for three weeks they
underwent great hardships in common with the rest of the expe
dition, the gales preventing a passage through the Inlet into the
Sound until the first week in February. During this time the
"Zouave" aboard of which were two companies of this Regiment,
foundered, but all were providentially saved. On the 5th the fleet
got under way for Roanoke Island, arriving the 7th. On the 8th
occurred their first battle (" Roanoke Island.") In this engage
ment the Twenty-Fifth " had the advance," being at first thrown
forward as skirmishers, and then forming in fine of battle and
pressing forward to within two hundred yards of the rebel works.
They were actively engaged for three hours, when, their ammuni
tion being exhausted, they were ordered to the rear. A lodgment
being effected by our troops at another point of the works the
rebels left this fort, and the Twenty-Fifth, in company with several
other regiments, advanced and occupied the works.
The loss in this battle was six killed; forty-two wounded.
We subjoin Colonel Upton's Official Report of the battle :
"Headquarters Twenty-Fifth Req't Mass. Vols.
Roanoke Island, February 1(M, 1862.
Capt. Southard Hoffman, A. A. G.
Sir: At about daybreak on the morning of Saturday,
February 8th, by order of Brigadier General Foster, my regiment left the
bivouac it had occupied the night previous at Hannon's house, and
advanced accompanied by General Foster, in its position on the right
of his brigade. Arriving at the ford about one-half mile from Hannon's
house, the advance was fired upon by the enemy's pickets. I was imme-

54 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
diately ordered by General Foster to throw forward skirmishers. I ordered
Company A, Captain Pickett, to deploy, supported by Company E,
Captain Thomas O'Neil. The enemy's fire was returned, and his pickets
retired rapidly to, and down the main road, followed by the skirmishers.
Advancing to about a mile from the ford, they reported having discov-
ered^the enemy in position, apparently about two thousand strong. Gen.
Foster^at once ordered me to form the Regiment in line of battle across
the road, the right resting on a clearing commanded by the guns of the
enemy, the left extending into the woods and thicket. Fire was opened
by both parties, our artillery shortly after getting into position supported
by the right wing of my Regiment. I was ordered to press steadily
forward, bringing our lines within about two hundred yards of the enemy's
battery. Fire was kept up by us without intermission, for about three
hours, until about half past ten A. M., when our ammunition being
exhausted, I was ordered to form in column by company, in rear of our
right, which was done in good order. The men rested on their arms
waiting for a fresh supply of ammunition, until the enemy having left
his works, I was ordered to advance in company with the remainder of
General Foster's brigade. Arriving at the upper end of the Island, I
was ordered by General Foster to quarter in the camp then in possession
of the Twenty-Third and Twenty-Fourth Regiments Mass. Volunteers.
Appended is a list of killed and wounded, amounting to six killed,
and forty-two wounded. I would express my great satisfaction with the
conduct of the Regiment, both officers and men. It was, throughout the
engagement, of the bravest kind, standing as they did for hours, in the
water to their knees, exposed to an incessant fire of musketry, grape and
shell, with no disposition on the part of any man to waver. The skir
mishing of Company A, Captain Pickett, was performed in a manner
that would have done credit to regulars. I can but express my particular
satisfaction with the manner in which Lieut. Colonel Sprague, Major
McCafferty, and Adjutant Harkness performed the duties devolving upon
them, and the support rendered me by them, throughout the engagement.
(Signed) EDWIN UPTON,
Col. Twenty-Fifth Reg't Mass. Vols."
The Regimant remained on the Island until March 7th, 1862.
On that day it embarked for Newbern, arriving at Slocum's Creek
on the 12th, and on the 13th marching to the city. The capture
of Newbern occurred on the 14th, and we give from the pen of
Colonel Upton the following modest and straight forward account
of the part his Regiment had in the same.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 55
LETTER FROM COL. UPTON TO THE "SENTINEL."
Headquarters Twenty-Fifth Reg't Mass. Vols.
Newbern, N. C, March 8th, 1862.
Friend Garfield : — Ere this you are aware that the Burnside
expedition, which many prophesied would be a failure, has made
another strike, and one too, that has been felt by the enemies of our
country. After leaving Roanoke Island, we arrived in the Neuse River,
about twelve or fifteen miles from this place, on Wednesday afternoon
of last week. On Thursday morning our gunboats commenced to throw
shells along the bank of the river, and the transports to land their troops
at the entrance of a creek which runs into the Neuse River. This
entrance the enemy, in anticipation of our landing at that place, had
driven spiles into, but our tug-boats soon opened a way for landing by
pulling them out, though it caused us a little delay. Early in the after
noon our forces, some ten or twelve thousand men, were landed, and we
took up our line of march towards this place. Finding no opposing
force we passed along some three miles, when we found some deserted
barracks that had beeu occupied, as the natives told us, by cavalry who
left about eleven A. M., in great haste. We passed some two or three
miles further on and reached the main road, and soon came to a clearing
and discovered a breastwork thrown up, and a battery commanding the
road. This breastwork was nearly a mile in length, and well constructed,
with a deep ditch in front. But the enemy had run and left it. We
passed some five miles further on through mud beneath, and rain above,
Generals Foster and Parke's brigades taking the country road, and Gen.
Reno's the railroad. It was now about seven P. M., and we turned
into the woods to the right and bivouacked for the night. We built
camp fires, sent out our pickets, partook of a lunch from our haversacks
and, after making a reconnoisance down to the river, prepared to spend
the night on the ground already very wet, and rain still falling in torrents.
Some of our men lying down and some standing up, we generally,
passed a sleepless night. At a little past four o'clock in the morning
I heard the rumbling of a railroad train, for some distance approaching, and
come to a halt. I then supposed it had brought reinforcements to the enemy,
and afterwards learned from a prisoner we took, that such was the fact, and
was also told by him that trains came later from Goldsboro with troops. We
had our lunch early, and were ready to move at seven o'clock. We passed
along nearly a mile, and discovered an earthwork thrown up, with the enemy
in position, and batteries commanding the road. We were accompanied by
the Twenty-fourth Mass. Regiment, Col. Stephenson, and were ordered by
Gen. Foster to form a line of battle on the right of the road. We flanked
off to the right, and had hardly cleared the road before they opened their

56 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
batteries, throwing their shot and shell in a very earless manner. We con
tinued on, entered a thick woods and advanced to the right and front toward
the edge of the woods ; halted and sent out scouts to ascertain their exact
position. We found a long line of breastworks, which proved on examina
tion afterwards, some two milesrin length, terminating in a fort at the river
on our right, with a battery of thirteen heavy guns — both for water and land
service (twenty-four and thirty-two pounders,) and on account of its extend
ing to the water, it was impossible to outflank them. Their shot and shell
flew all around us, as did also the shell from our own gunboats, their men
being hidden from view behind their earth works and fortifications. We
were then ordered to flank to the left and support the Twenty-Seventh
Mass. Regiment, Colonel Lee, which was located upon the left of our field
howitzers. We found our howitzers unsupported, and were ordered to
remain and support them, which we did, the battle still raging in all its
fury. After holding that position some little time, I was ordered to deploy
my Regiment into line of battle and prepare for a charge, as the enemy's
batteries were replying less frequently than they had done. Now came
the order to charge ! and the Twenty-Fifth sent up a hideous yell and
spraug forward in double quick time, leaped over the breastwork and
drove the enemy out, our State color being the first on the work. I .
think there was one United States color on the right before ours. We
found five horses attached to one field piece when we entered, some being
shot and lying in the mud, and some headed one way and some another, the
piece having its pole broken. The horses were probably just being hitched
for the purpose of retreating, but they were obliged to leave all. I could
think of nothing else but the lines written after the battle of Plattsburg,
which run something like this :
" Provost Scott so he left all behind1,
Powder, ball, camion, teapot and kettle —
Some say he catch a cold and perish in the mutt,
Cause he eat so much raw and cold vittle."
We immediately formed our Regiment and were ordered to proceed on
the road, taking the position for street firing. The battle was still going
on on the left with the other brigades. We took a direction into the
left of the road, and were ordered by General Foster to move cautiously,
as there was danger of coming in contact in the woods, with our own
men, some of them having overcoats resembling those worn by secesh.
We were told that General Parke's brigade was on our left and front,
and General Keno was expected round the enemy's right flank and
approaching our front. After getting into position we sent out the two
flank companies as skirmishers into the woods, to see what was there,
as the balls were flying all around us. They advanced some little die-

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 5T
tance and discovered that a portion of the enemy were there, and opened
fire upon them, as did also the regiment. They soon surrendered, were
taken prisoners, and placed in charge of Company H, Captain Moulton,
who was detailed to guard them. They numbefed about one hundred
and fifty men. Their Colonel, who delivered his pistol to me, showed a
bullet hole through his cap, which just cleared his head, and said he would
rather it had gone through his head than to have surrendered. He was
in the fight at Big Rethel, and is a tough customer. We immediately
took up our line of march down the railroad towards Newbern. About
two miles on the way a large clearing was made, and another breastwork.
We were now in full view of the city which seemed all a-Maze ; the resin
and turpentine works, with the railroad bridge over the Trent river,
nearly two thousand feet long, being all on fire. Cheer after cheer went
up from the Twenty-Fifth as we approached the city. Our gunboats had
already arrived, as well as some of the transports, and we were taken
from the abutment of the bridge by them and were the first regiment in
Newbern. We are now favored with very good accommodations, being quartered
in good houses that have been vacated by their owners; and, although
the keys were not left for our benefit, we found a way to open them,
and are now more comfortably situated than at any time since leaving
Annapolis. They tell a story about a Colonel Jordan who lives here,
whom we took with the prisoners at Roanoke Island. They say he told
them that unless they had a strong force and were ready to fight like h— 11,
they had better pack up and leave. From the best information I can
obtain, the rebels had some ten thousand men here. I had no means of
knowing what their loss was, as they had a train of cars standing on the
track with four engines and toek the most of their dead and wounded
away. Many of the people have left the town, and there are plenty of houses
and stores empty, and rents low.
We were extremely fortunate in our loss in this battle ; indeed, it
seems almost a miracle that we have escaped with so small a loss, there
having been but four killed, and sixteen wouuded.
Enclosed you will please find a list of our killed and wounded, also,
General Burnside's and General Foster's official orders.
EDWIN UPTON. Col. Twenty-Fifth Reg't M. V."
The Regiment remained Newbern until May 9th, and then
left for picket duty in the vicinity. During the hot summer
months but little was done in this Department. During the month
8

58 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
of November the Regiment was a part of an expedition to Washing
ton, N. C. occupying about two weeks, but it was without important
results. On the 11th December the Regiment "started with the
army on the march to Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsboro, and was
engaged in the actions of each of those places, but suffered only a
few casualties, returning December 21st, 1862. From this time
until about the first of December, 1863, the Regiment remained
principally at Newbern and vicinity, enjoying what the boys term
" a soft thing," varied only by an occasional reconnoisance and
now and then, a small skirmish, but at the end of this time they
were ordered to Newport News, Va., and from that day forward
their's was no " holiday" experience.
Colonel Upton had been obliged on account of his health to
tender his resignation on the 28th of October, 1882, much to the
regret of his command, and all who had the welfare of the
Regiment at heart. On his retiring he was presented by the
enlisted men of the regiment, with a beautiful sword, belt and sash
costing one thousand dollars. He was succeeded by Col. Josiah
Pickett, a brave and efficient officer.
The Regiment remained at Newport News until the 14th of
February, 1864, when (four hundred thirty-two of the men having
re-enlisted,) it was allowed to proceed to Massachusetts on a
"veteran furlough." They reached Boston on the 19th, and were
honored with a most cordial reception by the State and City
authorities, and also, at Worcester where the regiment was enrolled,
they had a most hearty and enthusiastic welcome.
On the 21st of March, 1864, the Regiment again left Boston
for the field, arriving at Portsmouth, Va., on the 24th. On the
22d of April the Regiment was ordered to embark for Plymouth,
N. C. then besieged by the rebels, but upon arriving in Albemarle
Sound found our forces had surrendered, and at once was ordered
back to Portsmouth. On the 26th of April the Regiment was
assigned to the Eighteenth Corps, Heckman's Division, and imme
diately sent to Yorktown, remaining there until May 4th, when it

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 59
sailed for " Bermuda Hundreds," arriving on the 5th. On the 6th
of May it was engaged at " Port Walthal Station," where our forces
were repulsed, the Regiment losing three killed ; fourteen wounded.
On the next day the attack was renewed, and the railroad taken
and destroyed for some distance. On the 9th the Regiment was
again engaged on the Richmond Turnpike. It was on this occa
sion that the Twenty-Third, Twenty-Fifth and Twenty-Seventh
Massachusetts Regiments were immediately opposed to the Twenty-
Third, Twenty-Fifth and Twenty-Seventh South Carolina Regiments,
and we give in the words of an officer of the Massachusetts
Twenty-Seventh, an account of the fight.
" The three last named regiments by a singular coincidence corres
ponded to the Massachusetts regiments opposing them, Massachusetts
versus South Carolina; "mudsills versus "chivalry." The enemy came
rushing forward four lines deep with their own peculiar yell. They
presented a front and charged with an impetuosity worthy of a better
cause until within fifteen or twenty yards of our line, when their column
began to waver, our fire being too hot for them. A few arrived within
ten yards of our line, but very few ever got back to tell the tale. At
a distance of within fifty yards our two regiments, (the Twenty-Fifth
and Twenty-Seventh,) forming the front line, opened a deadly fire on
them at "right and left oblique," and literally piled up the dead and
wounded. A portion of the Twenty-Seventh Mass., and Ninth New
Jersey Regiments now made a counter charge, and the audacious foe
was soon driven behind his works.
The loss of the Twenty-Fifth in this action was one officer and
eleven men killed; two officers and forty-seven men wounded.
The officer killed on this occasion was First Lieutenant Charles
E. Upton of this town. His patriotism, his courage and his social
qualities had endeared him to all of his comrades, while his tender
youth rendered more attractive the conduct of his life, and
increased the sorrow and sympathy at his death.
On the 11th the Regiment was moved towards Richmond, and
on the early morning of the 16th, was attacked by the rebels,
who, under cover of a dense fog, had massed their forces and
gained the rear of our troops, almost before they were aware of

60 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
the movement. Says the Report : " The Twenty-Fifth fought
splendidly, holding their ground with the utmost tenacity, inflicting
on the charging columns of the enemy the most terrible slaughter
until surrounded, and with ammunition exhausted, they were
ordered to face by the rear rank and charge the rebel line in the
rear, thereby throwing the enemy into such confusion as to enable
the Regiment- to extricate itself from one of the most perilous
positions troops were ever placed in; and completely checking the
advance of the enemy."
The casualties in the Regiment in this engagement, were eleven
killed; one officer and fifty-two men wounded. On the 3d of
June occurred the battle of " Coal Harbor." Here it was the
fortune of the Regiment to undergo an ordeal which tried its
heroism more than any previous experience had ever done. We
again extract from the official record.
*' On the morning of the 3d of June we were ordered to assault the
enemy's works. The movement was made in columns by divisions, the
Regiment charging gallantly some distance through a most galling fire,
until within a few yards of the entrenchments, where they were met by
a storm of "bullets, shot and shell that no human power could withstand.
Checked in their attempt to break the rebel line, and with two-thirds of
their number killed, or disabled, the Regiment still determinedly held
the position gained, protecting themselves as best they could by the
nature of the ground, until dark, when with their hands and tin cups,
rifle pits were constructed, thus rendering the position tenable. In this
assault the Regiment displayed the most daring heroism and bravery."
Here fell the gallant Captain O'Neill, asking as he died, to
have "his face turned towards the enemy." Here fell the brave
and accomplished Adjutant McConville, and Lieutenants Matthews,
Pelton, and Graham; the last from this town, a brave,' impetuous
generous hearted young soldier, who was worthy of the promotion
he had so recently received.
The whole loss of the Regiment was four officers and twenty-
three men killed; eleven officers and one hundred twenty-eight

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 61
men wounded, two officers, and forty-seven men missing. On the
13th of June the Regiment was moved to " Point of Rocks," on
the Appomattox river, and on the 15th made another assaidt on the
works carrying the position, and capturing two " Napoleon" guns with
caissons complete, with a loss of one killed, and eighteen wounded.
On the 18th another charge was made without success, with a
loss of six killed, and thirteen wounded. Nothing of note occurred
until September 4th, when the Regiment was again ordered to
North Carolina, reaching Newbern on the 10th.
On the 5th of October, 1864, that portion of the Regiment
whose term of service had expired, was ordered to Worcester,
Mass., and on the 20th, mustered out of the service of the
United States. The balance of the Regiment was consolidated
into a battalion of four companies, remaining during the winter
and spring in North Carolina, being a part of General Carter's
Provisional Division, and marching into the interior during the
month of March, making a junction with General Sherman's army
at Goldsboro, March 23d, and thence proceeding with it to Raleigh
and Charlotte, at which place it remained until July 13th, 1865,
when it was ordered to proceed to Massachusetts to be mustered
out. The Regiment took part in but one engagement during the
year, at Wise's Forks, having one officer and four men wounded.
Thus closes the record of the gallant "Twenty-Fifth." Few
regiments have a more brilliant one.

HISTORY OP THE THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
In July, 1862, under the call of the President for three hun
dred thousand men, authority was given for the raising of the
Thirty-Sixth Regiment. Our quota was found to be ninety-seven,
and it was at once decided to send out another company from
Fitchburg, and Captain Barker of the " Old Guards," was desig
nated as the proper man to raise the company. The enthusiasm
of our people was by no means diminished by the results of the
summer campaign. The defeats on the " Peninsula," the reverses
of the Second Bull Run and Chantilly, and the decimated ranks
of our Fifteenth and Twenty-First Regiments, while they sad
dened their hearts, also filled them with a determination never
to abandon the struggle until the object for which the " appeal
to arms" was made, (the preservation of the Union of these
United States,) was secured. Our young men came forward
nobly, and the company was soon filled up. The following is an
account of a public meeting held by our citizens immediately
after the President's call was issued, taken from the Fitchburg
Reveille of July 17th, 1862.
"CITIZENS' MEETING, SATURDAY, JULY 12, 1862.
At the hour apppointed on Saturday evening, the Town Hall was
crowded with patriotic citizens, who assembled to take some action about
raising the ninety-seven men required at this time from Fitchburg, as
her portion of the three hundred thousand troops called for by the
President. The meeting was called to order by D. H. Merriam, Esq. Alvah
Crocker, Esq. was chosen chairman, and T. K. Ware, secretary. Eloquent

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 63
remarks were made by Mr. Crocker, Hon. Alfred Hitchcock, T. K. Ware,
D. H. Merriam, Esq., Hon. J. W. Mansur, H. L. Read, Amasa Norcross,
Esq., Hon. Nathaniel Wood and others.
The following resolutions were presented by T. K. Ware, Esq., and
were unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That, as citizens of the town of Fitchburg, we are desirous
of giving an earnest and practical response to the appeal of His Excellency,
the Governor of Massachusetts, to the several towns of this Commonwealth,
and of taking effective measures to do our share in the support of the
Administration of the United States in its renewed efforts for the sup
pression of the rebellion.
Resolved, That, in order to the more rapid enlistment of the quota of
recruits allotted to this town, we request our selectmen to call a Town
Meeting on as early a day as possible, to take measures for offering a
bounty of seventy-five dollars a man to all rercuits who shall enlist them
selves for the war, from this town.
It being desirable that recruiting should commence at onee, the select
men were authorized to pay each, and every recruit, seventy-five dollars
as soon as he is enlisted and accepted. The foollwing gentlemen signed
a bond agreeing to hold themselves responsible to the, selectmen for the
money paid out : Hon. Moses Wood, Hon. Alvah Crocker, Hon.
Ebenezer Torrey, Hale W. Page, Hon. Alfred Hitchcock, L. H. Bradford,
Otis T. Ruggles, Dr. Jonas Marshall, C. J. Billings, Gaorge E. Towne,
Dea. S. A. Wheeler, D. H. Merriam, T. K. Ware, Charles T. Crocker,
Amasa Norcross, Dr. T. R. Boutelle, Dr. Thomas Palmer, John P.
Sabin, H. F. Coggshall, Lyman Patch, J. H. Fairbanks, James P.
Putnam, Charles W. Wilder, H. A. Willis, Gardner Farrar.
The chairman then announced that they were ready to receive recruits
as soon as the papers for enlistment should be prepared. Dr. F. A.
Makepeace was the first man who came forward to enlist, and was
followed by W. H. Signor and George E. Keyes.
The meeting was conducted, and the business transacted in the same
spirited and patriotic manner that has characterized the action of our
citizens whenever they have been called upon to furnish men and means
to put down this rebellion. A committee of one from each district, and
six from the centre district, was chosen to canvass for recruits."
In accordance with the request contained in the Resolutions of
the Citizens' Meeting, a Town Meeting was called for July 19th,
and we give below the preamble and resolutions adopted providing
for the payment of one huudred dollars bounty to each recruit.

64 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
This was the commencement with us of the system of paying
bounties, which was carried to such a pernicious extent before
the war closed. Other communities were doing it, and we were
obliged to, or our men would go elsewhere to enlist. And our
citizens were only too glad to tax themselves with the burden,
feeling that it was due the patriotic young men who were going
forth to peril their lives for their country, that their pecuniary
compensation should be liberal.
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED IN TOWN MEETING,
JULY 19, 1862.
Wliereas, the President of the United States has recently called far
three hundred thousand additional volunteer troops, for the suppression of
the Southern Rebellion, and, in compliance with that call, the Governor
of this Commonwealth has by Proclamation, called upon patriotic and
law abiding citizens of every city and town in the State, again to show
their hatred of treason, and their loyalty to the Constitution and Union,
by furnishing men and money for the Nation's defense.
Therefore, Voted — unanimously, that we, the loyal voters of Fitch
burg, in town meeting assembled, this 19th of July, 1862, hereby
authorize, and instruct our Selectmen to appropriate and pay one hun
dred dollars, . as a bounty, to each, and every acceptable recruit, when
he shall have been mustered into the United States service and shall have
joined the Volunteer Company now forming in this town, or either of tho
three companies from this town, now at the seat of war; not to exceed
in all, the sum of ten thousand and one hundred dollars."
The departure of the Company for camp, which took place August
1st, was made the occasion for another demonstration.
The Fitchburg Fusiliers turned out to escort the new company and
accompanied them to the camp at Worcester.
The men departed as four other companies had before left us,
amid the cheers, and foUowed by the good wishes of their friends and
fellow citizens. As they passed from among us we fondly hoped that
it might be the last draft upon us ; that our troubles might end
without exposing the lives of yet more of our able bodied youth.
But it was not thus to be. The following is a copy of the Original
Roll of this Company :

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

65

ROLL OF CO. A, THIRTY-SIXTH REG'T MASS. VOLS.
Captain— THADDEUS L. BARKER.
1st Lieut. — George L. Chipman. 2d Lieut. — Joseph A. Marshall.

ENLISTED MEN.

Alexander J. M., Blackstone.
Ames T. J., Leominster.
Arnold Geo. T., Leominster.
Barber Chas. II. , Fitchburg.
Brown John, Fitchburg.
Bixby A. B., Fitchburg.
Bacon John, Blackstone.
Bachelder J. H., Blackstone.
Burlingame W. H., Blackstone.
Bradley O. L., Blackstone.
Brooks L. W., Leominster.
Burrage Henry S., Fitchburg.
Beal Foster E. L., Lunenburg.
Bruce L. 0., Lunenburg.
Battles F. C, Fitchburg.
Cook T. G., Fitchburg.
Coyle Andrew, Fitchburg.
Chamberlain L., Holden.
Carter A. H., Leominster.
Carter Solon H., Leominster.
Chase Joseph W., Fitchburg.
Derby Chas H, Leominster.
Damon George R., Leominster.
Emory E. F., Fitchburg.
Foster W. A., Fitchburg.
. Frederic E. H., Fitchburg.
Frederic G. H., Fitchburg.
French John A., Fitehburg.
Farrar Chas. E , Holden.
Fuller M., Fitchburg.
Fernald Wm., Blackstone.
Greenman J. H, Blackstone.
Gibson G. P., Leominster.
Goodrich Leonard, Leominster.
Gallop L. R., Leominster.
Gibson A. C, Fitchburg.
Gillis James, Fitchburg.
Hancock Jos., Fitchburg.
Howe F., Leominster.
Hurd C. H., Fitchburg.
Humes Jos., Fitchburg.
Hartwell A. J., Fitchburg.
Hamilton J. R-, Fitchburg.

Johnson W. C, Leominster.
Keyes Geo. E., Fitchburg.
Knight Geo. E., Fitchburg.
Larkin M., Fitchburg.
Lamb L. L., Fitchburg.
Lamb C. F., Fitchburg.
Long W., Fitchburg.
Mahan Thomas, Fitchburg.
Morgan L. W.. Leominster.
Mclntire G. M., Fitchburg.
Mack Geo. W.. Fitchburg.
May Thomas, Fitchburg.
Mills H. A., Fitchburg.
Makepeace F. A., Fitchburg.
Murphy P. W., Fitchburg.
Meads L. A., Leominster.
O'Brien Wm., Fitchburg.
Oakes Thos. , Fitchburg.
Osborn J. W., Fitchburg.
Osborn A. B., Leominster.
Osborn Samuel, Leominster.
Patch Ebenezer, Leominster.
Pollard Augustus, Fitchburg.
Pitts L. Jr., Fitchburg.
Petts A., Gardner.
Porter L. D., Leominster.
Page CD., Leominster.
Phelps Charles, Fitchburg.
Perkins F. H., Fitchburg.
Prow A. G., Fitchburg.
Robinson C H., Leominster.
Siner W. H., Fitchburg.
Smith O. F., Fitchburg.
Smith G. M., Fitchburg.
Stockwell 0. L , Fitchburg;.
Sullivan E., Leominster.
Sullivan John. Fitchburg.
Stevens Robert, Fitchburg.
Sheridan B., Fitchburg.
Stearns Geo. A., Blackstone.
Smith Charles. Leominster.
Sinclair Geo. A., Leominster.
Smith H. R., Leominster.

66 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Stearns Chas. W., Leominster. Whitney C. W., Fitchburg.
Tucker A. S., Holden. Worcester John, Fitchburg.
Thornton J. J., Fitchburg. Winch C, Fitchburg.
Thompson H. A., Fitchburg. Wood F. A., Fitchburg.
Taylor Henry, Fitchburg. Wood A. W., Fitchburg.
Webb R. F., Fitchburg. Whittemore Charles F., Fitchburg.
Wetherbee A. L., Fitchburg.
This Regiment was organized in August, 1862, and Lieut. Col.
John W. Kimball of the Fifteenth Regiment, designated as its
Colonel, but as he could not get discharged from the Fifteenth,
Major Bowman of the Thirty-Fourth, was subsequently appointed.
The Regiment left the State on the 2d of September, 1862,
and arrived at Washington on the 7th, and was immediately
ordered to join General Burnside's army at Sharpsburg, Maryland,
where it arrived September 20th, just too late to be engaged in
the battle of Antietam. It remained in this vicinity until Oct.
11th, when it marched to Frederick, thence on the 15th, to
Pleasant Valley; thence to Lovettsville, Va., where it arrived
October 26th, and remained till the 29th, when it marched with
the remainder of the army to Falmouth, arriving Nov. 19th, stop
ping one week on the route. On the 12th of December, 1862,
the Regiment saw its first battle ; the battle of Fredericksburg,
but was not actively engaged, being held as reserve, and had
only two men wounded. It remained at Falmouth until February #
10th, 1863, when it left for Newport News to join the Ninth
Corps. At this place six weeks were passed in drill and the
ordinary duties of the camp, when the Regiment left for the
West with the remainder of the Corps. The Regiment arrived
at Lexington, Ky., March 29'ih, where it encamped a week, during
which time it was sent to Cincinnati to guard the polls at the
election of Mayor. On the 8th and 9th of April the Regiment
marched some thirty miles, and reached " Camp Dick Robinson,"
where it remained three weeks ; thence to Middlebury, remaining
until May 23d; thence to Columbia, arriving the 26th, where
it remained a few days engaged in reconnoisances, and capturing

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 67
a large number of guerrillas. On the 4th of June, 1863, the
Regiment received marching orders and soon learned that their
destination was Vicksburg, Miss. The journey was made by
rail and steamboat, and they arrived in the " Yazoo" on the 17th,
and took up a position near Milldale, some ten miles in the
rear of Vicksburg, the duty of the Ninth Corps being to protect
Grant's Army from an attack in the rear by Johnston. Vicksburg
surrendered on the ever memorable 4th of July, 1863, and on
the same day the Corps started in pursuit of Johnston, who was
retreating towards Jackson, Miss. On the evening of the 10th
they overtook the retreating foe, who had at this point constructed
earthworks, and engaged him, the Thirty-Sixth being in the
advance as skirmishers, and losing eight men killed and wounded;
after remaining at this point until the 17th, losing several more
men, the Thirty-Sixth marched to Canton, Miss., where it tore
up several miles of the railroad. It then marched back to Sny
der's Bluff, a distance of seventy miles, where it arrived the
23d. The march was a very severe one, and fatal in its conse
quences to many. Without rations, in the middle of July, under
the hot Mississippi sun they were marched till some dropped
dead in the ranks. On the 5th of August under Major Goodell,
the Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel having resigned, the Regi-
"ment embarked for Cairo, where it arrived the 10th, where it took
cars for Cincinnati, arriving the 12th ; crossed the river to Coving
ton, and went into camp. From the effects of this terrible
campaign in Mississippi, the Regiment lost more than many battles
might have cost them. It is safe to say, that from disease, and
exhaustion consequent upon it, they lost by death and discharge,
one hundred and fifty men. On the 17th of August the Regiment
left on the route for Knoxville, where it arrived (after long and
tedious marches and halts at different points,) on the 27th of
September. On the 3d of October the Regiment, with the Ninth
Corps, was marched out to meet an army of the enemy under
General Jones, advancing from Virginia. On the 10th the battle

68 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
of " Blue Springs" was fought, which resulted^ in~the defeat of
the enemy and a loss to the Regiment of three officers and three
men wounded. Among these was the gallant Lieutenant Colonel
Goodell, who was struck by a shell while leading the Regiment,
and severely wounded. The retreating army was followed twenty
miles and many prisoners taken, but the main body escaped.
The Thirty-Sixth was engaged at " Campbell's Station," [and lost
twenty-four in killed, wounded and missing. During the siege
of Knoxville the Regiment occupied a position near Fort Saunders,
and were engaged when the Rebels made their last desperate
assault before raising the siege ; but suffered only a slight loss.
During the siege the men of this, as well as all other regi
ments, suffered much. They subsisted on quarter rations ; many
were without blankets and shoes, and nearly all without overcoats.
From one-third to one-half the men were kept awake and on
watch each night. After the retreat of the enemy the Regiment
joined in the pursuit, which was continued for thirty miles, and
then returned to the vicinity of Knoxville. On the 16th of Jan.
1864, they marched to " Strawberry Plains," where they remained
until the 21st, suffering severely from want of food and clothing,
the rations being " six spoonfuls of flour a day for seven days,
and what corn could be picked up from under the feet of mtdes
and horses ;" clothing all tattered and torn, and hardly enough
to decently cover them.
We have read of the sufferings and privations of our [Revolu
tionary fathers in their struggle to establish this Government, and
little did we think that the present generation would witness those
scenes so oft repeated in this our struggle to maintain that
government. But so it was to be; and as the trials of those
old heroes were only equalled by their patriotic devotion to their
noble cause, so have these, our sons and brothers, proved that
they were worthy descendants of them.
The Thirty^Sixth remained in Eastern Tennessee from this time
until March 21st, engaged in picket duty, frequent reconnoisances,

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 69
and occasional skirmishes. On the 21st of March, 1864, the
Regiment commenced its march over the mountains to Nicholasvillo,
Ky., distant one hundred ninety-eight miles, where it arrived
April 1st, thus averaging a march of about twenty miles per day.
April 2d it took the cars for Annapolis, where it arrived on the
6th. Here the Regiment was new clothed and well fed, and
began to enjoy a little rest after their severe winter campaign;
but this was of short duration, for on the 23d it was ordered to
march to Alexandria, where it arrived April 25th, thence on the
27th, to Fairfax Court House.
On the 6th of May the Regiment was again called to battle.
The " Wilderness" is a name which even now fills us with horror.
The Regiment acquitted itself nobly, charging the enemy three
times with a loss of two officers, and sixty-two men killed and
wounded. In the battle of Spottsylvania on the 12th, the Regiment was
engaged and lost still more heavily. Officers killed, twro ; men
killed, twenty ; officers and men wounded, fifty-seven. From
Spottsylvania to the Pamunkey river the Regiment was in various
skirmishes, but the loss was slight. At " Coal Harbor" on June
3d, a severe battle was fought, and the loss was two officers
and forty-five men killed and wounded. On the 12th the Regi
ment marched for the James River, and arrived before Petersburg
June 16th. On the 17th they charged the enemy's works, and
captured four cannon, and four hundred and fifty prisoners. The
loss was small considering the advantage gained, being nineteen
in killed and wounded. From June 18th to August 19th, the
Regiment remained in the rifle pits losing some twenty men
picked off by the rebel sharpshooters. The Regiment then
marched to the Weldon Railroad, and on the 30th of September
was engaged at " Poplar Grove Church." The loss was one
officer and thirteen men killed and wounded. The Thirty-Sixth
remained in that vicinity through the remainder of the year, doing
picket duty in the rifle pits at the front.

70 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
The Regiment remained in the vicinity of Petersburg constantly
on active duty, until April 1st, 1865. On the night of April
3d the rebels evacuated the fortifications around Petersburg, and
our army was immediately put in motion in pursuit of the retreat
ing enemy. The Thirty-Sixth marched down the South Side
Railroad through Nottaway Court House to Jetters Station,
reaching that point on the morning of the 7th, the enemy being
some ten to fifteen miles in advance. On the 8th "Rias Station"
was reached and the Regiment went into camp. On the 9th
the Regiment received orders to proceed to Farmville, ten miles
distant, to relieve the provost guard at that place. Arriving
there at about noon the Regiment relieved the guards and took
charge of the large numbers of prisoners which had been
captured. Lieutenant Colonel Barker was appointed Provost Marshal, and
the Regiment remained here until April 27th, when it was
relieved, and ordered to rejoin its brigade at City Point. April
27th it started by steamer, for Alexandria, where it arrived on
the 28th, and went into camp near Fort Lyons where it remained
until June 8th, when it was mustered out of service, and started
for Readville, Mass. It arrived in Massachusetts, June 10th,
and had a hearty public reception by the citizens of Worcester,
June 13th, after which the Regiment was furloughed until June
21st, when it assembled at Readville, where it was paid off and
discharged.

HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
The next call upon us for troops was for nine months men.
This call was issued in August, 1862. Fitchburg responded with
two full companies, which were recruited in a very few days. The
excitement was intense, and great interest was manifested by all
of our citizens in filling up these two companies.
On Sunday August 24th. after the usual church services, a
war meeting was held in the Town Hall to assist in the good
work. It was addressed by Dr. Putnam of Roxbury, the clergy
men of the town, and others, and a marked effect was produced
upon all present. On the afternoon of the next day all places of
business were closed, and the citizens generally devoted their
energies to the business of recruiting. A procession was formed
and marched through the streets to the music of drum and fife
to the Common, where patriotic addresses were made by various
citizens, and the result of the day's work was the addition of
many recruits to the ranks of the two companies which were soon
filled to overflowing. A Town Meeting was called August 30th,
to see what should be done for these new recruits in the way of
bounties, and it was unanimously. voted to pay them one hundred
dollars, each as will be seen by the following copy of the vote.
" Voted, That the Town pay the sum of One Hundred dollars to each
of the nine months volunteers who shall be mustered into the United
States service, who are inhabitants of this town at the time, but not to
exceed in all, the sum of Twenty Thousand dollars."
The two companies left for camp at Groton Junction, the last
week in September.
We give below their respective rolls:

72.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION-

ROLL OF CO. A, FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT M. V.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain, EUGENE T. MILES, Fitchburg.
1st Lieut., George G. Nutting, Fitchburg.
2d Lieut., D. W. Tuttle, Fitchburg.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.

SERGEANTS.
Bailey George H., Fitchburg.
Chaney William B., Fitchburg.
Farrar Ephraim E. , Fitchburg.
Taft Jerome K., Fitchburg.
Tourtellot Albert D., Fitchburg,
CORPORALS.
Bruce John F-, Fitchburg.
Connor Charles P., Fitchburg.
Eaton William H., Fitchburg.
Green Andrew J., Fitchburg.
Hale Frederick A., Fitchburg.
Kendall Gilbert B., Fitchburg.
Simonds William H, Fitchburg.
Spencer Edward H, Fitchburg.
MUSICIANS.
Atherton Edwin D., Fitchburg.
Carter Charles W., Clinton,
PRIVATES.
Alvord Francis A., Fitchburg.
Barnum Alonzo P., Fitchburg.
Bartlett Thomas, Fitchburg.
Bemis Daniel W., Fitchburg.
Booth John H., Fitchburg.
Bowen Peer M , Fitchburg.
Brown Joseph W., Fitchburg.
Brown Charles H., Fitchburg.
Bardeen William S., Fitchburg.
Battles Charles P., Fitchburg.
Bartlett James F., Fitchburg.
Carlton Merrill, Fitchburg.
Caldwell Charles H., Fitchburg.
Caldwell William M., Fitchburg.
Churchell Horace M., Fitehburg.
Daley James, Fitchburg.
Daisy Henry H., Fitchburg.
Dinnun Patrick, Fitchburg.
Farrar Francis F. , Fitchburg.

Farrar Morris, Fitchburg.
Flynn Patrick, Fitehburg.
Forrester Arthur, Fitchburg.
Farwell Edmund P., Fitchburg.
Gates Edwin, Fitchburg.
Gates Eugene, Westminster.
Green Henry D., Fitchburg.
Griswold Albert, Fitehburg.
Harrington Mason R., Fitehburg.
Harrington Cornelius, Fitchburg.
Harris Charles T., Westminster.
Harris Edwin A , Fitchburg.
Hastings John M., Fitehburg.
Hartshorn George F., Fitchburg.
Hartwell James A., Fitchburg.
Harwood Junius, Fitchburg.
Henry William E. , Fitchburg.
Hitchcock Alfred 0., Fitchburg.
Hill Francis D., Fitehburg.
Harrington David A., Fitchburg.
Jewett Forestus M., Lunenburg.
Jaquith Isaac P. , Fitchburg.
Kempton Alphonzo, Fitchburg.
Kendall J. Henry, Fitchburg.
Lesure Thomas G., Fitchburg.
Livermore Ozro- J., Fitehburg.
Mclntire, Albert, Fitehburg.
Parkhurst Boardman, Fitchburg.
" Pratt Henry T., Fitehburg.
Russell Charles T., Fitchburg.
Ray Francis N., Fitchburg.
Roach John, Fitehburg.
Rock Charles, Fitchburg.
Robinson Amory, Fitehburg.
Russell Francis C, Fitehburg.
Sawyer Alvin M., Fitchburg.
Sawyer George A., Fitchburg.
Spaulding Josiah, Fitchburg.
Stickney Alvin 0., Fitehburg.
Stewart Charles W-, Fitehburg.
Shattuck William H., Fitehburg.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

73

Thomas Orin A., Fitchburg.
Thompson Lysander F., Fitehburg.
Tolman Thomas W., Fitchburg.
Underwood Edward M., Fitchburg.
Upham N. Bradlee, Fitehburg.
Wellington Harvey H, South Adams.
Wetherbee William H, Fitchburg.
Wheeler Horace E., Fitchburg.
Wheeler William C, Fitchburg.
Whiteomb Henry F., Fitehburg.
Whitman Waldo, Fitchburg.

Whittemore Alfred, Fitehburg.
Wiley Robert G., Fitchburg.
Winthrop Hubert W., Fitehburg.
Woodbury Oscar F. Fitchburg.
Woodward Frederick F., Fitchburg.
Works George F., Fitchburg.
Woodbury Henry S., Fitchburg.
Wooldridge William, Fitchburg.
Works Frederick L., Fitehburg.
Winchester George G., Fitchburg.
Wyman Jackson, Fitchburg.

ROLL OF CO. B, FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT M. V.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain— JONAS COREY, Fitchburg.
1st Lieut. — Carlos B. Wilson, Fitchburg.
2d Lieut. — Oscar A. Battles, Ashby.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.

SERGEANTS.
Belcher Alfred W., Fitchburg.
Eddy Amasa T., Fitchburg.
Gilmore D. Alfred, Fitchburg.
Jaquith Levi L., Fitchburg.
Nutting J. Q. A., Fitchburg.
CORPORALS.
Clark James E., Fitehburg.
Farmer Sherbom B., Fitehburg.
Gill Frank C, Fitchburg.
Gould Alonzo, Fitchburg.
Hosmore Stephen C, Fitchburg.
Leonard Elbridge G., Fitchburg.
Mecorney John L., Fitchburg.
Stevens Samuel, Fitchburg.
MUSICIANS.
Eaton Abel, Fitehburg.
Vanderford James, Fitchburg.
PRIVATES.
Aldrich Nathan H., Fitchburg.
Atkinson Jos. P., Fitchburg.
Arnold Charles F., Fitchburg.
Bigelow Calvin A., Fitehburg.
Browning Silas W., Fitehburg.

Bacon Joseph E., Fitchburg.
Bagley Charles H., Fitchburg.
Bagley Moses, Fitchburg.
Brooks Alfred L., Westminster.
Black Charles K., Fitchburg.
Blanchard Benjamin, Fitchburg.
Bickford Charles, Gardner.
Bickford William 0., Gardner.
Boutelle Warren P., Fitchburg.
Brigham Henry D., Fitchburg.
Brown George E., Lunenburg.
Chase Alvin B., Fitchburg.
Cochran Nathaniel I., Fitchburg.
Coburn Manley, Fitchburg.
Cady Franklin 0., Lunenburg.
Cushing Charles G., Ashby.
Childs J. Ward, Fitchburg.
Clark Eber F., Fitchburg.
Cochran Edward L. P., Fitchburg.
Demsay John C, Fitchburg.
Drake Jason W., Fitchburg.
Danby John, Fitchburg.
French Increase H., Fitchburg.
Farmer 0. Franklin, Fitehburg.
Farrell William H., Fitchburg.
French Leavitt P., Ashby.
Farnsworth John M., Fitehburg

10

74

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

Foster Ai, Ashby.
Goodrich Harrison, Fitehburg.
Gibson Luther R., Fitchburg.
Gould Austin K., Fitchburg.
Garfield Silas, Fitchburg.
Harris William H, Fitchburg.
Hayward H. Porter, Fitchburg.
Hemenway Frank F., Fitchburg.
Harrington John N, Fitehburg.
Hayward Joel A., Ashby.
Hadley Alvah A., Fitchburg.
Hill Thomas, Fitchburg.
Holt Lyman W., Ashby.
Howard George A., Lunenburg.
Kemp John, Fitehburg.
Kendall George F., Ashby.
Miller Charles E., Fitchbitfg.
Marshall Benj. F., Lunenburg.
Marsh Thomas, Fitchburg.
Marshall George E., Fitehburg.
Minot Edwin H , Fitchburg.
Morse William G., Fitchburg.
Minot Hiram P., Fitchburg.

Mace Henry W., Fitehburg.
Miller Gilbert F., Boylston.
O'Herne James, Boylston.
Parker Alonzo, Fitchburg.
Partridge Harlan P. , Fitchburg.
Powers Frederick W., Fitehburg.
Parker Levi, Lunenburg.
Sabin George F., Fitehburg.
Sawin John, Ashby.
Spooner Solon W., Fitchburg.
Tucker Richard, Fitchburg.
Tileston George F., Fitchburg.
Wallis Samuel, Lunenburg.
Wyman Bradley H, Fitchburg.
Wright Amasa, Ashby.
Wheeler Henry M. , Ashby.
Wheeler Erastus 0., Jr., Ashby.
Willard Herbert, Ashby.
Wheeler Francis S., Ashby.
Wright Levi S., Ashby.
Wright George W., Ashby.
Wilsey Albert C, Fitchburg.
Wiley Benjamin K., Fitehburg.

We proceed to give the history of the Fifty-Third Regiment, of
which these two companies were a portion, and of which Colonel J.
W. Kimball of this town, was the commander.
Upon assuming the command of the Regiment, Col. K. was the
recipient of a fine horse and set of equipments from a few of his
friends, upon the occasion of which the following correspondence
took place :

" Col. John W. Kimball : — We, the undersigned, your fellow towns
men and personal friends, on the eve of your departure, with higher rank
and added honors, for further service in your country's cause, beg of you
the acceptance of the horse and trappings accompanying this letter, not as
any measure of our regard for you, but as a slight testimonial of our
admiration for those soldierly and manly qualities which have already
gained for you an honored name in the history of the war. We know
that you will believe us, when we say that this is no empty tribute to
position and office, but the expression of a regard as sincere and warm
as it is merited. When the courage and glorious conduct of the regiment
which you have led through so many trying scenes of patient endurance

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 75
and bloody conflict have attracted the attention and elicited the applause
of a whole nation who knew nothing of it but its name, it would be
strange indeed if the hearts of those who have been associated with the
gallant men of that regiment and its noble leader, in the intimate, private
and social relations of neighbors and friends, did not thrill at the recital
of its splendid record. To those who have nobly fallen in the strife to
sustain a nation's honor and a country's name, we have endeavored to
do such homage as to show that we hold their names in grateful and
reverent remembrance. Let us, also, have the satisfaction of testifying to
the living heroes in this conflict, our deep appreciation of the self-sacri
ficing and devoted spirit which has conducted them through the path of
duty to an undying fame.
We have entrusted to your custody and command a new draft from
our best and freshest blood, and we feel that we could commit it to no
safer or more conscientious care. Accept for yourself, and for the young
men who go from us with you, our best wishes and our sincere hope for
a safe and honorable return to our midst at the termination of your
appointed service.
(Signed) ALVAH CROCKER,
EBENEZER TORREY,
T. K. WARE,
L. H. BRADFORD,
And 39 others.
COLONEL KIMBALL'S REPLY.
"Hon. Alvah Crocker, Hon. Ebenezer Torrey, T. K. Ware, L. H.
Bradford, Esquires, and others.
Gentlemen: — With feelings of the deepest gratitude I accept the gift
of the noble horse and beautiful trappings so generously and kindly pro
vided for me by your exertions and liberality. Accept my earnest and
most sincere thanks for the same. I shall prize the gift more highly
because it came unexpectedly, and from old and tried friends whom I
have loved, honored and respected for many years. In accepting this
testimonial, I do so, feeling that it is given not to reward me, but to
show that my services in the field during the past few months are appre
ciated and recognized by you. If I have done aught that my friends at
home feel is worthy of notice, I am well repaid for the dangers, priva
tions and hardships to which I have been, with others, exposed. I claim
nothing for myself. I have only done the duty which I owed to my
country and to my fellow citizens.
If the noble old regiment, (the Fifteenth,) which I have had the
honor of commanding for the past seven months, has earned and won for

76 FITCHBURG IN THE BEBELLION.
itself a name worthy of record, and a place in history, it is to them that
the honor belongs, and not to me, for it was the united determination
of officers and men to do their duty at all times and under all circum
stances, that has earned for them honorably and justly, the name and
the fame which they have acquired.
I need not remind you of the sufferings they have endured without a
murmur, and the great sacrifice of life in behalf of their country, which has
so. fearfully thinned their ranks. It has been very great indeed; the dust
of many a brave soldier of the ' Fifteenth hallows the hillsides and valleys
of Virginia and Maryland, and that ground, though held by traitorous
hands, is still sacred, and dear to us ; and by the memories of the noble
dead now sleeping their last sleep far away from their friends and homes,
let us pursue this war more vigorously and earnestly to an early and
successful termination ; by the memories of the heroes who fell at Ball's
Bluff, Fair Oaks and Antietam, as well as of those who have passed
away none the less honorably because not in battle, we must, we will
eonquer. In leaving you, to take my new command, it is fitting that I should
say a word of the men who compose this new regiment. I found them
to be men who have left their homes mostly from a patriotic sense of
duty — men who are worthy of the Old Bay State. It will be my
constant endeavor to watch over and care for them, and if my past
experience is of any value, it is theirs freely and cheerfully.
I make no promises for the future, except that we shall at all times
endeavor to do our duty to the best of our ability, keeping in view the
noble cause in which we are engaged, and remembering that our friends
at home are watching our course with great anxiety and deep solicitude,
and praying for our success and safe return.
Thanking you again for this kind remembrance, and hoping to be able
to show you- that I highly appreciate this expression of your confidence
and esteem, I have the honor to remain,
Most respectfully, your ob't servant,
JOHN W. KIMBALL, Col. Fifty-Third, Reg't."
This Regiment was recruited mainly from the towns comprising
the northerly portion of Worcester County, during the months of
August and September, 1862, and was encamped at " Camp Stevens,"
Groton Junction. It was mustered into the service of the United
States, October 17th. Colonel Kimball assumed command on the
29th of November, and on the same day the Regiment started for

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 77
New York to join Banks' expedition for the South. Upon its arrival
at New York, it was ordered to " Camp Banks," L. I., where it
remained less than one week, but suffered much from the inclemency
of the weather, it being excessively cold, and having been furnished
with shelter tents only for protection of the men. Upon a proper
representation of facta being made at Headquarters, the Regiment
was transferred to Franklin Street Barracks, N. Y., where it remained
six weeks. It may be proper to add that at the end of two weeks,
the Regiment was ordered aboard the steamer Mississippi, to sail for
its Southern destination, but from the fact of there being so much
sickness among the men, it was not deemed advisable by the medical
authorities to proceed to sea. The Regiment, in its exposure upon
Long Island, had contracted much disease. The "scarletina" had
become an epidemic among the men, and was increasing to an alarm
ing extent. The Regiment was therefore ordered to disembark and
return to the old quarters, where it remained until a comparatively
healthy condition was again restored, and finally set sail on the
steamer " Continental," January 17th, 1863, and after a very tem
pestuous and perilous voyage of twelve days, putting in for one day at
Key West, reached the city of New Orleans January 30th, and at
once went into camp at Carrolton, six miles from the city, and became
a part of the Third Brigade, Third Division of the Nineteenth Corps.
It remained at this point six weeks, the time being employed in bring
ing it to proficiency in drill and discipline. On the 6th of March
the Fifty-Third embarked on board the steamer Crescent for Baton
Rouge, arriving next day, and encamped three miles below the city
in a beautiful Magnolia grove. On the 12th of March it was ordered
on a reconnoissance up the river. It embarked upon two steamers,
and under convoy of the gunboat "Albatross," moved up the river
five miles, where a landing was effected. With an escort of eighteen
cavalrymen, it proceeded cautiously across the country about one and
a half miles to the Bayou Sara road, where it encountered and drove
in the enemy's pickets. Returning, as per orders by the Bayou Sara
road, it arrived at Baton Rouge the same afternoon, driving in a
number of fine cattle.

78 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
On the evening of the 13th it marched with the Division in the
expedition to Port Hudson ; and on the afternoon of the 14th arrived
at a point three miles from that place, where it was ordered to bivouac.
This was the night of the bombardment and successful passage of a
portion of the fleet past the formidable batteries of Port Hudson, a
feat with but few parallels in naval history. The men slept upon their
arms, expecting to be ordered at any moment to join in the attack
by the land forces upon the enemy's works. Morning came, but no
attack was made. A General Order from head-quarters of General
Banks announced " that the object of the expedition had been accom
plished," and the whole army was at once put in motion towards
Baton Rouge.
The Third Division wTas halted and went into camp five miles out of
the city, where it remained until March 20th. In the meantime the
Regiment took part in a reconnoissance up the Clinton road some
five or six miles, but with no important results. On the 20th the
Division marched to Baton Rouge, and the Fifty-Third returned to
its old camp and remained there until April 1st, when it wasordered
with the rest of the Division to Algiers, opposite New Orleans, where
it arrived the next day, and remained until April 9th, when it took
passage in the cars for Brashear City, to join in the movement
through the " Teche country." The Regiment marched April 11th,
arriving at Pattersonville, eight miles distant, at seven o'clock P. M.
On the next day at noon, moved forward about two miles, when the
advance encountered the enemy's pickets. A brisk skirmish of some
two hours followed, when (the enemy being pushed back) the line of
march was again resumed, and continued for about two miles, when
a sharp fire was opened from the batteries of the enemy, which were
protected by a formidable line of earth works. A vigorous artillery
battle ensued which lasted until dark. The Regiment, though under
fire, suffered no casualties.
This was the first experience of the Regiment under fire. All the
afternoon wo had been making our way along with the sharp crack of
the skirmishers' rifles in our immediate front, the heavier reports of

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 79
the batteries which were " feeling the woods" in our advance, which
with the lurid flames and heavy smoke from the burning buildings
which the rebels had in their flight set on fire, or which our shells
had ignited wherever they interfered with the range of our
guns, rendered the march a very exciting one. This was all a new
experience, not unexpected, but highly suggestive of what might be
looked for on the morrow. The men laid down in line of battle,
expecting that early dawn would summon them to the conflict. At
day-light next morning firing was again opened upon us from the bat
teries of the enemy, and there was every appearance of hot work for
us "before the day closed. After remaining in support of a battery a
short time, we were ordered to cross the Bayou to join in the attack
upon the other side. The trying moment was at last upon us ; we
were to be involved in the "clash of arms" which was soon to take
place, and the result, who could tell ?
Our men seemed calm and determined. How would they bear
themselves in their first battle ?
We crossed the " Teche " — Oh, how fair and beautiful everything
in nature looked that morning — How pleasant seemed this fife, per
haps to be laid down ere the day should close ! Never shone the sun
brighter ; never looked the running stream so pure and lovely; never
seemed the verdure, wet with the dew of morning, so charming;
never sung the birds more sweetly.
Can we give up all these scenes, and calmly yield up life here, in
this strange land, far away from home and friends, perhaps to be
buried and sleep forever in a nameless grave ? Yes ; even this for
our country. " We must forget all feelings save the one —
We must resign all passions save our purpose —
We must behold no object save our Country,
And only look on death as beautiful,
So that the sacrifice ascend to heaven,
And draw down freedom on her evermore."
With feelings akin to these, many noble men marched to the battle
that day — some to their graves. We press rapidly towards the front,

80 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION,
passing the dead and wounded as they are brought to the rear. But
such scenes do not appal us now. We have chosen our lot and have
no regrets. We have put on the " armor of battle" and with a firm
trust in Providence, are ready for the conflict.
We soon reached the front, and were ordered to lie down in fine of
battle as a reserve. Several hours were spent here, with nothing to
be done but listen to the screaming of the shells as they passed over
our heads, and the rattle of musketry in front. At last, at 3 P. M.,
we were ordered forward to relieve the Thirty-Eighth Mass. Reg't,
and to move in skirmish line " directly upon the works." We were
thus engaged under a heavy fire of musketry and shells for five hours,
until darkness prevented further operations, gradually advancing to
within one hundred and twenty-five yards of the enemy's works,
which point we held through the night, being in advance of any other
regiment. During the night there were unmistakable signs of evac
uation by the enemy, and Colonel Kimball at once gave notice of the
same at Division and Corps Headquarters, but no orders were sent
him. In the morning, just at daylight, he caused Captain Stratton
and ten men to move forward to draw the fire of the enemy, if still
there, but no evidence of the same appearing, the whole Regiment
was at once moved forward, and in a few moments had possession of
the works, and notice of the same was sent to headquarters immedi
ately. " Fort Bisland " was ours, and the flag of the Fifty-Third the
first to be planted upon its ramparts.
The Regiment lost in this action one officer and thirteen privates
killed and wounded. On this day fell the brave Lieutenant Nutting,
in command of Company A, while gallantly leading on his men.
On the next day the Fifty-Third was ordered to reconnoitre the left
bank of the Teche, to Franklin, distant ten miles, while the rest of the
army moved up on the other side of the river in pursuit of the fleeing
rebels. With an escort of a few cavalrymen, it proceeded cautiously
along the country, across the fields and by plantation roads, and
reached Franklin about dark, and joined the main body again, driving
in about one hundred head of beef cattle, mules and horses. On

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 81
the 15th the pursuit of the retreating foe was resumed, and vigor
ously prosecuted during the succeeding clays, harassing his rear
and capturing hundreds of " demoralized prisoners." Opelousas
was reached on the evening of the 20th. The march had been a most
fatiguing one, and the roads dry and dusty, bat the men stood it
like " veterans," and were in high spirits over the victory and the
complete rout of the enemy.
The army rested at Opelousas for two weeks, the time being
employed in drill and the ordinary picket duty.
On the 5th of May the march was resumed for Alexandria,
one hundred miles distant, which was accomplished in four days,
arriving on the evening of the 8th. The remnant of the rebel
force, some fifteen hundred or two thousand of the five thousand
we had fought at " Bisland," were driven far beyond Alexandria,
when the pursuit was abandoned, and the army, by a very rapid
movement was marched 0113 hundred miles to Port Hudson, crossing
the Mississippi at Bayou Sara. The Fifty-Third was left at Simes-
port on the " Atchafalaya," for guard duty for two days, when
it embarked on tb.3 " Laurel Hill," sailed to Bayou Sara, and
marched twelve mile3 to Port Hudson, arriving on the 22d of
May, upcn which day fhe investment cf the jlsce was made
complete, our lines having joined those of another force, moved up
from Baton Rouge.
May 24th the Third Division moved toward Port Hudson. The
Fifty-Third was detailed by order of General Paine as- guard for
the engineer corps and led the column. After proceeding about
two mile3 and entering the woods, the scouts reported a force of
the enemy's skirmishers just in front. The Regiment was at
once moved forward, and three companies, thrown out as skirmish
ers, soon became engaged with the enemy and succeeded in driving
them back, which enabled the engineers to proceed in their labors.
An examination of the ground induced them to abandon this route
for another a little to the eastward, upon which the march was
11

82 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
resumed. The Regiment took a position for the night in a piece of
woods bordering a large open field.
Just before dark Generals Banks, Grover, Paine and Weitzel with
their staffs rode forward to reconnoitre. As they emerged from the
woods they received a volley from the rebels in the edge of the woods
opposite, but fortunately all escaped injury. The Regiment was
immediately got into position to repel an attack, but none was made.
Five companies of the Regiment were posted on picket for the night,
as it was considerable distance from any support. In the morning it
was ordered to join the Brigade, and at one o'clock P. M., moved
forward to the front, where the skirmishers were actively engaged.
Arriving in their vicinity, the Fifty-Third formed in line of battle in
support of the Ninety-First New York in the front line, which
regiment it relieved at dark by order of General Paine, who
accompanied his order with the complimentary remark that " he
wanted this Regiment, because he knew he could depend upon it
to hold the position through the night," though he knew the
regiment had been on picket duty for the two preceding nights.
Six companies were deployed in skirmish fine and two held in
reserve. Soon after taking position, an unfortunate accident
occurred. The enemy having suddenly opened fire, it was
quickly returned by two New York regiments in the rear, thus
bringing the Fifty-Third between two fires. Fortunately, the
firing soon ceased and the fine remained unbroken, and but few
casualties had occurred. It was here that Captain George H.
Bailey of this town,, lost his life. He was a brave officer and
beloved by all. He had received his appointment as Captain of
Co. A but one week before, and survived its previous commander
(Nutting,) only six weeks. The position was held during the night,
and after repulsing an attack of the enemy upon the left in the
morning, the Regiment was relieved and passed to the rear.
May 27th was the day of the first general attack upon the
works at Port Hudson. The Regiment was ordered to be in
readiness to move forward at five o'clock A. M., at which time they

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 83
stood in line and were briefly addressed by Colonel Kimball, who
told them that hard work was before them but that he should expect
every man would do his duty and obey strictly his orders. That
if they were ordered to charge and take a battery, he expected
them to do it, and asked if he could rely upon them in every
emergency, when a hearty " yes" was shouted along the whole
line. There is something very sublime in a scene like this ; these
heroic men standing there in the woods, on that beautiful May
morning, perhaps the last they might ever see, listening to their
Colonel's words, and waiting for the order to move forward into
the fight. The writer well remembers that as he passed down
the whole line and looked into the faces of the men, and" saw
nothing written there but dogged determination and calm resigna
tion, that he received fresh inspiration for himself from the sight.
The Regiment was ordered forward at five and a half o'clock A.
M., and moved in fine of battle in rear of the Thirty-Eighth Massa
chusetts, and was soon under fire of shot and shell. The enemy was
pressed steadily back and was soon driven inside his fortifications.
The Regiment was moved to the front and supported the First
Maine and Bainbridge's Batteries for two hours, when it was
again ordered to the front line of skirmishers to relieve the Ninety-
First New York, then holding a position at the brow of a hill
within sixty yards of the rebel works, which point it held until
the afternoon of the next day, engaging the sharpshooters of the
enemy. The loss up to this time had been thirty killed and
wounded. June 1st the regiment relieved the Fourth Wisconsin, (occupy
ing rifle pits at the front) which was accomplished without casu
alty at eight o'clock, P. M., which position it occupied until June
4th, losing five men killed and wounded. On the 5th it marched
at half past four, A. M., as a part of the expedition to Clinton.
This march was an unusually severe one, on account of the
intense heat. Several severe cases of sun-stroke occurred in the
regiment on the first day. The expedition occupied four days, and
resulted in driving the enemy from Clinton, without a fight.

84 FITCHBURG IX THE REBELLION.
Arriving back at Port Hudson on the evening of the 3th, it
rested quiet until the 13th, on the evening of which day orders
were given to join in the assault upon the fortifications of the en
emy the next morning at three o'clock. The plan of the assault
was promulgated to the troops who were to engage in it, in a gen
eral order detailing the position of each regiment, and the duties
it was to perform.
As a mattei of curiosity to soma, the order of battle is sub
joined :
General Orders ) Heacquartees Third Division, )
No. 64. | Before Port Hudson, >
June 12lh, 1863. )
COLUMN OF ATTACK.
8th New Hampshire. (Skirmishers.) 4th Wisconsin.

intervals 2 paces.
Five Companies 4th Mass , and 110th N. Y., with hand grenades.

88th Mass. (Skirmishers.) 53d Mass.

INTERVALS 4 TACES.
Four Companies 3d Brigade, with 400 cotton bags.

3d Brigade.
2d Brio-ado.
1st Brigade.
50 Pioneers to level parapet for Artillery.
Artillery.
: Nims' Battery. :
FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 85
Vst. The hand grenade men carry their rifles on their backs, und carry
each, one grenade. They march three paces in rear of- the line of skirmish
ers. Having thrown their grenades, they go in as skirmishers.
2c?. The cotton bag bearers march at the head of column, two hundred
paces in rear of skirmishers. They fill the ditch to Company front. Having
deposited their bags, they take arms and march at head of column.
3d. The whole movement will be in quick time. No double quick.
But in case the skirmishers encounter batteries which they can take by a
double quick advance, they will move in that step.
Ath. The skirmishers will clamber upon the parapet, followed by the
hand grenades, which will be thrown over into the works as soon as the skir
mishers are on the outer edge of the parapet. The skirmishers will then rush
in and gain ground forward, fighting, lying down, &c. &e. , according to
circumstances. bth. As soon as the column is within the works, each Brigade will form
their line of battle, and lie down until the Artillery is brought up, unless
circumstances should necessitate different orders.
t. ,' y(Have to do with the duties of officers.)
Bth. The men will carry two days' rations of hard bread in their haver-
Eacks,"forty rounds' of ammunition in their cartridge boxes, and twenty rounds
in their pockets. Their knapsacks will be left in camp under guard of con
valescents. By order of Brig. Gen, Paine.
(Signed) Geo. W. Durgin, Jr., A. A. A. G.

The plan looked very well upon paper, and seemed feasible.
All saw that there was hard work to be done; that the struggle
would be indeed desperate, but hoped it might be short, and that
those who survived could rejoice in a complete victory. Thousands
of men laid down to rest that Saturday night with the sad reflec
tion that it might be their last on earth; yet they slept sweetly,
as the tired soldier always will who puts his trust in God and the
justice of his cause.
Sunday morning, the ever memorable June 14th, came, and just
before daylight the Regiment was moved noiselessly forward to the
point of assault and took its position in rear of the Thirty-Eighth
Massachusetts, and in support of the Eighth New Hampshire and

86 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Fourth Wisconsin deployed as skirmishers. The rebels soon dis
covered the movement and fiercely poured forth their fire. The Une
moved forward with great steadiness under a tremendous fire of
shot, shell and musketry, the whole being led and directed by the
gallant General Paine, and when within one hundred yards of the
works a charge by the four regiments was ordered.
The fine sprang forward with alacrity, advancing at double-quick
close up to the works, with wild cheering and enthusiasm which
promised well for veterans. But the supports did not come up and
they were not strong enough to carry the works. A few entered
and were captured, and the rest repulsed, were obliged to fall
back to the foot of the ridge upon which the works were located,
where by "hugging the ground," comparative safety was secured.
Here, exposed to the fire of the sharpshooters, they were obliged to
lie in the hot sun through that long midsummer day, unable to
extricate themselves from the position, or to even get off the suffer
ing wounded, until darkness came to their relief. No attempt was
made during the day to rally for another charge, or to bring up
troops for their support, and to them the day proved a failure,
and a most disastrous one. The field was lost, but all was not
lost. The record of the Fifty-Third and the three regiments which
with them traversed that terrible field, stands out clear, and bright
and glorious.
Of the causes of the failure of this assault we have our own
views, but do not propose to criticise our superiors. Every one
acquainted with modern warfare, knows the difficulties of success
fully carrying a charge in the face of such strong fortifications as
these were, subjected to a front and enfilading fire for a quarter
of a mile across an open field, every rod of which was obstructed
by fallen trees, blind ravines and ditches; and the failure in this
case was not from any lack of effort, or enthusiasm, on the part
of the brave General who led it, (and who lost a leg in the action,)
or the officers and men who followed. The Fifty-Third was highly
praised for its behavior upon this occasion, and Colonel Kimball,
for special gallantry, was recommended for promotion.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 87
This assault was a severe cost to the Regiment. About three
hundred officers and men (eight companies,) went in, of which
eighty-six were killed and wounded.
Here fell Captain Taft of this town, the third commanding officer
of Company A lost in two months. Here also, fell the accom
plished Lieut. Glover, and the genial, generous hearted Lieut. Vose.
Also, severely wounded, Captains Stratton and the noble, chivalrous
Washburn ; the latter dying from the effects of his wound fifteen
months afterwards. Colonel Kimball was slightly wounded on this
occasion, for the first time in his many battles. The sacrifice did
indeed seem great, where so little was accomplished.
We give below extracts from Colonel Kimball's Official Report :

" Captain E. H. Fordham, A. A. A. G.,
Sir : I have the honor to report the doings of my com
mand in the movement upon Port Hudson, from the 23d of May, to
the 8th of July.
On the afternoon of 13th June I received orders to be ready to move
the next morning at three o'clock, in an assault upon Port Hudson. At
the time specified I was ordered by Colonel Gooding to move up the
road in rear of the Thirty-Eighth Mass., to the point of attack, and then
deploy as skirmishers, on the right of that regiment. During the march
this order was countermanded by one from General Paine, directing me
to deploy in rear of the Thirty-Eighth Mass., at a distance of ten or
fifteen paces. This last order was executed by deploying five companies,
holding three in reserve. We were at this time under fire, though par
tially protected by a hedge, behind which the deployment was made.
At about fifteen minutes past four o'clock orders came to advance in
quick time, upon the enemy's works, supporting the Thirty- Eighth, who
were following a line of skirmishers and hand grenades. The men moved
forward promptly, and, as they passed the hedge, received a terrific
volley from the enemy who had been made aware of our approach by the
loud cheering of the first line of skirmishers. They pressed steadily
forward, keeping as good a line as the nature of the ground, ravines
and fallen trees would admit, until the centre had reached to within
twenty yards of the works, when we came upon the first line of sMr-

88 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
mishers, who had been repulsed and were holding this position. I was
here obliged to halt on account of the broken condition of my line,
caused by the uneven state of the ground, and more particularly, the
halting of the Thirty. Eighth Mass. at some distance in my rear, which
detained the right and left of my line. The right soon came up, passing
the Thirty-Eighth whose commander had declined to move forward until
he received further orders, though requested so to , do by my Adjutant,
who had command of the right of my line. I immediately went to the
left of my line to move it up, but found it utterly impossible so to do
on account of the terrific fire from tho enemy. At this juncture General
Paine came up, and after examination of tho lino, gave the order "to
charge forward and enter the works." I immediately repeated the order
to my regiment, which sprang forward with an alacrity and deter
mination worthy of veterans, some of the men reaching the works and
falling at the ditch, while others entered and were captured. At this time
General Paine fell severely wounded, as did also many of my best officers.
The fire of the enemy was now so terrible that it was impossible to advance
the men under it, and we maintained our position close up to the works dur
ing the day, keeping up a fire upon the enemy, receiving no orders until about
ten o'clock, P. M., when I was ordered to withdraw and return to my posi
tion of the "morning, being the last regiment to leave the field. I was able
to get off all of my wounded, and most of the dead. The sufferings of the
men through this day were severe in the extreme, lying in the hot sua, with
no shelter ; out of water and no chance of obtaining a supply, many of them
lying iu a position where any attempt on their part to move would subject
them to tlie well-directed fire of the enemy's sharpshooter?, rendered their
condition very critical. They uttered no word of complaint, but all — the
wounded and the well, bore their trials with the fortitude of martyrs. My
loss this day was very severe, especially in officers, as the official list will
show. We remained at our old camp in the woods until tho 19th, at four
o'clock P. M., when I was ordered by Colonel Gooding to go to the front
and relieve the Thirteenth Connecticut, who were supporting Bainbridf o
battery, which position we held until tlie surrender of Port Hudson, on the
8th of July. In closing this report, I would take occasion to speak of the
conduct of my Regiment during this protracted seige. Too much cannot be
said in praise of both officers and mon through all its trying scones in the
several engagements with which they were connected, and more especially on
the occasion of the assault of the 14th, when, with unfaltering courage they
pressed forward to the charge, having one-third of their number stricken
down. My line officers, without exception, were prompt in tho execution of
of my orders, and exhibited an enthusiasm and determination which inspired
and encouraged the men to bravo and gallant conduct, and testimony to this

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 89
fact is shown in the loss of Captain Taft, and Lieutenants Vose and Glover,
and the severe wounds of Captains Washburn, Stratton and Mudge.
Accompanying this, I hand you a list of casualties during the seige, in
their proper order of dates.
And have the honor to remain,
Very truly your ob't servant,
(Signed) JOHN W. KIMBALL,
Col. Fifty-Third Reg't Mass. Vols."

Port Hudson surrendered on the 9th of July, 1863, and on the same
day the Regiment was ordered on picket duty five miles in rear
of the town, remaining until the 11th, when it marched to Baton
Rouge. On the 15th it embarked for Donaldsonville, arriving the
same evening. Here it remained in camp, engaged in drill and
picket duty until August 2d, when it returned to Baton Rouge
and remained until the 12th, when it embarked on board steamer
Meteor, for Cairo, 111., thence to be forwarded by rail to Camp
Stevens, Massachusetts. It arrived at Cairo August 19th, and at
Fitchburg August 24th, where a public reception was given the
regiment, which was then furloughed one week, to report at Camp
Stevens" August 31st, at which place it was mustered out of the
service Sept. 2d, by Capt. J. R. Lawrence.

STATEMENT.

Original strength of Regiment,  950
Killed in battle, and died of wounds,    33
Died of disease  132
Discharged for disability,  53
Deserted  22 240
Mustered out,  710
It may be added that a very large number returned in a feeble
condition, and some fifteen or twenty died in a few days after
reaching home. The climate of Louisiana had told fearfully upon
the men. No regiment has ever left the State which lost so many
men by disease in the same length of time. Indeed, we think
12

90 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
it may he stated as a fact that no regiment from this State has
suffered more from disease during a three years term of service.
In closing the report of this Regiment, the writer would say
that if it is more minute than the records of the others, it is for
the reason that from his official connection with it, he is able to
give a more particular account of its career than of others ; and
the fact that two entire companies of it were contributed by this
town, wonld seem to justify a more extended history of its opera
tions. All that he claims for it is, that althQugh a Nine Months
Regiment, t was fully equal to any regiment which ever left
the State, and he only reiterates the oft-repeated remarks of the
Generals whose command it was under, when he says : " it ought
to have been a three years regiment."
The retrospection to him is a sad one, bringing up as it does
the trying scenes through which we passed, and the recollections
of the familiar forms and faces of dear friends now gone forever.
Their memories are embalmed in all our hearts. " Requiescent
in pace."

' HISTORY OF THE FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
On the 17th of October, 1863, the President issued his call
for three hundred thousand more men, to be furnished by draft
upon the enrolled men, if volunteers were not furnished before a
certain time. Our quota was found to be one hundred twenty
men. Experience had shown that the best method of filling"' our
quotas was to raise a company in town. Accordingly, the requi
site authority was obtained, and Captain Levi Lawrence was
designated to command it.
Recruits came very slowly, and it was not until the 1st of
February, that enough men had been procured to muster a Com
pany, and get ordered into camp.
Many public meetings were held. The first meeting we give
an account of below, taken from the Reveille:
" Recruiting at Fitchburg. — A preliminary meeting to make arrange
ments for filling the quota of this town was held last Saturday evening,
November 28th. Captain D. H. Merriam was called to the chair. Earnest
and patriotic speeches were made by Colonel John W. Kimball, Hon.
Alvah Crocker, Hale W. Page, Esq., and others, after which the meeting
adjourned to Monday evening of this week.
On Monday evening a full meeting of the citizens was called to order
at the Town Hall, by Wm. H. Vose, Esq., and Hon. Alvah Crocker,
on being elected to preside, addressed the assembly, urging the duty and
importance of prompt and enthusiastic action in response to the President's
call for men to aid our brothers in the field, and strike a final blow to
the rebellion. He was followed by Colonel J. W. Kimball, Rev. George
Trask, Rev. Mr. Hamilton, Lieut. W. A. Putnam, and others ; all calling
upon our citizens to do their utmost to respond to the liberal offers of
the National and State governments for recruits.
A rallying committee of fifty-eight was chosen to canvass the several
districts of the town."

92 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
This meeting appears to have had but little result, inasmuch as
recruiting was quite as dull after it as before. A large number
of our soldiers had just returned from one year's service, and the
hardships they had suffered were patent to all, and we fear- that
the tales of their experience deterred many from enlisting. It
was soon found that unusual efforts must be put forth. On the
26th of December another meeting was held, at which a bounty
of one hundred dollars per man was offered to every one who
would enlist. Subsequent to this, meetings were held every evening
for a fortnight, and some accessions were made to the ranks
nightly. These meetings were addressed by speakers from abroad,
as well as by our own citizens; also, by the soldiers themselves,
who had enlisted, and who made eloquent appeals to the young
men of the town to follow their examples. Our people were
thoroughly awake to the importance of furnishing the requisite
number of volunteers, before the impending draft should be upon us.
As evidence of the feeling~among some of our women, we sub
join the following letter published in the Reveille January 7th, 1864.

LETTER FROM " G. E. M."
"Fitchburg, Jan. 4, 1864.
Mr. Editor : I feel a strong desire to reach the ears of the people of
F., and see no other way but through the press. Will you allow these
thoughts a place in your paper? (that is if you deem them worthy.) Why
is it that we are so slow in obtaining enlistments ? Are there no patriots
here ? Shall we remain at ease while our government is ruined for want of
assistance ? Our brothers in the field are making fresh sacrifices upon their
country's altar, while we — Oh ! shame on us all ! If there is one spark of
patriotism felt in this town, let it kindle and spread, until there is sufficient
to raise the desired number of men.
True patriotism is not bought with money ; is not aroused by the firing
of cannon, the ringing of bells, nor the making of bravado speeches, but
by a cool, calm and deliberate consideration of our country's needs. Are
not these needs forgotten or dimly seen through the offers of bounty or
reward ? This should not be. Let us examine what are the demands of
our government, and then rise in our strength and meet them. Let us hear

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 93
no more flimsy excuses for not enlisting. ' My wife isn't willing, or I'd go,'
says one and another. I hope you never go anywhere she isn't willing.
Are we, then, my sisters, the holdbacks we are represented ? Then let us
rise and nobly do our part. Remember if we suffer in our country's cause,
we also share in her glory. Brothers,
' See ! our spangled banner waves
High above our brothers' graves !
Will ye then be coward slaves,
Unworthy to be free f '
Up ! and arm you for the fight !
Battle for your country's right I
Put the traitor foe to flight !
God will speed his cause."
At last the Company was made up, and left for camp at Worcester,
February 6th, 1864, and became a part of the Fifty-Seventh Regi
ment, of which the Colonel was the gallant William F. Bartlett,
formerly of the Forty-Ninth, who had already lost a leg and received
other severe wounds in Virginia and Lousiania.
We give below a list of nam3s of the members of this Company,
and the history of the Regiment from date of muster until discharge
of same.
ROLL OF COMPANY F, FIFTY-SEVENTH REG'T.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain— LEVI LAWRENCE, Fitehburg.
1st Lieut. — Charles Barker, Fitchburg.
2d Lieut. — Alfred 0. Hitchcock, Fitchburg.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.
sergeants. Dunn William S., Fitchburg.
Hastings John M., Fitehburg. Wil^inS Aaron' fitchburg,
Barnard Charles E., Worcester. J>a™ Freeman Lancaster
Sabin George F.,' Fitehburg. Nickerson A M. , Sheffield
Bartlett James F.', Fitchburg. Hannahan Edward, Milford.
Southey John, Fitchburg. PRIVATES.
corporals. Bartlett G. A., Fitchburg.
Bigelow Calvin A., Fitehburg. Beckwith Herbert D., Fitchburg.
Southwick Francis, Worcester. Babbett C. W., Fitchburg.

94

FITCHBURG IN ME REBELLION.

Fitchburg.

Baker John, Sutton.
Brigham O. A., Fitchburg.
Brown Robert, Fitchburg.
Brannon Patrick,
Burke John, Fitchburg
Barnes Charles W., Gardner.
Barnes W. F., Fitchburg.
Benson William G., Fitchburg.
Backant Joseph, Worcester.
Bishop A. J., Gill.
Clark Caleb, Fitchburg.
Classon Henry, Fitchburg.
Coughlin John, Fitchburg.
Costello Thomas F., Fitchburg.
Casey John, Fitchburg.
Changyou Joseph, Fitchburg.
Changyou William, Fitchburg.
Changyou Levi, Fitchburg.
Carey James, Fitchburg.
Crawford, John S., Sutton.
Carey Michael, Milford.
Dolan Timothy, Fitchburg.
Davis Oscar D.. Fitchburg.
Delany John, Fitchburg.
Derby Edward M., Fitchburg.
Daily Charles, Fitchburg.
Edgecomb George R., Fitchburg.
Farnsworth Rufus S . , Fitchburg.
Famsworth Joseph W., Fitchburg.
FarrelP Martin , Fitchburg.
Flagg Edwin A., Fitchburg.
Fuller Henry, Fitchburg.
Frost James M., Washington, Mass.
Gould Austin K., Fitchburg.
Gove Alfred E, Milford.
Goddard W. D., Koyalston.
Gardner Horace 0., Hancock.
Harris Michael. Longmeadow.
Hall Rodney, Fitchburg.
Henry George A., Fitchburg.

Hennessy John, Fitchburg.
Kielty Daniel, Fitchburg.
Lawless John, Fitchburg.
McDowell John, Fitchburg.
Mclntire Albion C, Fitchburg.
McSherry John, Greenfield.
McMaster George C, Sturbridge.
Miles Michael, Fitchburg.
McCarty Patrick, Fitchburg.
Maynard John P., Dudley.
Noune Stephen H., Fitchburg.
O'Donnell M., Fitchburg.
O'Brien Darby, Fitchburg.
Pine Edmund, Westfield.
Parks Fred W., Fitchburg.
Peabody William T., Fitehburg.
Ploof Louis, Northampton.
Partland Patrick, Fitchburg.
Ryan Charles, Adams.
Ryan Martin, Fitchburg.
Raymond Oren T., Fitchburg.
Richards James, Lee.
Roche Redmond, Dudley.
Sawyer Edgar F., Fitchburg.
Simmons W. T., Pittsfield.
Sriner Matthew, Northampton.
Sullivan John, Worcester.
Skye William, Fitchburg.
Sherman Edwin P., Adams.
Stevens A. W- , Fitchburg.
Stock Henry, Hancock.
Suchay Abraham, Spencer.
Sweet Daniel J., Williamstown.
Sheahan R. J., Worcester.
Truss James P., Longmeadow.
Vickery Charles W., Hancock.
Wetherbee W. S., Fitchburg.
Wilkins Henry A., Fitchburg.
Watts George, Fitchburg.

The Regiment left the State April 18th, 1864, for Annapolis,
Md., where it arrived April 20th, and joined the Ninth Army
Corps, making a short stop only, and thence marched to Washing
ton, where it arrived April 25th, and was immediately marched
towards the front. It arrived at Rappahannock Station May 3d.
On the 5th it crossed the Rapidan, and on the 6th was engaged

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 95
in the battle of the " Wilderness." It entered the fight with
twenty-four officers and five hundred twenty-ono enlisted men, and
was actively engaged one hour, losing in killed, wounded and
missing, two hundred fifty-one officers and men. Their brave Col.
Bartlett was again wounded in the head, and obliged to give up
the command. On the 12th of May, at '¦' Spottsylvania," the
Fifty-Seventh was again in action, and lost seventy-two officers
and men. On the 18th in a reconnoissance, the Regiment lost
seventeen more killed and wounded.
On the 19th the Regiment moved towards the North Anna
River, arriving May 24th, and was ordered to cross the sams
and advance, for the 'purpose of testing the strength of the enemy.
It was not a successful movement. The brigade having • moved
a half mile beyond the main line, was attacked on both flanks, and
having no support, was obliged to fall back in some disorder, the
Fifty-Seventh losing their Lieutenant Colonel and thirty-six enlisted
men, wounded and taken prisoners.
From this point the Regiment marched to " Coal Harbor,"
and was engaged in the various operations in that vicinity, and
thence marched to Petersburg, arriving there June 16th, 1884.
The Regiment remained in this neighborhood for several months,
and on the 30th of July, took part in the assault at the explosion
of the mine. The following account of its part in this affair i3
from the Official Records.
" In the charge which immediately followed the springing of the mine,
the regiment passed directly through the ruins of the fortifications into a cov
ered way cpnnecting with the fort, and running parallel with th9 front line
of the enemy's works. Arriving at this point, and receiving a severe front,
and right and left enfilading fire of musketry and artillery, and being much
disordered by the uneven nature of the ground, the line halted and erected
a slight work on the side of the way facing the enemy. Being ordered to
maintain this position, the troops remained firm, and resisted every attempt
of the enemy to dislodge them, until the charge and repulse of the Fourth
Division (colored) Ninth Corps. This division fell back in the greatest con
fusion, the troops seeking shelter in the covered way, already densely filled
by regiments of the First and Second Divisions. The repulse of the Fourth

96 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Division was immediately followed by a charge from the enemy, who advanced
his line to the brink of the covered way, delivering a heavy fire which added
to the confusion of the troops, then so crowded as to be unable to make use
of their fire-arms. At this period of the action the National standard of the
Fifty-Seventh was captured ; its guard and the greater portion of the left
wing of the Regiment going with it.
All attempts to rally the troops proved fruitless, the men falling back as
rapidly as the crowded condition of the passage would permit. The Regi
ment went in with officers, seven ; men, ninety-one. Six officers and forty-
five enlisted men were killed, wounded or missing, leaving the remnant
of the Regiment in command of First Lieut. Doty."
From this time until the 29th of September, the Regiment remained
in the vicinity of Petersburg, engaged in picket duty, &c. On the
30th it participated in the action of " Poplar Grove Church," num
bering at the time but sixty men present for duty. In this action
eight of these were lost.
On the 8th of October the Regiment moved with its Division
in a reconnoissance in force, being deployed as skirmishers. The
rebels were found in force, and orders were given to return to
camp. The casualties were fourteen killed and wounded. On the
26th the Fifty-Seventh took part in the movement against the
" South Side Railroad," and was engaged as skirmishers, losing but
one man. On the 28th it returned to camp, remaining until Nov.
30th, when it went into the trenches in front of Petersburg.
On the 9th of December the Fifty-Seventh joined in another
movement on the Weldon Railroad, marching some twenty miles
out to Hawkinsville, which place it reached December 12th.
Nothing of note occurred, and the return march was at once made.
This march was a very severe one. At one time the Regiment
was marched eighteen miles without a single halt.
The men suffered much from the severe cold, many of them
being frost-bitten. Upon its return it was again ordered to the
trenches where it remained through the year.
After the first of January, 1865, the Regiment laid in the lines
before Petersburg, occupied with the usual outpost and camp

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 97
duties, until the middle of February, when (with some other reg
iments,) it was ordered on a reconnoissan'ce towards Weldon. The
expedition was without any important result, but much suffering
was experienced by the troops during the same, owing to the in
tense cold.
On the 24th of March the Fifty-Seventh relieved the Fifty-
Ninth in the lines near Fort Steadman, and was engaged on the
25th, in the memorable repulse of Cordon's Corps, which inaugu
rated the closing scenes of the war. We extract an account of
the same from the official record of the Regiment.
" At 3 1-2 A. M., the enemy in strong force carried the works held by
the Fourteenth N. York Artillery, and flanked the line of the Fifty-Seventh,
who fell back from the works, skirmishing as they went, and earning for
themselves a proud record. Having at last reached a position which could
be held, they there remained until supported by some troops of the Pennsyl
vania Division, when the Fifty-Seventh led the advance in the charge from
that part of the field, and again entered their works in triumph, Sergeant
Major, afterward Lieutenant Pinkham, capturing, by singular poetic justice,
the flag of the Fifty-Seventh North Carolina."
From this time until the evacuation (April 3d,) constant demon
strations were made by both parties, but no general engagement was
brought on. On the 2d of April, the Regiment, with the rest of the
Brigade, was kept at work in a feigned attack upon that portion of
the works, and succeeded in keeping the enemy from re-enforcing at
other points on the line.
On the 3d of April, 1865, the Fifty-Seventh entered Petersburg,
and was ordered to guard the roads to Richmond and Chesterfield,
and on the 4th placed on similar duty upon the Boydtown and Cox's
roads, and was finally established at " Wilson's Station."
Soon after the assassination of the President, the Regiment was
ordered (with the Ninth Corps) to Washington, and placed on duty
near Tennallyfcown. From this time until August, when the Regiment
was mustered out, it remained in and about Washington, doing provost
13

98 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
duty at various important points. It was mustered out July 30th,
and at once proceeded to Readville, Mass., where it was paid off and
discharged August 9th.
And this closes its record. It was organized, it will be remem
bered, as a " Veteran " Regiment, a title which occasioned some
sneering at the time, for upon mustering the Regiment, it proved that
but a small proportion of the men were Veterans. But if the title
was miss-applied then, have they not earned it now ? Most assuredly
have they. All honor to the Veterans of the 'gallant Fifty-Seventh.
Their term of service was a short, (about fifteen months) but it was
indeed a bloody one.
As long as the " Wilderness," " Spottsylvania," " North Anna,"
" Coal Harbor," " Poplar Grove Church," " Hatcher's Run " and
"Petersburg" areremembered, so long will be remembered the
brilliant achievements of the Fifty-Seventh.

HISTORY OF COMPANY H, FOURTH HEAVY ARTILLERY.
The last company raised in Fitchburg during the war, was recruited
under the call of the President of July 18th, 1864, for one year
troops. Authority was given to raise a company of one year men
for Heavy Artillery service. The large bounty offered, Two Hundred
Dollars ; the short term of service, and the prospect of a close of the
war in a few months, were sufficient to speedily fill up the company
with a splendid body of young men, a large proportion of whom had
seen service in the nine months and three year regiments.
The Company was organized by the choice -of E. T. Hayward,
Captain ; J. Henry Richardson, 1st Lieut., and Samuel A. Taylor as
2d Lieut. It left Fitchburg for Readville, August 15th, and left the
State for Washington September 13th. There, with various other
unattached companies, it was consolidated as the Fourth Heavy
Artillery Regiment. The duty assigned to this Regiment was to
garrison various forts on the Virginia side of the Potomac. This
Company occupied for the greater portion of the time " Battery
Garasche," where the men were drilled both in Artillery and Infantry
practice. The Company was most comfortably situated, living in commodious
barracks, well fed, and nothing to complain of but " too much quiet."
Of course the year's record so far as they were concerned was an
uneventful one. Suffice it to say, that they did promptly and faith
fully all they were ordered to do, and were much praised for their
good drill and soldier-like conduct. The Regiment was mustered
out of service June 17th, 1865, at Readville.
The following is a list of names of those composing Company H,
of Fitchburg :

100

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

ROLL OF 24tu UNATTACHED COMP'Y HEAVY ARTILLERY,
Afterwards Company H, Fourth Reg't H. A.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain— EBEN T. HAYWARD, Fitehburg.
1st Lieut. — J. Henry Richardson, Fitehburg.
2d Lieut. — Samuel A. Taylor, Ashburnham.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.

SERGEANTS.
Rockwood George W., Fitehburg.
Wheeler Asahel, Ashburnham.
Clark James E., Fitehburg.
Page Seldon, Leominster.
Spencer Edward H., Fitehburg.
CORPORALS.
Brown Cyrus, Fitchburg.
Lawrence Ivers W., Fitchburg.
Waters Silas C, Fitchburg.
Gibson Artemas A., Fitchburg.
Lesure Thomas G., Fitchburg.
Chase Alvin B., Fitchburg.
Foster Waldo A., Leominster.
Polley Frank W., Leominster.
PRIVATES.
Ackley Edward W., Fitehburg.
Aldrich Frank S., Fitchburg.
Allen Charles W., Ashburnham.
Atherton Frank O., Leominster.
Baker Henry, Fitehburg.
Barrell Elmer C, Fitehburg.
Bemis Joseph C, Fitchburg.
Bolton Alonzo D., Westminster.
Babbitt Caleb H., Fitchburg.
Bigelow Charles D., Sterling.
Bigelow George E., Sterling.
Brown John A., Townsend.
Breed Isaac T., Ashburnham.
Barber Vernal, Townsend.
Butler Eh Henry, Hubbardston.
Chase George H, Leominster.
Chapman Samuel L., Sterling.
Cook Lucius M., Leominster.
Cook Joel S., Townsend.
Caswell Ahnon, Fitchburg.

Caswell Herbert C, Fitchburg.
Chase Andrew, Fitchburg.
Coolidge Louis W., Fitchburg.
Cushing Sewell G., Fitehburg.
Cushing Charles S., Fitehburg.
Davis George A., Fitehburg.
Davis Edwin J., Fitchburg.
Davis Charles H., Fitehburg.
Dodge Wooster F., Leominster.
Dudley Stephen W., Fitchburg.
Davis Martin V. B., Ashburnham.
Ellis George H., Townsend.
Elliot George P., Mason, N, H.
Earle Edward 0., Fitchburg.
Eaton John, Ashburnham.
French Andrew J., Leominster.
Follansbee Frank F., Leominster.
Farrego James, Ashburnham.
Fessenden Albert H., Townsend.
Frost Sumner M., Leominster.
French George A., Fitchburg.
Fortin David, Fitchburg.
Freeman Charles N., Fitchburg.
Fuller Marshall R., Fitehburg.
Gale Darius M., Fitchburg.
Garfield Warren, Fitehburg.
Green Marshall D. E., Fitchburg.
Greenwood Theodore, Ashburnham.
Griswold Albert, Fitehburg.
Gunnison Horace A., Fitchburg.
Goodnow William F., Princeton.
Gibson Lemuel W., Fitehburg.
Gibson Daniel 0., Fitchburg.
Gates Christopher, Townsend.
Hildreth Henry B., Townsend.
Hildreth John L., Townsend.
Hammond Frederick, Ashburnham.
Heywood Albert L., Lunenburg.
Hodgeman Freeman L., Mason.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

101

Howe Leroy A., Ashburnham.
Harrington John N., Fitchburg.
Hayward Charles F., Fitehburg.
Herrick Noyes B., Fitehburg.
Hosmer Samuel, Fitehburg.
Hosmer Stephen C, Fitehburg.
Hughes Richard, Fitchburg.
Jewett George C, Lunenburg
Johnson Charles H., Fitchburg.
Jordan John S., Fitehburg.
Jaquith Charles B., Ashburnham.
Jackman Noah G., Ashburnham.
Knapp John, Fitchburg.
Kendall George W., Leominster.
Lane Lowell S., Ashburnham.
Lovejoy Augustus, Townsend.
Lesure Henry A., Fitchburg.
Liteh Charles C, Fitehburg.
Livermore Thomas, Fitchburg.
Lovewell Lyman S., Fitchburg.
Mack John, Fitehburg.
Marsh Palmer A., Fitchburg.
McCoy John, Fitehburg.
Melinday James A., Fitchburg.
Morrison James, Fitehburg.
Mills Hamilton A., Fitchburg,
Morse Harrison A., Leominster.
Morse William G., Fitehburg.
Neat William R., Lunenburg.
Parker Munroe R., Townsend.
Parker Alden W. , Fitehburg.
Parkhurst James H., Fitchburg..
Payne George A. Fitchburg.

Polley George A., Leominster.
Priest Willard, Fitchburg.
Proctor Clarence D., Fitehburg.
Putnam Fred A., Fitchburg.
Ray Jason A., Westminster.
Reynolds Julius F., Fitchburg.
Bockwood Charles H., Fitehburg.
Rugg Jacob, Leominster.
Sanderson Martin, Leominster.
Sawin Daniel W., Leominster.
Sloan Samuel, Townsend.
Spaulding Benjamin B., Townsend.
Seaver Isaac 3d, Westminster.
Smith William H., Ashburnham.
Stafford Edward, Fitchburg.
Taylor Henry, Fitchburg.
Underwood George H., Fitchburg.
Webber Amos A., Fitchburg.
Wheeler Henry M., Fitehburg.
Whitcomb Gilman W., Fitchburg.
Whitman Waldo, Fitchburg.
Whitney George 0., Ashburnham.
Whitney Joseph H, Ashburnham.
Willard Joseph M., Leominster.
Winch William J., Fitehburg.
Woolson Isaac M , Fitchburg.
Whitney William B., Leominster.
Wheeler E. O., Jr., Ashburnham.
Wilder Oliver D., Ashburnham.
Wright Elbridge A., Townsend.
Wilder Frederick A., Lunenburg.
Yott Charles, Fitchburg.

THE CALL FOR THREE MONTHS TROOPS.
1862,
In the latter part of May, 1862, occurred the famous retreat of
General Banks down the Shenandoah Valley. The defeat of this
army, and the advance of the rebels towards Washington occa
sioned great alarm for the safety of- the Capital. The President
issued a call to the Governors of the loyal States to send forward
immediately to Washington, all the three months troops they could
spare. At that time both the " Fusiliers" and " Guards" had
efficient organizations, and were ready to respond in any sudden
emergency. Governor Andrew's call upon the Militia was issued
on Monday morning, May 26th, and reached our town about eight
o'clock. All was excitement and activity. Captains Miles and
Barker at once gave orders to their companies to assemble at
their armories ready to proceed to Boston in obedience to the
orders of the Commander-in-Chief. The men responded very
promptly, and in course of the afternoon, both companies were
ready to march ; the Fusiliers with sixty-six guns, and the Guards
with fifty-eight.
At five o'clock both companies took their departure for Boston
amid the greatest enthusiasm of the crowds assembled to give them
a parting woid and a hearty cheer.
Among the incidents of this exciting day, may be mentioned the
fact that when the order of Captain Miles reached the shop of
Whitman & Miles (of which firm the Captain was a member,)
fifteen men dropped their tools and stepped forth to join the ranks
of the "Fusiliers," and the firm, not at all disturbed at this whole
sale reduction of their " available force," at once gave another

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 103
proof of their patriotism by presenting ten dollars to each of the
fifteen. These troops arrived in Boston the same evening, and with
the other companies from Worcester North, were quartered in
Fanueil Hall. Here they remained two nights, expecting every
moment to start for the " seat of war."
But the scare at Washington was soon over, and the Governor
was telegraphed that the troops need not come forward, as the
emergency had passed. The troops were therefore ordered to their
homes, and our two companies came back in grand style during
the afternoon of Wednesday. After parading the streets together,
and going through a dress parade in battalion, under Captain
Barker, they were treated to a collation by the citizens, and then
dismissed, feeling that though their campaign had been a short one,
it was not without result. It cannot be denied that both officers
and men deserve much credit for the promptitude with which
they rallied in obedience to orders, fully expecting that they
would be wanted for three months, and with a fair prospect of
being called into battle. All honor to them. To many it was
their only march in the whole course of the war ; but to a major
ity of them it was only preparatory to longer and sterner service.
The occasion and its results showed what we could do in a
sudden emergency, and also, demonstrated the advantages of keep
ing our Militia thoroughly organized at all times.
We give the lists of these two companies, believing that it is
due to the men who so promptly rallied to this sudden call, that
their names should go upon record.

104

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

ROLL OF COMPANY B, OLD NINTH REGINENT M. V. M.

1st Lieut.-

COMMISSIONED OEBTCEKS. "
Captain— EUGENE T. MILES.
-George G. Nutting. 2d Lieut. — D. W. Tuttle.

Atherton E. D.,
Atherton Geo. R.,
Bailey Geo. H.,
Brewer James H., Jr.,
Bickford Chas.
Brown Jos. W.,
Bowen Peer M.,
Bruce John F.,
Chaney Wm. B.,
Churchill Horace M.
Chase Jos. W.,
Chase Winslow 0.,
Carleton Merrill,
Conner P. C,
Dailey James,
Dinneen Patrick,
Eaton Wm. H.,
Estabrook Jos. D.,
Emory Edward F.,
Farrar Eph. E.,
Farrar Frank F. ,
Farnham Renselear,
Farnsworth Marshall G.

BISriISTED MEN.
Farwell Edward P.
Glines Augustus M.,
Green Andrew J.,
Hayward H. Porter,
Heselan James,
Hartshorn Frank G.,
Hollingsworth Byron,
Harrington Cornelius,
Keyes Geo. E.,
Kendall Gilbert B ,
Knowles Frank W.,
Kempton Alphonso,
Livermore Ozro J.,
McMaster Levi,
McMahan Edward,
MeNear Louis D.,
Noonan Michael,
Palmer Frank L.,
Putnam John L.,
Putnam Chas. F.,
Putnam Marshall,
Putnam Cyrus,
Parkhurst Boardman,

Pierce George,
Powers Albert J.,
Pratt Charles E.,
Russell Charles F.,
Ruggles Gould G.,
Sweeney Chas. H,
Stuart Chas. W.,
Spencer Edward H.,
Spaulding Josiah,
Spaulding George,
Sullivan John,
Tourtellott Albert D.,
Taft Jerome K.,
Tufts Joseph A.,
Upton T. C.,
Woodbury Oscar F. ,
Wheeler John A. ,
Wheeler Horace E.,
Wheeler Chas. H.,
Wyman Chas. H.,
Waters Silas C,
Wetherbee Aaron F.,
Woolridge Wm.,

ROLL OF COMPANY E, OLD NINTH REGIMENT M. V. M.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain— JONAS COREY.
1st Lieut. — Henry A. Hatch. 2d Lieut. — George L. Chipman.

Battles Nathan L.,
Battles Oscar A.,
Browning Silas W.,
Babbitt Willard N,
Bou telle Warren P.,
Battles Fred. C,
Bliss Garfield,

ENLISTED MEN.
Barber Chas. S.,
Cochran N. I.,
Davis John E.,
Davis George W.,
Davis Oscar D.,
Davis Jona. D.,
Drake Jason W;,

Dunn John W.,
Dempsey John C,
Farnsworth Lucius B.,
Flynn Jeremiah,
Goodrich Herbert D.,
Goodrich Harrison,
Hitchcock Joseph,

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

105

Harding John C,
Harding Jabez I.,
Haskell H. N.,
Henshaw Edward,
Jaquith Levi L.,
Lamb Levi L.,
Lovewell Sewall K.,
Leonard Elbridge G.,
Litch Chas. C,
Lailan Lewis,
Marble Stephen J.,
Mecorney John L.,
Minot Augustus,

Marshall George E.,
Morgan John L.,
Mack George W.,
Marshall Benj. F.,
McDuffie Stephen,
May Nathaniel,
Mansfield Geo. F..
Nutting John Q. A.,
Patch Ebenezer,
Phelps Chas.
Partridge Harlan P.,
Spooner Solon W.,
Stevens Samuel,

Smith Rufus H.,
Starkey Calvin,
Shiner Wm. H.,
Sawin Harrison P.,
Tucker Richard,
Underwood Wm. W.:
Virgil Daniel,
Vaughn Orlando S.,
Wiley Benj. K.,
Whitney Alonzo,
Wilson Carlos B.

14

HISTORY OF THE DRAFT.
The Spring and Summer of 1863 was a dull season for recruit
ing. The country had passed through two years of war ; terrible
battles had been fought; many .precious fives sacrificed, and we
had really made but little progress in conquering the rebellion.
Congress had passed an act providing for a draft from the enrolled
men of the country, for the purpose of filling up the depleted ranks
of our armies. Meanwhile, the President had issued his call for
another large levy of troops, to be filled by a draft on the 1st of
July, if the volunteers were not forthcoming before that time. But
little interest was manifested in filling quotas, as the provisions of
the conscription act were such that any man drafted could be ex
empt from service by furnishing a substitute or paying three hund
red dollars. As the time for drafting approached, there was much
excitement on account of fear that there might be an outbreak in
opposition to the same by those liable under the act, which did
actually occur in New York and other cities, as many of our read
ers will sadly recollect. To guard against anything of this nature,
in this town, a special police was appointed, and the town was
regularly patroled for several nights. The day appointed for draft
ing from the enrolled list of Fitchburg, at last came, July 17th,
1863. Our quota was 241 men, and the following are the names
of those drawn, giving a statement of those exempted,, those who
furnished substitutes, and paid commutation. But four who were
drafted, were forced to serve. Their names are William Sawtell
Chas. H. Brown, 2d, Frank N. P. Jones, John Downes. The
first two named died from disease contracted in the service. We

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 107
know not what became of the others. The result of the draft here,
as elsewhere, was a failure, so far as filling up the armies was
concerned. The causes of exemption were so numerous that few
men were accepted. The result in this town, as the list which fol
lows will show, may be briefly stated :
Whole • number drafted,  241
Furnished substitutes  28
Paid commutation ,  14
Gave personal service,  4
Failed to report  14
Exempted for disability,  95
" '' other causes,  86
THE DRAFT OF 1863.
ACCEPTED AND SERVED IN PERSON:
Frank N. P. Jones, John Downes,
William Sawtell, Charles H. Brown, 2d.
FURNISHED SUBSTITUTES.
Hiram A. Blood, Charles H. Keyes,
John Burney, Orrin Littlefield,
Henry P. Boutelle, Frank L. Palmer,
Silas Conant, Elbridge G. Stanley,
Josiah T. Colley, Daniel Sullivan,
Howard T. Clark, John M. Stearns,
L. Horace Dunnell, Joseph A. Tufts,
Charles Derby, Jr., Henry Thrasher,
Sewell Foster, George H. Taylor,
Nathan L. Gee, Daniel B. Whittier.
Eugene H. Hayward, George W. Weston,
Joseph Haskell, Jr., Joseph W. Worcester,
Emerson W. Harris, Russell S. Waters,
Samuel Hadley, John M. Whitney, 2d.
PAID.' COMMUTATION.
Lorenzo D. Warren, Jeremiah Greenwood, Jr.
Homer Thrasher, Hiram D. Fletcher,
Fred W. Smith, George W. Frost,
Edwin H. Smith, Charles L. Fairbanks,
Frank H. Snow, Uriah^E. Cleaveland,
Francis S. Oxford, David S. Barnes,
Hiram S. Miller, William Andrews.

108

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

EXEMPTIONS FOR VARIOUS'-CAUSES.

Charles W. Bellows, Only son of a
widow, liable to military duty.
Daniel N. Bardeen,
John May, "
William Moran, "
Willard I. Miller,
John Shea, "
John Silk,
Francis A. Smith,
Melvin L. Crane, Only son of aged
or infirm parents.
Calvin C. Gott,
John O'Brien,
Edward Turpin, "
Joseph F. White,
Porter G. Barton, Father of moth
erless children under twelve
years of age.
William L. Bullock,
Charles F. Arnold, Ik service Zdof
March, 1863.
Fred. H. Battles,
Richard Hughes, "
William H. Hayden,
Granville C. Hosmer, '•
Joel K. Hosmer, "
Asa S. Jaquith,
Horace E. Jennison, "
Azro B. Jaquith, "
George W. Kinsman, "
Miehael McCarty,
James Noonan, "
Frank Scott,
George M. Smith. "
0. E. Skinner,
Benjamin Watson, "
Edward Balien, Alien.
Francis Braddish. "
John Conlin, ¦'
Timothy Cahill, "
William Corliss, "
Martin Carey, "
James Callahan, "
Dennis Carey, "
John Dineen, "

Levi Dudley, Alien..
David Fitzgerald, "
Charles Flynn, .
James Gray, "
James Hurley,
Owen Hurlpin, "
Henry Jackson, 2d,
William Kenworthy,
Timothy Leary,
Michael Murphy, "
Owen M'Ardle, "
Thomas McQuinn,
James Morean,
William Mehan, "
John Moran, 2d, ' "
Daniel Noonan,
Daniel Noonan. 2d, "
Daniel O'Connor,
John O'Brien, 1st,
Patrick O'Donnel,
Miehael O'Brien,
Lemure Pierre,
Thomas Quigley,
Michael Quigley, "
William ^Robinson,
Alexander Rieal,
Arthur Roach,
Patrick Shinen,
John Steinback,
James Shea, "
John Wilmot,
Charles 0. Andrews, Non-resident.
Edward P. Coleman, "
William F. Osgood, "
E. W.JPerkins,
Henry W. Stearns, "
Augustus W. Joslin, Over 35, and
married.
Michael Honan, "
Edward Foley,
Henry Classon, "
George Boyle, "
Edwin Blake,
Michael Norton, Bead.
John Clark, Enlisted before draft.

FITOHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

109

EXEMPTIONS FOR DISABILITY.

Henry Allison,
Charles A. Bateman,
Charles W. Baldwin,
Otis Brigham,
Edwin S, Burnap,
Joseph Bigelow,
George F. Battles,
Benjamin F. Bailey,
Harvey C. Browning,
Jonathan H. Barbour,
Thomas Bailey,
Franklin W. Babeock,
Moses L. Clark,
John Choate,
Harvey A. Crehore,
Thomas Costello,
Edmond T. Carter,
George A. Cozzens,
John E. Davis,
Albert A. Deane,
Edward B. Dole,
Sherburne S. Dow,
William C. Emory,
Walter A. Eames,
Edwin A. Eaton,
Sidney P. Emory,
Daniel L. Fletcher,
Francis Fullum,
Ezra R. Farrar,
Henry Fuller,
George B. Fisk,
Daniel P. Gladding,
Josiah R. Goddard,
George S. Gibson,
James Goodrich,
J. Myron Goddard,
George L. Green,
Hosea Hadley,
Henry W. Houghton,
Eben T. Hayward,
Nathan B. Hadley,
Jared M. Heard,
David Hartwell,
George P. Hildreth,
Joseph Jones,
John S. Jordan,
Newell A. Jenne,
George P. King,

William Kelley,
George B. Knowlton,
George S. King,
Leonard L. Leland,
Albert Lee,
Sewell R. Lovewell,
0. J. Livermore,
Lowell N, Moulton,
Livy McMaster,
James A.- Miller,
Daniel Morrill,
George F. Maynard, 2d,
D. H. Merriam,
Josephus C. Nourse,
John Ogden,
John O'Donnell,
Michael O'Donnell,
William O'Hara,
Abner W. Pollard,
James W. Pollock,
John L. Putnam,
Jerome D. Place,
Levi W. RusseU,
Silas Ruggles,
George W. Rice,
James H. Rogers,
Franklin L. Ruggles,
Orlando Remington,
Calvin L. Stockwell,
George F. Sylvester,
Henry A. Spooner,
Henry F. Smith,
Elijah G. Spaulding,
Irving W. Stockwell,
Elmer Southic,
Charles R. Sawyer,
O. P. Spurr,
Daniel Stearns,
C. C. Stratton,
John M. Tyler,
Charles H. Whittemore,
George Willard,
Lyman J. Wood,
Alonzo Withington,
Augustus N. Wiley,
Lewis N. Wilbur,
John A. Wheeler.

110 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

THE FOLLOWING FAILED TO REPORT:
John Foley, George H. Stark,
Michael Clifford, Victor Dell,
Henry P. Hill, George Cowee,
Wm. Boyden, John Clark,
Patrick O'Brien, George Searles,
Chas. W. Record, Daniel Whalon,
John H Goulding, Edward Boyle.

THE DRAFT OF 1864.
In the summer of 1864, another draft was ordered, to supply
deficiencies in the quotas up to that date. Fitchburg was sixteen
behind, and a draft was made for that number.
We give below a list of those drawn at that time, designating those
accepted who were obliged to serve personally or furnish substitutes,
as the provision for paying three hundred dollars in lieu of service
had been repealed. To obtain these sixteen, four different drafts
were made of twenty-two names at each drawing, there being eighty-
eight names drawn in all, only sixteen of which proved to be accepta
ble recruits. These drafts took place at intervals of a fortnight, and
although the number required was small, it was sufficient to keep the
enrolled men on the " tip-toe of expectation," and served to swell
the fist of " Representative Substitutes," of which more hereafter.
LIST OF DRAFTED MEN.
Charles S. Farrar, Furnished sub. Chas. H. B. Snow, Furnished sub.
Cyrus D. Blanchard, " Charles T. Crocker,
William A. Foster, " Otis T. Ruggles,
George P. Howland, " Charles A. Goodrich, "
Leonard Hartwell, " George F. Hudson, "
Lowell M. Miles, " Porter G. Barton,
John Mack, " John Delaney, 2d, Not accepted.
Charles Arnold, " W. J. Hollingsworth, "
Calvin Wallace, " Enoch P. Young,
Harrison Upton, " Eugene Flaherty, "
Anson L Marshall, " Michael Delaney, "

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

Ill

John McCarty,
George Wilmott,
Orrin A. Skinner,
Celestine Benettie,
Charles H. Reed,
Thomas Fitzgerald,
Henry F. Colburne,
Jerry Murphy,
Martin Farrell,
Henry P. Nichols,
William John Dana,
Augustine D. Waymoth,
William L. Eager,
William Boyden,
J. J. Harnden,
William K. Fletcher,
Joseph Farrar,
Thomas Conner,
Jonas Whitney,
William M. Whitney,
J. Sumner Kinsman,
Jerry Donovan,
Thomas Leary,
James M. Woodbury,
Terrance Haverty,
German F. Ware,
Henry S. Sheldon,
Eben F. Bailey,
Lysander Andrews,
Jerry O'Hearn,
Jonas A. Cutting,
Aaron Wilkins,
Levi H. Richardson,

Not accepted. Francis E. Williams, Not accepted.
Charles W. Bellows,
Frank Safford,
Edward Connors, "
Samuel Carter, 2d,
E. H. Cate,
F. L. Ruggles, "
Lucius B. Farnsworth, "
George R Edgecomb, "
Benjamin Cragin, "
George P. Bennett, "
Rufus G. Farnsworth, "
Daniel Kielty,
Howard Marble, "
Frank Sloan,
' Jacob H. Fairbanks,
W. H. Jewett,
Hosea W. Flagg,
' John Flynn,
Joseph Haselum, "
Peter Boutee,
Patrick Lahey, "
J. C. Moulton,
Michael Donovan, "
E. S. Chipman,
C. W. Rockford,
Jared Whitman Jr., "
John Drewery, "
Thomas Kenney, "
William Hanna, "
Charles F. Sylvester, "
' Francis R. Billings, "
Edward A. Brown, In service.

SUBSTITUTES FOR " ENROLLED MEN."
Pending the draft of 1864 an arrangement was made by which
any person liable to military service could, in anticipation of the
draft, put in for himself a substitute. Thirty-six of our citizens
availed themselves of this privilege, at an expense of from five to
seven hundred dollars each. They thus added men to the ranks, and
by so doing, also reduced our quota to that extent, and it seems
proper that they should have due credit for the same. We think that,
as a matter closely connected with the history of the " draft," their

112 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
names should be recorded. We therefore give them below, and also
the names and reputed residences of their respective substitutes.
For this list, and other favors, we are indebted to Captain D. H.
Merriam, late Provost Marshal of the Ninth District.
Names of Enrolled Men. Names of Substitutes. Residence.
Eugene T. Miles,  Charles S. Granger  Canada.
Charles H. Wood,  George Jimmesson,  Canada.
George F. Vose,  John J. Ellis,  Canada.
Henry F. Coggshall  George Wilson,  Virginia.
George F. Fay,  Edward Gill,  Ireland.
Samuel^E. Crocker,  George Chapman  Canada.
Francis Sheldon,  George Duncan  Canada.
J. F. D. Garfield,  John Kelley  Canada. ¦
Ezekiel Davis,  Chicken Big Fire  Canada.
Samnel D . Sheldon ,  William Big Fire,  Canada.
Henry Jackson,  James Upshur  Kentucky.
ElliotjN. Choate,  John O'Brien  Boston.
George E. To wne  John Burns  England.
Joseph E. Manning  Michael White,  New Brunswick.
Thornton K. Ware  H. Michael Husband, ... New Brunswick.
John Q. Wright  Patrick Farmer,  Ireland.
Edwin A. Goodrich  Charles Baner  Franee.
Isaac C. Wright  Peter Masson  France.
Edward 0. Marston  Daniel McDonald  Canada.
Aaron F. Whitney,  John Pearson,  Canada.
James F. Stiles,  Andrew Jones  Virginia.
Thomas F. Simonds  Jacob Stone  Sweden.
John J. Piper  John H Lee  Virginia.
G eorge A . Torrey  Francis Foster  New Brunswick.
Charles J.' Billing*  James Nottaway  Canada.
Leander Sprague,  William Russell  Canada.
Edwin D. Atherton,  Thomas McKenzie,  Scotland.
Joseph E Derby  George1 W. W'aldren,  Canada.
Sullivan W. Huntley, ... John F. Remington,  England.
Everett WT. Bigelow  Joseph Thompson  Florida.
Lyman Patch,  John Allen/  Canada.
David Hartwell,  Joseph Gill,  Canada.
Willard N. Ross  Jale Mortel  Canada.
Albert D. Tourtcllot  George H. Edgerlley, ... New Brunswick.
Robert L. Goddard  Andrew J. Rider,  New Brunswick.
Charles P. Connor,  Henry Moonshine,  Germany.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 113
REPRESENTATIVE RECRUITS.
During the year 1864, Massachusetts, and some of the other
loyal States, sent recruiting agents into the Southern States, at
points occupied by our forces, for the purpose of enlisting negroes.
The recruits thus obtained were apportioned among the various
towns of the State, and thirteen were credited in our quota. Their
names will be found in the roll at the end of this volume. An arrange
ment was also made by which any person who was not liable to
draft by reason of age or otherwise, could deposit with the Treas
urer of the Commonwealth $125, and have secured to him what
was called a " Representative Recruit." But one individual in this
town availed himself of this privilege. Hon. Moses Wood has the
honor of being the man, and the name of his " sable volunteer "
is Alfred Sawyer. We doubt not he did good service.
15

RELIEF TO SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
As the recent war was conducted upon a scale altogether un
paralleled in the magnitude of its operations, so were the enter
prises which were organized and carried on to mitigate its woes
and alleviate its sufferings, conimensurate with it. Government itself
spared no pains or expense to provide for the comfort of the sick
and wounded, and the histories of the magnificent contributions of
the loyal people, and the operations of those beneficent organiza
tions, the " Sanitary " and " Christian " Commissions, will be the
wonder of succeeding generations. Besides these, every city and
town had their local " Soldiers' Relief" Associations, which were
active through the whole war, in rendering comfort to the sol
diers and their families.
Fitchburg was in no wise behind her neighbors. While our
brave boys were fighting the battles of their country upon distant
fields, their welfare and comfort, as well as that of their families
at home, became the object of the most tender solicitude of our
citizens. The record of their various benevolent enterprises forms a most
interesting chapter in our history.
Of the numerous public movements in this direction, we propose
to give as full an account as possible. Of the unnumbered and
unnoted private offerings of the patriotic mothers and sisters and
friends of the soldier, who can make an estimate ? They are re
corded, but not here.
We have seen that immediately upon the breaking out' of the
rebellion, the town voted a large sum for the equipment of our

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 115
Soldiers, and for the benefit of their families. At the first Annual
Town Meeting thereafter, April, 1862, the following vote was
passed :
Voted, That the Selectmen be authorized to pay for the support of the
families of Volunteers such sums as they think their circumstances require.
This was repeated each year thereafter, and was in addition to
the " State Aid " which was authorized by the Legislature to be
paid by towns, and which was often found inadequate for the
wants of some of the families of soldiers. So much for the town
in its corporate capacity. We shall now speak of the various Re
lief Organizations, commencing with an account of the " Ladies'
Soldiers' Aid Society." For the following account of the doings
of this organization, we are indebted to the kindness of Mrs.
Stephen Shepley, who cheerfully complied with a request to fur
nish the same, and for which she has our grateful acknowledge
ments.
HISTORY OF THE LADIES' SOLDIERS AID SOCIETY.
When the war had assumed such proportions that the magnitude
of the struggle in which the country was engaged began to be realized,
it was evident that it must enlist not only the sympathy but the active
co-operation of all classes in community.
And while the land everywhere resounded to the tread of muster
ing regiments and the din of warlike preparation, and men turned
self-sacrificingly from the unfinished work of farm, and shop, and
store and office — women felt they could not idly look on; that there
was work and place for them in the " uprising of a great people "
against treason and oppression and for humanity and equal rights.
Delicate women in thronged towns, and hard-worked women on lonely
hill-sides, every pulse astir with love of country, moved by a common
impulse, silently but earnestly banded themselves together in organiza
tions, whose object was to soften as far as might be the untold hard
ship of soldier-life.

116 FITCHBURG IN THB REBELLION.
This was not all — women did more than this, and we approach with
reverent feet, the thought of the uncounted households where mothers
and wives, with unresting hands and hearts broken, but for the high,
strong purpose that nerved them, made ready their loved ones, and
saw them go out and away to war and all its terrible possibilities ; and
as we think of them sitting by desolate firesides, bearing through weary
months a burden of sickening suspense, or the alternations of hope
and fear over conflicting rumors, or the agony of certain bereavement,
the most splendid heroism of the war seems not more heroic than the
silent endurance ,pf these. In every soldier-grave is buried not only
the valor of man, but the devotion and self-sacrifice of woman.
Those of our own town were no exception to others in their endeavor
to inspire the soldier on the battle-field with the truest moral bravery —
in the tedious monotony of camp-life with hope and patience, by their
unwavering sympathy and appreciation ; and when sick and in prison,
causing their alleviating ministries to reach, and remedy in some wise,
the suffering incident to the situation.
With the enlisting of the first Fitchburg men, the labors of the
Fitchburg women began. They prepared and sent to the soldiers in
camp such things as would best contribute to their comfort, and by
frequent visits, made them feel they were not to be forgotten while
away doing .the strange work of war, but that home-care and affec
tion would still and ever be exerted to the utmost for their well-being,
wherever the chances of war might lead them.
That greater method and efficiency might be secured, the formation
of a society was decided upon, and at a meeting held for that pur
pose, Sept. 16th, 1861, the organization known through the period of
the war as the " Soldiers Aid Society," was formed.
The various religious societies were largely represented, and indeed
the association included nearly all who were of an age to help on the
needful work. The better to regulate their operations, a Constitution,
framed by a committee consisting of Mrs. A. Emerson, Mrs. A. F.
Adams and Mrs. C. Tolman, was adopted by a vote of the Society.

FITCHBURG IN THB REBELLION. 117
CONSTITUTION.
Art. 1. This association shall be called " The Ladies' Soldiers Aid
Society. "
Art. 2. The object of the Society shall be to furnish .to the Soldiers
engaged in the present war of our country such aid as may be in our power.
Art. 3. The officers of the Society shall be a President, Vice-President,
Secretary, Treasurer and twelve Directresses.
Art. 4. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at the meetings
and to perform the duties that naturally fall to the office. In her absence
these duties shall devolve upon the Vice-President. It shall be the duty of
the Secretary to find a suitable place for the meetings of the Society, to
notify the same, to keep a record of them, and if necessary, learn by corres
pondence the actual wants of the Soldiers. It shall be the duty of the
Treasurer to receive the funds of the Society, and to keep an account of all
the receipts and expenditures. It shall be the duty of the Directresses to
make the purchases and prepare the work for the Society.
Art. 5. The meetings may be called at the discretion of the President,
or at the request of six members of the Committee.
Art. 6. Any lady may become a member of the Society by the payment
of twenty-five cents.
Agreeably to article third of the Constitution a board of officers
was chosen for the ensuing year, consisting of
Mrs. E. TORREY, President. Mrs. A. NORCROSS, Secretary.
Mrs. N. A. TUETS, Vice-President. ' Miss M. A. BROOKS, Treasurer.
DIRECTRESSES.
Mrs. L. H. BRADFORD, Mrs. B. LYON,
Mrs. E. UPTON, Mrs. B. SNOW, Jr.,
Mrs. J. UPTON, Mrs. H. M. LOUD,
Mrs. N. STONE, Mrs. E. BUTTRICK,
Mrs. W. KIMBALL, Mrs. J. B. PROCTOR,
Mrs. K. HARWOOD, Mrs. H. SIBLEY.

The money received for memberships and for the annual assess
ments thereon, was used in the purchase of material with which to
work, and the funds of the Society were most opportunely replenished
from time to time, by donations from private individuals, and from
local organizations. The churches aided its support by their con-

118 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
tributions, and generous sums were placed at its disposal by the
Dramatic Club, the Musical Association, the Relief Committee ; and
the " Old Folks at home," too old to learn war themselves, sang
their ancient melodies in concert, giving the proceeds in aid of
the boys who were giving the strength of their youth to country.
It is not proposed in this sketch, necessarily brief, to enter into
a detailed account of the Society. All that is aimed at, is to con
vey a general idea of its plans and their accomplishment. In no
better way can this be done than by giving some of the letters
of acknowledgement received from different regiments and asso
ciations ; while at the same time, the letters will have a value
themselves, as showing how susceptible the soldiers were to any
care or thought that was taken for them.
Among tb.3 first results of the Society, as such, was the pre
paring a box of clothing and hospital necessaries for the Twenty-
first Regiment, then at Annapolis ; similar supplies for the Twenty-
fifth at the same place, and a quantity of much needed blankets
and suitable clothing for the approaching winter, for the Fifteenth
Regiment at Poolesville.
No one could feel that in their efforts for the soldier they had
assumed a needless, or a thankless task, when such expressions of
gratitude from the recipients of their favor reached them as are
contained in the subjoined letters.

"Annapolis, Md., Naval Academy, Nov. 21th, 1861.
Madam : —
In behalf of my regiment, I return you my sincere thanks for the
timely presents of nice warm socks and mittens, presented to them by the
ladies of the " Soldiers Aid Society " of Fitchburg, and in the words of the
men as they drew them on to their hands and feet, ' God bless the ladies of
Fitchburg ! ' And it is cheering to us, who have left our homes, wives and
children, and sacrificed all our cherished hopes on our country's altar, to see
that those we have left behind are determined to do their part of the duties
devolving upon all lovers of our glorious Union.
All honor is due the Association for this proof of the interest cherished by

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 119
them for the government which was established by our fathers' blood, sus
tained by our mothers' prayers, and made sacred by the virtues of both, and
with the help of God, shall be maintained by their children.
Once more I thank you for your kind gift, asking for your good wishes
and prayers, and hoping that we shall never prove recreant to the cause, nor
disgrace the flag which rebel hands- and feet have too long trampled in the
dust. T. S. FOSTER, Capt. Co. D, 21st Reg't M. V.
To Sec'y 'Soldiers Aid Society,' Fitchburg.'"

" Camp Hicks, Annapolis, Md, Dec. 13, 1801.
To the Sec'y of the Soldiers Aid Society, —
Dear Madam : In behalf my command, I return you my sincere
and heartfelt thanks for the very generous present of comfortables, socks,
mittens, &c , presented them by the ' Soldiers Aid Society.' May the
blessings of Heaven ever attend you, and every member of your Society.
CHARLES II. FOSS,
Com'g Co. F, 25th Reg. M. V."
"Poolesville, Md., Dec. 14th, 1861.
Sec'y Soldiers Aid Society : I was surprised to learn through a friend
that you had never received any acknowledgment of the receipt of those three
boxes of blankets, &c, sent Co. B, Fitehburg Fusiliers. You are of course
aware they were sent direct to Major Kimball, and I think I have heard him
speak of having written you in regard to them. However, I will take this
occasion to say they came safely to hand, and were gladly received. It is
certainly a consolation to know that although we are absent, we are still
kindly remembered by the generous ladies of your Society, and we have rea
son to feel that we shall not be allowed to suffer for the want of anything
that will add to our comfort in camp during the present winter.
You will please accept the sincere thanks of every member of our Compa
ny, and extend the same to the Ladies of the Soldiers Aid Society, for the
very generous supply of blankets, socks and mittens, and
I am, Very Respectfully,
CHAS. H. EAGER, Lieut. Com'g Co. B.
Who could be other than faithful to the men who were faithful
themselves, not only to government in its hour of peril, but to the

120 -FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
best instincts of our nature as well ; not forgetting amid the hardening
tendencies and exhausting toil of campaign-fife — a life that supposes
constant privation and danger and death itself; not forgetting to
thank in fervent words friends at home for every exertion put forth
in their behalf ?
Articles of convenience and comfort were sent to the Thirty-sixth
Regiment at Worcester, and the Fifty-third Regiment at Groton, and
elicited the accompanying letter from the former, and a set of reso
lutions, enthusiastic in their gratitude, from the latter.

'• Camp Wool, Worcester, Aug. 9, 1862.
To the Pres't of the Ladies Aid Society, Fitchburg:
I am directed by Capt. Barker to acknowledge the receipt of fifty-
five towels and needle-books, so kindly furnished his company by the ladies
of your Society. Such a remembrance can not but be appreciated by men,
who, having known what home is, sadly miss its many little conveniences in
the camp.
' Please send in your orders,' was written on the bundle.
Can you furnish the company with flannel shirts ? The shirts furnished
by the Government are of the coarsest kind of cotton. They are not suitable
for this kind of life at all. The health of the men requires that they should
be cast aside. Moreover, the men would make a better appearance about
the camp, as the cotton shirts become very easily soiled. We would like to
have the shirts of the same color — gray.
With many thanks for favors already received,
I remain, Yours'very truly,
HENRY S. BURRAGE."

"The Fusiliers to the Ladies of Fitchburg.
Camp Stevens, Groton Junction, Nov. 28th, 1862.
Whereas, The Ladies of Fitchburg have done very much for the benefit
of the soldiers here encamped, and by so doing have nobly made manifest
more fully to our view that noble trait of character which enters so much into
the composition of every true and noble woman, namely, true benevolence,
and whereas, believing it is our duty as men and soldiers, to in some way
tender an acknowledgment of these many favors to the donors, — therefore,

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 121
Resolved, That we, the members of the Fitehburg Fusiliers (Capt. Miles)
sincerely believe that the assertion is true that "the liberal soul shall be
made fat," and that if you " scatter your bread upon the waters, after many
days that ye shall receive it again many fold."
Resolved, That we tender our sincere thanks to the ladies of Fitchburg,
who have at home and in our camp, done what they could to make our lives
pleasant and happy.
Resolved, That it gives us courage to go forth to battle for the right,
when we view that nobleness of character, and holiness of love of country,
manifested by fair woman in the many ways she has of showing it to the
world. Resolved, That we ask God, the Almighty Ruler of all, to bless the noble
women of Fitchburg.
Resolved, That these resolves be tendered to the ladies of Fitchburg, ask
ing them to accept them with our hearty God bless them, through the columns
of the papers of Fitchburg.
These resolves were unanimously adopted, November 29th, 1862.
GEORGE H. BAILEY, 1st Serg't."
If there were those who had made some sacrifice of time or
ease for the soldier's sake, they were more than compensated by
this tribute of generous praise, and by the consciousness of having
done good and served the right. The heart deserved pity that
was not lifted up by a great unselfish resolve to do something
worthy so rare an opportunity as such times and events offered.
The last named regiment, (Fifty-third,) after starting for the
seat of war was detained long in New York city amid circum
stances of peculiar discomfort, and wishing to cheer them with
some token of home condolence, the Society despatched to them
the first day of January, 1863, a "happy new year," not of
words only, though they were not wanting, but whose most taste
ful manifestation was an inviting dinner. " Wishes " took form
and shape in fat turkeys rightly roasted, and such plum puddings
and pies as every son of the regiment knew could not be made
anywhere outside of the dear old New England home he was leav
ing. The dinner performed its mission to the hearts, as well as
appetites of those for whom it was intended, judging from the ac
knowledgments. 16

122 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. " New York, Jan. 10, 1863.
Sec'y Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society,
Madam : I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your kind and patriotic
note of the 2d inst., also, the generous New Year's dinner furnished us
under the auspices of your most noble and benevolent Society. In behalf of
the company under my command, I most sincerely thank you.
It is unnecessary, as well as impossible, for me to express to you by the
multiplicity of words, the feelings which the soldier experiences on such occa
sions as our last New Year's dinner, and I can only wish that your Society
might have been present to witness the joyous effects of Jheir kindly deeds.
Allow me in this connection, to express to you my deep obligations and
thanks for the very many favors bestowed upon the company under my com
mand, by your Society during the past three months. May God bless and
crown all your efforts to relieve the necessities, and to lighten the burden of
the soldiers, with the utmost success.
I am, madam, most respectfully,
Your ob't servant,
EUGENE T. MILES,
Commanding Co. A, 53d Reg't M. V. M."
"Franklin Street Barracks, New York, Jan. 4, 1863
Sec'y Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society of Fitchburg,
Yours of the 3d inst. was received yesterday, also, the boxes of pro
visions so kindly contributed by your Society, which were received by the
company with loud applause and many cheers for those of our friends who
have so often remembered us in our absence since we left our own dear
homes, families and friends.
We feel assured that although we are absent, we are not forgotten by our
many friends at home. We hope our absence from our friends to the call of
our country, may, and will be beneficial to all who remain at home, as well
as to those of us who have volnuteered our services to help put down this
terrible rebellion.
In behalf of the officers and members of Company B, I most cheerfully
return you our warmest thanks for the bounteous supply of provisions you
have so generously contributed at this time, also, you will please accept our
heartfelt thanks for the many articles we have before received at your hands.
Yours very respectfully,
JONAS COREY,
Captrin of Co. B, 53d Reg't M. V. M.?'

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 123
It was the design of the Society to make its own townsmen its
first care, and after meeting their needs, extend its aid to the loyal
army in general, being limited only by its capacity to do. The
main channels through which its labors were given to the cause
were the Sanitary and Christian Commissions, two great streams
of blessing flowing all over the theater of conflict, penetrating the
wards of every hospital, and reaching every red field of combat,
where their tender, sacred offices could avail aught for the wounded,
the dying, or the dead.
Another very efficient branch of the service through which this
Society acted, was the " Mass. Relief Association," located at Wash
ington, which, as its name would indicate, made the suffering sons
of Massachusetts its more especial charge.
Added to these, numerous contributions were sent to various
other points. To the " New England Soldiers Relief Association"
in New York City, to the " Worcester Relief Society," and to in
dividuals laboring in hospitals, who were known to the Society and
who applied to it for assistance. From these wide-spread sources,
frequent letters were received, testifying to the readiness of the
Society in answering calls made upon it, and to the value of its
donations. A few of the letters it may be interesting to preserve.
" Washington, D. C, October 20, 1864,
Sec'y Soldiers Aid Society, Fitchburg, Mass.,
Mr Dear Madame : I acknowledge with pleasure the receipt of two
boxes of hospital supplies from the ladies of Fitchburg, forwarded through
Surgeon General Dale. I am deeply grateful for this mark of your confi
dence in our Agency, and for your appreciation of the needs of our suffering
soldiers. Many of the articles sent to us are forwarded directly to City
Point, where we have had an Agency since that became the base of
operations. It is our aim that no Massachusetts soldier shall want for anything ; and,
while all our monied expenses are met by the State, we rely on the noble
women of the Commonwealth to supply the comforts and luxuries.
Will you please convey to the ladies of Fitchburg my thanks for their gen
erous contribution. I am, Madame, Your obedient servant,
GARDINER TUFTS, Mass. Military Agent,
By J. S. Vassall, Ass't."

121 TITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
" N. E. Women's Auxiliary Association, Boston.
To the Soldiers Aid Society of Fitchburg,
Ladies : The work that for so long a time has occupied the hearts
of the women of the land, is a bond of common interest among us all, that
Beems to draw us into closest sympathy, and to ask for some direct expression-
It is with the feeling of long companionship that we now address you.
For three years many of us have been at work, with one purpose — of re
lieving, so far as might be, the necessary hardships of the loyal army. We
began uncertainly, sending our gifts somewhere where soldiers were, but
with no system, with no assurance that they would accomplish our intention.
Then came the Sanitary Commission, with its wonderful plan of wise econ
omy, of tender pity, of careful justice, appealing straight to the heart of the
people and the soldiers. How joyfully we seized its promise ! and now we
see how well it has been redeemed.
It is two years and a half since the New England Branch began its
work, and its record shows how true the homes have been to the camp. We
who have the privilege of receiving the gifts of New England, read many a
letter whose words make our tears rise, and our hearts stir. They come with
the clothes of the dead son, or husband, sent with tender yearnings for all
those who suffer and " may die like him for their dear country," or with gifts
that are thank-offerings for the lives yet spared, or from little children who
want to take their share in helping the brave soldiers. The many fears and
sorrows of the people, find soothing in the work that nothing else can give.
We all see, I think, how our own personal efforts and sacrifices influence
the welfare of the army and the country. Each one's share is little towards
such an end, but in the mass, its power is beyond our estimate. Not only
does our duty lie in giving, but in believing.
We owe our country our unwavering faith. We should never forget to
keep the truth and justice for which we fight, clear in bur own and others'
minds. We owe our deepest sympathy and encouragement to the men who
must fight these battles, so marvellous for their courage, so fearful in their
misery. In such times as these, a woman's courage is as precious as a man's;
it is the spring from which the. army gets much of its patience. And so in
our woman's way we help to fight the battles. If we do our duty, the future
will bring many blessed memories. What bitterness would be in the thought
that we had been dead to the opportunities of such times !
There never has been so much call for relief, as now ; the army is larger
than ever before. We have every stimulant to hope ; the end seems to draw
near ! Let us take new heart in our work !
With hearty interest, truly yours,
MARY G. LORING, Sec'y Exec. Com.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. VZl)
" U. S. Ge.n'l Hospital, Annapolis, Md., March 19, 1863.
Sectretary Ladies' Aid Society, Fitchburg, Mass. :
Dear Madam : I take pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of
three valuable and precious boxes, one cask, and one keg of pickles, all of
which were most acceptable, came to us in good order, and in a good time,
just as we are receiving so many of our poor starved prisoners.
Please accept our most hearty thanks for them ; rest assured that it made
our hearts glad to see so many nice things before us for our poor ' boys.'
Boats are coming in daily, loaded with these starved prisoners. Since last
Sabbath (week) we have had 143 (one hundred and forty-three) deaths in
this hospital. We are losing so many of our brave and noble men — is it not
sad ? One poor, dying boy said to me this morning : ' Sister, shall I never
see mother again ? I had hoped to go home and die with her — I cannot, but
I die among friends.' Daily do we hear similar expressions, which are very
trying. Though our experiences are sad, there is real pleasure in doing the
little we can to alleviate so much suffering as we see among the returned pris
oners. Again thanking you for your very liberal donations to this hospital,
and bidding you who are engaged in this noble work, God speed,
I am yours, Very Respectfully, R. S. ELLIS."

" New York, September 20, 1862.
Secretary Soldiers Aid Society:
Madam : In behalf of the Ladies of this Association, I beg to
acknowledge the receipt of your two large boxes — as well timed as they
were complete. Yours respectfully,
FRANK E. HOWE,
Fitehburg, Mass. Supt. N. E. Soldiers Relief Asso'n.

" Worcester, Mass., Morning op the 27th Feb., 1862.
Sec'y Soldiers Aid Society,
Dear Madam : The Worcester Soldiers' Relief Committee acknowl
edge the receipt of a box and a bundle of supplies for St. Louis, from the
"Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society" *of Fitehburg.
It was a very opportune, as well as generous donation, and we thank you>
and the ladies of your Society for forwarding them at this time, when there
is so great demand for supplies in the Western Department. United as we
are in a common cause,, and stimulated by a common sympathy for the sick

126 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
or wounded soldier, much, I doubt not, will be done to relieve the suffering
which can not be prevented.
. We have heard of your active labors in this National interest, and it is
pleasant to feel that we are laboring together, in a noble cause.
Yours very truly,
S. P. MILLER, Sec'y of Com."

The amount in money received and expended while the organ
ization lasted, was something above fifteen hundred dollars. No
estimate could be made of the value of what was given beside
money, but that liberal things were devised, closely-packed boxes
of clothing, bedding, and delicacies for the sick, could frequently
and fully attest.
There were special seasons in the history of the Society that
stand out prominently against a back-ground, of stated meetings
and regular on-going work. Seasons of aborbing interest, when
the members were aroused by some imperative call, that flew from
lip to lip, and from house to house, reminding one of an old rally
ing cry of the Highland Clans —
" The muster-place be Lanric mead —
Instant the time — speed, clansmen, speed!
Herald of battle, fate, and fear."
And home cares were put by, while all hurried to the meeting-
place, to help in the painful exigency that had so hastily sum
moned them together. One such occasion was when tidings came
that the National Capitol was in danger, and men were needed
in its defence, and two companies from this town were ordered
to report in Boston, ready for duty, at a few hours' notice. The
record of the Society says : " Forthwith, the ladies, Monday morn
ing though it was, snatched sewing implements, and in rapid haste
gathered at the Town Hall, to fit out our men with flannel shirts
and other appropriate garments, and sewing-machines and busy
fingers vied with each other to achieve the work." A<*ain when
listening ear3 caught the echo of such pitiless strife as at Gettys-

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 127
burg, the Wilderness, and other places alike memorable for their
Wild work of death, there was hurrying to action. The cry that
swept up from those war-strewn plains, for. help, for thousands of
brave men ready to perish, was thrilling in its effect. Every house
hold was laid under contribution for their relief, and such motive
power as the heart only can supply, was added to hands already
used to work, at thought of wounds needing that moment, per
chance, the soft compress, or lint, or bandage, and the sinking
forms needing the cordial and restorative, all being so rapidly got
in readiness. May Heaven avert a recurrence of such scenes.
The close of the war brought back to many members of the
Society, fathers, husbands, and sons, unharmed. In the homes of
others, the vacant chairs to-day are eloquent of what a costly
thing to them has been the preservation of our Republic.
With the disbanding of the army, the necessity of a Soldiers
Aid Society ceased ; and it held its last meeting June 22d, 1865, no
member regretting she had been identified with its labors, but
rather that it could not more truthfully be said of her, " she hath
done what she could."
THE SOLDIERS' RELIEF COMMITTEE.
This Committee was a large one, appointed from all sections of the
town, and had its origin at a meeting of the citizens, held at the
Town Hall, on the 26th of September, 1881, " to organize for the
more effectual aid and comfort of the soldiers in the field from this
town, and their families."
The following were chosen " a committee to raise funds to aid
enlistments, to procure comforts for our soldiers and their families, and
take such other action in the matter as may be deemed expedient."
T. R. BOUTELLE,' CHAS. BURLEIGH, C. W. CARTER,
ALVAH CROCKER, T. S. WILSON, EDWIN JACKSON,
L. H. BRADEORD, A. P. KIMBALL, DANIEL WORKS,
J. B. LANE, N. S. BOUTELLE, JOEL PAGE,
H. A. WILLIS, Wm. WOODBURY, Jr., J. P. PUTNAM,
H. L. REED, JOSEPH UPTON, M. L. HOLDEN.

128 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
The Committee proceeded at once to their labors, and collected a
large amount of money and farm produce, as well as clothing ; and
chose the following as an Executive Committee to distribute the same
wherever needed :
T. R. Boutelle, Alvah Crocker, L. H. Bradford, H. L. Reed.
H. A. Willis.
This sub-committee immediately issued the following circular :
TO THE PUBLIC.
" The undersigned, members of the Executive Committee raised from
the ' Soldiers Relief Committee,' chosen at a meeting of citizens, September
26th, 1861, and charged with the duty of receiving and disbursing sub
scriptions (whether clothing, provisions, fuel or otherwise) made for the
relief of the families of Soldiers absent at the seat of war, would announce,
that the charitable offerings of our fellow citizens have been such as to enable
them to meet in these particulars the present wants of such needy families.
Being prepared, therefore, and desirous of relieving the genuine necessities
of all those whose relief appropriately belongs to them, they would request
that any and all cases of destitution in the families of Volunteers 'may be
reported to either of the gentlemen of the Committee without delay, that they
may receive the aid which humanity and patrotism alike bid us to bestow."
[Signed by the Committee.]
This Committee had just got fairly at work when the disastrous
battle at Balls Bluff occurred. It will be remembered that our Com
pany in the Fifteenth Regiment suffered terribly in that engagement,
and Captain Simonds, with eighteen of his men, were taken prisoners.
Of their fate we knew nothing until November 20th, 1861, when
letters were received from Captain Simonds, informing us that they
were in prison at Richmond, and making an earnest appeal for help
for his men, who were suffering for want of clothing and money.
A public meeting was called and held the same evening, at which
letters were read from Captain Simonds containing most affecting
appeals in behalf of his men, who, he said, had done all that men

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 129
could do under the circumstances in which they were placed, and
were now suffering in prison, without sufficient clothing, and barely
food enough to sustain them, and asked if something might not be
done for them. The brave, large hearted Captain, indifferent as to
his own fate', could not bear to see his men suffering. " God bless
them, he says; they are all good men'and true, and deserve to be
cared for.
A subscription list was opened upon the spot ; and during the
evening and the next day, 1700 in cash was raised ; and about one
hundred dollars' worth of clothing contributed by the different traders.
The money and other supplies were put into the hands of the " Sol
diers Relief Committee," who proceeded, in connection with the Ladies
Aid Soci ety, at once to make up a large package of clothing, blankets
&c, to forward to Richmond. It being doubtful whether the goods
and money proposed to be sent would go through if merely forwarded
by Express, it was decided to send a special messenger with them to
Fortress Monroe, to make arrangements with the General command
ing for getting them through the lines. Accordingly, on Monday,
November 26th, Mr. Willis of the Committee, started with the same
for Fortress Monroe, and also for a visit to the camps of the Fifteenth,
Twenty-First and Twenty-Fifth Regiments. His success is chronicled
in the following extract from a letter which appeared in the Reveille
of December 6th, and the letter following it from Captain Simonds,
received in about three weeks after the goods were forwarded from
Fitchburg.

Mr. Editor : Having been delegated by the Soldiers' Relief Committee
of this town to proceed to Fortress Monroe for the purpose of forwarding
money and articles of clothing to our unfortunate soldiers at Richmond, and
thinking some report from me might not be unacceptable to the many friends
who so promptly came forward with their generous subscriptions, I beg the
privilege of the columns of your paper for that purpose.
On Monday, Nov. 25th, I left Fitehburg, accompanied by a friend, for
Fortress Monroe, with an ample supply of clothing and money for the pris
oners of Co. B. We arrived safely at our place of destination on Wednes-
17

130 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
day morning, the 27th. We at once sought an interview with Gen. Wool,
who commands that post, for the purpose of advising with him in relation to
sending the articles forward to Richmond. We found him 'in the midst of
official business, but he was not too busy to give to us his attention and advice
in so humane an object as that which we brought to his notice. He appeared
to take the greatest interest in the object of our visit, and told us at once
that he thought there could be no difficulty in getting the articles through to
Richmond, and into the hands of those for whom they were intended, inas
much as he had just received a letter from Gen. Huger who commands at
Norfolk, giving permission to him to send any articles of comfort he might
think best to the prisoners at Richmond. At a second interview on the next
day, arrangements were perfected for sending the goods, money, and letters,
by ' flag of truce,' to Norfolk, thence to be forwarded by express. On the
next day, Friday, the 29th, they were sent up, together with some .packages
from other sources, and I doubt not that ere this they have reached their
destination, and gladdened the hearts of our brave-but unfortunate soldiers.
It is hoped that before many days official acknowledgment of their receipt
will be received.
Having completed our business at this point, we left Fortress Monroe on
the evening of the 29th, for Annapolis, where are stationed the Twenty-first
and Twenty-fifth Mass. Regiments. The former is quartered in the Naval
School building, as most of your readers are aware, where they have remained
for many weeks, and we learn that their presence and conduct have been
very acceptable to the people of this ancient city. They will probably re
main at this post for the present. The Twenty-fifth Regiment, Col. Upton,
is encamped on a very pleasant spot, about 1 1-2 miles from the city.
They appear to be in excellent health, and under the best of discipline, as
who could doubt they would be, under such officers as Upton and Sprague.
It is expected that this regiment will leave, during the present month, in
Burnside's Division, and is to form a part of the First Brigade under Brig.
Gen. J. G. Foster, of Conn , he already having assigned it the post of honor
— the right of the Brigade. This Regiment had been pronounced by Gov.
Andrew and others to be the finest which had left the State. Quartermaster
Brown dispenses the substantials from his office in the Navy yard. We are
under obligations to him for his generous hospitality. Leaving Annapolis,
we started for a visit to the gallant Fifteenth Regiment at Poolesville,. via
Washington. We reached their camp on Monday evening, after nine hours
ride from Washington, in .an old-fashioned stage coach, and over a road which
pen would fail me to describe. But the hearty greetings which we received
on our arrival, from officers and men, at once dispelled any recollection of
hardships endured in reaching their camp.
We found the regiment in comparatively good health, and the best of spir-

FITCHBURG IN THB REBELLION. 131
its. The disaster of October 21st, though it must have had a depressing
influence for the time being, has not had the effect to dishearten or demoralize
the regiment at all, so far as I can judge. It is very gratifying to observe
the spirit of content and of determination which prevails among the men.
In my two days visit to their camp I did not hear the first word of complaint
or discouragement."

"Richmond, Dec 15th, 1861.
Mr. Willis —
Dear Sir : Your letter bearing date Fortress Monroe, November
25th, came to hand on the 13th inst. I had previously received the clothing,
on December 3d, and a letter from A. P. Kimball, informing me of what
had been done by the generous people of Fitchburg, of which I have
acknowledged the receipt. The cause of the delay of the money I am unable
to account for, and began to feel somewhat anxious about io, being informed
that it was sent at the same time with the clothing ; but now it is all right.
I feel under great obligations to yourself and others, who have been so
prompt and generous in this matter. Believe me, dear sir, you and they
have the heartfelt thanks of myself and those of my companions who are
unfortunately here in Richmond. It is a fact of which I shall ever speak
with pride, that Fitchburg was the first and only town as yet to aid her
prisoners, and Massachusetts the only State. Since the clothing came from
Fitehburg, clothing of all kinds, enough for three hundred and fifty men,
has arrived, sent by the State authorities of Massachusetts, for the relief
of her men now here in captivity, placing them in comfort in this respect
for the winter.
The members of Company B, for whom you inquire, I am sorry to say
I have every reason to believe are no more. C. D. Monroe died in the
hospital at Leesburg. He was shot through both legs, and died under the
operation of amputation — so I am informed. Privates Scott and Benjamin
I cannot give any account of, but they are missing from camp, and I think
they must have been killed on the field of battle. They were all worthy
and true men. " Peace to their ashes."
Five members of the Fifteenth have, died here. Two of Company B are
sick with measles, but I hope for their recovery.
With many wishes for your prosperity and happiness, I am, sir,
Yours most truly,
C. S. SIMONDS,
H. A. Willis, Esq. Capt. Co. B, Ibth Reg't.

132 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Thus it will be seen, and it is a fact of which we may well be
prond, that Fitchburg was the first in the whole North to extend
succor to her suffering prisoners in the hands of the rebels, an
example which was promptly followed by many other communities,
and continued from time to time until the barbarity of the rebel
authorities put a stop to it, and the horrors of Andersonville", Salis
bury and other foul prisons, followed.
During the winter of 1861 and 1862 the Relief Committee were
fully organized and at work, relieving the needy families 6f soldiers.
Our citizens nobly responded to all their calls for money and
provisions, and we believe that all were well provided for. At
Town Meeting, December 14th, 1861, one thousand dollars was
appropriated and placed subject to the order of the Committee as
per vote as follows:
" Voted, That the town appropriate $1000, which sum shall be put into
the hands of a committee of five citizens with full discretion and power to
appropriate the same for the soldiers of this town now in, or who may be in,
the army, in such manner as they may deem expedient ; and that T. R.
Boutelle, Alvah Crocker, L. H. Bradford, H. L. Read and H A. Willis be
that committee."
The operations of this committee extended over a period of two
years, when its labors ceased.
The whole amount of cash contributed to its Treasury by sub
scription, donations of individuals, from the "Amateur Dramatic
Club," and town appropriation, was about two thousand dollars, all
of which was judiciously expended for the benefit of the soldiers
and their families. The amount of clothing and farm produce
received and disbursed was also large, but no accurate account of
the same has been preserved.
Although thia Committee ceased to exist after October, 1863,
the following pages will show that the welfare and comfort of our
soldiers continued to be, as it had been, an object of the highest
regard and constant, watchful care of our citizens.
After nearly all of the great battles, committees were sent to the
front with large quantities of supplies — and to care for and bring
home the wounded.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 133
AFTER "BALL'S BLUFF."
1861.
The disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff was fought October 21st, 1861.
News was received a few days later of the terrible suffering our men
had undergone in the unequal contest. This was the first battle in
which Fitchburg men had been engaged, and it produced much excite
ment, for details of the affair came forward slowly.
We think, however, that a public meeting was not called, but that
the Selectmen, after conferring with some of the leading citizens,
decided to send a committee to the camp of the Fusilier3 immediately,
and Dr. Alfred Hitchcock, A. P. Kimball, C. Marshall and Stephen
Shepley were selected to go. They left at once for Poolesville, Md.,
taking with them supplies of clothing and delicaces for the sick and
wounded. They spent several days with the soldiers, and returned,
bringing with them George T. Daniels and G. Bowman Simonds,
both badly wounded.
They reported the remnant of the regiment in good health, and as
full of fight as ever. The sight of faces from home seemed to cheer
them much, and there is no doubt that the policy thus inaugurated of
sending committees of citizens to the front, after severe battles, and
which was continued through the war, was highly beneficial as well as
gratifying to the soldiers. It gave them assurance of the regard in
which they were held by their fellow citizens at home, and did much
to sustain them in the hour of trial.

AFTER "ROANOKE ISLAND."
Immediately upon receipt of news of the battle of Roanoke Island,
the Soldiers' Relief Committee, in connection with the Ladies' Aid
Society, sent Hale W. Page, Esq., and L. H. Bradford, Esq., to the
scene of action to look after the dead and wounded of the Twenty-
first and Twenty-fifth Regiments. Dr. A. Hitchcock of this town,
was also sent by the Governor in behalf of the State. They were

134 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
very successful in their mission, and after spending a few days with
the regiments, administering to the comfort of the sick and wounded,
they started on the return, with about a dozen wounded soldiers
belonging in this town, arriving about the 10th of March. We
subjoin their report.
REPORT OF THE ROANOKE COMMISSIONERS.
" To the Selectmen of Fitchburg, and the Chairman of the Soldiers'
Relief Committee :
Gentlemen : — We submit a joint report of our mission to Roanoke Island,
to look after our sick and wounded soldiers of the battle of February 8th.
Immediately after being designated for the object, we made hurried prepara
tions for our journey, and arriving on Monday, February 17th, at Philadel
phia, we were furnished with free tickets to Baltimore and back, by H. F.
Kenney, Esq., our former townsman, who afforded us other facilities for our
comfort and transportation. Arriving at Fortress Monroe with letters from
our Selectmen and Hon. Alvah Crocker, we at once obtained an inter
view with General Wool, who endorsed our papers " to any master of a ves
sel going South, as a patriotic and merciful mission." We left Hampton
Roads on the steamer Jersey Blue, Captain Jackaway, the same afternoon,
with two hundred and fifty soldiers from the hospital at Annapolis, going
to join their regiments in General Burnside's expedition.
After sailing down the coast to within a short distance of Cape Hatteras,
the wind from the northeast, with heavy squalls and a rough sea, the storm
all the time increasing, the captain deemed it imprudent to proeeed, gave
orders to about ship, and we returned the next day to the place of our depar
ture. On Thursday we left again in the same steamer, but a northeast storm
corning on when outside of Cape Henry, we returned inside of the lighthouse,
and came to anchor under the guns of the blockading steamer Cambridge,
aud laid there through the storm until the 23d, when a boat coming along
side from her, we concluded to leave our crowded vessel and seek another
conveyance. The officers of the steamer were mostly Massachusetts citizens,
and offered us the hospitalities of the ship and conveyance to Fortress
Monroe, which we gladly accepted. On Tuesday, the 25th, we took passage
on the steamer Eastern State, Captain Teel, and had a pleasant voyage
except once in the night we got into the breakers on the rebel coast, arriving
at stormy Hatteras Inlet after our third attempt, in safety. We at once
addressed ourselves to the task of getting conveyance to Roanoke Island,
and after spending four days, bandied about from steamer to steamer, were

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 135
offered a passage on the old ferry boat Chancellor Livingston, which was
loaded with men and material, including one hundred and fifty horses of
Captain Belcher's Fourth Rhode Island Battery. After sailing, we learned
that his acting physician, James S. Greene of Fitchburg, was sick at the
hospital at the Inlet, and we determined if possible, to take him home with
us on our return. We arrived at Roanoke Island March 2d, being the fif
teenth day of our journey, and after a weary walk up the beach three miles
in a dripping rain, we reached Colonel Upton's Headquarters. Like a true
soldier as he is, he at once welcomed us to Camp Foster and to his hospitali
ties. We here met the other staff officers of the Twenty-fifth Regiment
Mass. Volunteers., who gave us a hearty welcome.
Col. Upton and Quartermaster Brown when informed of the object of our
visit, thanked us with tears of gratitude again and again, assuring us how
highly they esteemed the kindness and sympathy of friends at home in send
ing us down after their sick and wounded, and said if we had brought
thousands of dollars from our citizens it would not have begun to do them as
much good — it plainly showed they were cared for while breasting the possi
bilities of war.
After spending nearly four days on the island, renewing old friendships
and forming new, visiting the sick and wounded, seeing and taking by the
hand all of our townsmen, and in looking out the graves of the dead, we
began to make preparation to return home, and suggested that packages or
letters entrusted to our care, would be safely delivered. At our embarka
tion we had upwards of forty boxes of trophies, nearly the whole for
Massachusetts, and a large number of letters.
We went on board the steamer Ellen S. Terry, the 5th inst., with about
two hundred souls ; one hundred and twenty-five were sick and wounded,
the victims of the battle of February 8th, in charge of Dr. Alfred Hitchcock
of this town, sent home by General Burnside. The Dr. had kindly obtained
transportation, and invited us to assist in alleviating the sufferings of the
brave fellows. On the 6th inst. we arrived at Hatteras Inlet, but too late to
pass over the " Swash" that night in the steamer. About 8 o'clock we
obtained a boat's crew from a distant vessel, and late at night we landed at
Fort Hatteras, and started over the beach for Fort Clark, and found our
sick townsman, Mr. Greene, in the hospital. The commander of the post,
Col. Nagle, of the Forty-eighth Regiment of Penn. Vols., having his camp
some four miles up on the island, one of our number made an early visit to
his quarters, through a perfect hurrioane of wind and sand, and obtained the
necessary furlough for Mr. Greene. That day we had the hardest blow of
the season, and our steamer, in attempting to come down, went on to the
" swash," where she stuck fast, with her flag hung in distress, until near
sunset, when she steamed off the quicksands. The next morning, being the

136 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
8th inst., we engaged a platoon of contrabands, and took our sick friend and
his luggage on board of the steamer, and, being all on board, we left the
inlet, and went over the bar in safety.
We reached Baltimore the next night, at half-past eleven o'clock, and landed
some forty of our passengers, and as we desired to land our sick and wounded
at Philadelphia, one of us traveled the streets of Baltimore until half-past
two o'clock in the morning, in pursuit of a pilot to take us through the
Cheaspeake aud Delaware Canal. One having been obtained, the steamer
left at three o'clock for Philadelphia, where we arrived at sunset, landing at
the depot of the Camden & Amboy Railroad Co. Suitable cars having
been provided, we found it no easy task to remove our sick and wounded,
fifteen of whom were obliged to be carried from the steamer on litters. We
left at night, arriving the next morning by day-light at Jersey City. Soon
afterwards, Col. Frank E. Howe came over, and proposed that we proceed
over the ferry with teams to the Park Barracks in New York, where break
fast was provided for us. At two o'clock P. M., we left for the depot of
the New York & New Haven Railroad Co., on 27th street; but our men,
sick and wounded as they were, and their luggage, were refused admittance,
until the arrival of Colonel Howe, at about three o'clock, who gave his per
sonal security for our transportation, and we left the city, arriving that even
ing at Springfield at nine o'clock, where a bountiful supply of refreshments
was served in the cars by Mayor Bemis. Just before midnight, we reached
Worcester, and tho Mayor, Hon. P. Emory Aldrich, met us at the depot,
and carefully brought us to the Bay State House, where all our wants were
generously provided for by the city. At about noon the next day, being
the 12th inst., we arrived at Fitchburg, having been absent twenty-five days.
In this account our townsmen will see that ours was no pleasure trip,
except the pleasure of finding our hearts and hands filled with constant labor
for the sick and wounded ; not of our own town only, but all of the sick and
suffering whom a common cause had made brothers.
L. H. BRADFORD,
H. W. PAGE.
Fitchburg, March 13th, 1862."
AFTER ANTIETAM.
1862.
The battle of Antietam was fought Sept. 17th, 1862, and im
mediately upon receipt of the news of the same, a meeting of the
citizens was called to take measures for the relief of our suffering
soldiers at the front.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 137
A large amount of money and supplies were contributed, and a
committee chosen to visit the late battle-field and administer to the
comfort of the sick and wounded. The committee consisted of Dr.
Alfred Hitchcock, Alvah Crocker, A. P. Kimball, Benj. Prentiss,
Norman Stone, and Alonzo Davis.
They visited Sharpsburg, Frederick, Middletown, Harper's Ferry,
and Washington, and found much to be done for our poor soldier
boys. Through them, every sick and wounded soldier of the Fif
teenth and Twenty-first Regiments received five dollars in cash,
of which they were sadly in need, not having been paid off for
five months.
They obtained the consent of the authorities to take the wound
ed home, but were unable to procure transportation from the gov
ernment, and returned without them. But Mr. Crocker immedi
ately returned to Washington, and through the combined efforts
of Dr. Hitchcock and himself, arrangements were soon perfected,
and a large number of the men brought safely to their homes.
These gentlemen deserve much credit for their indefatigable ef
forts for the soldiers' comfort. Dr. Hitchcock's skill as a surgeon
was in ample request during his stay in the neighborhood of the
battle field where thousands were languishing and suffering from
wounds of every description. They have the gratitude of many a
soldier, as well as that of their fellow citizens.
AFTER FREDERICKSBURG. 1862.
No committee was sent to the battle field of Fredericksburg imme
diately after the battle, but supplies were promptly sent forward as
usual. Our army went into winter quarters soon after at Falmouth,
and during the winter two prominent members of the Ladies' Soldiers
Aid Society (Mrs. E. Torrey and Mrs. L. H. Bradford) visited the
camps of the Fifteenth and Twenty-first Regiments, taking some
little comforts for the boys, and what was more, taking to them by
their own presence, the assurance that the wives and sisters and
18

138 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
daughters of Fitchburg were working as earnestly in their behalf as
ever, and would continue to do their share as long as they should
need their sympathy and care. We doubt not that their visit did
something to cheer the drooping spirits of our brave ones during this,
the darkest winter of the whole war.
AFTER "GETTYSBURG." 1863.
The following account of measures taken for the relief of our
soldiers immediately after the battle of Gettysburg, is from the
Reveille of July 16th, 1863 :
" In view of the wants of our sick and wounded now lying in Baltimore,
Philadelphia, and in the vicinity of Gettysburg, and the probability of another
battle, notice was given from the several pulpits of Fitchburg, on Sunday,
July 12th, 1863, of a meeting of citizens in the evening to take measures to
raise and forward supplies. The meeting was fully attended, and was opened
with prayer by Rev. Mr. Heard. Hon. Alvah Crocker presided, and T. K.
Ware, Esq. was chosen secretary. A general committee was chosen, and
one lady and one gentleman from each school district, to solicit supplies and
subscriptions. Messrs. Crocker, Heard, and Hitchcock addressed the meet
ing, setting forth in earnest and eloquent terms the wants and sufferings of
our brave soldiers, and Rev. Mr. Brooks made the closing prayer. The re
sults of this appeal to cur citizens were the following contributions, which
were forwarded Monday evening in charge of H. F. Coggshall, to* Mr. Stuart
at Philadelphia, disbursing agent of the Christian Commission, to be distrib
uted in the hospitals and otherwise, for the benefit of such of the sick and
wounded soldiers as may be in the most urgent need, Mr. Coggshall being
instructed to offer his services in the distribution, should they be needed.
One thousand sixty-nine dollars and sixty cents in money, three hundred
eighty-nine cotton and woolen shirts, seventy-eight sheets, fifty-one pairs
socks, forty handkerchiefs, sixty-eight pillow cases, six vests, fifteen pairs
pantaloons, three dressing gowns, three pairs slippers, fourteen pairs drawers,
twenty-eight towels, eight pillows, thirty-four linen and cotton coats, three
boxes and fifty-three cakes soap, two bags sago, one bag hops, one bag rose
leaves, eighty-one cases jellies and preserves, three bags of apple, thirty-seven
dozen cases condensed milk, one hundred aud one bottles wine, eight of rum,
one of brandy, one of whiskey, and a large quantity of compresses and ban
dages, the whole being carefully packed in nine barrels and five large boxes,
each barrel and box containing in the top ji schedule of its contents. It is

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 139
but just to state that this noble contribution is but an addition to the constant
and regular supplies which have been forwarded through the "Ladies' Aid
Society" and other channels, by the citizens of Fitchburg from the commence
ment of the war, amounting to many thousands of dollars."
Subsequent to sending the above, Dr. Alfred Miller and George
Bobbins were sent to the front to personally care for our wounded,
They spent several days in the hospitals at Gettysburg and vicinity,
and rendered good service to the suffering soldiers. We regret that
we have no report from them to give insertion here.
WHAT WAS DONE WITH THE SUPPLIES.
REPORT OF CHAIRMAN OF CITIZENS' COMMITTEE.
" The committee chosen by the citizens of Fitehburg at a meeting held on
Sunday evening, July 12th, for the purpose of raising money and articles of
clothing, wines, etc. , wish to have the citizens know what use was made of
the supplies so generously, and so promptly contributed.
On Monday, July 13th, money had been contributed by our citizens to
the amount of one thousand seventy-nine dollars and sixty cents ($1079.60,)
also, nine barrels and five boxes of articles of clothing, bandages, liquors, etc.,
for the sick and wounded at Gettysburg and other hospitals, which was dis
posed of as follows :
Paid W. & E. Lewis for thirty-one dozen cans condensed milk,  $77.50
Ira Carleton & Co. for meal to pack glass in  7.80
George H. Stuart, Chairman U. S. Christian Commission,  900.00.
Expenses of H. F. Coggshall to Gettysburg,  32.00
Balance of money to Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society,  62.30
$1079.60
H. F. Coggshall, Esq., as agent, left Fitchburg on Monday, July 14th,
at 5| P. M., with the packages and money, and arrived in Philadelphia and
delivered them to Geo. H. Stuart, Esq., chairman of the U. S. Christian
Commission, on Tuesday, at 12 o'clock. Mr. Coggshall went forward to
Gettysburg, arriving there Thursday morning, under the direction of Mr.
Stuart, and took charge of the delivery of the packages at the hospitals at
Gettysburg. Much credit is due to Mr. Coggshall for the prompt and effi
cient manner in which the contributions were forwarded to the points where
needed. ALPHEUS P. KIMBALL,
Chairman of Town Committee.

140 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
AFTER THE "WILDERNESS."
1864.
The news of the battle of the Wilderness reached us on Sunday,
May 8th, 1864. A meeting of the citizens was called for the even
ing of that day, at the Town Hall, and was fully attended.
An Executive Committee, consisting of A. P. Kimball, T. K.
Ware, L. H. Bradford, Rodney Wallace, H. F. Coggshall, H. A.
Blood, J. E. Manning, A. R. Ordway and E. T. Miles, was chosen,
to receive and disburse contributions. The result of the meeting and
the efforts of the next forenoon, amounted to $1700 in cash and six
teen barrels and bundles of carefully selected stores for the sick and
wounded, with which Messrs. A. Hitchcock, H. A. Goodrich and E.
B. Hayward started for the front, on Monday evening. How they
discharged their trust is well shown by the following able and interest
ing letter :
LETTER OF ALFRED HITCHCOCK AND OTHERS.
"To A. P. Kimball, Esq., Chairman of Citizens' Committee, fyc;
Dear Sir : — The undersigned, under instruction from your Committee,
left Fitehburg, May 9th, 1864, having in charge the funds and supplies
entrusted to us for the relief of the wounded soldiers in the recent battles in
Virginia. We reached Washington Tuesday evening, May 10, and imme
diately reported to the Surgeon General, who detailed us for duty at Freder
icksburg, and ordered transportation for ourselves and stores. We reached
Belle Plain Wednesday, and reported to Dr. Cuyler, Medical Director of
the post, and at his request spent a day there among the wounded, who were
arriving in great numbers, en route for Washington. We placed our supplies
at this place in charge of the Sanitary Commission, and through their cour
tesy had them transported direct to Fredericksburg, where they arrived safely
in advance of us. We reached Fredericksburg Friday morning, being
obliged to camp on the road Thursday night to escape surprise and capture
by the guerrillas. Our train consisted of fifty returning ambulance wagons,
guarded by cavalry, and our transportation in that train, though against the
rule, was due to the courtesy and humanity of the Medical Director at Belle
Plain. On reaching Fredericksburg, we immediately reported to Dr. Dal
ton, the Medical Director at that place, who assigned us to duty with the 9th
Corps hospitals, Dr. George W. Snow being the surgeon in charge. The
surgeons, weary and exhausted with the week's incessant labor, seemed

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 141
eagerly grateful for professional assistance, as well as for the no less impor
tant aid of good nurses. We entered upon our duties at once, and with
little intermission found ourselves constantly and laboriously employed until
the morning of our departure, May 21st. Our own townsmen were found as
soon as possible, and we can assure you they were studiously cared for, and
made very happy by the reception of some of the substantial tokens of your
charity. The names of the men and the character of their casualties are
already in your possession.
But not to those alone did we restrict our labors, or the disbursement of
your charities. The authority given by the Surgeon General enabled us to
make requisition on the Government, or the Sanitary or Christian Commis
sions for any needed supplies they had on hand, so that virtually the sup
plies you sent by us were actually distributed to the sufferers themselves, so
far as we had occasion to do so. The balance was distributed on the order
of ourselves or other surgeons, to the most needy, without regard to locality
or rank.
The supplies you forwarded by Messrs. Benton and Browning reached
Belle Plain in safety, and there remained a day or two, until we wrote to
Dr. Cuyler, Medical Director, stating the great destitution at Fredericks
burg, when he kindly forwarded them (in violation of red tape) in the Medi
cal Purveyor's train. These supplies we had placed in the care of Dr.
Snow, surgeon in charge 9th Corps hospitals, to be drawn upon by our
orders, and when we left, by the orders of Messrs. Benton and Browning,
who still remain on duty, so that this second instalment of supplies reached
its destination in the care of, and will be disbursed by your own agents.
The third instalment of supplies, which you sent to Gardner Tufts, Esq;,
at Washington, we directed to be forwarded at once to Miss Clara Barton, at
Fredericksburg, to be disbursed at her discretion, and her discretion, wisdom
and fidelity are well known in this State, as well as through the army of the
Potomac. It ought, perhaps, here to be stated that the government officials, and the
managers of both the Sanitary and Christian Commissions, up to the 15th or
16th instant, entirely under-estimated the magnitude of the exigency. They
all said that enough, and even a surplus of stores had gone forward. In
this respect they were all mistaken. Representations of the facts, and com
plaints of the great destitution soon reached Washington, and about the 17th
or 18th inst. new vigor was evinced, and vastly more ample supplies arrived
at Belle Plain, with the needed wagons and horses for transit to Fredericks
burg, both from the Government proper and from the two Commissions.
When we left, on the 21st inst., there was no longer a destitution, with the
exception of cot beds, and these in large numbers were met on Saturday
being transported to Fredericksburg. Since the battles, there have been
about eight thousand treated in the hospitals at Fredericksburg, many of

142 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
whom have already been forwarded to Washington, and there now remain
about six thousand under treatment. We were highly pleased with the per
fect harmony and fraternity which exists, particularly among the working
men of the two commissions. They cordially honor each other's requisitions,
and seem only ambitious to see which can easiest and quickest furnish the
needed cordial to the wounded by the wayside. In all these terrible scenes
of suffering we saw no Priests or Levites, but all seemed prompt and kind in
using the bandage, or the oil and wine, Samaritan like, for binding up the
wounds, without questioning their sectarian origin or mode of contribution.
All seemed eager for present duty, content to wait the Divine benediction,
' ' Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done
it unto me."
We received from your treasurer, on our departure, $500 in money, and
from that we have disbursed and paid out for travelling and other expenses,
the sum of $142.69, and have on hand, which we herewith return, the sum
of $357.31, as per schedule annexed.
From our observations in the field and in the hospitals, we are satisfied
that your contributions had better be chiefly sent in hospital supplies, more
especially such articles as the Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society can make, such as
shirts, (of cheap fabric) drawers, socks, bandages, old linen or cotton cloth,
cast off shirts or pants, if mended and fit for a few days wear ; cordials, and
every article for the sick diet, including canned fruits, jellies, pickles, etc.
The privation and hardship incident to the energetic and quick discharge
of pur duties as almoners of your bounties to the wounded soldiers of the
army of the Potomac, is more than compensated by the joy and gratitude we
witnessed from those suffering men. We close our report, invoking for all
givers and recipients of these well timed charities, the blessing of Him who,
though the God of battles, is mindful of the fallen sparrow, and fails not to
temper the wind to the shorn lamb.
ALFRED HITCHCOCK,
E. B HAYWARD,
H. A. GOODRICH.
Fitchburg, May 24, 1864.
This prompt and generous action of our people was extensively
noticed by the public journals of the State, and Fitchburg, for her
repeated efforts in this direction, became noted for the very liberal
care she bestowed upon her soldiers.
During the same week, several hundred dollars were raised and
forwarded to the Sanitary and Christian Commissions, and additional
supplies and nurses were sent out at the instance of the Committee
who remained in the hospitals in and around Fredericksburg.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 143
AFTER BATTLES BEFORE PETERSBURG.
1864.
In the latter part of May and first of June, our Twenty-fifth and
Thirty-sixth Regiments were engaged in the battles bef6re Petersburg,
and at " Coal Harbor," and suffered severely. The Citizens' Com
mittee delegated Mr. H. A. Hatch to visit the Regiments with sup
plies, and care for the wounded. He was not able to reach the front,
but visited all of our men in the hospitals near Fortress Monroe, and
administered to their necessities. He discharged his trust we believe
in a manner satisfactory to the Soldiers and to the Committee.
Of course we cannot begin to. put upon record here an account of
all that was done for the soldiers in the field by the " Volunteers " at
home. New enterprises in their behalf were constantly being set on
foot, and money flowed like water whenever an emergency came.
Nearly all gave liberally according to their means. There were many
noted instances of marked liberality in contributions as well as the
most self-sacrificing labors of those who were ever foremost in the
good work, and we would be glad to record their names, but where all
did so well, it would seem invidious to make special mention of any
particular cases.
We have no accurate record of the whole amount contributed for
the relief of the soldiers during the war. From the best estimates
we can make, we find that the amount received and disbursed by the
various organizations and committees is from ten to twelve thousand
dollars. And this was principally for the benefit of the soldiers them
selves. Much was also done for their families in the way of supplies,
of which no estimate -is made, and the town authorities were called
upon to assist, to some extent, the families of soldiers, which we have
not taken into the account.
Our citizens were fully awake to the condition and wants of the
men who went to fight our battles. Few, if any, communities can
show a better record in this regard. We may well look back upon
it with pride, but not in a spirit of boasting ; for did we do anything
more than duty demanded ? To have Fallen far short of that, would
indeed be mortifying now. All who worked or contributed, have their
reward in the consciousness of good deeds, well done.

144 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
LETTER FROM AN AGENT OF THE CHRISTIAN
COMMISSION,
The following letter was written by Mr. Frank H. Snow of this
town, who, in the spring of 1865, gave a few weeks of service to the
noble work of the Christian Commission.
As a description of the scenes at the rear of a battle field, we have
thought it worthy of insertion here.
" Headquarters Christian Commission,
6th Army Corps, Nottoway C. H., Va.,
April 29th, 1865.
To the Sentinel: — Since the Army of the Potomac broke camp one
month ago to-day, it has achieved victories which at that time would have
been regarded as the wild dreams of an enthusiast, but which now constitute
the most glorious chapter in the military history of our nation. The ' hun
dred days ' of Napoleon, productive of nought but bloodshed, lose all their
lustre in comparison with these thirty days of Grant, within which, with a
loss of life and limb comparatively slight, we have witnessed the death strug
gle of the most gigantic rebellion the world ever saw.
The surrender of Johnston's army, announced to our troops yesterday
morning by a dispatch from General Grant, has served partially to remove
the deep cloud of grief which has covered our army since the assassination of
its beloved Commander-in-chief, and all are filled with joy once more at the
thought of a speedy return to home and friends.
Perhaps a few notes of the campaign may not be uninteresting to the
readers of the Sentinel.
Wednesday, March 29th. — At three o'clock this morning, the Fifth Corps
silently and cautiously left its position on the extreme left of the fines near
Petersburg, and swung round as rapidly as possible in order to outflank the
rebel right, and strike the South Side R. R. This road runs from Petersburg
to Lynchburg, and is of inestimable value to the rebels as a source of supply.
In order to conceal our movement, if possible, from the enemy, the drum
mers were all left behind, to sound the morning reveille at six o'clock, as
usual. Eight delegates of the Christian Commission accompany the columns of
the Fifth Corps. We have one large wagon heavily laden with supplies of
cordials and delicacies for the sick and wounded, and our smaller wagon,
which we call " coffee machine," but to which the soldiers have to-day ap
plied a great variety of names, such as " Flying Artillery," and the " Wan-

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 145
dering Jew." It is sui generis, being the only one in existence, and some
what peculiar in appearance. It is in two parts, like a piece of artillery.
The forward part, or limber, contains an abundance af ammunition, in the
form of tea, coffee, corn-starch, farina, sugar, and condensed milk. Attached
to the limber is the artillery itself, consisting of three large boilers for the
making of tea and coffee by the wholesale. The arrangement for fuel much
resembles that of a steam fire engine, so that a fire may be kindled at a mo
ment's notice. Underneath all, is a wood-box, and above all, three smoke-
pipes penetrate the air. This invention is intended for use upon the battle
field, and has often been of great service. By it twenty-five gallons of tea
and coffee can be made in fifteen minutes, and the supply kept up as long as
needed. After marching, with as much rapidity as was consistent with caution, un
til four o'clock, P. M., our advance guard met the enemy, and a sharp en
counter ensued, — the first engagement of the campaign — short, but bloody.
As soou as the rapidity of the firing indicated the fact that our services were
needed, five of our number started on the double quick for the front, with
the " coffee machine." We reached the scene of conflict just at the right
time. The wounded were being brought in ambulances and on stretchers,
to the " Spain House,"' situated about a half mile from the woods, where the
fight was fiercely raging. The house is soon filled with bleeding, mangled,
tortured heroes, who wait patiently, and many of them until morning, for
their turn upon the amputating tables. The ground about the house, for
rods, is soon covered with the poor fellows, who now lie so thick that care
must be taken not to step upon them. , In less than half an hour after our
arrival, we have an abundance of hot coffee, beef tea, and milk punch in
readiness, which wo distribute among the sufferers, thus mitigating their al
most maddening thirst, and furnishing nourishment and stimulus to their
exhausted physical energies. Many a " God bless you" do we receive for
the Christian Commission, and not a few, unable to speak, give expression
to the depth of their gratitude by an appreciative look, or grasp of the hand.
Late at night, having hastily pitched our tent, we roll ourselves in our
blankets and take turns in sleeping for an hour or two. Strange to say, our
sleep is most sound, though surrounded by groaning and dying men."
Friday, March 31st. — The 5th Corps, having held the battle-field of
Wednesday, advances again this morning. Having proceeded several miles
with slight opposition from the enemy, Lee precipitates against it a heavy
force of infantry in the hope of breaking our lines by an overwhelming attack.
The attempt was at first successful, and our boys were driven back for two
or three miles, leaving their killed and wounded in the hands of the foe. In
the afternoon however, the last ground was re-taken, our lines were advanced
10

146 ' FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
nearly to the South Side Railroad, and a junction was formed with Sheridan
and his cavalry.
While the rest of our number remained with the wounded at the Spain
House, two of us were detailed to go forward to the battle-field with canteens
filled with water and stimulants. We approaehed the scene of active con
flict during the time of the temporary repulse of our forces. As we eStered
a large open field some half a mile from the advance line, whence proceeded
the incessant booming of artillery and heavy roar of musketry, great numbers
of men came- running toward us upon the double quick on their way 'tti 'a
place of safety. Some of them were non-combatants, but by far the greater
number were soldiers skulking from duty — men upon whom the faithful have
bestowed the most opprobrious epithets. A provost guard was soon sent
back to check the farther progress of this cowardly panic. The wounded
were being brought out from the woods beyond the field and sent back in
ambulances to the hospital. Among them was General Dennison of the
Maryland Brigade. We passed into the woods and soon came in sight of
the front line of our forces and could see the flash of the guns as they dashed
against the rebel lines. Now and then a Minnie ball would come' flying by
us with its peculiar, sharp, whistling sound. We passed along the second
line of battle, and administered doses of Jamaica Ginger to our wearied boys
who had been on their feet in mud and rain for thirty-six hours. About
this time the tide of battle turned, and possession was gained of the battle
ground of the morning, upon which the killed and wounded of both sides
were still lying just where they fell. In the midst of the woods was a cleared
spot about one acre in extent, where occurred the bloodiest conflict of the
day. Men lay thickly strewn upon the ground, many of them cold in death,
their unclosed eyes turned upward in vacant stare, and their stiffened hands
and arms raised toward Heaven as if in supplication to God for vengeance
upon their murderers. In one part of the field lay four Union boys side by
side, all killed in the most shocking manner by the same relentless cannon
ball. And, 0, what agony was depicted upon the features of many of the wound
ed men. Here lay little John Rogers of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Regi
ment, mortally wounded in the abdomen, and suffering the most excruciating
tortures. There lay a man with a terrible gash in his head through which
the brains protruded in ghastly profusion. It was an inestimable privilege to
be allowed to moisten the parched lips of these patient sufferers with a little
cold water from the spring near by, or to note down a few farewell words of
some dying boy to his much loved mother. Surely this nation is paying a
terrible price for indulgence in the enormity of chattel slavery.
While the fight was raging most fearfully this morning, an incident occurred
which excited the wonder of all who beheld it. In the centre of the clearing

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 147
above referred to, stood a little hut occupied by a colored woman with her
two children, one of whom was nine years old, and the other but just old
enough to walk. The mother, by reason of sickness, was unable to make
her escape from the danger, but remained within her dwelling all through
that fearful day. A kind Providence watched over her and shielded her
from harm. While the storm of lead was at its height, she sent forth her
little ones hand in hand, to make their way if possible, to a place of refuge.
By an unseen hand they were almost miraculously guided across that terrible
field, and through throe lines of battle, until they reached the rear of the
Union army. Here they were cared for by one of our delegates, who next
morning restored them to their anxious mother after the battle storm had
rolled onward so far as to make their own abode a place of safety. Even
thus through four years of deadly conflict that same unseen hand of God has
guided four millions of that sable race from bondage to freedom.

OUR PATRIOT DEAD.

" They never fail who die
In a great cause ; the block may soak their gore ;
Their heads may sodden in the sun ; their limbs
Be strung to city gates and castle walls —
But still their spirit walks abroad. Though years
Elapse, and others share as dark a doom,
They but augment the deep and sweeping thoughts
Which overpower all others, and conduct
The world at last to freedom."

We approach with reverence the subject of " our dead." We
know full well that no pen can do them full justice. We would
be glad to speak individually of all the brave ones whose names
appear in the fist below, but for want of space, can only give
obituary notices of a few of those best known to us, as represen
tatives of the rest, of whom we must speak in general terms. Of
the eight hundred (more or less,) of Fitchburg men who have
served in the army at different times during the war, one hundred
forty-two, or upwards of one in six, have fallen by the bullet or
by disease contracted in the service.
Most of the great battles have found victims of our citizens.
They fell at Ball's Bluff, Bull Run, in the battles of the Peninsula,
at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Port Hudson, Gettysburg, the Wilder
ness, Petersburg, Richmond, and on scores of fields of minor impor
tance, and their remains make sacred to us the soil of nearly every
Rebel State. Thirteen commissioned officers and one hundred
twenty-nine enlisted men make up Fitchburg's " offering" upon
the altar of our country.
Here is our "Roll of Honor." We have endeavored to make
it as correct as possible, and think it nearly perfect. This list

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

149

simply gives the names, company and regiment of the fallen, with
out specifying the manner or cause of death, &c, but by reference
to the alphabetical roll at the end of this volume, particulars will
be found.
THE « UNRETURNING BRAVE."

OFFICERS.

Lt. Col. Geo. E. Marshall, 40th
Capt. Clark S. Simonds, 15th
" John Murkland, 15th
" Geo. H. Bailey, 53d
" Jerome K. Taft, 53d
Joseph W. Gird, 57th

It.

Lieut. George G. Nutting, 53d Rgt
Chas. E. Upton, 25th
James Graham, Jr., 25th
Geo. B. Simonds, 15th
Henry A. Beckwith, 21st
Fred. H. Sibley, 36th

John M. Whitteuiorc, 3d Assistant Engineer, Gunboat Mohican.

ENLISTED MEN.

George Adams, Co. B 15th.
Harrison W. Battles, D 21st.
Henry D. Biigham, B 53d.
Wm. S. Bardeen, A 53d.
Alvaranzo Bigelow, D 21st.
Horace R. Barker, D 21st.
Wm. S. Boynton, D 21st.
Thomas Bartlett, A. 53d.
Chas. P. Battles, A 53d.
George L. Boss, B 15th.
Herbert D. Beckwith, F 57th.
Ozro A. Brigham, F 57th.
Chas. H. Brown, 2d, 22d.
James Brownson, D 21st.
Andrew M. Brock, D 21st.
John Campbell, B 15th.
Daniel Carpenter, B 15th.
Horace M. Churchill, A 53d.
Edward L. P. Cochran, B 53.
Israel Cummings, D 21st.
Geo. P. Cotting, F 25th.
Henry J. Cutting A 36th.
Wm. M. Caldwell, F 57th.
Gilbert Cheney, D 2d.
Joseph W. Chase, A 36th.
Chas. W. Crehore, A 30th.
Rufus H. Carter, D 21st.
Samuel F. Dadmun, F 25th.
Edward M. Derby, F 57th.

Edwin A. Derby. F 1st.
Geo. A. Davis, H 4th II. A.
Romanzo Downe, Navy.
John W. Eager, C 25th.
Artemas W. Ellenwood, F 25th.
Amos S. Eastman, D 21st.
Edward P. Farwell, A 53d.
John Flynn, A 36th.
Henry A. Friar, E 33d.
George G. Farwell, A 32d.
Artemas S. Farwell, F 25th.
Chas. E. Goodrich, D 21st.
Edwin Hartwell, D 26th.
Geo. H. Howe, H 21st.
David A. Harrington, A 53d.
Francis D. Hill, A 53d.
Wm. Hodgman, D 21st.
Frank A. Hildreth, B 15th.
Chas. Hall, F 25th.
Rodney Hall, F 57th.
Edwin Holman, H 23d.
Wm. Howard, I 6th N. H.
John M. Hastings, F 57th.
Henry K. Hill, G 2d H. A.
Wm. H. Hayden, Navy.
Jere. Harrigan, A 36th.
Joseph Humes, A 36th.
A. J. Hartwell, A 36th.
Henry L. Joslin, B 15th.

150

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

Michael Kavanaugh, C 28th.
J. Henry Kendall, A 53d.
Geo. E. Knight, A 36th.
Daniel Kielty, F 57th.
Geo. E. Keyes, A 36th.
Lewis M. Kimpton, D 20th.
Geo. Lowe, F 25th.
Philip Lane, A 14th,
Amos W. Lawrence, B 15th.
Jefferson C. Lakin, D 2d.
John L. Lamson, I 25th.
Alvin W. Lamb, A 32d.
Chas. D. Monroe, B 15th.
Simon F. Marshall, 3d Cavalry.
Chas. F. Montjoy, D 21st.
Michael Miles, F 57tb.
John Marsh, B 15th.
Simon May, D 21st.
Michael McMahon, E 25th.
Patrick McCarty, F 57th.
Thomas Mahan, A 36th.
John Markham, I 70th N. Y.
James Melntire, G 21st.
Ai D. Osborne, B 15th.
Thomas Oaks, A 36th.
Jerry O'Brien, F. 57th.
Geo. W. Philips, B 15th.
John H. Prichard, G 2d H. A.
Wm. T. Peabody, F 57th.
Horace T. Pope, B 15th.
Fred W. Parks. F 57th.
Wm. H. Partridge, F 25th.
Cyrus Putnam, F 25th.
Henry 0. Pierce, D 2d.
Eldridge L. Robinson, F 53d.
Martin Ryan, F 57th.

Win. Roach, F 20th.
Owen T. Raymond, F 57th.
Robert W. Sampson, F 12th U. S. I.
Orwell L. Stockwell, A 36th.
Patrick C. Sullivan, K 28th.
Michael Spencer, C 28th.
Wm. H. Shattuck, A. 53d.
Chas. W. Stuart, A 53d.
Wm. H. Simonds, A' 53d.
Solon W. Spooner, B 53d.
Samuel Stearns, B 15th.
William Skyo, F 57th.
William Sawtelle, G 32d.
Timothy Sheahan, A 5 th.
'Ihomas Scollay, B 15th.
Albert A. Smith, K 36th.
George C. Taylor, B 15th.
James Townsend, A 32d.
Thomas Tolman, D 22d.
Calvin E. Tolman, D 21st.
James M. Underwood, M 2d Cal. Cav.
N. Bradlee Upham, A 53d.
Edwin F. Vose, D 2d.
Henry S. Woodbury, A 53d.
Chas. M. Whitney, D 21st.
Geo. G. Winchester, A 53d.
Fred. L. Works, A 53d.
Benj. K. Wiley, B 53d.
Albert C. Wisley, B 53d.
Robert F. Webb, A 36th.
Milan B. Waite, F 25th.
Oliver H. Whittemore, F 25th.
William Wooldridge, A 53d.
George Watts, F 57th.
Ambrose Wilkins, 7th Batt.

CORPORAL E. A. HILDRETH, CO. B, FIFTEENTH REGIMENT.
Corporal Hildreth was the first victim of the war from this town.
He died of disease at Poolesville, Md., Oct. 7th, 1861.
He was but nineteen years old, and came, originally, from Lunen
burg, though he had lived among us for some time previous to the
war. He had been a member of the "Washington Guards," but
as the "Fusiliers" were the first to organize for the war, and as
he was anxious to enter the service, he at once enlisted in that
Company. He was a good soldier, and his many excellent traits
of character had endeared him to all his comrades.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 151
His was the first death in their ranks, and they felt it deeply.
It brought home to them and to us, the fact that some must perish
for the cause, and that their exposed lives must necessarily become
the prey for disease in every form, as well as for the bullet of
the enemy. He was buried with military honors at Poolesville,
Md. It was proposed to have his remains brought home and
buried with due honors, and arrangements were made by the
" Guards" to receive them ; but for some reason it was decided
to leave them where they were buried for the time being, and
we think they still rest there. There let him rest — near to that
fatal field of Ball's Bluff, where his comrades a few days after
his death were called to suffer so much. His grave may yet be
an object of pilgrimage to his fellow soldiers in years to come,
when they shall seek to visit the spot which was their home for
so many months, and where they met their first great trial.

CAPTAIN C. S. SIMONDS, FIFTEENTH REGIMENT.
(COMMUNICATED.)
Captain Clark S. Simonds was born at Groton, Mass., on the
24th of February, 1834, and was killed on the 17th of September,
1862, at the battle of " Antietam," in Maryland, being twenty-
eight years old at his death.
His parents moved to Fitchburg when he was quite young, and
he resided there most of the time until his death. He was a
man greatly beloved and highly esteemed by all who knew him.
His character was above reproach. He early took a deep and
lively interest in the Volunteer Militia of the State, and partic
ularly in the " Fitchburg Fusiliers," of which company he became
a member, and by strict attention to the duties incumbent upon
him, and his firm adherence to discipline, coupled with that geni
ality of disposition so peculiarly his, he won for himself the hon
orable position which he held at his death, by the unanimous
Wish and vote of his company.

152 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
At the breaking out of the war, he was one of the first to
lay aside the civic dress and don the uniform of the patriot,
which he wore with marked distinction to himself and great credit
to the town. His company ever stood at the head in point of
drill and discipline, in the glorious old Fifteenth Regiment. Upon
the 21st of October, 1861, he crossed the Potomac river at
Ball's Bluff, at the head of his company, (against the" earnest
protestations of his friends, for he was exceedingly weak from loss
of blood from a wound received the evening before while marching
to the river from Poolesville,) to meet the enemies of his country
for the first time. Never did men march with firmer step and
stronger determination ' to conquer or die, than did his command
led by him they all loved, and in whom they placed the ut
most confidence. His company being thrown to the front as
skirmishers, he accompanied them in. command, and while there
engaged with the rebel skirmishers, the rebel cavalry, by a sudden
dash around their left flank, succeeded in capturing several of the
company, and among them, Captain Simonds. He was taken to
Richmond and immured in Libby Prison until February 19th, 1862,
when he was exchanged. He immediately rejoined the Regiment
at Harper's Ferry on the day that it started for Richmond, via
the Peninsula. He was in all the battles of the Peninsula in
which the Fifteenth Regiment took a part; went with them to
the Second Bull Run ; thence up through Maryland to the fatal
field of Antietam. On that memorable morning, when the trumpet
sounded the advance, well do we remember the coolness and quiet
manner in which Captain Simonds moved his men to the front,
and with what courage and determination he fought during that
terrible engagement in which, in the short space of less than
twenty-five minutes, over one-half of that gallant regiment lay dead
or wounded upon the field ; with what reluctance he gave the
order to his men to fill back, in obedience to superior officers.
He passed safely through that awful storm of shot and shell, to
fall by a random shot thrown into the little grove where the

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION 153
regiment was re-forming after having fallen back from their first
position, standing in his place just behind his company, cheering
them by his noble words of encouragement and hope, and regret
ting the loss of those who had fallen, while the tears rolledjlown
his manly cheek as he looked for those he loved, and found their
places vacant, a rebel shell came whirling and shrieking through
the wood, striking the ground about thirty yards in advance of
the line, ploughing up the earth, yet speeding on its mission of
death. It struck Captain Simonds directly over the heart, killing
him instantly. He fell without a groan, and the last word he
uttered was " Colonel," addressed to him who by the misfortune
of another, was in command of the regiment. His men gathered
around him, and with tears coursing down their bronzed cheeks,
they tenderly bore him to the rear, hoping that he might yet
speak to them once more, but no, he was dead. Leaving him
with friends, they returned to their duty, pledging anew their
lives, if need be, upon the altar of Liberty. Oh ! what a sacrifice !
Why should this noble man be selected for the altar on that
fatal day ? And yet, could the question have been put to him
that morning, are you willing to sacrifice your life to-day in
defence of our noble flag and the principles it represents ? he
would have responded unhesitatingly, yes, a thousand times, if need
be, for what is my life compared with the safety and happiness
of my country?
His was a noble life and a glorious death ; he died as he had
lived, a true man and a pure patriot, worthy to have his name
written in the Temple of Fame, high up among those noble men
of the Revolution who sacrificed their lives to gain their country's
independence, and thus bequeath to their children the blessings of
liberty. They died to secure, he to maintain, preserve and
perpetuate those blessings.
He sleeps the sleep of the brave, near his own beloved home, and
" When Spring, with dewy fingers cold,
Returns to deck bis hallowed mould,
She then shall dress a sweeter sod
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod."
20 J. W. K.

154 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
CAPTAIN JOHN MURKLAND, FIFTEENTH REGIMENT.
Capt. Murkland will be pleasantly remembered by many of our
citizens. Though not a native of Fitchburg, he was for several
years a resident of this town. When the war broke out, he was
among the first to enlist in Co. B, Fifteenth Regiment, and was
immediately appointed a sergeant, which office he held until after
the battle of Antietam, when he was promoted to a Captaincy for
special gallantry on that occasion. He had merited, and was fairly
entitled to promotion long before this, but was unfairly dealt with
in the matter through the influence of persons not then officially
connected with the Fifteenth Regiment. He was raised to Cap
tain from the rank of Sergeant, on recommendation of Gen. Gor
man and Col. Kimball, and we give below the letter of Gen.
Gorman to Gov. Andrew, which will be read with interest.

Headquarters 2d Drv., 2d Army Corps, )
Bolivar, Va., Oct. 19, 1862. j
Brig. Gen. Schouier, Adjutant General:
Sir : — Since the death of the gallant captain of Co. B, (Capt. Simonds,)
there is a vacancy. I now beg leave to present the name of first Sergeant
John Murkland. He is eminently fit and qualified, and is now in command
of his company. He has nobly won this merited promotion by his gallantry
on the battlefield of " Antietam." When Capt. Simonds fell, Lieut. Col.
Kimball took the dying man's sword off and said, " I want you to take this
sword and lead this company ; will you do it? He answered gallantly, "I
will do so — any where you may order!" This noble answer, made in the
face of death and danger, ought to win for him from his country a medal,
and two captain's commissions, if need be. I trust his Excellency will
reward this special gallantry at once.
I am, General, truly yours,
W. A. GORMAN, Brig. Gen.
Commanding Division.

The Governor immediately forwarded a commission, also wrote a
letter to the regiment highly complimentary of Murkland, and
giving his reasons for his departure from usual custom in thus

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 155
elevating him at once to a Captaincy. The appointment gave
great satisfaction to the regiment, and to his many friends. He
was killed at Gettysburg, while bravely leading his men into
action. As a man, we was genial and kind hearted, and beloved by
all who knew him. As a soldier, he was prompt and efficient,
and a thorough disciplinarian, while none braver than he ever
trod the field of battle. His death was deeply lamented by his
fellow soldiers and a large circle of friends.
SERG'T GEO. C. TATLOR, FIFTEENTH REGIMENT.
Young Taylor was one of the early victims of the war. He was
among the first to enlist for " three years or the war" in Com
pany B, Fifteenth Regiment. He was at once appointed Sergeant,
and filled the office with great ability. He was a thorough sol
dier. In him were the attractions of youth, a generous-hearted
nature, unflinching courage, and a conscientious regard for duty,
which secured the affection and regard of all his comrades. After
he had enlisted, he was asked by a friend if he expected ever to
return. He quickly answered " I shall go to the war, and I shall
return, if God is willing."
He fell upon the terrible field of Ball's Bluff, where so many
lives were uselessly sacrificed. His career as a soldier was indeed
a short one, but his record is a proud one.
Never soldier entered the service from a purer sense of duty than
he. Had he lived longer, we cannot doubt he would have taken
a high position in his regiment, for he had already shown the moro
noble qualities of a man and a soldier.
"Brave youth! by few is glory's wreath attained,
But death, or late, or soon, awaiteth all;
To fight in Freedom's cause is something gained,
And nothing lost to faU."

156 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
AI D. OSBORNE, CO. B, FIFTEENTH REGIMENT.
Ai D. Osborne was born at Ashburnham, in 1833, and the most
of his fife was spent in our midst. We all remember him as a
school-mate, — a modest, unassuming boy, but one who was a gen
eral favorite, because of his very amiable character — one who was
always ready to share the burden of another, or to espouse the
cause of the weaker party in the difficulties incident to school-boy
life. In 1857, he enlisted into the " Fusiliers," to serve for five years.
When, in 1861, the war broke out, and soldiers were wanted, and
his company decided to volunteer, he cheerfully went with them,
saying that " he had belonged to the company for pleasure, and
he should not leave it when he was most needed." To his mother
he said : " Mother, somebody must go, and it is no worse for me
to go, than others; all who go leave friends behind." He left
with his regiment, and shared its experiences for four months,
when at the battle of Ball's Bluff, October 21st, 1861, he
received the wound which cost him his life.
We have seen numerous extracts from his letters and diary that
indicate great conscientiousness and a keen sense of his duty as
a man and a soldier. In one he says : "we expect an onward
movement — we are in good spirits, and trust in God and our
officers." In another, speaking of the vices of the army, and especially
that of profanity, he says : " but when I return, as I trust I shall,
I hope no one will ever have occasion to blush with shame for any
habits or vices which I have contracted in the U. S. service."
On the day before the battle, he speaks of the impending con
flict, and says : " I am well, and ready for any duty that may devolve
upon me." He was shot through the knee during the next day,
taken prisoner and carried to Leesburg in an ambulance, together
with Thomas P. Taylor, of his company, where they arrived at
about four o'clock, P. M. As the attendants were about to take
him from the ambulance, he said : " take Taylor out first ; he is

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 157
wounded worse than I am;" thus exhibiting the noble, chivalrous
nature of another Philip Sidney.
His leg was amputated the following Thursday, and was so cru
elly and clumsily done, that he died from the effects of it and
subsequent ill treatment. Immediately after the amputation, he was
carried into the room with his friend Taylor, who said to him, " I
am very sorry for you," to which he replied "yes, I know you
are very sorry, Tom, but what will my poor mother say ?" In
a few minutes he added, " Let us be men, and call it a misfor
tune." After this, he grew very cheerful, and had soon formed
his plans for the future, after he should be released and fully re
cover from his wounds. But alas ! he was only released by death,
which, took place Dec. 1st, 1861. His remains were buried at
Leesburg, Va.
LIEUT. O. BOWMAN SIMONDS, FIFTEENTH REGIMENT.
The following article appeared in the Reveille of June 21st,
1864, and was written by one of our citizens, who knew the subject
of it and his family.
" The Widow's Sacrifice." — Private letters have brought to
us the sad news of the death of three noble brothers who have
fallen in the great struggle for the Nation's life. Lieutenant G.
Bowman Simonds, of Company B, Fifteenth Mass. Regiment, was
killed in one of the late series of battles, while fighting bravely
with his company. He volunteered with his brother Clark Simonds,
in the first company that went from Fitchburg. He was wounded
at Ball's Bluff in the first battle in which the regiment was engaged,
and came home on a furlough, but as soon as he had recovered
sufficiently from the effects of his wound, he returned to his com
pany, and remained with it until the time of his death.
His gentle and quiet deportment, and almost boyish appearance
gave little token to those who did not know him intimately, of
the stern devotion to duty, and manly courage which inspired him.

158 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.^
One who, with others, accompanied him, then a mere boy, from
the battle-field of Ball's Bluff, speaks in feeling terms of admira
tion of the quiet and uncomplaining fortitude with which he endured
his, suffering, and of the gratitude with which he accepted the
care they felt themselves only too privileged to be able to give.
He has sealed his devotion with his blood, and his widowed
mother is now bereft of her last son.
Three boys, all who were given her, has she freely given to
her country. Captain Clark S. Simonds fell on the field of
Antietam. Aaron Simonds died in camp, after an honorable service
at Port Royal, and now the third and youngest has left her. The
warm sympathy of every heart which can be made to throb by
noble and generous sacrifices, she will receive ; but who will venture
to regard with compassion the mother of three such sons?
Rather may we envy the lot of her who at the end of a long
and blameless fife may look forward to find such treasures in
Heaven. W.

JOHN M. WHITTEMORE— NAVY.
(communicated.)
John M. Whittemore was born in Cambridgeport, Massachusetts,
September 11th, 1835, and was the third son of Rev. Thomas Whit
temore, D. D.
After leaving school, he was for sometime clerk for his honored
father in his office in Boston, but possessing an ardent love for mechan
ics, especially that of steam-enginery, he could not content himself at
any other business, and on leaving his father's office, he spent some
time in preparing to become a scientific mechanic. He studied
engineering thoroughly, was well versed in the popular works on the
subject of mechanism, and for several years was employed in the engi
neering department of the Vermont and Massachusetts Rail Road.
He was also a fine draughtsman.
He was married February 27th, 1861, to Miss Josephine, daughter

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 159
of Rev. Joseph P. Atkinson, of Orange, formerly of Laconia, N. H.,
who survives him.
When the government of the United States appointed a competent
and learned committee to examine applicants for engineers in the
naval service, Mr. Whittemore appeared before them, and after a
thorough examination, he was accepted, and informed by them that
from sixty-four who had applied, four only would be commissioned, and
he was one of that number.
On the 4th day of October, 1861, he was ordered to join the U.
S. sloop-of-war Mohican, at the Charlestown navy yard ; and on the
12th of the same month, he sailed for Fortress Monroe.
Many interesting incidents of the voyage, and of the severe storm
between Fortress Monroe and Port Royal, are found in a journal which
he kept. The last recoid in it reads as follows : " Thursday, Oct.
7th. — This morning is lovely. No air stirring. Hauled short on the
anchor at 9 o'clock." This was within an hour or two of his death.
The post assigned to him in action, was at the signal bell-pull on deck,
to convey the orders of the captain in regard to moving the ship, to
the engineers below. Here he fell, alongside the mid-ship gun. He
was killed instantly, and while cheering on the men at the gun, by a
piece of shell which passed through the head.
In the afternoon of the next day he was buried with funeral honors,
in the rear of Hilton Head Battery. The vessels of the navy each
wore colors at half mast. A mocking-bird whistled mournfully from
a neighboring tree, while the burial service was being read by Chap
lain Dorrance, of the Wabash.
It would seem that Mr. Whittemore had a strong presentiment of
death, and his associates say that on the night before the battle, after
giving directions as to the disposition of his body and effects in case
he should fall, he spent an unusual length of time by himself, in read
ing his Bible. He is dead, but his relatives and friends have the sat
isfaction of knowing that he died nobly and in a glorious cause. The
first martyr upon South Carolina's soil, in maintaining the honor and

160 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
integrity of the nation against a most wicked rebellion, his memory
will be embalmed in Massachusetts breasts with the heroes of the 19th
of April and the 21st of October. His remains arrived in Cam-
bridgeport on the 3d of December, and were buried at Mount Auburn
with military honors.
Mr. Whittemore was always fond of books, had a retentive
memory, and a mind well stored with knowledge. He was well versed
in the histories of the leading minds of the day, who are known as
artists, poets and "historians. He also possessed great conversational
powers, and could converse with ease and fluency upon the topics of
the day. He was noted for his generosity ; his feelings were easily
moved for the suffering and needy, and the hand, of charity was never
offered in vain. Many poor ones, whose suffering he had relieved,
were constrained to drop a tear of regret when their young friend and
benefactor passed from earth.
LIEUT. HENRY A. BECKWITH, TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
The following sketch of Lieutenant Beckwith is from the sermon
preached at his funeral, by Rev. Elnathan Davis:
" Henry A. Beckwith, whose death has called us together to-day,
was born in Gilsum, N. H., July 12th, 1836. About the year
1850, he became a resident of Fitchburg, which has ever since been
his home — made doubly homelike by his marriage some three years
ago, with Miss Sarah J. Steele, of this place. In July of last
year, he left us as a member of Company D, Twenty-First Regi
ment, commanded by Captain T. S. Foster. He was in the battles
of Roanoke Island, Newbern, Camden, Second Bull Run and Chan
tilly, Va., in the last of which he was mortally wounded Sept. 1st,
1862. Four days afterwards, in the hut of an old slave woman,
on the border of that disastrous field, he died: He had risen to
the position of First Lieutenant of bis company, was cordial and
manly in his deportment, brave and skilful as an officer, much

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 161
beloved by his companions, and died universally respected and
deeply regretted by his regiment— the war-scathed Twenty-first.
What he was as a son and brother, as a husband and friend, I
need not say. Few men have left a dearer home, or more loved
and loving friends, to plunge into this terrible strife ; and in few
homes will the memory of the lost soldier be more tenderly cher
ished. To those who so truly loved him, and especially to the
wife of his youth, these old words shall thrill with a new and
deeper meaning — ' Green be the turf above thee,
Friend of my better days !
None knew thee but to love thee,
None named thee but to praise.' "
CALVIN E. TOLMAN, TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT.
(from the "reveille" op SEPT. 11, 1862.)
Honor to the Brave. — We are called upon to record the death
of more of our brave Fitchburg men who have fallen on the field of
battle. Calvin E. Tolman was a printer in the Reveille office, and
enlisted in the 21st regiment, which left about a year since. He was
in all the battles in which this noble regiment has had a part, at
Roanoke, Newberne, Manassas and Chantilly. In this last bloody
engagement of Sept. 1st, he was shot through the head, and died
almost immediately. Young Tolman was much esteemed by all who
knew him ; faithful, earnest and patriotic, he enrolled his name and
went out with the volunteers of Fitchburg, from a pure sense of duty.
There is the consolation for his bereaved parents and friends, that he
never failed in his duty, and that he died as a soldier should, fighting
bravely in the van in defence of his country."
LIEUT. CHARLES E. UPTON, TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT.
Lieut. Upton was one of our most youthful officers. We think he
was the youngest in commission from this town, being but twenty
years old at his death. He was one of those who seem to have been
21

162 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
born with the elements of a true soldier in his nature. He was one
of the first to enlist in the 25th regiment, and was immediately
appointed a sergeant in Co. F. Though so young, he showed marked
ability in the duties of his office, and secured the respect and love of
the men with whom he was connected. His efficiency and gallantry
soon won for him a second lieutenant's commission, which was fol
lowed in a few months by a promotion to a first lieutenancy. He was
placed in command of company I, and led it in the battle of Arrowfield
Church where he lost his fife. We cannot close this notice any better
than by giving a copy of a letter from one of his comrades soon after
the battle, and which we take from the correspondence of the " Wor
cester Spy."
"In the fist of killed on the 9th inst., you will find the name of Lieut.
Charles E. Upton. In Lieut. Upton's death we have met a severe loss.
He had just been promoted to a first lieutenancy, and had his life been spared
would have won higher honors during the bitter struggles of this campaign.
But an all-wise Providence has otherwise decreed, and though we shall miss
the kind and genial comrade, the brave and gallant soldier, and the true and
affectionate friend, yet we ~bow in humble submission to His holy will. I
send you the following extract relating to his death, from Colonel Pickett's
official report of the battle of Petersburg :
" First Lieutenant Upton, in command of company I, was killed. In the
loss of this officer the regiment and service have lost one whose place it will
be difficult to fill. Young, brave and patriotic, he was among the first to
offer his services to his country, entering into all the trials and hardships of a
soldier's life with a cheerfulness of disposition and a buoyancy of spirits,
which won for him the respect and confidence of his superior officers ; prompt
in the performance of, and attentive to all his duties, kind and affectionate to
all under his command, he gained the respect and love of all who knew him.
He met a soldier's death, dying at the head of his command as victory
crowned our efforts."
LIEUTENANT FRED. H. SIBLEY, THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT.
Lieutenant Sibley originally enlisted in the Fifteenth Regiment
and served in it for the first year of its term of service, as a
Corporal and Sergeant of Company B. Here he showed marked
abilities as a soldier, and in the summer of 1862, he was recom-

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 163
mended to the Governor for a Commission in the Thirty-sixth
Regiment, then forming, and received a commission of Second
Lieutenant August 22d, 1862. He served with his regiment one
year, being present in all its engagements and marches until July,
1863, when (his regiment being then in Mississippi on the arduous
Vicksburg campaign,) he was taken ill with chronic diarrhoea,
aud on the return of his regiment through Kentucky, he was
sent to the hospital at Louisville, where he survived but thirty-
six hours. His death occurred August 17th, 1863. His remains
were brought home by his father, and repose in our peaceful
cemetery. He left a young wife to mourn his loss, to whom he
had been married but a short time.
The following extract from the pen of a brother officer, will
show in what estimation he was held in his regiment:
" Although a stranger to you, Lieutenant Sibley deserves more than a
passing notice. I was intimately acquainted with him, and knew him well.
He was formerly connected with the Fifteenth Mass. Regiment and had been,
I think, in ten general engagements and skirmishes. He was one of the
finest men I ever knew — an accomplished soldier, a true patriot, an honor
able, upright man. His gentlemanly deportment had won for him the esteem
of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance."
We are told by those who knew him better than we did, that
he was a general favorite wherever he was. We know that he
was brave and chivalrous, for we have on record in another part
of this volume, the part he took in saving his Colonel not only
from the hands of the enemy, but from a watery grave in the
Potomac. All such noble spirits we should delight to honor, and
their memories should be peculiarly precious.
LIEUT. COL. GEORGE E. MARSHALL, FORTIETH REGIMENT.
The following extract from " Reed's Hospital Life in the army of
the Potomac," contains a fitting tribute to Lieut. Col. Marshall, and
will be read with interest.

164 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
"' While wo were waiting the arrival of the wounded, we went in search of
the Fortieth Massachusetts Regiment. The headquarters Were under a thick
bower of magnolia leaves, and we received a cordial welcome from Lieut.
Col. Marshall. The men were resting on their arms, their knapsacks being
merely unstrapped, and their guns lying within reach, ready for marching
orders The men were full of spirits and enthusiasm, although in the midst
of a severe campaign. They were to enter upon their work again to-morrow,
few of them probably realizing that the setting sun of that day was to be the
last that many of them would ever look upon. As we sat in this cool, shady
spot, a staff officer rode up with orders to have the regiment prepared to
toove at a moment's notice, and we left the column ready for its march.
The skirmishing previous to the battle of Cold Harbor had begun. The
heavy guns were distinctly heard that morning — that desultory firing, omin
ous of the coming engagement. The regiment joined its brigade, marched to
Cold Harbor, and, before another sun had set, the Colonel and one hundred
of his brave men were dead and buried on the battle field. The fire of a
genuine patriotism burned in the heart of Colonel Marshall. Bold as a lion,
he was as sensitive as a girl. With utter fearlessness in danger, nothing
could touch so quickly those finer sensibilities of honor as the slightest inti
mation of reproach, that from any cause he was neglectful of his duty. The
life of a skilful officer, of a devoted, earnest and faithful man, was thrown
aWay in rashly vindicating himself from an aspersion as unjust as it was
inconsiderate ; and when the noble fellow fell, the tears of his men watered
his grave. The brown, haggard soldiers, with powder-stained hands, placed
him reverently under the sod, with his comrades who fell at his side.
The sight of a field of carnage must not be described. But in the rear of
it We can see groups of men sitting under trees, or lying in agony, having
crawled to some shady spot, to brook-side or ravine, where they may bathe
their fevered wounds or quench their thirst while waiting their turn to be
removed in ambulances to the hospital."

LIEUT. GEORGE G. NUTTING, FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
Lieutenant Nutting was killed in battle at Fort Bisland, La.,
April 13th, 1863.
He was an old soldier of the Militia, and held a commission
in the Fusiliers previous to going into the service- The call for
nine months men found him among the first to volunteer to go,
and he entered the service as First Lieutenant of Company A,
Fifty-third Regiment.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 165
He proved an efficient officer and a thorough disciplinarian. He
was a great favorite with the men under his command, for
Whose comfort he was ever careful and solicitous. He had the
command of his company in the battle in which he lost his life,
and was observed through the thickest of the contest leading his
men with a calmness and fearlessness truly his own. He was
shot through the head and died in half an hour. Col. Kimball,
in a letter announcing his death, thus speaks of him:
" Our much loved Lieutenant Nutting is no more. He fell
nobly while gallantly leading his men close up to the enemy's
works. He was cool and determined, and exhibited while in battle
the same noble and manly traits of character which always gov
erned him in civil life — that is, to do his duty, his whole duty
without hesitation or fear. His company acquitted themselves hand
somely, moving forward under a severe fire from a concealed foe,
with promptness and great courage, at every order to advance.
They were in the most trying position of any company in the
line. The last time I saw Lieutenant Nutting alive, I gave him
orders to move his men forward ten paces, and extend intervals
to the right twenty-five paces, to prevent the enemy turning our
right, which I much feared they would attempt to do. He sprang
forward and gave his orders as coolly as if on dress parade,
encouraging his men by his personal bravery, as well as by words.
My attention was immediately called to another part of the line,
and X left him, knowing that my orders to him would be carried
out if it were in the power of man to do it. I saw him no
more till I Saw him the next morning, calmly sleeping his last
sleep, having fought his last battle, and looking as natural and
happy as in life. May we ever cherish his memory, and remem
ber that he died as he had lived, true to the Old Flag, and
bravely fighting for the country he loved so well. Peace to his
ashes ! May he receive a crown of glory in a better world, as a
reward for duty nobly done."

166 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
His los3 was severely felt by both officers and men of the
regiment, for his many good qualities had endeared him alike to
all, while his great ability as an officer was felt and appreciated
by his brother officers and superiors.
FRED L. WORKS, CO. A, FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
He died of disease at Opelousas, La., April 23d, 1863, aged
twenty-one years. He was the son of Daniel Works, of this town,
born and bred here, and had seldom left the quiet of his father's farm,
until his country called for his services. He was not slow to respond,
but with his brother, and some of his near neighbors and comrades,
enlisted in the 53d regiment. He was a thoroughly conscientious
young man, and ever followed the path of rectitude. He was of a
mild, amiable disposition, and drew to himself the love of his com
rades and friends. As a soldier, he wa3 true and faithful to every
duty.* He shared the fortunes of his regiment until after its first
battle, in which he bore himself most bravely. After the battle of
Fort Bisland, the regiment marched very rapidly in pursuit of the
enemy, towards Alexandria. Fred had been unwell for some days,
but would not give up until obliged to. On the fourth day of the
march he was obliged to succumb, being already in a burning
fever. He was placed on a horse and carried to Opelousas, where
he died in less than a week. His brother was with him, and took care
of him until his death. His funeral took place the next day from the
hospital, and was attended by his company and the field and staff
officers. We well remember the sad occasion. The services at the
house were held just before night, and it was almost dark before the
mournful procession, with muffled drums and " arms reversed,"
started for the little cemetery where his remains were to be deposited.
Arriving there, we assembled about the grave, and by the -pale light
of the moon, the services proceeded. A most impressive prayer was
made by the chaplain, after which the body was lowered into the
ground. Then three sharp volleys over his grave, told the villagers

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 167
that another Union soldier had gone to his long home. He sleeps
among a most rebellious people, but they will respect his grave. It
is not impossible that the time may come, when they or their de
scendants can pay it due reverence.

HENRY S. WOODBURY, CO. A, FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
(communicated.)
A private in Co. A, 53d Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, was
a native of Fitchburg, the youngest son of William Woodbury, Esq.,
of unblemished character, of marked amiability, the hope and stay
of his aged parents, he went to the war, from the purest motives of
patriotism, leaving to the care of others, dependent loved ones. He
shared in the privations of the early history of his regiment, always
full of hope for the future, his letters breathed the ardor of one who
had the interest of his country always near his heart, but soon after
reaching Baton Rouge, La., he was attacked with chronic diarrhoea,
and before his entire recovery, his regiment was ordered to Port Hud
son, and he would not consent to be left behind, took his place in
the ranks, went, and returned again to Baton Rouge. But the
effort was too much for him, weakened as he was by disease, and
again he returned to the hospital, where everything was done for him
by his comrades, but on the 30th of March, 1863, he died peacefully
and hopeful that he should meet loved ones in a better land. His
body was tenderly and carefully taken to New Orleans, by Chaplain
Whittemore, encased in a beautiful metallic casket, and sent to Fitch
burg, and it rests in the new cemetery of his native village. But
long will his memory be cherished by a fond wife and only child, and
those who knew and loved him so well. A few more years and they
shall reach that better land,
" Where hand to hand firm linked at last,
And heart to heart enfolded all —
We'll smile upon the troubled past,
And wonder why we wept at all." L. H. B.

168 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
CAPTAIN GEORGE H. BAILEY, FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
The following letter from the Chaplain of the Fifty-third Regi
ment to the friends of Captain George H. Bailey, is a just tribute
to the memory of a brave man. " In the Field neae Port Hudson, )
June 2d, 1863. >
Mr. John L. Bailey,
Dear Sir : — You have doubtless before this, received the sad intelli
gence of the death of your beloved son. I would not add new pain to your
heart by a recital of the wounds he bore, the sufferings he passed through,
were it not that a sense of duty urges me to bear testimony to the worth of a
gallant officer, a noble soldier.
George had just been elected Captain of a company with which he had
long been identified. They knew him, — he had been a tried servant, a true
companion in arms ; by him they chose to be led ; their hopes were high —
his were exalted. New dangers were to be encountered, and we commenced
our attack upon Port Hudson. None were more earnest in the contest than
Company A, and George was the equal of the most brave. On the night of
the 25th of May, while leading his command forward as skirmishers, the
rebels opened a wild and rapid fire upon them; he fell, having been shot
through the side and arm. He was carried from the field back two miles to
a sugar house, which was converted into a hospital. Here he received good
attention from Mr. Spaulding, who was sent to take care of him. He began
however, to fail, and died on the 28th. I saw him once after he was carried
to the hospital ; he was cheerful in his mini, and expressed a hope of getting
able to do duty again. He was very sorry to have been wounded so early irt
the struggle. When he found he must die, he was frequently seen engaged
in silent prayer. To questions asked by Mr. Spaulding, he gave answers
such as warranted him to believe that George was not only prepared for the
great issue of life, but the Christian's hope was his. The last words he uttered
were, "It is all right "
In view of this assurance, may we not feel that though a good man has
fallen, though the loss among the dear ones is great, yet has he gained in
exchange, eternal life, immortal happiness ! May the consolation of the just
be yours. May you be able, even in tribulation, to rejoice and say, "all
things shall work together for good to them that love God."
It was our intention to have sont the remains of your son home, but circum
stances would not permit, therefore, we were compelled to give him a burial
near the battle ground. It is a spot easily found, quiet and retired, not liable

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 169
to be disturbed. We had quite a service, for we buried at the same time,
Lieutenant Colonel Rodman, of the Thirty-eighth Mass.
Deeply do I sympathize with the afflicted widow, and pray God that He
may temper her mind to a resignation to His will, and pour into her heart
the oil of consolation. Truly yours,
B. FRANK WHITTEMORE,
Chaplain b3d Reg't M. V. M.

PRIVATES EDWARD P. FARWELL, AND J. HENRY KENDALL,
OF CO. A, FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
These two young men, both of whom lost their lives at Port Hud
son, the one by disease, and the other on the field of battle, deserve
more than a passing notice.
They are representatives of one class of our soldiers, and that is
the noble, enthusiastic, conscientious " boy soldier." Both were of
the very youngest that went out from us. Young Farwell was but
eighteen at the time of his enlistment, of rather slender constitution,
but quite well matured. Full of courageous patriotism, when in the
summer of 1862, the call came for nine months troops, he was filled
with an earnest desire to go forth and do battle for his country. His
friends remonstrated with him on account of his youth and slender
health, but his only answer was " some must defend the country, and
I feel it my duty to go." Of course, his friends yielded. He went,
but returned no more. He followed the fortunes of his regiment to
Port Hudson, where he was laid low with a fatal disease, and lived
only to see the surrender of that stronghold, and to die within its for
tifications, on the 19th of July, 1863. He was a brave soldier, a
genial companion, a kind-hearted, affectionate boy.
We close this notice with an extract from a letter from the chaplain
of the regiment, to his parents. He says :
" When the regiment moved from Port Hudson, July 11th, he was
too sick to go with them, and he, with his cousin, Wm. H. Simonds,
were left behind, both in a critical condition. Side by side, they lay
22

170 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION,
for several days, till Saturday, P. M., when Edward rapidly failed.
At dark, he knew no one but his cousin, and soon was senseless,
apparently free from all pain, and dropped asleep calmly, and with
out a struggle, Sabbath morning at two and one-half o'clock. Mr.
Simonds says that Edward was constantly talking of " going home,"
that he never gave up the idea but that he should go when the reg
iment did, and the night he died, when insensible to objects around
him, thought he was at home, and spoke of friends there. Ambi
tious almost to the last, he could not bear to lay down his energies for
usefulness ; but poor Edward was compelled to succumb. Disease
had nestled long in his vitals, and he was willing to be administered
unto. I cannot, however, conceive a more appropriate place to fall,
if the soldier boy must die, than in the stronghold of that power
which he with the rest of the brave and the noble, had so long striven
to overcome."
J. Henry Kendall, our other " boy soldier," was wounded at Port
Hudson, June 14th, 1863, and died June 24th, following.
He was but a delicate boy, not quite seventeen when he enlisted,
and really never should have been accepted in the ranks. But though
small and delicate of frame, his courage was the most undaunted.
Twice before had he offered himself and been rejected on account of
his youth. Conscientiously believing that it was his duty to give up
a good situation, to leave a widowed mother, to go forth to endure all
the hardships and privations of a soldier's life, it was futile to attempt
to convince him to the contrary. Men were not volunteering very
fast ; the call was urgent, the danger seemed imminent. He (brave
young soul) felt it, and when his 'mother "plead with him, that he
should not think of going into such service, on account of his extreme
youth, his reply was : " Mother, if the men will not go to the war,
the boys must." He enlisted in "the 53d. Delicate as he was, he
endured the rough life, the long marches, the hot climate, exceedingly
well, though his naturally slender form grew but more thin. But his

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 171
courage held out to the last. The writer remembers a conversation with
him the night before the battle in which he received his fatal wound.
He said to him " Henry, do you not find this a much harder service
than you expected when you left home ?" He said, " It is hard,
much rougher than I thought we should get it, but I am in for it, and
I intend to make the best of it, and do my whole duty to the end."
Dear child ! nobly had he done every duty required of him, nobly
did he perform his part on the next day, charging with the very front
' line up to the works, and receiving there the wound that cost him his
life. He was sent to the hospital at New Orleans the day after the
battle, suffered amputation, and died among strangers. Of his last
hours we have been unable to get an account, but we doubt not that
if he was conscious, that he passed to the world beyond perfectly com
posed and satisfied that he had done what he could for the sake of
his country and the dear old flag. His remains were brought home,
and he sleeps on the hill-side, " over the river."
"Blest y onth, regardful of thy doom,
Aerial hands shall build thy tomb
With shadowy trophies crowned ;
Whilst Honor bathed in tears shall rove,
To sigh thy name through every grove,
And call her heroes round,"
CAPTAIN JOSEPH W. GIRD, FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
Captain Gird was killed in the battle of the Wilderness, May
6th, 1864.
Of his early Ufe we know but little. He came among us, a
young man, some two years before the war, and was connected
with the " Reveille" as an assistant editor. He was intelligent and
studious, and gave promise of a useful life. He was manly and
generous hearted, and gained for himself many warm friends. He
was earnestly patriotic, and was early in the field to do his share
in sustaining the Government in its war against traitors. He
enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Regiment, and served in the ranks for
one year, when he was promoted to First Lieutenant in the Thirty-

172 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
sixth Regiment, where he served about the same time, and was
promoted to Captain in the Fifty-seventh Regiment in the autumn
of 1863, while the regiment was being raised. He at once com
menced recruiting a company, and, in pursuit of that object,
addressed " war meetings" in Worcester, Fitchburg, and other
places. Many of us remember his earnest appeal to the young
men of this community, urging upon them their duties to their
country. His company was at last filled, and left for the front,
April 18th, 1864, and, in less than three weeks, was engaged at
the Wilderness, where Captain Gird fell. No truer, or braver
officer ever drew a sword, while none have entered the service
from purer motives, or from a more conscientious sense of duty.
He left a wife, to whom he was married a few months before.
SIMON S. MARSHALL, THIRD CAVALRY.
(from the sentinel of SEPT. 5, 1862.)
" Sergeant Simon S. Marshall, son of Abel Marshall of this town,
died at St. James Hospital, New Orleans, from the effects of a
wound in the leg, received while in a skirmish with the enemy at
Baton Rouge, in July last. Young Marshall entered the service
of his country early, enlisted as a private in the third battalion of
Massachusetts Mounted Rifle Rangers, Captain Magee, where he
was soon promoted to the office of Sergeant, which position he held
at the time of his death. The battalion with which he was con
nected, composed a portion of General Butler's force, which after
a short tarry at Ship Island, found its way to New Orleans, after
its capture by Farragut. Sometime in June his company was sent
to Baton Rouge, to act against the numerous guerrilla parties that
infested that region. It was in a skirmish with a party of guerrillas
that young Marshall received the wound which caused his death.
He lost his life in endeavoring to rescue a comrade who was
surrounded by the foe. He gallantly rushed to the rescue, and
thus gave his life in the sacred cause."

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 173
We publish below a letter from Dr. Paine, who attended him
during his sickness, and cheered him in his last hours:
St. James Hospital, ")
New Orleans, La., Aug. 17th, 1862. )
Miss Lottie Marshall : — I have sad news to tell you, and I might as
well speak out at once. Your brother Simon was wounded in the battle of
Baton Rouge, on the 5th of August. A bullet passed through his right
thigh, midway between the hip and knee. From the wound he has had
several hemorrhages, all more or less severe. In a weak state he was
brought from Baton Rouge to this hospital, where he came under my charge.
When I first saw him he was very weak from loss of blood. I at once set
about giving him such tonics and stimulants as I thought would mend his
condition. He did well up to this morning, when a discharge of pus and
clotted blood took place from the wound, immediately followed by a serious,
and, I fear, fatal hemorrhager Evidently an artery had been wounded by
the ball, and the only question was — should I cut down and tie the artery ?
I thought him too weak to stand the operation ; but I called in two brigade
surgeons, who were of the opinion that he would die during the operation.
He seemed quite calm this afternoon, and I thought it right to acquaint him
with the idea that I thought that his recovery would be extremely doubtful.
He said he was ready to go ; he embraced the Christian belief sometime ago,
and believed that he should soon be with Jesus. I took the chaplain of my
regiment, Rev. Mr. Chubbuck, to your brother's bedside, and each prayed
in turn. It was a solemn scene, and touched me deeply. I thought of the
near ones and the dear ones at home, as I bathed his pallid brow, and per
formed those tender offices that a mother or a sister can do so well. " Tell
my mother," said he, " that I die a true Christian." " Tell my sisters to
seek the Lord while he can be found, for they may be taken away in a
moment. Oh ! tell them I am not dead, but only gone before them to pre
pare a place for them. I shall ever be near them and watch over them."
At another time he said, " tell my sisters that I died a soldier! "
This is sad news to send, but you must try and bear up under it, and
remember the words of your dying brother — that only in Jesus can you find
rest and freedom from all earthly cares and sorrows. You have my heartfelt
sympathy in this, your hour of trial, and believe me,
Yours very truly,
J. T. PAINE,
Ass't Surg. 31st Mass. Reg't.
P. S. — Your brother died this evening, at twenty minutes to seven. I
was with him to the last. The last time he spoke was when I asked him if

174 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
he knew me. He said, "Yes, you are the doctor." He took my hand in
his, and soon after died very quietly. He had a friend, Mr. J. A. Page, of
the 4th Massachusetts Battery, who attended him day and night almost, and
is deserving of your thanks.
I enclose a lock of your brother's hair. J. T. P.

JOSEPH LOWE, JOSIAH C. TRASK, FREDERICK KIMBALL,
OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS.
These three men, our former townsmen, though not citizens of
Fitchburg at the breaking out of the rebellion, yet seem to have
claims upon our notice in these " memorials." They all fell in the
" Quantrell raid " upon Lawrence, Kansas, Aug. 21st 1863. Many
will well recollect Lowe and Kimball as worthy and respected men,
while with us, and young Trask will be remembered as a bright and
promising boy. They all emigrated to Kansas while that State was
fighting out her battles against the slave power, and stood up manfully
and boldly for freedom. In that terrible night of the massacre, so full
of horrors, Lowe lost his life by being suffocated in a well, whither he
had gone to rescue the mayor of the city, who had sought refuge
there from the infuriated gang of desperadoes. Kimball, in attempt
ing to escape to a ravine, was discovered by the demons, halted and
shot in cold blood, and young Trask was called out from his own
house, and cruelly murdered in the presence of his wife. The
remains of Lowe and Trask were brought to Fitchburg and buried.
The funeral of Mr. Trask took place September 3d, and that of Mr.
Lowe, September 4th. The latter was conducted by the " Masons."
The former was held at the Trinitarian Church, and from Rev. Mr.
Davis' sermon, preached on the occasion, we are permitted to make
the following extracts, believing them to be a just tribute to a " noble
young hero."
" Fourteen years ago I first knew Josiah C. Trask. He was a frank,
glad, impetuous youth — the elements of a great life within him, and vital
force enough to make that life, should these elements be perverted, a mem
orable wreck, or if consecrated, lift it into preeminent usefulness and

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 175
imperishable honor. For years I watched with unwonted interest
the development of that life. But with native nobleness tof mind, he
had also upon him the constant pressure of that wide, warm, earnest,
liberty-loving, pilgrim faith, which, thank God, has never wholly died out
from the homes and churches of New England. Before he left Fitehburg,
many a friend beside myself rejoiced to see these elements worthily rounding
into form — -.a form of character which after years were making compact and
beautiful. Look at a few traits, which will be at once recognized by those who
knew him :
Industry. — Who ever knew him otherwise than busy ? He was preemi
nently so ; and, as the years went on, and he entered more fully into the
battle of life, he seemed to act on Cecil's motto — " Do something — do it —
DO IT."
Self-reliance. — When, at the age of sixteen, he left home, to find em
ployment in his chosen profession, his father said to him, '' Shall I not give
you letters of introduction and recommendation to gentlemen in the city, my
son?" His reply was characteristically full of this manly trait : "I think
not, sir ; I can introduce myself, and intend to be my own recommendation."
Regard for Freedom. — It was this that led him to Kansas seven years
ago. It was this that kept him there — that he might help permanently to
secure in that young and thriving State the inheritance whose purchase had
cost so much blood and treasure. He was asked, some time previous to his
fall, " What will you do if the guerrillas invade your State?" His reply
was brave and characteristic : " I'll die for Kansas !"*
Unselfishness. — " Was my son a Christian ?" asked his father of the
business man in Kansas, who of all others knew him best. " No, sir, not
by profession," was the reply ; " but he was unselfish. He loved God, and
he loved his fellow-men." In short, he seems to me to have heard King
David's charge to his kingly son: " Show thyself a man !" and to have con
secrated the energies of his nature to fulfil it.
And must this life, so earnest and so full of promise, go out in darkness ?
* " O, fateful prophecy ! O, fresh young lips,
That uttered it half smiling ! Did no drear
Forecast of evil, like a dark eclipse,
Blanch their bright bloom the while, as with a mortal fear ?
' I'll die for Kansas !' Ay, and he has died !
Died in the freshness of his young renown.
O, reverently, my country, yet with pride,
Give him his well-earned due, a martyr's name and crown !
And ' bleeding Kansas,' as she counts her slain,
And Freedom, numbering up her martyred dead,
Shall make brave mention of his sacred name,
And weeping say, ' For us, for us his blood was shed."

176 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
No — it cannot be. He has neither lived nor died in vain. I recognize in
this young man — strong, beautiful, intelligent, unselfish — and the fiend, who,
nigh his own threshold, in the gray of that terrible morning, drew the mur
derous rifle upon him, the fitting representatives of the two civilizations, the
Pilgrim Rock and the Slave Oligarchy, now in deadly conflict on this conti
nent. As the accursed assassin smote down this young man, so the relent
less slave power is striving to trample down into utter ruin all that is
precious in " The land which our fathers loved —
The freedom which they died to win."
Let this bloody deed be a warning to the land, and, with its kindred atro
cities, impress the people with this fact, that, if the nation shall live, slavery
must die !
We have thus given appropriate notices of our own, and such as
we have been able to gather up of some of our " fallen heroes." Few
among those whose names appear in the long fist we have given,
who might not truly be spoken of in terms as high as those who
have been more particularly noticed. To the credit of Massachu
setts, it may be said, that a large majority of her soldiers were
young men of character and standing in society; men who went
to fight, not for hire, nor for the excitement of the service, but
from true love for their country, and with a full appreciation of
the justice of the cause in which they were engaged. They fought
in the most holy cause that ever freemen fought, or freemen fell ;
and in their deaths have they most nobly illustrated the old Roman
maxim, " Dulce et decorum est pro p atria mori." Not all fell upon
the field of battle, but not less honorable the deaths of those who
yielded up their fives in the hospitals, or those more unfortunate
still, who endured the untold miseries of a rebel prison, and who
perished by slow starvation.
Our common grief is poured out for them all — our common
gratitude is due them all. While we are conscious of the* debt we
owe to the brave survivors of many a hard fought field, more tender
are the ties that bind us to the memory of our dead heroes. To
their honor there should be built in our midst, an enduring mohu-

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 177
ment ; whether a granite shaft, " memorial hall," or otherwise, it
matters not, so that these names shall be cherished to remote pos
terity; so that it shall be a memento to the children, (as they
grow up and learn the lessons of the past,) of the valor, the patri
otism, and self sacrifice of those who laid down their lives that
they might enjoy the blessings of free-government, and that the
country might be forever rid of that which has well nigh crushed
its being — human slavery. But not alone by monumental piles
shall . their memories be preserved. As has been nobly said by
our worthy Governor —
" All generations shall commemorate their valor and their patriotism. No
ties of kindred can impose limitations upon the grief and gratitude in which
they shall be held and treasured. The country shaU be their monument."
23

SOLDIERS' FUNERALS. '
During the war, seven public military funerals have been held
in this town.
The first, of Captain C. S. Simonds of the Fifteenth Regiment ;
second, Lieutenant Henry A. Beckwith of the Twenty-first ; third,
Lieutenant Nutting of the Fifty-third ; fourth, Lieutenant Sibley of
the Thirty-sixth ; fifth, Captains Bailey and Taft of the Fifty-third ;
sixth, Privates Farwell, Stuart and Kendall of the Fifty-third, with
Sergeant Marshall of the Third Cavalry, and seventh, that of
Lieutenant Colonel Marshall of the Fortieth.
Our space will not allow us to give in detail, an account of each,
and we therefore give, in full, only the account of the first, second,
and last, with a brief reference to each of the others.
Captain^ Clark S. Simonds fell at Antietam, September 17th,
1862, and his funeral occurred September 23d.
The following account is taken from the Reveille of Sept. 25th :
FUNERAL OF CAPTAIN CLARK S. SIMONDS.
The funeral of Clark S. Simonds, captain of the Fitehburg company in
the 15th regiment, took place at Fitchburg, on Tuesday afternoon. The
banks, stores, and other places of business were closed, flags were draped in
black, and the citizens generally gathered together, to manifest their respect
and affection for this brave officer, whose noble death on the battle-field, in
defence of his country, was in harmony with the manly virtues which adorned
his character as a son, husband, father and citizen.
The remains lay in the lower hall, the coffin covered with the national flag,
for the honor of which the deceased had sacrificed his life. A photograph
of life-like appearance, was resting upon the coffin, and with sword, belt and
sash, brought vividly to mind our late friend and citizen, who has passed
away from earth in the defence of his country. The tokens of friendship
which adornod the coffin in the way of flowers, wreaths, &c, were most

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 179
excellent and appropriate, and were kindly contributed by Mrs. A. P. Kim
ball, together with others, among whom may be mentioned, Mrs. L. H.
Bradford, Mrs. Sylvanus Wood, and many others whose names we could not
ascertain. We also noticed a beautiful bouquet placed upon the speaker's
stand in the upper hall.
The funeral .services took place at the town hall, consisting of a sermon by
Rev. A. J. Weaver, prayers by Rev. Kendall Brooks and Rev. A. O.Ham
ilton, a requiem by Mrs. C. M. Lowe, an original hymn by Mrs. C. A.
Mason, and music by the choirs of the several churches. Appropriate ad
dresses were also made by Rev. William G. Scandlin, late Chaplain of the
Fifteenth, and Rev. E. Davis, of Fitehburg.
The funeral procession, escorted by the band of the Twenty-fifth Regiment,
from Worcester, was composed of the relatives of the deceased, the Fusiliers
and Guards, the ex-members of the Fusiliers, the several Fire companies of
the town, and other citizens, under the command of Capt. Eugene T. Miles.
There were present, Col. Ward, Rev. Mr. Scandlin, Lieut. Goddard, and
Surgeon Bates of the Fifteenth, Capt. Howe, of Gen. Sedgwick's staff, Lieut.
Col. Sprague of the Twenty-fifth, and Major Foster of the Twenty-first.
The pall-bearers were Capt. Foss of the Twenty-fifth, Capt. Page of the
Eleventh, Capt. Davis of the Twenty-first M. V., Capt. Walker of the
Twenty-first, Lieut. Lawrence of the Twenty-fifth, and Lieut. Barrett of
the M. V. M.
The ceremonies were impressive and earnest, and bore emphatic but mel
ancholy testimony to the honor in which the memory of the deceased will
ever be held by his fellow townsmen.
Capt. Simonds fell on Wednesday of last week, in the fierce battle led by
Hooker and Sumner, in the moment of victory, struck by the fragment of a
shell, dying almost instantly. He was twenty-eight years of age, and leaves
a wife and two children to mourn his loss and revere his memory.
FUNERAL OF LIEUTENANT HENRY A. BECKWITH.
(from the sentinel.)
" The body of Lieutenant Beckwith, of Co. D, Twenty-first Mass. Regi
ment, who was killed at the battle of Chantilly, September 1st, arrived home
on Saturday last, in charge of his wife and Henry A. Willis, Esq., and the
foneral took place in the Town Hall on Sunday. The exercises were of a
solemn and interesting character. The Hall was densely packed with our
citizens, who assembled to witness the last funeral rites to the dead soldier.
The exercises commenced by the singing of a hymn by the choir, under
.the direction of Prof. E. H. Frost ; followed by Reading of the Scriptures by
Rev. A. J. Weaver; Prayer by Rev. A. Emerson. Rev. E. Davis

180 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
preached the Sermon, giving a sketch of his life and character, and drawing
an appropriate lesson from the sad occasion. The services in the Hall closed
with prayer by Rev. Kendall Brooks, singing by the choir, and benediction
by Rev. A. 0. Hamilton.
The hall was draped in mourning, and decorated with national flags.
Beautiful bouquets were placed upon the speaker's table, and on the wall
were hung splendid" portraits of Gens. Washington and Burnside, encircled
with wreaths of evergreen and flowers intermingled, and below, made of ever
green and flowers, were the words " Twenty-first Regiment " — presenting a
beautiful display, and exceedingly appropriate. The decorations were put
up under the supervision of Mr. Samuel Bowman, assisted by Mr. E. C.
Spooner, a member of the Washington Guards. The wreaths and bouquets
were arranged and contributed by Miss Nancy Hodgman, Mrs. Davis, Mrs.
William Wood, Mrs. T. S. Foster, Misses Carrie and Lizzie Stone, Mrs.
Pratt, Mrs. L. H. Bradford^and others.
The procession was formed in front of the town house, in the following
order : The Ashburnham Cornet Band, Washington Guards, under the com
mand of Capt. Jonas Corey, ex-members of the Guards, the workmen of the .
Putnam Machine Company, the hearse, mourners in carriages, and citizens.
The solemn procession marched with slow and mournful tread, to the
grave, where the remains_of the dead soldier were deposited in their last
resting place. FUNERAL OF LIEUTENANT GEORGE G. NUTTING,
OF THE FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
First Lieut. Nutting was killed at Fort Bisland, La., April 13th,
1863, while bravely leading his company in an assault upon the
" works " of the enemy. His remains were immediately sent home
and given a public burial, May 1st, 1863. The occasion was a
sad and interesting one. Business generally was suspended, the flags
floated mournfully at half mastj many emblems of mourning were dis
played, and everything gave token of a genuine, public grief. The
services were held in the Town Hall, which was beautifully"decorated
for the occasion, after which the procession was formed and pro
ceeded to the cemetery, escorted by our two militia^companies/and
followed by the whole fire department, and a large concourse of citi
zens. The customary salute was fired, and the soldier was at rest.
The whole proceedings under the supervision of Capt. E. T. Miles
and A. P. Kimball, Esq., were very successful, and highly imposing.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 181
LIEUTENANT FREDERICK H. SIBLEY.
The funeral of Lieutenant Sibley took place from the Universa
list Church, August 27th, 1863, his remains having arrived" two
days before, in charge of his father, who went to Kentucky to
brmg them home. A large concourse of his friends and acquaint
ances assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the " fallen
soldier." The services were very impressive, the sermon being
preached by Rev. Mr. Weaver.
The escort on the occasion was the Fitchburg Fusiliers, of which
corps he was formerly a member.
The occasion was a sad one, and in marked contrast to the
demonstration of three days previous, when the Fifty-third Regi
ment was so joyfully welcomed home.
So conflicting are the vicissitudes of war.
FUNERAL OF CAPTAINS BAILEY AND TAFT,
OF THE FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
Captains George H. Bailey, and Jerome K. Taft were both
killed at Port Hudson, La. The former fell May 25th, 1863,
and the latter June 14th, 1863. Both commanded Company A,
of this town, Bailey having been commissioned as Captain ten
days before his death, and Taft but four days before he fell.
Their remains were brought home soon after the return of the
regiment, and their funeral occurred October 5th, 1863. As on
former similar occasions, no pains were spared to make the cere
monies worthy of those in whose honor they were held. The
fact that both had commanded the same company, and fell within
so short a time of each other, added interest and sadness to the
scene, now that, side by side, they rested on one bier. Both
Fitchburg companies of the regiment, were out for escort duty,
and many of their brother officers were present to do honor to
their fallen comrades. The obsequies were a credit to those who
had them in charge, and a noble tribute to the brave men they
commemorated.

182 FITCHBURG IN THB REBELLION.
FUNERAL OF SERG'T SIMON MARSHALL, OF THE THTRD CAVALRY,
AND PRIVATES FARWELL, STUART, AND KENDALL,
OF THE FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
This was a peculiarly touching occasion. Here were the bodies of
four enlisted men, who had fallen on distant fields in Louisiana, all to
be borne upon the same bier. Their remains were brought home in
the spring of 1864, by Mr. Josiah Spaulding, who made a journey to
Louisiana, to procure them, and the funeral was held April 6th, 1864.
The services were conducted by the several clergymen, and Rev. A.
Emerson preached a discourse in which he paid feeling tributes to
their memories, and gave some very interesting personal reminiscen
ces of them. With martial solemnity they were borne to the ceme
tery and buried, to sleep in their soldier graves, till the last grand
" reveille " shall wake them to eternity.
The following hymn, written by Mrs. Caroline A. Mason, was sung
on this sad occasion :

Wrap the dear old flag around them !
Done at length with earthly strife,
Let the symbols still surround them,
Guarding which, they perilled life.
They, the young, the good, the gifted I
Fallen in their early prime —
O'er them let no dirge be lifted,
But sweet paeans, strong, sublime !
Oh I dead heroes ! dead no longer,
Battle scarred and sick no more 1
Were our faith and hope hut stronger,
Should we thus your loss deplore ?
Sighing in our human weakness,
" Give, oh .give them back we pray ? "
Rather, should we not in meekness
Lift our streaming eyes, and say,
"Fold them, Father, kind and loving!
Fold them on Thy gracious breast ;
There, Thy care forever proving,
They shall see Thee, and be blest."

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 183
FUNERAL OF LIEUT. COLONEL GEORGE E. MARSHALL,
OF THE FORTIETH REGIMENT.
Lieut. Col. Marshall was killed at the battle of Coal Harbor, June
1st, 1864. He was buried on the field, and his remains were not
recovered until the spring of 1866. At the annual Town Meeting,
April 9th, 1866, the town voted to give bis remains a public burial,
and the " Committee on a Monument to our fallen heroes," was
instructed to make all necessary arrangements, and take charge of
the same.
Thursday, the ever memorable 19th of April, was selected as the
day for the services. It was providentially one of the most beautiful
of the season, and everything seemed to favor the sad occasion.
Business was entirely suspended during the afternoon. The funeral
was a very imposing one, and was attended by his Excellency Gov.
Bullock and his staff, Ex-Gov. Andrew, members of the city gov
ernment of Chelsea, and of the Legislature, who arrived in a special
train from Boston, at one o'clock, P. M., and were received by the
committee of arrangements, and escorted to dinner at the American
House, and thence to the Town Hall.
The Hall was decorated with remarkable taste and skill. The
casket containing the remains was placed on a catafalque in the
centre of the Hall, and covered with an American flag, upon
which was placed the sword of the deceased officer. A large and
beautiful wreath of japonicas and laurel, adorned the head of the
casket, and a single large white lily .formed a most appropriate
ornament at its foot. Suspended above the catafalque was a taste
ful design intended to represent a star, with a large rosette
depending from its centre, formed of the National colors, contrast
ing gracefully with the deep black and pure white of which the
rays of the star were composed. A large golden eagle was
represented as hovering above the casket, being heavily festooned
with crape. The arrangement of flags and drapery over the
platform, was in the form of a large shield, and was in harmony
with the decorations in the centre, and around the sides of the

184 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Hall. On each, and between every ray of the star above the
casket, was inscribed the name of some battle in which the
deceased had taken part. Four large photographs of the young
officer were placed around the casket on the catafalque, surrounded
with laurel wreaths, and at intervals were vases of flowers.
The seats had been removed from the sides of the Hall, in
order to admit the Military Escort, and the Fire Department.
The seats in front, and to the right of the passageway, were occu
pied by the immediate relatives of the deceased, and those to the
left by parents who had been bereft by the casualties of war.
The Governor and Staff, with Ex-Governor Andrew, and several
members of the Legislature, occupied seats on the platform. The
Army and Navy Unions of Fitchburg and Leominster, attended
in a body, and were ranged at the right of the Hall, with the
Fitchburg Fusiliers, numbering sixty men, Captain Kimball command
ing. On the opposite side of the Hall stood the Fire Department,
with the chief engineer and board of assistants, in all about three
hundred men. The gallery and floor were filled to their utmost
capacity, and deep interest was apparent in every countenance.
The exercises were opened by singing, by a select choir, of the
following hymn, composed for the occasion, by Mrs. C. A. Mason :
BROUGHT HOME.
Home, — to the spot where first
He drew his happy breath ;
Home, — with the stillness on his brow,
The hush and calm of death !
Oh, reverent be your grief
Above the sleeping one ; —
Not as he went, returns again
The Soldier and the son !
So prompt at duty's call,
So dauntless and so brave ; —
To shield his bleeding Country's life,
His blood, his life he gave.
Rest, Soldier, Patriot, Friend !
In your young manhood rest ; —
Your Country's blessing o'er your bier,
Her flag about your breast.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 18&
With Winthrop,. fair and: young-,.
And Lyon, brave and good,
We link your memory ; — martyred' ones !'
Ye died: as. braye men should; —
Your good swords in. your hand.
Your faces to the foe ;
Oh, sainted heroes ! it was grand,
'Tmast gloidoas to die sq!:
A grateful land uprears
Her tribute to your praise :
Yours are the holiest of her tears,
The greenest of her bays*
Then, followed an invocation; by Rev. Su A- Collins* of Fitehbua?gy
and reading from the Scriptures by Rer. Wr. Hatch, of Fitchbnrg:
A second hymn was sung, after which Rev. Henry L. Jones, rector
of the Episcopal Church, delivered the funeral oration.
The present, he, said, was an. occasismi truly solemn ;, still it Had
been said it was "better to go to the house of mourning than to tbe-
house of feasting." In allusion to the many excellencies in the. char
acter of the departed, officer, he said there were some., who lived,, not
for themselves,, but for- others and! the- great interests* of humanity..
He hoped? their spirit might be caught By others, who- would' emulate
their example.. The day, he said,, was peculiarly fitting for, the occa
sion, which, caUedc for, the, expression of. theiri feelings. The. 19th o£
April,— th© anniversary- of two of the' most memorable events hr
American history, — the first blow for freedom, and' the dastardly
attack on. Massachusetts men who were, haateniag^to the. defence, of
thet- national life*. The, speaker, gave a brief sketch, ofl thefhistory and*
We of r the departed hem. George E.. Marshall5, wasthc son of AbeP
Marshall-, and" was born on the- 15th day of Jan. 1837. H5s early
education was. acquiced in Fitchburg. Subsequently he.- removed, to
Chelsea,, where he-, remained, till. the. act. which, inaugurated tha war,*
when he enrolled1 himself, as a private, in the1 13th Massachusetts'
regiment. After foE owing the young soldier through the. fearful'
soenesjof, his experience,. and referring to the well merited promotion
which. was awarded- him. by lii.3; appreciative superiors, he closed, hia
¦2A

186 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
address with a high and touching tribute to the character and quali
ties of the subject of his oration.
Rev. Mr. Jones was followed by his Excellency Governor Bullock,
who spoke eloquently as follows :
"Friends of Colonel Marshall, and Citizens of Fitchburg:
It has been to me a melancholy pleasure to attest by my presence the repre
sentative interest of the State in these services. A pleasure, indeed, because
it is a duty to bid hail and farewell to those whose triumphant deaths have
brought to us the double victory of Union and humanity. And a pleasure
of melancholy, most surely, that even such rich results, so national and so
enduring, should have made four years of war a continuous funeral, and
should lengthen the train into the years of peace. But such has been the
providence of God, which brings this community to-day to one of the closing
scenes. These ceremonies, this solemn service, this martial attendance, make fit trib
ute to the memory of Lieut. Col. Marshall. His friends, his neighbors, the
whole people of this town of his residence and love, are out to reclaim his
dust and to pay honors to him. This is simple justice to the soldier, and the
best possible expression of the heart of the community which knew and
cherished him. I have traced his record out of the peaceful pursuits of this
town. I have followed him, when he left you, and after he left you, from
Virginia to Fort Wagner, from Fort Wagner to Florida, from Florida to
Drury's Bluff, and onward over all the field and through twenty-four battles,
to Coal Harbor, where at last he fell. The manner and measure of his mili
tary service crowned his life with public praise, and the circumstance and
the place of his death shed upon the close of that life a positive effulgence
of glory. The battle of Coal Harbor was so barren of any appreciable
advantage, that I would inscribe on the headstone of every Union soldier
who laid down his life there, for his epitaph of renown, that he fought and
died in obedience to orders, and for the sake of his example. Many of
our best young men are entitled to that great distinction ; for they passed
thence to their sleep, and witnessed not in their last moments, the possible
benefit of the battle. It is to render the tribute of official honor and per
sonal sympathy in commemoration of the gallant service and glorious death
of such a hero, that I am pleased to unite my presence and voice with yours. •
Nor is it for the brave departed Marshall alone. I do not forget, in the
thick-coming memories which this scene enforces upon me, that this ancient
aud beautiful town of Fitchburg — to which by neighborhood, ties of birth
and youthful residence, my heart ever draws mc, and ever will — distin-

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 187
guished herself by the promptness, by the alacrity, by the prodigality of
means and of men, with which she entered upon the opening, solemn drama
in the early days of the war. Not many towns in the State matched her record,
and few, if any, surpassed her. My friend and predecessor in office, who is
present, (Governor Andrew) knows only too well and too sadly, how many
of these brave boys went forth from this town, to uphold the flag of the gov
ernment, and breathed their last sigh in triumphant death under its folds.
This day of local observance, with reversed arms, and muffled drums, and
the lengthened train, and the sorrowful assemblage, belongs to Marshall, and
to all of them. This day, the nineteenth of April, in a broader and more
historical sense of the earlier and the later baptism, belongs not only to
them, but to all the sons of the Commonwealth, who laid down their lives,
that the country might live. It is my privilege, in the present instance, to
pronounce the thanksgiving and the benediction of Massachusetts, over their
scattered ashes, and over their common graves. All generations shall com
memorate their valor and their patriotism. No ties of kindred can impose
limitations upon the grief and gratitude in which they shall be held and
treasured. The country shall be their monument.
" There is a tear for all that die,
A mourner o'er the humblest grave,
But nations lift the funeral cry
And freedom weeps above the brave.
For them is sorrow's purest sigh
O'er ocean's heaving bosom sent ;
For them are tears in every eye ;
All earth becomes their monument.
A theme to crowds that knew them not, /
Lamented by admiring foes,
Who would not choose their glorious lot,
Who would not die the death they chose f"
At the conclusion of his Excellency's remarks, prayer was offered
by Rev. Alfred Emerson, who closed the services by a benediction.
The casket was then conveyed to the hearse, and the procession
formed in the following order : Escorts— Fitchburg Fusiliers ; pall
bearers? — Colonels Upton, Hawkes, Cunningham and Barker, Lieuten
ant Colonels Foster, Goodell and Barrett, and Major Brown— with
the hearse, which was followed by the body servant of the deceased,
leading the horse formerly used by him ; carriages containing imme-

188 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
diate relatives, and the former officers of the 40th Massachusetts
regiment, the Governor and staff in barouches, city government of
Chelsea, members of the Legislature, citizens and friends. |?ollowmg
in the rear of the line of carriages, were the army and navy associa
tions, and the fire department, headed by the chief engineer. The
procession moved directly to the cemetery, amid the tolling of the
bells. On arriving at the entrance, the casket was deposited^injhe
receiving tomb, and the long line of carriages passed by between the
tomb and the military escort, who stood in the position of " parade
rest." After the last carriage had passed, the customary Salute was
fired, the procession returned to the Town Hall,' where the escort was
dismissed. The guests from Boston returned in the five o'clock train.
They were accompanied by Hall's Cornet Band, which furnished the
music on the occasion.

IN PRISON.
During the war but few comparatively, of our citizens were so
Unfortunate aS to be held prisoners in the hands of the rebels.
Probably the largest number at any one time, was twelve or fifteen
Of the Fifteenth Regiment captured at Ball's Bluff, October 21st,
1861, and Who were held through the winter. But this was before
the days of extreme barbarity to prisoners, and their prison was a
palace compared with the foul " pens" of Florence, Andersonville,
and Belle Isle. Seven only, so far as we have been able to learn,
died victims to the systematic devilish treatment of the rebel
authorities. Their names are John H. Prichard, Charles E. Good
rich, Wm. H. Hayden, Wm. T. Peabody, Henry K. Hill, George
P. Cottihg and Cyrus Putnam. But little is known of their terri
ble experience after falling into the hands of these " demons" in
human form.
John H. Prichard, formerly of the Fifteenth, and afterwards of
the Second Heavy Artillery, was captured at Plymouth, N. C,
April 22d, 1864 j he was carried to Andersonville, and remained
there until his death, January 18th, 1865. This was his second
capture, as he was taken prisoner at " Ball's Bluff" when a mem
ber of the Fifteenth Regiment, and held seven -months. Of this
captivity he has left an interesting account which we shall insert
in full.
He was last seen by any of his townsmen, on the 14th of Sept.
following his capture. At that time a squad were coming to
Charleston to be exchanged. Prichard was one of them and
started with the rest, but so weak had he become, that he could

190 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
not reach the outside of the stockade, and was obliged to turn
back again to misery. His comrades thought he could not survive
many days, but if the record is correct, he lived some four months.
His grave is identified, and is numbered 12475, in the Anderson
ville cemetery.
Charles E. Goodrich, another victim, was one of our youngest
soldiers, having enlisted at the age of sixteen, as drummer in the
Twenty-first Regiment. • He was captured at the battle of the
" Wilderness," May 6th, 1864, and carried to Andersonville. He
was one of the most robust young men in his regiment, and of
that happy temperament which can bear great troubles and priva
tions, and outlive them. But what constitution could bear up under
the treatment received in these rebel prisons ? Gradually his fair,
round, pleasant face grew long and thin, and his strong frame
wasted slowly but surely to decay. On the 14th of September,
when he was far enough gone to be thought by these fiends to
be useless for further service, they sent him to Charleston to
be exchanged, but through some fatality the exchange did not
take place, and he, with others, was sent to another " prison pen,"
at Florence, S. C, where he died in the month of October.
So perished this brave boy, — foully murdered, yes, murdered
by slow degrees. For his friends have the sworn statement of
an officer who was with him, that nothing caused his death but
the slow, deliberate process of starvation. And this, only one of
thousands. William T. Peabody and Henry K. Hill, also taken prisoners
at the Wilderness, had a similar experience to that of those we have
related. The former died at Andersonville, September 1st, 1864,
from sheer starvation, as we are informed by a reliable witness who
saw him die. The number of his grave in the Cemetery in Ander
sonville is 7556. Hill went to Charleston with others, and from there
to Florence, where he too, succumbed to the terrible exposure and

Fitchburg in the rebellion. 191
privation he had undergone. He was buried with the multitude,
and his grave is unnoted and unknown.
..George P. Cotting was a member of Company F, Twenty-fifth
Regiment, and was taken prisoner at the engagement at Deury's
Bluff, May 16th, 1864. He was carried to Andersonville, and under
went all the horrors of that terrible imprisonment, and gradually
wasted to a perfect wreck of a man. He, too, was thought to be a
fitting subject for exchange, and with others, was sent to Charleston
and exchanged. He was brought to Annapolis, Md., and was too
weak to proceed farther. He was placed in the hospital, tenderly
cared for, his parents sent for to come to him, but he died before
they reached him. The treatment he had undergone was too sure
in its result, and he died after a very few days, another victim of the
merciless cruelty of the rebels towards their captives.
William H. Hayden enlisted in the Navy, and was aboard the
" Hatteras " when she was sunk by the notorious Alabama. He was
afterwards attached to the guu-boat " Granite City," which, with the
" Wave," it will be remembered, was captured when cruising up one
of the bayous of Texas. He was taken prisoner with the rest of the
crew, May 8th, 1864, and was carried to Galveston. Although but
little has been said of the condition of the prisoners at Galveston,
we have the best authority for saying that the systematic cruelty of
Andersonville, Salisbury, Florence and Belle Isle was practiced there.
Willie soon fell a victim to scorbutic disease, brought on by the mis
erable quality as well as scanty supply of rations issued to the pris
oners. He was placed in what they called a " hospital," but we
have the authority of an officer of the Navy that it was but little
better than a " slaughter pen," where the " let 'em die policy " wa3
carried out to the fullest extent. Under such circumstances as these,
suffering untold privations, surrounded by companions whose miseries
had driven them to selfishness and despair, this noble sailor-boy died
on the 16th of Sept., 1864, after' an imprisonment of a little over
four months.

192 fitchburg in the rebellion.
Cyrus Putnam, the last we are called upon to mention in this
connection, was a soldier of the Twenty-fifth Regiment. He was>
wounded and captured at the battle of " Drury's Bluff," He was
carried to Richmond and subjected to the miseries of rebel impris
onment. His privations, the sufferings he. was forced to undergo,,
with the neglect of his wounds, soon carried him to his grave.
We know not just how long he lingered ; we only know tha^t he
perished there by degrees, as thousands of others had perished.
He was a good soldier and deserved a better fate. He was buried
at Richmond, and we do not know that his is not a " nameless
grave." Such is the brief, sad history of these " our martyrs." It is
impossible for us properly to depict to ourselves the terrible suffer
ings of their incarceration. Oh, the long, dark, weary days, weeks
and months of their captivity ! Oh, the visions, of homes and, friends
and comfort and plenty ! Oh, the longing and the waiting,, and
the watching for that deliverance which they had, prayed for until
hope deferred had made the heart indeed sick,( and. they were
almost ready to believe that they were really forsaken by God;
Himself. The horrors of the prison pens of Salisbury,, of Andersonville
and Florence, have never been, can never be half told.. Miss Clara,
Barton, who was known in the Army of the Potomac,, as the?
" angel of the battle-field," and whose name is a "household word"
in many a soldier's home, visited Andersonville soon after- tire close,
of the war, and to her are the. friends, of the soldiers buried there,
indebted for causing their graves to be identified, and properly
marked. In her report of the expedition, addressed to tb.e people,
of the United States, she says:
" But arter this, whenever any man who has lain a prisoner within the
stockade of Andersonville, would tell you of his sufferings, how he fainted,
soorolul, drciiuhjl, huugjred, sickened; was scotfod, scourged, hunted and)
persecuted, though the tale bo long, and twice-told, as you would have your

fitchburg in the rebellion. 193
own wrongs appreciated, your own woes pitied, your own cries for mercy
heard, I charge you, listen and believe him. However definitely he may
have spoken, know that he has not told you all. However strongly he may
have outlined, or deeply he may have colored his picture, know that the
reality calls for a better light, and a nearer view than your clouded, distant
gaze will ever get. And your sympathies need not be confined to Ander
sonville while similar horrors glared in the sunny light, and spotted the flower-
girt garden fields of that whole desperate, misguided, and bewildered people.
Wherever stretched the form of a Union prisoner, there rose the signal
for cruelty and the cry of agony, and there, day by day, grew the skeleton
graves of the "nameless dead."
Would that we might draw the curtain and forever hide the pic
ture, even for the sake of our common humanity. But no — forget
these scenes we cannot, though possibly there may be enough of
christian forbearance in our natures to forgive the wicked perpetra
tors of their atrocities. How many thousands of brave young men,
were thus cruelly murdered. Dreadful to think of, this long, finger
ing death by starvation. Easy is it for the true soldier to face death
upon the field of battle, to charge up to the very cannon's mouth, to
do and dare everything for the righteous cause, but to languish and
die, as these, our own brave fellow citizens died, victims of a barbar
ity that savages would scorn to practice, this is indeed terrible. Oh,
martyred ones ; though yours was not the death of those who fell
fighting in the van, yet it is none the less honorable than theirs. As
your trials and sufferings were great, so shall your memories be
precious, and a grateful people shall ever hold your names in fond
remembrance. The following account of prison life at Andersonville, is furnished,
at our request, by Dr. A. K. Gould, of this town, who was for several
months a prisoner there :
RECOLLECTIONS OP ANBERSONVILLE.
'• Well do I remember when I first arrived in sight of this terrible place,
on the 29th day of May, 1864, and of my first interview with the rebel
officer in charge of it, Capt. Henry Wirtz, a most savage looking man, and
who was as brutal as his looks would seem to indicate. He offered us all
the abuse he was capable of, and then marched us into prison. It was no
25

194 fitchburg in the rebellion.
uncommon thing for this brute to strip the prisoners of their clothing, and
everything of value about them, before sending them inside the stockade.
The stockade in which we were confined, was made by setting logs upright in
the ground, as closely as they could be driven, standing above the ground
about fourteen feet, and enclosing about nineteen acres of land, about half
as wide as it was long. Running through or across this lot, was a brook
about four feet wide, and generally, two or three inches in depth, thus
giving us water to use, but of the filthiest character, on account of there
being just above us, a camp of three thousand rebels, and as many more
negroes, (serving as guard over us) all of whose filth and refuse was emp
tied into the brook and swept down to us. In addition to this, the land on
either side of the brook, to the extent of six acres, was a complete swamp.
A portion of this was used by the thirty thousand prisoners, more or less,
for " sink " purposes, and its effect upon the water, can better be imagined
than described.
When I entered the prison, May 29th, the number of prisoners was about
nine thousand, which was gradually increased to thirty-two ' thousand, in the
fore part of July. Their condition was enough to make one sick, on first
entering the place, but it was nothing in comparison with what I experienced
afterwards. To see my fellow men suffering for the want of food and clothing
as I did ; to see them stretching out their bony hands for the merest morsel
to eat ; to hear their piteous inquiries, "shall we ever go home ;" to see how
they died, poor fellows, wasting away, little by little, exposed to the scorch
ing rays of a Georgia sun ; .this was enough to break the hardest heart.
It may be interesting to know how we lived. We dug holes or burrows,
in the ground, thus forming a little shelter for us. Once a day we had
brought in to us our rations, which consisted of one-half pint of cob corn
meal, coarsely ground, or its equivalent of beans or rice, or sometimes bacon,
and all of these of the poorest quality. One of the most dreaded things in
this dreadful place was the " dead line." This was a furrow turned up,
about twenty feet from the stockade all around, and was called the " dead
line," and if a man dared to step over this line, or cross it by mistake,
he was at once shot by the guard, without a word being said. It was sick
ening to see the dead as they lay in prison. It was the custom to carry
them out every morning, the prisoners being hired to do this, their pay being
an extra ration and a chance to bring in an armful of wood when they
returned ; and these inducements were so great, that sometimes one squad
would steal a dead body from another, in order to get a chance to go out to
get wood and more to eat. Others were detailed for that purpose, and they
also got extra rations, and when the guard came for any such purpose, how
eager the men were to get a chance to go, and how savagely they were
treated when refused. So many of these barbarities crowd themselves upon
my mind, that I hardly know where to stop.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 195
Some of the prisoners thought they might escape if they got out, but the
bloodhounds were too much for them. A pack was kept for the purpose of
hunting all such, and very savage they were too, so that few escaped them
who ever tried. I found in the prison several men from Fitchburg, and
vicinity. Wm. T. Peabody, was captured with me, and remained with me
until he died, Sept. 1st, 1864, poor fellow, literally starved to death, no dis
ease about him, but reduced to a living skeleton, as was the ease with thou
sands there. Also John II. Prichard, Geo. E. McMaster, who died after I
was released. Also H. K. Hill, Charley Goodrich, and David Wallace,
who all died at Florence, S. C. after my release. These men were all in
my mess, or in the same " one thousand." There was also there, Mr. Geo.
Phillips, who was released and came home.
There are many incidents which might be of interest, had I time or space
to write them. There was one scene I shall always remember, and that was
the hangiug of six of our comrades. Their crime was raiding upon and
murder of their fellow prisoners. Their plan was to fall upon any of us
they thought they could plunder from. They would steal clothing or any
thing else, which they could bargain to the " Rebs." The rebel authorities
allowed the prisoners to try them and hang them, glad even to have some of
us killed off in that manner.
Another feature of this place was the damnable " stocks." I never suffered
in them, but have often seen my fellows tortured by them. The pain was
excruciating in the extreme. The men were' put into a hellish machine that
would stretch them all their muscles and cords would bear, and with their
faces turned up to the scorching sun, they were left from twenty-four to forty-
eight hours. This was the most barbarous act of all, and this to men already
completely emaciated by sickness. I have seen men taken from the "stocks"
only to expire in a few minutes. All this was done by authority of the officers
in charge. All I have to say is, let just retribution be their reward. There
were many other wicked cruelties practiced upon the prisoners, but I have
not time to dwell upon them. We were taken from this place to the city of
Charleston, September 14th, where we were kept under fire of our batteries
for three weeks, but fared much better than elsewhere, being fed and cared
for by the " Sisters of Charity." From there we were taken to another most
damnable prison pen — a second Andersonville, called Florence.
Here the same usages, the same fare and treatment were dealt out to us,
but there was one new phase presented to us, and that was, the compulsory
movement to make our men enlist into their service. This was done by extra
starvation, in some cases depriving us of food for three days at a time.
Who can say that the leaders and instigators of these outrages should no*
be punished?
I was finally released December 15th, having been in prison seven months
and two days. (Signed) A. K. GOULD.

196 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
The following interesting account of prison life is from the pen
of John H. Prichard, who was twice a prisoner, and who died a victim
to the barbarities of Andersonville. It was written soon after his
release from Salisbury, but we think it has never been published :
LIFE IN THE SOUTH.
BY A PRISONER.
At the close of the battle of Ball's Bluff, those who were captured by the
enemy were taken to Leesburg, Va. Those who were able to travel, were
marched immediately to Manassas. As the writer was totally blind from the
passage of a ball beneath his eyes while lying upon the ground to avoid the
enemy's bullets, he was obliged to be led by his companions to Leesburg,
about one and a half miles from the field of battle. He remained at Leesburg
in the hospital, while his comrades continued their compulsory march through
mud and rain, to Manassas Junction. At the hospital a good supper was
served of coffee, bread, butter and meat. The wounded were cared for in
the kindest manner until the next day, when such as were able, also proceeded
to Manassas in company with those prisoners who were taken after 9 o'clock
of the day preceding, amounting in number to some hundred and seventy-five.
As I had thea recovered the use of my eyes, I constituted one of the number.
Starting late, on the first day we made about twelve miles, to Goose Creek,
where we encamped in a Covered bridge for the night. A small allowance
of eorn bread and boiled bacon was served out to the prisoners, and to most
of us it was a sweet morsel, as we had had nothing since the commencement
of the fight, saving those who were taken the day previous, like myself. In
the morning the march was resumed at an early hour, and continued until
we reached Manassas Junction, where we passed by files, through the head
quarters of General Beauregard, while the clerks registered our names, and
regiments. Here we were obliged to wait for over an hour at the door,
and at the close of the registration, were chilled through, as well as tired,
lame, sore and hungry. We were then marched to the guard-house, which
was at that time occupied by the turbulent and rebellious ones of their own
forces, confined for their misdemeanors. As a previous lot of the prisoners
had, as they said, robbed them of their blankets, dishes, &c, they, (the
rebels in the guard-house,) would not permit us to enter the sheds there
erected, but forced us to remain in the yard. Here the mud was from a
quarter to half an inch in depth, owing to the heavy rains. However, we had
three or four fires built, and lying down on the wet ground, with our feet to
the fire, we alternately roasted and shivered the whole of the bitter night.
About an hour after our transfer to the guard-house, a loaf of bread was

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 197
served to each man, and Several sides of raw bacon were brought in, which,
at our option, we devoured raw, or smoked aud burnt over the fire, The
lucky ones who managed to get a slice, did so by struggling and fighting for
it, as it was each man for himself, and many were so tired and sleepy they
could not, or would not, eveu make an effort for themselves ; some had it,
but many went without. After a most uncomfortable night, during which
few slept for the oold, we were marched to the depot without any breakfast,
the food served the previous night being calculated for both supper aud
breakfast for us. There we were put aboard cars, some passenger, some
cattle, and started for Richmond. At various stations where the cars stopped
on the road, among which were Gordonsville and Orange Court House, the
cars were surrounded by negro women selling cake, fruit, pies, and other
refreshments, at exorbitant prices,- to those who had money to purchase.
Some of them were quite intelligent, and appeared to be house servants to
the various white families.
At every station were crowds of ladies and gentlemen, full of curiosity to
see the " Yankees." Most of them were civil, and seemed to feel that though
by the fortune of war, we were prisoners, that we were yet men ; others
jeered at, hooted, and taunted us with our misfortunes. The most frequent
questions asked were " What did you come down here for?" " Come down
to steal our niggers, ravish our wives aud daughters, and burn our houses,
didn't ye?" " Think ye can whip us, hey? didn't do it, did ye, hey?"
Some few seemed to pity our misfortunes, and hoped we should be treated
well and kindly, others were fierce for hanging and shooting us.
Upon arriving in Richmond, we were marched under a strong guard to
the tobacco factories, or warehouses, which were to be our home for the
remainder of our stay in Richmond. During our passage from the cars to
the prison, the streets were crowded to their utmost capacity, by the curious
inhabitants, who for the major part were very abusive, and scandalous in the
abuse and epithets applied to the d— d yankees, as their favorite term was
for us. In fact, had it not been for the guard, we should probably have
been sacrificed to tho popular hatred. After arriving at the prisons, we
were placed in the third story, as the lower stories were occupied by prison
ers taken at Manassas, and citizens arrested for loyalty to the Union, in
Western Virginia. No communication between the several floors, was
allowed, although we had to pass through them to get to the yard. Only
two at a time were allowed to pass to the yard from each floor, and in the
morning, a line of forty or fifty, would be formed on the lower floor, await
ing their turn to go to the hydrant to wash. It was worse than a barber's
shop or a California post office. After several weeks had elapsed, General
Winder removed these restrictions, and we were allowed freely the use of
the small yard. We were formed into squads of about fifteen, under a cor-

198 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
poral or sergeant, elected by vote among ourselves, and who received and
divided among us, our daily rations, consisting for the most part, of boiled
fresh beef and bread, in the morning, with the addition of beef broth at
night. Only two meals per day were allowed. Breakfast about nine, A.
M., and supper about five, P. M. A few potatoes and some rice and cab
bage, were served occasionally. Worms in the rice, and beef whose "offence
was rank and smelt to Heaven," were among the common incidents of our
living. We were not allowed to approach the windows, under penalty of
being shot by the guard Seven men were shot dead, in the various Rich
mond prisons, and several wounded, for this criminal offence. The room
which I was in was fired into twice, but fortunately no one was injured.
We slept on the bare floor for six weeks of the coldest part of the season,
with no covering but our clothes, which we happened to have on at the time
of our eapture. The facilities for keeping clean, being entirely inadequate,
and we having no change of clothing, all were soon covered with vermin,
which abounded in the prison. Toward the latter part of our stay in Rich
mond, the members of Co. B, from this town, received a large box of cloth
ing, blankets, etc., from the good people of Fitchburg, and a more accepta
ble present was never sent to men. The tear of gratitude rolled down more
than one of their sunburnt manly faces, as they thought of those who had so
kindly remembered them in their captivity, and three cheers for old Fitch
burg, were given with a will. Soon after, abundance of clothing was sent
us by our noble old " Bay State," and we were proud that we came from
old Massachusetts.
On the 22d of December, an order was issued from the S. C. War Dept.,
to transfer the prisoners taken at Bull's Run, and Manassas, and the citizens
under arrest, to Salisbury, N. C. After they had transferred the above,
there was accommodations for about one hundred and seoenty-five more men
at Salisbury, and there being nearly that number on the floor where I was
confined, we were sent on the 24th of Dec, to fill up the desired com
plement. Of the Fitchburg company, there were but three members able
to go, out of four in that room. Geo. S. Gilchrist, Maynard, of Winchen
don, and myself. J. L. Moody, being very sick, was left behind. We
bade farewell to our comrades, and took the cars under guard of a company
of Georgia soldiers, on return to their State. At Petersburg, we changed
cars for Raleigh, where we arrived on Christmas morning, this day being a
holiday, and the special train not running, we remained at Raleigh until the
next day. The officer in charge of us, Lieut. Col. Winder, son of Gen. J.
H. Winder, was one of the very few educated, refined, kindly-hearted and
gentlemanly men we had to deal with while in the South. He was the best
sample of the chivahic honorable Southerner, and almost the only one we
met. He showed us every courtesy and kindness which laid in his power,

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 199
and has been severely reprimanded for his leniency to the prisoners who have
been under his charge at various times.- At Raleigh, he gave us full liberty
to walk about wherever we pleased, without restraint, previously running the
cars back from the city about a mile, to avoid a crowd, and the soldiers who
were encamped there, lest from conversation on political subjects, difficulties
might arise. We enjoyed more liberty that day than any other one during
our imprisonment. In the evening, we returned to the city, and Beveral of
us obtained permission of the Col. to go up town, accompanied by a guard.
The city is composed mostly of wooden buildings, and bears the marks of
antiquity. The people-were very civil, on the whole, and we received none
of the insults offered us at Richmond. Early the next morning we started
for Salisbury, where, after a long and tiresome ride, we arrived at about
seven, P. M. We were received by a deputation of the guard, and marched
to the garrison, an' enclosure of about thirteen acres, containing a large cot
ton factory, and other buildings fitted up as a prison. There were about
one hundred prisoners already in confinement there, taken in the early part
of the war, from the steamship Union, wrecked on Bogue Island, and from
three or four prizes taken by the enemy's privateers. These, our fellow
prisoners, furnished us with some supper, and gave us a welcome. There
were no facilities for cooking the food for so many, and it was nearly mid
night before we were all served. The next day, and in fact for several days,
we were obliged to cook rations for two hundred men, in a common .cooking
range, with not nearly enough boilers or other utensils. After a few days,
a second cooking range was procured, and we got along better, but even
then we had to cook day and night.
After enduring this as long as possible, our numbers augmenting every
day, by the accession of prisoners, we took hold ourselves, and built ovens,
and set nine large kettles, of twenty or thirty gallons each, so that we could
have raised bread, and save much labor, we having had nothing but biscuit,
resembling a solid compound of putty and lead, previously. The kitchen
was built on at the back of the factory, and connected with the various floors
by a dumb waiter. The building was of four stories, we occupying the
third, until the prisoners sent to New Orleans and Tuscaloosa returned on
their way home as far as Salisbury, when we were transferred to the fourth
story, which was much the pleasantest and healthiest. We were very closely
confined from the first, and not until the surgeons had repeatedly represented
to the authorities that we should all die of scurvy, and other diseases, if not
allowed more exercise and air, were we allowed to remain in the yard over
five minutes at a time. We did finally obtain from these representations, the
use of about five or six acres of ground, including a grove of huge oak trees,
for a play ground. After a few weeks, fresh provisions gave out, and all
the meat issued was the rank, oily, smoked bacon, and the soup from the

200 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
same, thickened with rice or corn meal, this being made our unvarying food,
and having but one way of cooking, viz : boiling, nearly every one of our
number were made sick with jaundice and scurvy.
The hospital arrangements were totally insufficient — from twenty to thirty
men with various complaints, placed in a room 16 by 20, many without beds,
lying on the floor on a single blanket — if it had not been for the constant
care of our own comrades, many would have died from sheer neglect and
exposure. One man in particular, deserves honorable and grateful mention
for his unremitting care and attention to his sick comrades in arms. His
name is Cornelius Lowe, of Whitehouse, Huntingdon Co., New Jersey.
When it came his turn to leave for home on parole, he said he could not go
and leave his sick comrades, and staid till all were safely on their route home,
and then attended them as- kindly as a woman, till they were received into
the U. S. hospitals at Newbern and New York.
He will ever hold a place in the hearts of his grateful fellow prisoners as a
a man, a true, noble hearted and unselfish man, well worthy of all the honor,
respect and love he so well deserves. After a time, however, a new hospital
building was built , accommodating about one hundred fifty to two hundred
patients, and this was full, nearly all the time during the latter part of our
stay. The major part of our sickness was caused from the food, and having
no vegetables whatever for months ; sour bread and bacon continually, with
out change. Scurvy, jaundice, erysipelas, fever and rheumatism were the
more common complaints. Out of fifteen hundred men there were not fifty
but what had the scurvy, more or less ; some were unable to walk without
crutches. The medicines used in the hospitals were v,ery few except mineral
and vegetable poisons, as calomel, opium, ipecac, &c. ; a little salts (Epsom,)
quinine, rhubarb, spirits nitre, turpentine, sulphur and cream of tartar, com
prising about everything, and most of these being gone before our release,
and no means of replenishing. The Confederate Surgeon was a well meaning
man, but rather ignorant and conceited, in fact, we had to do our own
doctoring, as a general thing, according to our own judgment. Our mortality
at Salisbury was about one-fifth that of the secesh who guarded us — out of
fifteen hundred prisoners, on an average of three months, nine died ; out of
five hundred guards, average of three months, seventeen died, showing con
clusively, that in spite of confinement, bad food, and want of fresh air and
exercise, "Yankees" can stand the climate and hardships of the South better
than the Southerners themselves.
The guards themselves, were the most ignorant, degraded, dirty looking
lot of men I ever saw. Not one in ten could read or write. Even some
of the officers, who belong to the better class, were nearly as ignorant as the
"poor whites" who compose the rank and file. Out of sixty-three men
from Salisbury and vicinity, taken at Roanoke Island, when called up to sign

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 201
a parole, fifty-four had to make their mark, could neither read nor write.
Some of the officers treated us as kindly as could be expected, others were
surly, cross and disagreeable, insulting us in every way possible, and loading
us with opprobrious and scurrilous epithets. During our captivity in Rich
mond, we had the city papers freely, if we chose to purchase them, this
however, was before the reverses of the confederate arms at Roanoke, New
bern, &c. When removed to Salisbury, no papers were allowed in the gar
rison, and all we obtained there were smuggled in, nevertheless we managed
to keep informed as to the general movements of both armies. Reading
matter of any kind was very scarce. A Mrs. Johnson, a New England
lady, sent in quite a number of books to the prisoners. One of our number
received a couple of dozen of Harper' s novels, which were read as long as
anything of them was legible. We whiled away the hours in making pins,
rings, tape and crotchet needles, penholders, badges, &c, out of the beef
bones we could obtain from the kitchen, wooden pipes, &c, playing cards,
dominoes, chess, checkers, backgammon, &c, all the implements but the
cards, being the work of our hands ; writing to our friends, composition, &c.
We were only allowed to write one half page of letter paper, and that was
of course read before being sent to our friends north. M
The weary months dragged on, and finally an order came for our release,
and we were sent off in squads of two or three hundred at a time, in alpha
betical order, by way of Raleigh and Goldsboro', to Tarboro', on the Tar
river. There we staid a day or two, quartering in the Courthouse, a fine
looking building of brick, in form of a Maltese cross. The village was one
of the pleasantest we passed through, during our journeyings in the South
ern1 States, the streets being wide, and lined with shade trees of different
kinds, and the houses neat and in good repair. From here we proceeded
down the Tar river, in flat boats, towed by a little tug boat, the Col. Hill, to
Washington, N. C, where we were received by Gen. Burnside. When the
prisoners saw the old United States flag, three rousing cheers burst forth,
and the happiest day of our lives was when we stepped on board the U. S.
1 oat, and felt that we were free. Gen. Burnside shook hands with each of
us, and welcomed us back, and the cheer after cheer, from the boys on the
shore, rang out on the air, welcoming us back to life and liberty. From
Washington we went by boat to Newbern, where we remained until all the
prisoners arrived, when we left for Hatteras Inlet, and there taking an ocean
steamer, we came to Governor's Island, N. Y. The first two' lots of prison
ers dispersed to their several homes, without waiting for pay or ration money,
the remainder staid for two or three weeks at Governor's Island, until paid
off. I myself, being too weak to stand the voyage to New York, stayed at
Newbern, with the members of the Twenty-first and Twenty-fifth regiments,
until I had regained my strength in a degree, before coming on, and I owe
26

202 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
my thanks to the officers and members of Co. D, Twenty-first, and Co. F,
Twenty-fifth, for their kindness to me while at Newbern, also to the Quar
termaster and Colonel of the Twenty-fifth, and their assistants, for the many
favors received.
Thus ends a very hasty and imperfect sketch of the experiences of prison
life in the South. It is brief, and does not enter into detail as much as
might fie desirable for the purpose intended. The imprisonment commenced
Oct. 22d, 1861, and all were released May 31st, 1862.
May none of the readers of this hasty sketch ever be obliged to experi
ence the misfortune of confinement in a Southern prison, is the last wish of
A. PRISONER.

RECEPTION OF REGIMENTS.
Public receptions were given to two of our regiments only, by
the people of Fitchburg, the Fifteenth and Fifty-third, full accounts
of which are given here, and for which we are indebted to the
Fitehburg Reveille.
Other receptions would doubtless have been as heartily extended
to the returning veterans, but for the reason that no other regi
ments or companies arrived in town under any organization, as
they were generally mustered out at remote points, and scattered
to their homes. Our citizens would have been glad to extend
to all of our soldiers as hearty a greeting as was given the two
organizations referred to.
RECEPTION OE THE EIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
The reception, at Fitchburg, Monday, Aug. 24th, 1863, of this noble
regiment, on its return from an arduous and successful campaign, was
an affair so characteristic of the high spirited, patriotic and apprecia
tive people of Worcester North, and so indicative of the love and
esteem in which the brave men of the Fifty-Third are held by their
fellow citizens, that it will not soon be forgotten by those who had the
privilege to witness or take a part in it. It is estimated that upwards
of eight thousand people were present from other towns represented
in the regiment. These towns were Barre, Petersham, Athol, Roy
alston, Winchendon, Templeton, Gardner, Ashburnham, Westminster,
Lunenburg, Leominster, Lancaster, Sterling, Clinton, Groton, Shirley,
Townsend, Pepperell, and Ashby. During the whole day, from an
early hour in the morning, Main street was thronged by the vast
multitude.

204 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Many of the public buildings, stores and dwellings were ele
gantly decorated, most of them by Mr. Yale, of Boston. Among
these were the Fitchburg Hotel and American House, the Fitchburg
Depot, the stores of L. Sprague & Co., J. J. Hardon, D. Jennison,
L. W. Warren, the Reveille office, the office of C. H. B. Snow, the
dwellings of Alvah Crocker, E. T. Miles, Mrs. Willis, Amasa Nor
cross, W. W. Comee, H. J. Lowe, C. E. Pratt, and others.
The music was furnished by the Germania, Brigade, and Gilmore
Bands, of Boston, the Ashburnham, Winchendon, Townsend, and
Pepperell Bands, and the Fitchburg Cadet Drum Corps, of some
twenty lads, whose performances were very creditable to them and
their instructor, Mr. E. H. Frost.
Col. Edwin Upton acted as Chief Marshal, assisted by his aids,
Wm. Kimball, Francis Buttrick, Jr., W. W. Comee, Joseph Tufts, C.
L. S. Hammond of Fitchburg, and Col. Henry Smith, of Templeton.
Dr. Alfred Hitchcock and Messrs. Hale W. Page and James
P. Putnam had been appointed to receive and provide for the
sick, and under their direction, the Lower Town Hall was fitted up
with comfortable beds, washing apparatus, and other conveniences,
and the attendants engaged from among the ladies.
It had been at first arranged that the regiment should go to
Camp Stevens to be furloughed, but on representation being made
to Quartermaster McKimm, of the proposed reception, the order
was changed, and Hon. Alvah Crocker was chosen by the com
mittee of arrangements to meet the regiment at Albany or Buffalo,
and inform them of what had been done.
The regiment reached South Fitchburg between six and seven
o'clock Monday morning, where they stopped two or three hours
to bathe and wash, and partake of hot coffee and a hastily prepared
breakfast. In the meantime, the sick belonging to Fitchburg, were
taken home by their friends, and those from the towns above
Fitchburg, were conveyed to the Town Hall, where wine, broth,
and such other refreshments as they needed, were administered by
Dr. Hitchcock and Messrs. Page and Putnam, and the ladies in

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 205
attendance. There were twenty-four taken care of here. The
same attention was received by some twelve men who remained
in the cars, until they could leave for Clinton, Lancaster, and
other places below. The whole number of sick with the regiment
was about fifty.
The regiment was received on the Common near the depot, at
about half past nine, where, after prayer by Rev. J. M. Heard,
the following address of welcome was delivered by Amasa
Norcross, Esq. :
Col. Kimball, Officers and Soldiers of the Fifty- Third Regiment :
Welcome ! Welcome to the State you have honored — Welcome to familiar
scenes — to home and friends.
It is with a new experience I give you greeting in behalf of this vast
assemblage. It has not happened to us ever before to greet friends under
similar circumstances. To-day the heart fills with new emotions. Words of
mine are indeed inexpressive utterances, when they attempt to measure the
depth of that out-gushing sympathy, mingled with patriotic pride and affec
tion, which the hearts of all who have awaited your coming, now fully
experience. You return to us after a lapse of nearly twelve months. A period, on
the part of those who surround you, of thoughtful solicitude, characterized
by intervals of intense anxiety, yet of earnest hope. You come, the worthy
recipientg of that honor which manly courage, faithful performance of duty,
heroic endurance, and success in arms in a just and noble oause, may right
fully bestow.
We recur to the time when impending danger summoned you to the field.
When voluntarily you sundered the ties that bound you to the active pursuits
of peaceful civil life and impelled only by a sense of duty, left all for the
service of your country.
When your ranks were filled, and we witnessed your bearing in camp, we
then believed that the future had in store for you no holiday experience.
The determined character of the men composing this Regiment, was enough
to satisfy citizens who remained at home, that yours would be a field of active
service. And when with unanimous voice you welcomed as your leader and
commander, one who took his early baptism in this great struggle against
treason at the ever memorable Ball's Bluff, and who fearlessly stood in the
thickest of the fight through the weary days of the campaign of the Penin
sula, who was commended for his gallant bravery at the battle of Fair Oaks,

206 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
and through the desperate conflicts of South Mountain, and Antietam — we
knew it signified that such a commander but realized your conceptions of
what should be expected of Massachusetts men.
Soon after bidding adieu to home and its attractions, you encountered
sufferings not soon to be forgotten. Thrown upon Long Island, tentless and
shelterless, you passed a season so inclement that, chilled and frozen, some
of you were for a time disabled. Your position changed for quarters hgthe
city of New York. Before entering upon your destined voyage, there came
sickness, which seemed to threaten prolonged delay. But the part you were
to take in this great contest was not then to be determined. Convalescence
ensued, the sick recovered, and it now seems as if these early privations and
sufferings were designed but to prepare you for more trying experiences.
Embarking for your place of destination, you accomplished a passage of
more than seventeen hundred miles, at times tempestuous, during which sick
ness and peril at sea were added to the sufferings already endured upon land.
Such were the experiences, such the unaccustomed privations you were
called to endure before entering upon the brilliant campaign through which
you have since passed. From the hour of your arrival at New Orleans until
the expiration of your term of enlistment, few regiments, if any, had seen
severer service, and none have more fully earned the gratitude of their
country. Time would fail me to recount in detail, the hardships encountered.
The sanguinary contests with a vigilant enemy ; the subjugation of an exten
sive territory where now the flag of freedom floats securely ; your long and
weary marches, traversing a distance of more than six hundred miles ; the
suffering and exposure on the march ; the effect of an unaccustomed pesti
lential climate, sapping at the foundation of many a strong constitution, all
these form but a part of the material of a history yet to be written, of that
eventful campaign.
Yet, passing through all this, there still remained unaccomplished, the
crowning work of your gallant army — the reduction of Port Hudson — the
opening of that vast river which gave to loyalty unobstructed possession
thereof, from the Falls of St. Anthony to the Gulf.
This event, occurring only after terrific assaults, in which it was reserved
to the Fifty-third regiment to take so distinguished a part, must forever stand
out in the clear light of history, as one of the most important achievements
of the loyal armies.
And, while we gladly recognize this glorious success, we are not unmindful
of the cost, or the means employed for its accomplishment. Shoulder to
shoulder stood the sons of New England and the brave men of the West,
and while the maintenance of a common flag, and the support of a common
government was the -chief concern of all who fought, and all who fell in

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 207
the struggle before Port Hudson, I cannot doubt that our countrymen of the
West will ever remember that the best blood of New England was shed to
open up to them more immediately, an undisputed communication between
their vast possessions and the Gulf.
Hereafter, if the enemy of his country shall dare suggest the possibility of
separation between New England and the West, let him know that his words
are vain, for at Port Hudson and Vicksburg a bond of Eternal Union between
the East and West, was sealed with the commingled blood of the sons of each.
That bond of unity thus cemented in blood, cannot be broken as long as
the banks of the Mississippi shall be hallowed by the memory of New
England's heroic dead.
But there remains one subject which presses with sorrowful weight upon
many hearts, and extends its shadow over us all. All have not returned.
Your ranks are thinned ; by sickness and wounds many are prevented from
participating in the joys of this occasion. The faces of some we shall see no
more on earth — they have fallen. They have placed upon the altar of their
country the richest gift that loyal devotion can offer. They have sacrificed
their lives in defence of her integrity and her honor, for the perpetuation of
Republican Liberty, and for the cause of humanity among the nations every
where. Enshrined in our hearts, and among our most sacred memories, shall
incidents of the lives of each find a place.
I would not trust myself to make personal allusion to each of your fallen
comrades, their memory requires no words to invoke a common gratitude —
" High on the world's heroic list,
Shall every name he seen ;
And time among the cherished dead
Shall keep their memories green.
The patriot's heart shall warmer glow,
When standing by their grave ;
And dearer still shall be the flag
They welcomed death to save."
Thus shall it be — and to you who remain, permit me to say, that the con
sciousness of important duty well performed ; the preservation of a govern
ment better than any other ; the gratitude of a great people, are among the
compensations that await those who have braved the dangers of the battle
field in defence of that priceless inheritance it was the aim, but not within the
power of treason to wrest, from our hands.
But I will not add another word to prolong the interval that separates you
from the tender recognition of waiting friends.

208 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Col. Kimball responded with an earnest expression of the thanks
of the regiment for the cordial reception they had met, and gave an
extremely interesting statement of the experience of the regiment
during its campaign. A procession was then formed on Summer
Street, and marched through Main Street, to the Common in front of
the Unitarian Church, where a bountiful repast had been provided for
the regiment, by the ladies of Fitchburg.
The procession was led by a cavalcade of eighty-three men, from
Leominster, under the command of Capt. Leonard Woods, followed
by the various delegations, fire companies and military, consisting of a
fine company in uniform, from Ashburnham, commanded by Capt.
Asa Wheeler, and accompanied by the Ashburnham Band; the
Washington Guards, Capt. Lawrence, and the Fitchburg Fusiliers,
Capt. Day, of Fitchburg, two fire companies from Templeton, one
fire company from Pepperell, four fire companies from Fitchburg, and
delegations from Townsend, Winchendon, Leominster, Ashby, and
Lunenburg. Several banners were in the procession, among which was one with
the following mottos, borne by the delegation from Leominster :
" Leominster honors her brave soldiers. Victors of Bisland and Port
Hudson." The following was borne by the delegation from Win
chendon : " Welcome home ! The memory of the fallen, the hero
ism of the living, alike sacred to us."
After the collation on the common, the regiment was escorted to
the depot, where the different companies composing it departed in
various directions, to their homes, pleased, we trust, with the efforts
made by the people of Fitchburg and vicinity to show how much
they honor all of its brave members, and rejoice in their return, and
how deeply they sympathize with their neighbors who mourn over
the fallen, called as they are, almost every day, to weep anew over
the remains of their own sons, who come home still and cold in the
narrow house, or reach their hearthstones only to die there.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. • 209
RECEPTION OF THE EIETEENTH REGIMENT.
(FROM THE REVEILLE OF JULY 23D, 186-t.
The remnant of this gallant regiment, with the exception of eighty-
two who are prisoners, arrived in Worcester, Thursday afternoon,
July 21st, and were formally received there the next day. A large
number gathered to join in a cordial welcome to these brave men.
Gov. Andrew and staff, with the Boston Cadets, and the Fitchburg
Fusiliers, Capt. E. T. Miles, with the Ashburnham Band, were
present. The Spy states that a procession was formed, and marched
down Main street to Lincoln square, and countermarched to the com
mon, where the arrangements for speaking were provided, near the
Bigelow monument. The whole route of the procession was thronged
with spectators, and the stores and public buildings were profusely
decorated with flags and streamers of red, white and blue, the whole
forming a brilliant and exciting spectacle. The returning veterans
were greeted with cheers throughout the line of march, and the
spontaneous tribute of the people's gratitude and praise was all that
could be desired.
On arriving at the speaker's stand, the regiment and escort were
ranged in front of the stand, and the veterans were welcomed back
from the fields of war by an eloquent and appropriate speech by his
Honor, Mayor Lincoln, who was followed by Gov. Andrew, who
addressed the regiment with his* usual earnestness and enthusiasm.
Major Hooper responded for the regiment to the words of welcome
spoken by the representatives of the city and State, and in behalf of
the officers and men of the regiment tendered their thanks for the
reception. At the close of the entertainment at Worcester, the Fitchburg
Fusiliers took under their especial charge the remnant of Co. B, and
proceeded in the cars for Fitchburg. We give the names of the
returned heroes, Lieut. Beaudrey, of Winchendon, in command.
Fitchburg Soldiers. — F. A. Brown, H. L. Sheldon, W. F.
Griswold, G. H. Cunningham, G. A. Harwood, D. R. Pierce, H. D.
27

210 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Mclntire, J. K. Hosmer, J. R. Ring, J. H. Tenney, A. C. Plaisted,
J. E. Morse, Orlando Wetherbee, F. Scott.
Winchendon Soldiers. — A. Fisher, N. B. Bruce, E. Chase, D.
W. Scott, E. W. Kendall, W. E. Taylor.
Westminster Soldiers. — L. C. White, L. Nichols.
On arrival at the Fitchburg depot, a procession was formed, and
escorted by the Ashburnham Cornet Band, marched through Main
street, the little squad of war worn veterans receiving at every point
demonstrations of congratulation and joy at their safe return ; while
at the same time, feelings of grief and sadness were manifest on com
paring now with then, when three years ago, this gallant company,
with elastic step and buoyant hopes, under command of Capt. (now
Colonel) Kimball, marched to the battle field.
At the Town Hall, the soldiers were welcomed by Hon. Alvah
Crocker, in one of his hearty, whole-souled and pleasant addresses,
and other highly interesting exercises followed. At eight o'clock,
the company was summoned to supper at the Fitchburg Hotel, where
Mr. Day and his active associates had spread a bountiful repast, and
where the large assemblage gave every indication that they enjoyed
the good fare set before them. At the close of the feast, the intel
lectual banquet was commenced by Mr. Crocker, who presided at the
table. He was followed in short and appropriate remarks by Rev.
Kendall Brooks, Dr. A. Miller, A. P. Kimball, Esq., Maj. F. B.
Adams, Rev. Mr. Jones, Capt. Miles, and Adjutant Willis, who read
a letter from Capt. Charles L. Eager, formerly an officer in Co. B,
regretting his inability to be at the reception. Three cheers were
here given for Col. Kimball, and Capt. Eager. Lieut Beaudrey, in a
neat and appropriate speech, thanked the audience in behalf of him
self and the soldiers, for the generous and courteous reception
received at their hands. The pleasant hour at the table was also
enlivened by singing and sentiment, and some excellent music by the
Ashburnham Cornet Band. It was a rare and delightful occasion,
and will not soon be forgotten by those who were present.

TOWN ACTION, PUBLIC MEETINGS, INCIDENTS,
CORRESPONDENCE OF SOLDIERS, &C.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT TOWN MEETING,
april HTn, 1862.
The following Resolutions were submitted by L. H. Bradford, Esq.,
and were accepted and adopted by acclamation and a rising vote :
Resolved, That the thanks of the town be extended to -our own citizens,
the officers and privates of General Burnside's Division, who have done
themselves and the town so much honor in the late battles of Roanoke and
Newbern, thus maintaining by valor and bravery, their right to the position
accorded them for discipline and soldierly bearing.
Resolved, That we extend our thanks to Captain Clark S. Simonds and
his command, for gallantry on the Heights of Ball's Bluff, and especially to
George L. Boss, Walter A. Eames, Fred. H. Sibley and Alvin A. Simonds,
our own townsmen, for swimming their Commander, Colonel Chas. Devens,
across the bloody waters of the Potomac, on the night of the 21st of October
last. Resolved, That We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Captain Theodore S.
Foster, and all of the wounded soldiers from Fitchburg, who have so nobly
maintained the bravery of Massachusetts soldiers by pouring out their blood
on the battle-field.
Resolved, That we extend our unfeigned sympathy to the families of our
brave townsmen, Charles D. Munroe, George C. Taylor, Ai D. Osborne,
John M. Whittemore and Harrison W. Battles, who have laid down their
lives in defense of their country's honor, that it is due to their memories that
their heroism be commemorated by the enduring granite of their own native
Rollstone. Resolved, That copies of the above resolutions be transmitted to Colonel
Upton, Captains Foster, Foss and Simonds, and entered on the Records of
the Town.
Copies of tie foregoing were sent to the field, and the following
responses from Colonel Upton and Captain Simonds, were received:

212 fitchburg in the rebellion.
Headquarters, 25th Regiment, Mass. Vols.,)
Newbern, N. C, April 2A.th, 1862. J
John T. Farwell, Clerk of the town of Fitchburg :
Dear Sir : — With feelings of gratitude, I received from you the resolu
tions passed by the said town of Fitchburg at their- annual town meeting,
on the 14th inst. While absent from our New England homes, and the
bosoms of our families, where we have come not from choice, but to do our
duty to God and our country, in aiding to restore the Stars and Stripes that
have been torn down by wicked and unprincipled persons calling themselves
men, it is gratifying to know that we are not forgotten by our friends that
we have left behind ; that we still live in their memories, and are considered
worthy of so high a mark of respect and confidence by them, for the part
we have acted in the conflicts thus far for the supremacy of the law, and
maintainance of our glorious Union. In the two battles that we have been
in, at Roanoke and Newbern, I can say of a truth, I felt^comparatively no
fear for myself, but only anxious to do the best possible thing for the men
under my command consistent with the accomplishment of the work of
defeating the enemy. And now that they are passed, I think I can look
back with the greatest degree of satisfaction that I have performed my duty
in a manner which proved for the interests of the Union forces, and to the
regiment under my command. But I cannot forget to tell you how much we
need the sympathies and prayers of all our friends at home, both for our
selves and those loved ones we have left behind, as I often think they have
the most trying part of all, and are as much entitled to the sympathy of our
friends as we who have left them, although not exposed to the dangers
themselves, but in a constant uncertainty about their friends, which we all
know is very unpleasant.
Oh, that the Lord might continue to smile upon us, as he has in these few
months that are past, and that this unholy war may soon be brought to a
close, and we be returned to our homes, in our happy New England, is the
ardent desire of him who has written these few lines to you.
We are still at Newbern the Twenty-fifth guarding the town, and have
been since we first came here, on the 14th of March. We cannot advance
from here until reinforced, which I think will not be until something decisive
takes place at Yorktown and Richmond. I think our force sufficient to hold
this place, but not sufficient to hold the place and make an advance at the
same time, and therefore we had much better wait a few weeks than to make
an attempt that we could not carry through. I suppose that by to-day the
bombardment of Fort Macon will commence, and therefore you may expect
to soon hear of its surrender. Our forces havo been some four or five weeks
getting ready, under command of Gen. Parke, and we feel that we may look

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 213
now for the speedy accomplishment of the work, and hope without much loss
of our brave soldiers.
Give my best respects to the friends in Fitchburg, and retain a share for
yourself. I am very respectfully, your obedient servant,
EDWIN UPTON.

" Camp Winfield Scott, >
near Yorktown, April 23d, 1862. )

Mr. Farwell, Dear Sir :

With pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of a copy of the resolutions
passed at the Annual Town Meeting in Fitchburg, and forwarded by yourself
as Town Clerk. It is exceedingly gratifying to those of us who are actively
engaged in the services of our country to receive such testimonials of confi
dence and respect from our fellow townsmen at home ; and while honoring
the living, it is still more gratifying to me, sir, to know that the memory of
those who have laid down their lives in defence of their country's honor, is
sacredly cherished, and finally, that the gallantry of those who periled their
own lives to save that of their Colonel's, is acknowledged by those at home.
In closing, accept my thanks for your own personal testimony of respect and
confidence. And may I ever merit it, is the wish of
Yours truly, C. S. SIMONDS,
Capt. Com'g Co. B, Ihth Reg't M. V"

RESOLUTIONS OFFERED BY L. H. BRADFORD, ESQ., AT ANNUAL
TOWN MEETING, APRIL 13TH, 1863.
Whereas, since the date of our last annual meeting, several of our citizen
soldiers have sealed their devotion to their country with their lives, it seems
fitting that we should make record of the fact, and thus stimulate the living
by commending the example of the patriotic dead. And therefore
Resolved. — That we bear in memory, and cherish the names and virtues
of all those heroic dead who have fallen in the service of their country the
past year, viz : Capt. Clark S. Simonds, Lieut. Henry A. Beckwith, Cal
vin E. Tolman. Alvaranzo Bigelow, Jefferson Lakin, John Campbell, D.
Carpenter, W. S. Boynton, Horace R. Barker, Geo. F. Howe, John L.
Lamson, Charles M. Whitney, Simon F. Marshall, James T. Townsend,
Amos W. Lawrence, Orwell L. Stockwell, Michael Kavanaugh, Patrick C.
Sullivan, Michael Spencer, Henry D. Brigham, Wm. S. Bardeen, Henry S.
Woodbury, and any other brave men who have fallen, which we may not
have named.

214 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Resolved. — That we do extend our sympathies to those who have been
bereaved in the loss of beloved friends and relatives, whether by death on
the battle field, or by disease in the camp.
Resolved. — That we bear in our hearts, those of our citizens who are now
absent in the service, who have gone forth to defend our beloved country,
and to subdue the Rebellion, that we will continue to follow them with our
wishes, our sympathies and our prayers, and in due time will welcome them
home with increased honors.
Resolved. — That as citizens, and as a town, we will continue our means,
and our influence, to sustain our Government in its measures, until every
traitor has disappeared from the land.
RESOLUTIONS OFFERED BY L. H. BRADFORD, ESQ., AT TOWN
MEETING, APRIL 11, 1864.
Resolved, That we extend our heartfelt and tenderest sympathies to all of
the families and relatives of the following soldiers, our own fellow townsmen,
Who have fallen the past year in defense of the flag of our common country,
viz. : Captain George H. Bailey, Captain Jerome K. Taft, Captain John
Murkland, Lieut. George G. Nutting, Lieut. Fred. H. Sibley, Thomas
Bartlett, Chas. P. Battles, George L. Boss, Horace M. Churchill, E. L. P.
Cochran, Israel Cummings, Henry J. Cutting, Samuel F. Dadmun, Edward
P. Farwell, David A. Harrington, Francis D. Hill, J. Henry Kendall,
Henry L. Joslin, George E. Knight, Alvin G. Lamb, Wm. H. Shattuck,
Wm. H. Simonds, Charles W. Stewart, Solon W. Spooner, Sam'l Stearns,
N. Bradley Upham, George G. Winchester, Wm. Wooldridge, Frederic L.
Works, Benj. R. Wiley, Albert C. Wilsey; that we will remember with
gratitude their noble sacrifice, and embalm their memory in our heart of hearts;
" So shall they all forever rest,
By all their country's wishes blest.
When Spring, with dewy fingers cold,
Shall come to deck their hallowed mould,
She there shall dress a sweeter sod
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod.
There Honor, too, a pilgrim gray,
Shall come to bless their honored clay ;
And Freedom shall awhile repair
To dwell a weeping hermit there."
Resolved, That we place upon the Records of the Town, our thanks to
those soldiers who have re-enlisted for the war, and also, to Col. John W.
Kimball, of the Fifty-third Massachusetts nine months volunteers, his officers

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 215
and men, for the noble record they have made for themselves and for us,
their fellow citizens.
Resolved, That we remember with patriotic pride the late heroic action of
our young townsman, Captain George E. Marshall, of the Fortieth Massa
chusetts Mounted Infantry, who, with forty-nine of his men, captured and
held Gainsville, Florida, against treble the number of the enemy, meriting
and receiving the thanks of General Seymour, his commanding officer, and
every lover of our beloved country, and we are happy to congratulate him
upon his prompt and deserved promotion.
Resolved, That we remember with gratitude, and appreciate the noble
patriotism of all our citizens who have taken part in the conflict through
which we are now passing.

SUMMARY OF EXPENSE INCURRED BY THE TOWN, ON ACCOUNT
OF THE WAR.
The figures given below approximate very closely to the amounts
actually paid out by the town, as shown by the books.
Bounties paid to soldiers direct, by vote of the town,  $36,868.00
Amount refunded by vote of town to subscribers to " bounty
fund,"  34,758.25
Amount paid to individuals who voluntarily furnished sub
stitutes,  4,375.00
Recruiting expenses,  1,017.65
Amount paid families of soldiers, reimbursed by the State,... 60, 727. 79
Amount so paid not reimbursed (estimated)  1.600.00
Contingent expenses, clothing,. supplies, funeral expenses, &c. 2,890.93
Total, $142,237.62
The total debt of the town in 1861, was 158,240.09 ; and in
1866, $110,278.88 ; an increase of 152,038.79. It is difficult to
state just what portion of this increase is directly chargeable to
the war, but a very large proportion of it, to say the least.
As a thriving and rapidly growing town, our debt is quite likely
gradually to increase, but we apprehend that whatever charges of
. extravagance our descendants may have occasion to bring against
us, that portion incurred in the suppression of the Rebellion will
be considered as money well expended, and will be deemed no
burden to those who live to enjoy what we were obliged to fight
for, to preserve.

216 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
SOLDIER'S MONUMENT.
At the annual Town Meeting in April, 186^ the subject of a mon
ument to our fallen soldiers was considered, and a Committee chosen
to report at a future meeting, on some plan for such a memorial.
The following constitute the Committee : Alvah Crocker, L. H.
Bradford, Stephen Shepley, E. T. Miles, Geo. E. Towne, A. P.
Kimball, and H. A. Willis. This Committee has held many meet
ings, and will be prepared to submit to the town, at the next
Annual Meeting, one or more plans for the proper commemoration of
our " fallen heroes." It is certainly very desirable that the town
should do something in this direction worthy of its dignity, and with
a liberality corresponding to its practice toward the soldiers through
the whole war, and we doubt not that when the subject is presented
in a tangible form, that there will be no stint in the appropriations,
and that the " memorial," whatever form it may take, may be a
fitting and generous tribute to the memory of those of our young men
who fell while nobly fighting to uphold our institutions, and the honor
of our flag. REJOICING AND MOURNING.
While the war was in active progress, our people, as well as the
whole country, lived in a constant state of excitement. Now jubilant
over the glorious news of some great victory: now depressed by
accounts of defeats and disaster. On many occasions, public dem
onstrations were, made over the good news from the " field," but it
remained for the occasion of the surrender of General Lee, with his
entire army, to bring out the general enthusiasm to its fullest extent.
The news of this last great and final victory was received on the
morning of April 10th, 1865, while our citizens were assembled in
Annual Town Meeting. The following extract from the records of
the town will show how it was received :
Voted, To take a recess of ten minutes to hear read the glorious news
received by the morning papers, when the Moderator read the official despatch
from the Secretary of War, announcing the surrender of the Rebel General

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 217
Lee and his whole army, whereupon it was requested that the meeting rise
and give loud and long cheers for Lieut. General Grant and his noble army,
and immediately three times three were given ; also, General Sheridan and
his brave and fearless army received their due share of the loud and long,
enthusiastic cheers of the meeting.
The meeting then resumed its business, and the following Reso
lution, offered by L. H. Bradford, Esq., was unanimously adopted
by a rising vote.
Resolved, That the thanks of the citizens of this town be reverentially
offered unto Almighty God for the signal success with which he has crowned
our arms, in the capture of the rebel Capital, and the whole army of Northern
Virginia. Notice was given to the people to illuminate their dwellings in the
evening, and a large amount of money was at once subscribed for
firing salutes, a band of music, and a general jollification, which was
pretty thoroughly kept up all day, and nearly all night. The town
was illuminated from one end to the other, and presented a most beau
tiful appearance. A procession paraded the streets in the evening,
with music and fireworks, calling out some of our citizens who made
speeches suitable to the occasion. Everybody seemed overjoyed, for
all could see that now was indeed the " beginning of the end," and
that peace would soon return to bless us. And so it proved, but ere
it should come, we were destined to receive a shock more terrible by
far, than we had yet experienced. Our joy had indeed been great,
and who could have dreamed that in less than one week, we would be
thrown so suddenly, so terribly to the other extreme.
The news of the murder of Abraham Lincoln came upon us on the
morning of Saturday, April, 15th 1865, like a terrific peal of thunder
in a cloudless sky. Upon receiving the news, the Selectmen at once
posted a call for a gathering of the people, to take place the same
afternoon. All business was suspended, and our community gave
itself up to mourning for a loss to which all the previous disasters of
the war -seemed as trifling. The outward emblems of mourning so
generally displayed, the blanched faces, the tearful eyes and tremu-
28

218 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
lous voices of the citizens, as they met and discussed the great calam
ity, gave token of the deep love the people bore our martyred Presi
dent. We give an account of the afternoon services :
In response to the invitation of the Selectmen, a meeting was
held at the Town Hall, at two o'clock, P. M., at which time the hall
was filled to overflowing with grief-stricken men and women. The
following fist of officers was chosen :
President, Geo. E. Towne ; Vice Presidents, Moses Wood, Alvah
Crocker, Ebenezer Torrey, Jonas A. Marshall, Alfred Emerson,
Stephen Shepley, Otis T. Ruggles, L. H. Bradford, J. W. Kimball,
T. R. Boutelle, Alfred Hitchcock, Amasa Norcross, Nathaniel Wood,
John T. Farwell, T. S. Wilson, L. B. Jaquith, E. T. Miles, Wm. 0.
Brown, Lyman Patch, G. M. Steele, Kendall Brooks, H. L. Jones,
T. K. Ware, Wm. Kimball. Secretaries, John J. Piper, C. H. B.
Snow. Mr. Towne briefly addressed the meeting, remarking that nations,
as individuals, have their seasons of joy and of mourning, and that
within one short week we had been raised to the highest pitch of joy
and exultation, and cast down to the lowest depths of grief. He
eloquently portrayed the many virtues, the pure life, the eminent
public services of the great and good man, more loved and revered
by the people than any benefactor of his country save Washington,
and closed with the remark that words were too feeble to adequately
give utterance to the grief which possessed all hearts. The services
were continued by the singing of hymns by the choir, reading of the
scriptures by Rev. Mr. Jones, and prayers by Rev. Mr. Brooks, and
Rev. Mr. Steele.
The following resolutions were submitted and unanimously adopted :
By the people of Fitehburg, assembled at the call of the Selectmen of the
town, on the 15th of April, 1865:
Be it Resolved, That we have heard with a shock of inexpressible sorrow
of the death by assassination, of the President of the United States :

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 219
That such an event, fitted under any circumstances, to fill the hearts of all
good citizens with anguish, seems far more disastrous when we remember the
character of the President, and the exigencies of the times ;
That we recognize in him a man whom God had qualified for a great service
in a crisis of unsurpassed importance, by giving to him singular practical
sagacity, and great influence with others, and especially with the masses, by
maturing in him a deep sense of justice, and all those convictions and senti
ments, and traits of personal character which awaken the confidence of the
people, which rendered him a fitting representative and leader of the nation
in the terrible conflict of right and wrong ;
That his clear perceptions of great principles, and his steady purpose to
maintain them, his sympathy with the oppressed, and his largeness of soul,
peculiarly qualified him for leading not only in the suppression of the rebellion,
but also in the more serious, and scarcely less difficult work of reconstruction ;
And that the loss of such a man, at such an hour, is an immeasurable
calamity, which the Providence of God alone can rule for good.
Resolved, That while receiving this sudden and stunning blow, we will
remember that the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth ; that we will call upon
Him in the bitterness of our distress, to preserve our Nation ; to interfere
with the plans of wicked and traitorous men ; to guide by His own wisdom,
in the re-establishment of the National authority in all the rebellious States,
and in the securing of peace and justice and all human rights to all the people
of this Republic ;
And, that we have faith in God, the Ruler of the world, whose plans can
not be disappointed, and who, as He has often caused the wrath of man to
praise Him, can make use of the assassin's hand to set forward the interests
of Truth and Justice and Right.
On the Wednesday following the day of the President's funeral at
Washington, by request of President Johnson to the people of the
country, funeral services were held in memory of the great, and hon
ored, and beloved dead. Business was suspended, and a service held
in the Congregational Church, which was appropriately draped in
mourning. Rev. Mr. Emerson preached a very able and impressive
funeral discourse, giving a sketch of Mr. Lincoln's character, and
setting forth the lessons to be drawn from the horrid event. A uni
versal feeling of sorrow pervaded all classes, and terrible forebodings
for the future of our beloved country were indulged in, for our Vice
President had already shown he was not the man for the position which

220 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
this sad event had elevated him into. Every loyal heart felt itself
dedicated anew to the great work of extirpating treason from the
land, and the feeling universally prevailed that no leniency should be
shown to the plotters and abettors of the great conspiracy against the
government, of which this wicked murder was the legitimate result.
THE ESCAPE.
A story of the adventures of two soldiers of the Fifteenth regi
ment, who escaped from the enemy while being marched to Anderson
ville, and after wandering in the mountains of Virginia for twenty-
ty-three days, and travelling four hundred miles, reached our lines at
Harper's Ferry, written for this history by Alvan A. Simonds of this
town. " On the 22d of June, 1864, the remnant of the Fifteenth Massa
chusetts regiment was captured by Gen. Mahoney's Division, of the
Rebel army. Roland E. Bowen and myself found ourselves inside the
rebel lines with plenty of " grey backs " wishing to trade jack-knives,
watches, &c, &c. We stopped in Petersburg two days, and were
thence taken to Richmond, to Libby prison, where for two days we had
the pleasure of looking through the grated windows. In Libby they
searched us for money, each man being required to remove all his
clothing, except his under garments, the rebels taking the liberty to
confiscate all money found. Bowen and I had divided our money,
and had about seventeen dollars each. I sewed mine very carefully
into my pants and blouse in four different places, and they succeeded
in finding only two dollars of it, but my friend was more unfortunate,
as they took all but three dollars from him. From Libby we were
taken to Belle Island. The rebels with great generosity gave us some
tents, which although they would shelter from the sun, were worthless
in the rain. Our stay here was short, for in three days they started
us for Andersonville, Ga., travelling by rail to Lynchburg.
Bowen and I had resolved to improve any opportunity given us to
escape. We left Richmond in the morning, and arrived in Lynch-

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 221
burg in the evening. We were kept in the crowded cars during the
night without water, and as they had given us none during the day,
which had been exceedingly hot, we suffered much from thirst. At
Lynchburg they gave us four days' rations, consisting of sixteen hard
crackers and a small piece of bacon, this to last until we reached
Danville, seventy miles south of Lynchburg, to which place they
intended to march us. When they issued the rations, some very
mouldy bread was thrown on the ground. Of this we took all we
could carry in our haversacks, resolving we would make our escape
before we reached Danville. A few moments before we left Lynch
burg, I improved an opportunity to step into a store and buy four
bunches of matches, paying for them one dollar in Confederate money.
The first night out we were on the watch to make our escape, but no
favorable opportunity was offered. But the second day about eleven
o'clock, the prisoners had got well strung out in attempting to get
water at a house in our way, and the head of the column was halted
in a road leading through a piece of woods. It being very hot and
dusty, every man made for the shade. This was an opportunity not
to be lost. Before we reached the woods we had so planned as to
have a guard about a rod in front of us, but none for several rods in
the rear. We then slipped into the woods. When we were safely
past the guards, we ran for half a mile or more, until we come to a
brook, where we stopped and quenched our thirst and had a good
wash, which was a luxury we appreciated after our travels. We
rested here for a short time and then started for the Blue Ridge of
the Alleghany mountains, taking the sun for our guide, travelling
northwest as near as we could calculate. The mountains were not
in sight the first day. The second morning while passing the woods,
we came suddenly upon a man dressed in gray, with brass buttons
upon his jacket, and a gun over his shoulder ; as we could not avoid
him, we walked up to him, and the relief of our minds may well be
imagined when he informed us after a few minutes conversation, that
he was not a rebel picket, and had no authority to stop any one, but
was out hunting squirrels.

222 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
In the afternoon, about one o'clock, I should judge, (neither of us
having a watch) we came in sight of the Virginia and Tennessee
railroad. We were quite a distance from it, but the country being
very open we could see men upon the road, but could not tell whether
they were friends or foes. After holding a " council," we concluded
to keep in the woods until dark, and then cross the railroad. We
soon found a little brook and proceeded to make ourselves comfortable.
The mosquitoes were plenty, and comfort not to be had. At about
ten o'clock we proceeded on our way, and succeeded in crossing the rail
road in safety. Several trains of cars passed us during the afternoon.
We then attempted to travel by taking the north star for a guide.
This did very well until we came to the woods ; while in the woods
we found it impossible to keep it in sight, so we laid down for the
night. In the morning we resumed our travels, but the country being
very open, we thought we were running^ too much risk, and stopped
until night, when we again took the north star for our guide. We
were more fortunate than the night before and travelled several hours,
but before morning we had to stop on account of the woody country.
Next morning we proceeded, stopping at a house where there was a
negro woman with several children. She told us she had nothing to
eat, but if we would go up to " Massa's house " he would give us
something. We asked if she knew who we were ? She said she did
not. We told her we were yankees. She said we had better keep
away from " Massa's " then. She told us where a woman lived whose
husband was in the rebel army, some half a mile away. To her house
we went. Bowen stopped outside in the woods, and I went to the
house. I rapped, a woman came -to the door, I asked her if she
could get me anything to eat. She invited me into the house and
gave me a large piece of bread. She asked about the army, (rebel
of course) for her husband had been conscripted, and was serving
under Lee at Petersburg. I could give her but little information, but
told her I was going home on a furlough, over the mountains. I left
her with thanks for her kindness, and we proceeded on our way, after
dividing the bread.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 223
At noon we came to the foot of the mountains, but thought it
not best to attempt to ascend without more rations. A short dis
tance from us was a field of wheat in the stook. Of this we took
as many bundles as we could carry, threshed it out, went into the
woods, and soon had it boiling in our cups over the fire. This,
without salt, and a little mouldy hard bread was our food for the
next four days.
We peached the top of the mountains before sunset, but as we
wished to take observations, concluded to spend the night there.
At sunset we took a stick, pointed it toward the setting sun and
placed it across a stone. We then lay down to rest. When I
awoke, my friend was placing a stick across the other, thus point
ing to the North Star. This showed us how much north of west
the sun set, and the knowledge was of great advantage to us in
traveling, the next three weeks. We traveled near the top of the
mountains the greater part of the day, until thirst compelled us
to go down for water. We always found good water by following
down the ravines. The mountains were covered with scrub oak
and other small brush, which made it very hard traveling, and we
did not make very rapid progress, but we kept on, up and down
mountains, traveling by the sun. In three days we reached the
top of the mountain which overlooked the James river at what is
known as Balcony Falls.
The river did not look deep, and we thought we might easily
ford it, so we walked down a ravine until we came to the water.
We here boiled some wheat which we had brought with us, then
took off our stockings, and tried to cross, but found the current
so deep and swift that we could not. On the banks of the river
we found a small garden which some one had planted, in which
we dug a few small potatoes, and went back into the woods and
boiled them. We slept well that night notwithstanding our great
disappointment. At sunrise we started up the river, going a mile
or more, when we came to a dam. A high bluff overlooked it, to
which I climbed for a view farther up. While on this bluff, two rebel

224 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
cavalrymen passed up the tow-path of a canal on the other side of
the river. Soon after, three boys came out in a boat just below the
dam, and we called them to take us across, which they did. Still,
there was the canal between us and the mountains, hut we soon
found a lock where we crossed. Once more we were in the moun
tains, having crossed the only river in our course. After travelling
three or four days up and down the mountains, we came to a log-
house, where a man sat at the door. We stopped an hour or more
with him, and he gave us a dinner of boiled potatoes and string
beans. For the next three or four days nothing of note transpired.
We got our food by digging potatoes, and taking wheat from the
fields. July 14th we came to a neat looking frame house. As it
was a much larger one than we had previously visited, we held a
" council," whether to go to it, but after walking round so that we
could examine all sides, I ventured. Found a young lady with two
children at home, and a negro servant ; told her I was a yankee, had
made my escape, and would like something to eat. She gave me
half a loaf of bread, a pie, some bacon, and some milk. I asked
permission (after eating what I wished) to take the remainder to my
companion. She granted it, and gave me another large piece of
bread. She also gave me a Richmond Examiner, of July 12th. I
returned to Bowen, and we went on a mile or more when we stopped
to examine the paper. We learned that Gen. Early was in Mary
land with a large force. Whether to change our course by crossing
the valley and mountains, to Beverley, Western Va., or keep on
northeast, was a question in our minds. At our present rate of trav
elling, it would be a week or ten days before we could reach Harper's
Ferry, and the latest news the paper gave was already a week old, so
we concluded that Gen. Early, would be further north or else back
into Virginia before we could get to the Potomac. We had now
passed through the counties of Campbell, Bradford, Rockbridge, and
were now in Augusta. We left the village of Waynesboro' on our
left, and crossed the railroad running to Staunton. In the afternoon
we overtook a negro with a wooden leg, out picking blackberries.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 225
He asked us to his house and his wife cooked us a johnny-cake.
We spent two hours with them, then went on, the negro with us for a
short distance, telling us all about the country for several miles. He
gave Bowen a canteen, which was very useful to us, as we did not
have to hunt up water so often ; also some meal and pork. We next
passed Brown's Gap, but here we had to wait for some rebel scouts
to pick what blackberries they wanted to eat, before we could cross
the road.
We kept on our way into Rockingham county, getting our living
by going to log houses, near the foot of the mountains, which were
occupied by the poorer classes, who seldom refused us food. We
grossed the mountains into Green county, through Madison, and back
over the mountains into Page, down the Luray valley into Warren
county. We were informed that Gen. Early was back in Virginia,
that there had been a fight at Snicker's Gap, and the rebel cavalry
were picketing Chester and Manassas Gaps, as the yankees were
expected down on the east side of the Blue Ridge. We continued
on to the road leading to Chester Gap. When we came in sight
of the road, only a few rods off, we saw an old man passing on horse
back. Before he was out of sight a boy came along, then two rebel
cavalrymen. After they had passed we pushed on, crossing the road
and into the woods. We soon came to the road leading to Manassas
Gap, which we crossed and kept on through the woods near the road,
passing through an open field. When within a few rods of the woods
we looked up and saw a squad of rebel cavalry in the road. We ran
into the woods and looked around. The rebels had not seen us.
We watched them pass, there were thirteen. We passed Manassas
Gap railroad that day, and succeeded in crossing in safety Paris Gap.
The next day we passed Snicker's Gap, but not without an adventure.
For just as we were in the middle of the road, two of Mosby's men
came around a bend in the road. They saw us. We ran for the
woods, the rebels putting spurs to their horses, and as they came up
to where we crossed the road, we were in the woods up the side of the
mountain. They sent a pistol ball after us, and just as it whizzed
29

226 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
past our heads, I stumbled and fell. My companion thought I was
wounded, and cried out " we surrender !" No we don't, said I as I
jumped up. We ran until out of breath, and then lay down in the
bushes. If the guerrillas followed us we have the satisfaction of
knowing that they had their labor for their pains. I lost my quart
dipper, but we were about through with that, as we arrived at Harper's
Ferry the next day and were once more among friends. It was a
happy day for us. It was twenty-three days after we made our
escape before we arrived inside the Union lines. We had travelled
about four hundred miles, and although foot sore and weary, rejoiced
that we had so providentially made our escape from the horrors of a
Southern prison.
INCIDENTS^OF THE BATTLE OF BALL'S BLUFF.
It will be remembered that at the terrible defeat at Ball's Bluff, our
men were driven into the Potomac, and obliged to escape by swimming
the river, Col. Devens of the Fifteenth, and Lieut. Eager of our Co.
B, could neither of them swim, and were taken across the river by four
of the members of Co. B, Walter A. Eames, Geo. L. Boss, Fred H.
Sibley and Alvan A. Simonds. This gallant action on their part,
was duly acknowledged by Lieut. Eager, in the following extract from
a letter of his which was published at the time. We regret that we
cannot give similar acknowledgment from the pen of the other officer.
"You asked me for an account of my escape from the "sacred soil of
Virginia" on the night of the 21st of October. I must say I feel decidedly
delicate in furnishing any items relating to myself, but it will give me pleasure
to put on record the acts of those four brave fellows (God bless them !) who
took me safely across, at the risk of their own lives, and but for whom, I
might now have been confined in some Southern prison. After the order
had been given to retreat, we rallied in a kind of bridle path under the Bluff,
and near the river, when Colonel Devens ordered us to throw our arms into
the river and take care of ourselves as best we could. There were a gocd
many of the Company who said they could not swim, or did not dare under
take it. I told them I could not swim, but we would keep together as

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 227
much as possible, make our way up the river, and perhaps find a boat in
which we could cross. Geo. L. Boss upon hearing me say I could not swim,
said two or three of them could take me across, and soon appeared, with
Corporal Fred. H. Sibley and Alvan A. Simonds, who insisted upon my going
with them. I told them I might be the means of drowning them all, and
they had better go without me, but they still insisted, and seemed so confident
of success, I told them if I could find anything that would float, I would make
the attempt. Upon going to the river edge, we found a limb some six inches
through at the butt, and perhaps ten feet long, and in pulling that out, pulled
up a common floor joist about the same length. Upon seeing that, I told
them I could " make the trip" with it, on my own hook, and not endanger
their lives, but they would not hear a word to that, and said I must go with
them. At this point Walter A. Eames offered his services in assisting us
across, and which proved to be very valuable. I certainly think without his
help we should have had hard work to have reached the opposite shore. Just
as we were about to embark, Colonel Devens came to the water's edge stripped
of his equipments and clothing, when Eames asked him if he could swim.
He replied that he could not. Eames said to him, " Hop on to our craft,
and we will take you across too." After satisfying himself they were all
swimmers but me, he waded in.
In spite of all our efforts, we drifted quite a distance down stream, the
current being strong, and finally landed on a small island, separated from
Harrison's Island by a stream some twenty-five yards wide, which proved to
be fordable, only about waist deep. When we arrived at the old barn, we
learned that no soldiers would be allowed to cross, as they were very busy
getting the wounded from the Island to the Maryland shore. We found our
overcoats and blankets which we had left there in the morning, wrapped
ourselves up and laid down by some wheat stacks till there was an opportu
nity for us to come over. We reached Poolesville about 12 o'clock at night,
some barefooted, others bareheaded, and some with nothing but shirt and
overcoat."

SOLDIERS' CORRESPONDENCE.
We select a few of the many letters of our own, and from the
newspapers, received from soldiers in the field belonging to the differ
ent regiments, in which we had companies, believing they will be of
interest to the reader, as conveying the best idea of a soldier's fife in
camp, on the march, and amid the perils of battles. Of the many at
hand, it is difficult to make selections, and we regret that our space will

228 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
permit us to give so few of them. Some were written with a view to
publication, but the most of them with no expectation of it. They
are nflne the worse however on that account, and although they are
used without permission, we trust we shall be pardoned for the liberty
taken. We commence with a letter from private (afterwards Lieut.)
Geo. B. Simonds, giving his experionce at the battle of Ball's Bluff:
"Lunenburg, Jan. 4th, 1862.
Dr. Hitchcock, Dear Sir : Since you have desired me, and I have promised to
write what I saw and experienced at the battle of Ball's' Bluff, I will try and
do so in this letter. It would be impossible for me to write what is called
" a glowing account" of that disastrous affair, but if a plain statement of a
few facts, as they came under my observation, will be acceptable, you shall
have them. About half past one on the morning of the 21st of October, we
were all startled by that soldier's warning, the long roll. " To the river,
take your blankets, overcoats and one day's rations," were the orders.
To throw on our accoutrements, roll up our blankets and overcoats, and
fill up our haversacks and canteens, were duties quickly performed ; this done
we were immediately ordered to march.
I think we never marched six or seven miles easier than we did that morn
ing. We all knew and felt that " something was up." We all hoped that
before the next morning, something would be done.
We arrived opposite Ball's Bluff about four o'clock ; were here ordered to
halt ; found that those five Companies of our Regiment which had lately been
stationed at the river as pickets, had already crossed, under Col. Devens.
We waited until about seven or half past, before receiving any orders to
cross. A short time before this we had heard irregular firing in the direction
of the Bluff; it lasted however, but a few minutes, but our. impatience was
only equalled by our eagerness to learn its cause and effect. Harrison's
Island lay between us and the opposite shore. As this island is over two
miles long, we were obliged to cross it. The only means of transportation
which we had on this side of the island, consisted of two flat bottomed boats
not capable of holding more than thirty-five men apiece. Arriving at the
island, we found that the firing we had heard, Was no boys' play. Quite a
number of Company H's men lay wounded in the only house there was. It
was then and there that we first witnessed the horrors of war.
Leaving our blankets and overcoats in the ruins of an old barn, we
embarked, or rather, my Company (B,) crowded itself on to the only boat
there was for conveying us to the Virginia shore. Notwithstanding the

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 229
miserable and insufficient means of crossing, we landed safe at the foot of
Ball's Bluff. We were now fairly on the " sacred soil," to us it was the
''land of promise"; the great battle-field where the fate of our country was
to be decided, and, this decided, we should return to our never forgotten
homes. Following a narrow and rather circuitous bridle path, we proceeded through
the woods, up the Bluff, across an open space, again into some woods to within
a few rods of another open space. Here we found Colonel Devens and that
part of the regiment that had crossed in the night. We were about a mile
from where we landed, and in the direction of Leesburg. The roll was now
called and sixty-five of our Company responded to their names. As this was
the number that started from camp, it proved that with us, all was thus far,
well. After waiting impatiently some time, and finding that we were not likely
to move soon, I came to the conclusion that it would be well to look out for
breakers ahead. Accordingly, I sat down on the ground, the order being
" rest," and thoroughly refreshed the inner man with salt beef and hard
bread, and the outer with a short nap.
While we were here waiting, our skirmishers, or advanced guard, who were
nearly one-fourth of a mile in advance, exchanged shots with those of the
rebels. That those shots did not always fall short of their mark, the wounds
of the injured, who passed us on their way back to the island, too plainly
told. Sergeant (now Lieutenant,) Jorgerson of Company A, passed about
eleven o'clock, wounded in the arm.
The ground in the open space in our front, rose gradually for about one-
fourth of a mile, to where our skirmishers were deployed. This space was
bounded by woods on the left, and partly so on the right.
Soon after twelve o'clock, my brother, Captain Clark S. Simonds, Co. B,
was ordered to take his platoon and relieve Company A's skirmishers. As
we filed out of the woods I heard some one say, " Good Bye, George," and
turning met the look, and shook the hand of my friend, Andrew Cowdry, of
Company A. It was the last time I ever saw him. That day " he fought
his last battle" ; he now " sleeps his last sleep." He was severely wounded
in the main fight, and died in the hospital a few days after.
From our new position we could see a part of Leesburg, and what was of
more importance to us, quite a large body of rebel infantry. They were
however, out of reach of our guns, we being armed with that very modern
invention, the smooth bore muskets.
Perhaps I should tell you that when deployed as skirmishers, each man is
about five paces from the next, consequently our first platoon of only thirty-
two or three men, were extended over a line of as many rods. We had not
been in this position long when we saw an officer ride in front of their infan-

230 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
try and wave his hand. Immediately the infantry advanced, and at the
same time a rushing sound was heard in the woods on our left ; some one
said "cavalry," and sure enough, the next minute a large body of them
dashed upon us. It was impossible for so few of us, situated as we were,
to withstand such a force. We fired upon them and did our best to get
back to the reserve. As I turned to retreat, I saw Geo. Taylor a few rods
from me, making his way off the field, but as he did not get back to the
reserve and has not since been heard from, I conclude that he was shot dead ;
being the only one that was killed in that skirmish, although two of our boys
who were wounded and taken prisoners have since died from the effects of
their wbunds. I had not proceeded more than five rods on my retrograde
march, when I experienced a peculiar sensation'in my. right thigh. There
was not much chance to doubt what hurt at that time ; the balls were whist
ling on all sides, and I believed that I was carrying an ounce of lead besides
the forty in my cartridge box. Such proved to be case, for in a minute or
two my shoe was full of, and my pants saturated with blood. Although
wounded, I still kept on, resolved to get back to friends or die. A body of
the rebel infantry had got into the woods on the left, and cut off our retreat
through the open space ; we therefore took to the woods on the right, which
we knew led round to the reserve. Before I reached them I saw Ai Os
born and Albert Litchfield sitting behind a corn stook, both I believe were
wounded, and both soon after taken prisoners. Stopping behind a little
house, which was about three rods from the edge of the woods, for a moment,
I found Geo. Daniels wounded in the wrist and shoulder. Lowell, another
of our boys, was also there. I saw him go to the corner and fire. "There,"
says he, I've fixed him, I saw him fall." Lowell went through the fight
and still Uvea to tell his own story.
Leaving the house, I reached the woods, and was now comparatively safe,
but I was very faint. Before this I had thrown away my musket, and was
now about to throw away all my trappings, when Corporal Fisher, seeing that
I was wounded, kindly offered to assist me. With his assistance, I reached
the river, passing on our way the regiment, which had fallen back to the open
space, and was now forming in line of battle.
Here ends my personal knowledge of the Ball's Bluff fight.
Geo. Daniels and myself were taken to a house on the Island. Here we
remained until evening, of course not far from where the fighting was going
on. The awful volleys and the great number of them, told how bravely
that field was contested.
Of course I was anxious to know how the battle was going and until it
was fairly ended, the invariable answer to my many questions concerning it
was, "our men are slowly driving them," About dark the firing ceased
entirely, and then came the bitter news that we were defeated. I thought

FITCHBURG IN THE, REBELLION. 231
the wound was bad enough and the extraction of the ball painful enough,
but when this word came it proved a " miserable comforter." About this
time the only boat there was on the Virginia side of the river sank, and the
poor boys bad no chance to retreat except by swimming the river. It was
an awful evening, and a heart-rending sight to see the wounded, and those
shivering, benumbed comrades, who had swam that river ; they were seven
miles from camp, nearly all of them barefoot and with only their shirts and
drawers on. It was one of the coldest nights we had had, and several of
our boys were so chilled as to be almost unable to move. No one thought of
asking whose blanket or overcoat that was, if it was needed it was taken. I
succeeded in getting to the Maryland shore, in one of the boats. After
lying on the ground some time, Corporal Fisher, who after helping me down
to the river, went back, was in the whole fight, and escaped uninjured,
obtained a chance for me to ride up to Poolesville in an ambulance, arriving
at the hospital about twelve o'clock. I will not write you my experience of
hospital life in the succeeding week, suffice it to say, that "there was lack
of woman's nursing, there was dearth of woman's tears." At the end of
that time you saw me there, and assisted by Messrs. Kimball and "Shipley,'
kindly brought me home. By this act I believe you saved my life, and I
know that I can never cancel the debt of gratitude I owe to you and them.
May the Great Author of all good remember and reward you.
Yours, with respect
GEORGE B. SIMONDS,
Co. B, 15th Regt. Mass. Vols.

PORTION OF A LETTER FROM " I. B. G." TO FITCHBURG REVEILLE.
"Headquarters 1st BhIg. 1st Div. 9th A. C.,~)
Before Petersburg, Va., August 5th, 1864. )
Mr. Editor: The movement so long anticipated, has come off.
The attack has been made, and resulted in nothing save a little
rough experience, which should be very beneficial to those who
direct the movements of the armies. Our loss has been very
heavy, as also, has the enemy's. I propose to give you and your
readers, a short narrative of the fight, as seen by me. Arrange
ments having been completed on the previous day, and the lead
in the charge decided by lot, and the positions of the troops
assigned to them, early on the morning of the 30th, the Ninth
Corps and one Division of the Eighth were massed in the rear of
General Wilcox's front, near the left centre, and then awaited the
signal for the charge. A mine which run beneath a fort of the
enemy's in front, was to be exploded. Everything being in readi
ness the match was applied, but it was extinguished twice, and it

232 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
was not until 4.40, A. M., and daylight had fully come, that the
explosion was heard-, and the brown earth was seen rising in a
towering cloud to the height of several hundred feet. The explosion
was not loud, but deep^and shook the earth quite sensibly where
we were standing. As soon as the explosion was heard the batteries
on our lines at once opened, and a most terrific firing commenced.
At the same time the First Division, Ninth Corps, with General
Bartlett at the head, started over our breastworks and toward the
enemy's. The charge was successful. The rebels were partially
surprised and at once gave way, leaving many prisoners in our
hands, and two stands of colors.
Our supports came quickly up, and the line was held. Meantime,
the enemy was vigorously shelling the captured fort from his
batteries on either flank, but without much effect.
To take these batteries, however, was next in order, and the col
ored division was ordered up. They went' in in gallant style, and
their appearance and conduct seemed to promise much for their
performance of duty. They were formed in front of our main line,
and were about to charge, when a line of rebels charged them, and
the inexperienced contrabands at once broke in extremest confusion,
running into and over the white troops in their rear. A panic
ensued, terrible in its consequences, for their dense masses, jumbled
together in inextricable confusion, and pierced through and through
by the terrible fire of musketry and cannister poured into them. The
day was lost ; the troops fell hurridly back in their original line, and
all attempts to rally them were fruitless until too late. Gens. Bart
lett, Griffin and Hartsauft, however, succeeded in rallying a few men,
and they held the " crater " of the captured fort for some time, until,
seeing that there was no hope for a renewed assault, and knowing
that to remain long would be impossible, the men were ordered to save
themselves if they could, as the fort must be surrendered. Gens.
Harnsauft, with many men, succeeded in running the terrible gaunt
let from the fort to our own lines in safety, and thus escaped ; but
Gen. Bartlett having in some manner injured his artificial leg, could
not escape, and surrendered the fort. Thus ended the operations of
the day. That some one was blamable for gross mismanagement,
there is little doubt, but it is not my intention now to discuss that part
of the question. One thing is generally conceded to be true, that is,
that the plan of the assault was faultless. I know not whose it was,
whether Grant's, Meade's, or Burnside's. But whosoever it was, had
it been executed properly, it could not have failed of success.
A SOLDIER TO HIS PARENTS.
Newbern, N. C, Mar. 19th, 1862.
Dear Parents :
Last Friday (13th,) we landed in the mud, as usual, and started off
through the woods along the road toward Newbern. We soon came to some

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 233
barracks which had been vacated a few moments before by about fifty cavalry.
They left in a hurry. On we marched through the mud ankle deep, preceded
by our Generals and Aids, one of which soon reported that the rebels had
left their first Battery, also, that we had obtained possession of the railroad ;
we soon came to a long breastwork mounting seven guns, with which they
intended to protect the railroad. This was a masked battery, and the rascals
might have bothered us some and fell back to their stronger one, for we
should have driven them just as sure as they had made a stand. But on we
marched until dark, and at last lay down in the woods, on the wet ground,
with nothing but our rubber blankets over us. It rained quite hard most all
night, and it was something of the rough side of the soldier's life. We built
fires, however, and made out to endure it patiently until morning. As soon
as it was light we marched along for perhaps a mile and a half, and saw before
us the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-seventh formed in line of battle, in the edge
of the woods. We filed behind them to the right and were to flank the
enemy. We marched up until the head of our column was within ten rods
of the left of their battery. The land was wooded and we could not see them,
but they could see us, or at least knew where we were, from the sound of our
voices. We soon advanced toward the opening, and the rebels gave us a
raking fire from a pivot gun on the corner. We immediately lay flat, and
the grape or canister went over us, hitting a few of our regiment. In this
position we lay and received six or seven charges, and retired about five or
six rods into a hollow. After a little while orders came to go down in front
of the battery, which was done in good order. Previous to this movement
we were formed in divisions. The rebel gunners saw us and let fly charges
of grape and canister. We lay down as before, and the iron hail passed over
us. These were moments of awful suspense. The ammunition for our artil
lery was all expended. The gunner (whose men had been all shot from the
guns,) said, give me six hundred men and I will take the Battery. General
Burnside's Aid told us to charge, and the Colonel gave the order, which was
promptly obeyed. The rebels gave us a volley of musketry and one charge
of grape, but we rushed on, and with a loud cheer entered the battery.
Massachusetts had the State colors on first, but I believe the Pennsylvanians
had up the Stars and Stripes first. Very soon we marched on about forty
rods, and formed in line of battle. Here we were sometime, continually
annoyed by the rebel sharpshooters. At last General Foster gave orders to
charge, which we did, and fired a volley into the woods which made them
leave. I think this was the last firing which was done. We marched up the
railroad until, arriving at the burning bridge, we were obliged to stop. Here
we remained about three hours, then crossed into the city by steamboats.
The Twenty-fifth Massachusetts were the first to enter the city, and have a
chonce to " look around." I went to a rebel camp and picked up a number
30

234 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
of small articles which I shall send home some time if I have an opportunity.
The black people seem delighted to " see de wite people."
Co. F landed in the city about five o'clock, and the Captain dismissing us,
we at once went out to pick up trophies. I picked up a rifle, miniature
cup, &c. Company F took up quarters in the Mercantile Bank building,
but has since removed to a fine two story house once owned by Benj. Ellis.
It is lighted by gas, and very comfortable. Soldiers seldom get such quar
ters. Fifty rebel cavalry rode into the city the other day, without arms, with
a flag of truce. Some think the rebels will try to recapture the city, but they
will require a large force to drive us out. There are quite a number of
cannon to guard the outposts, and about five regiments to support them,
besides as many more just across the river. I enjoy talking with the secesh ;
some are a little cross. Truly God was with our forces in this battle, else
how did we take these fortifications ? They had the advantage, three to one,
in position, with an equal number of men. Let us praise God for these
great victories. Let us pray for the continuance of His favor, without
which we shall not conquer. Your affectionate son,  .

The following letter from a member of Co. B, Fifteenth regiment,
will give some idea of army life on the Peninsula, in the famous and
fated McClellan campaign :
Camp Advance, near Yorktown, April 1th 1862.
Friend W. — Your favor of the last of February, did not come to hand
until after our return to Washington, or I should nave attended to it sooner.
We embarked on board the steamer " Argo," for Fortress Monroe, on Sat
urday, the 29th ult. and arrived there Monday following. Were not allowed
to land there but laid at anchor till morning, then run up to Hampton, and
encamped there until Friday morning, at seven o'clock, when we marched
for Great Bethel and camped near the ground where the battle was fought
last summer. Marched at six next morning, and during the day passed
over the ground occupied by Gen. Magruder the day previous, arrived at
this point just at night. There is a force of some thirty thousand in advance
of us, which looks very much like our being a portion of the reserve. Yes
terday was Sunday, and a splendid day it was too. There were several reg
iments out scouting, but not a gun fired from our artillery, although there
are over one hundred pieces already in position. Saturday there was some
fighting. Gen. Keyes was making an effort to throw a bridge across a
stream (whore the rebels had burned one) under fire. We lost only three

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 235
men and seven horses killed, and very few wounded. There are thirteen of
the Massachusetts regiments in this movement, including the 16th at For
tress Monroe. The 1st, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th,
20th, 22d, 29th. I heard Gen. Porter's force were in advance of all, so
Massachusetts will be represented by the 9th, and from all accounts they
expect a good report from them. Sedgwick's Division is temporarily
detached from Sumner's Corp3, perhaps we shall join him at Richmond if
success attends us, as we have faith to believe it will. I assure you we have
had a rough time of it since we left Poolesville. Our trip to Berryville and
Winchester was decidedly severe. We have no tents now, but instead, long
India rubber blankets, and a long rain would be very disagreeable in those.
The weather generally has been quite cool since we landed in this section.
Tuesday Morning. — We are having a cold rain storm ; commenced about
five o'clock last evening and continued through the night quite severe.
There is some prospect of its clearing up to-day. Sedgwick's Division is
still here and we may remain for three or four days. It was the "general
impression that we should have a fight on Monday. The truth of it is, we
know little about the business any way. When we get orders to march, we
march where they lead us, and stop when ordered. It is almost impossible
to ascertain where we have been, at least to find a name for the place. At
Great Bethel we found an old church (from which it takes its name) and two
or three deserted houses. Hampton is truly a desolate place. Magruder
did his work well — did not spare a dwelling within sight of the road for
miles back into the country. We passed their fortifications at three different
points after leaving Bethel ; some three miles out, there were quite extensive
earthworks, and good barracks for eight or ten thousand troops. About
three-fourths of a mile back from where we are now camped, there are some
splendid barracks, equal to anything the yankees could get up. The Reg
ulars now occupy them. By the way, we have portions of the 2d, 3d, 4th,
. 10th, 12th, 14th and 17th U. S. Infantry with us, a few companies from
each, should say there were between three and four thousand men all told.
They are held in reserve I believe — are considered more reliable than volun
teers. All is, I hope the first sharp fight we are in there will be a regiment
of them along side of us, we will see how much later they stay than volun
teers. All above the 10th regiment have been recruited since last summer,
and have seen no fighting whatever. Most of them have been in barracks
all winter, and look accordingly. They evidently feel above the volunteers,
at least fee'l that they can fight a little better, but I can't see the point, par
ticularly between new recruits of the regular army and volunteers.
Truly yours, 

236 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
The following letter was written by a member of Company D,
Twenty-first Regiment, during its connection with the Burnside
Expedition to North Carolina: Steamer Northerer, Hatteras Inlet, )
Jan. 21, 1862. j"
Dear Friend W. Thinking that a few lines from me may be accept
able, I will venture to write to you, that you may know how we are getting
along. ***** At last the Burnside Expedition has sailed, and
the Twenty-first is with them. Of our movements at the present time you
are doubtless aware, as far as the press can inform you, but if you were here
to observe with your own eyes all that takes place, -I fear that your opinions
would not be very high. Certainly there is mismanagement somewhere, for
often I hear Regimental and Brigade Officers complaining of inefficiency,
but I assure you the military portion of the expedition is not included in
their complaints. Every day vessels are getting smashed up by collisions
and by being wrecked. Already a large steamer, the City of New York,
loaded with ordnance stores, and the steamer Pocahontas, with ninety horses,
have been lost by being driven ashore by the high winds and rough waters of
this dreaded North Carolina coast. We have now been on board ship for
sixteen days, and expect to be for at least over three weeks yet, and the
boys are naturally very anxious to get on dry land again, even though they
have to fight for a foothold. * * * Our passage here from Fortress
Monroe was a very rough one, and our vessel was considered a very unsafe
one for the waters we were in. In consequence of the high seas which pre
vailed, we had it anchored one night near Cape Hatteras. We doubled the
Cape, and were obliged to retrace our steps for about ten miles, to a place
of safety. The next morning we made the Inlet, thankful that we were safe
and sound. We arrived here on Monday morning, the 13th instant. The '
weather is very unsteady here, being most of the time cloudy or else high
winds prevailing.
Of the two Forts here you probably understand the position as well as I
can describe it to you. The point of land on which Fort Clark is built is
very sandy, and is a desolate place for one to look upon. All of the boys
are cheerful, and are anxious to see a fight soon, and if need be, to engage
in it themselves. Doubtless before many days we shall have had a conflict
somewhere, and many of our Regiment may find a grave upon North Caro
lina soil. Who are to be the first- victims of the enemy's bullets is not for
us to tell. May be one of my father's children, will be called for, to go to
another world, and perhaps all of us will be spared to return to our homes

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 237
again. If any of us three should perchance have to lay down our lives in
this war, all I can ask is that those who are left behind us, dependent upon
our efforts for their livelihood will be properly cared for, and not be allowed
to come to want in this world. I shall, if called upon, go to battle deter
mined to do my whole duty, like a good and faithful soldier. If wounded,
the wounds will be my pride and glory in future years. If killed, I shall
die cheerfully, and hope to meat my companion and friend, Serg't. Geo. C.
Taylor, of the Fifteenth, who has died before me. Taylor was a noble boy
and of a brave and cheerful spirit. Any mother should be proud of such a
son, any sister of such a brother. For nearly three years I worked side by
side with him, and I loved him as a brother. *****
All of us are in the best of health, and we ask that you will soon write to
us, if convenient. Your friend, 
The following are extracts from a very long letter from Lieut.
Fred. H. Sibley, of the Thirty-sixth Regiment, to his family, bear
ing date July 28th, 1863, at Vicksburg, Miss. He lived but
three weeks after the letter was written, falling a victim to the
climate of Mississippi and the hardships of the campaign :
" It has been a long time Bince I have written a letter home, and now I
propose to write a long one, giving you a full and detailed account of this
month's campaign here in Mississippi. I suppose the old Ninth Corps
will term it the Mississippi campaign, and taking into consideration the short
allowance of rations we were on, the hot and dusty marches and the scarcity
of water, I think it rougher than the Peninsula campaign, and those who
passed through that can imagine a little what this has been. We read in
the history of the Russian campaign, of men freezing and dying by the road
side. Here in Mississippi we see men drop dead in the ranks while marching
along, caused by the excessive heat.
The old Ninth Corps arrived back at our old camp yesterday, with only
about one-third of the men fit for duty. The remainder are sick, demoralized
and " played out." We need rest and must have it. I never experienced
the want of water so much as I did on the march from here to Jackson. I
will give you a kind of a diary of the month, commencing July 4th, the time
we commenced our advance on Jackson. Saturday, July 4th — Went on
picket on the advance post about three miles from camp. While on picket
reports came in to us that Vicksburg had surrendered, but I could not believe
it until about two o'clock, when the Adjutant came out with an order for me
to draw in ray pickets as the regiment was about to move. He said General
Pemberton had surrendered Vicksburg and the whole garrison to General

238 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Grant. Grant immediately put his army in motion after Johnson, the Ninth
Corps having the advance on the left. I immediately drew in my pickets,
and on arriving back at camp found the regiment ready to move, and waiting
for me, and an order temporarily assigning me to Company H, as the officers
of that company were sick — Captain Sawyer sick with fever, and Lieutenant
Howe with small pox, of which he has since died. Lieutenant Chipman was
in command of the Company at the time, and you can imagine something how
agreeable it was to me to go into Company H, but the easiest way to get
along in Military is to obey orders and not grumble, and I did so accordingly.
The regiment did not get away from camp till five o'clock. The officers
left their baggage and everything behind, taking only rubber blankets with
them. The Brigade which was encamped some five or six miles in advance
of us, did not wait for us to come up. We marched about ten miles before
we halted for the night. We took the wrong road once, and traveled round
four or five miles more than there was any need, trying to find water. It
was about eleven o'clock when we camped down tired, dirty and sleepy.
The march had been a hot and dusty one. Before going further you must
know that there are not springs and brooks in Mississippi, as in the Northern
States, and it is hard getting water in the best of times, and at this present
time it was very dry, as we had not had rains for a long time, and we suffered
much for want of water. The dust was horrible, being from five to six inches
deep. We received a large mail at this place.
Sunday, July 19th — Were up at three o'clock this morning and got bur
breakfast, then went to work destroying the railroad. Our Brigade destroyed
about three miles of track, and then burned the depot. Our Corps has
destroyed the track some ten miles from Jackson north.
It will cost somebody something to repair it. We got through with our
work about noon, and then returned to Jackson, making out a pretty hard
day's work for us, especially for Sunday. But the soldier does not know of
any such day as Sunday. His days are all working days. The men are
living mostly on green corn and fresh beef. They have had only quarter
rations of bread dealt out to them lately. We arrived at Jackson about
sundown with orders that we should take an early start to-morrow morning
for Vicksburg. ********
July 28th — We still lay here (at Vicksburg,) in camp, waiting for trans
ports. A part of the Second Division has gone aboard, and I think perhaps
we shall go aboard sometime this week.
F. H. S.

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 239
In Camp, Co. A, Fifty-third Regiment, )
Baton Rouge, La., March 13, 1863. )
Editor Reveille. — Although ordered to be ready to move with three
days rations in our haversacks on the 9th inst, we 'did not leave here until
yesterday morning. At four o'clock, A. M., " reveille " was beat, and at
five A. M., the order to " fall in." Soon the 53d regiment (with the excep
tion of Company K, which was detailed on the 10th for special service at
the city) under Col. Kimball, marched to the levee at Baton Rouge, where
together with twenty mounted riflemen, they went aboard the steamers
" Iberville " and " St. Maurice," which, with a gunboat as convoy, imme
diately steamed up the Mississippi river to a point of land some eight miles
above Baton Rouge. Here the expedition landed, and after a short address
by the Colonel, in which he reminded the men that they had the honor of
Worcester North in their hands, and if they met the enemy the order to
retreat never should be given unless overpowered by an overwhelming force,
we marched into the interior. At the landing we siezed a rebel and a rebel
'' signal flag," both of which we took with us. Immediately upon the mov.
ing of the regiment, Co. A was thrown out as flankers to the right and left,
and the cavalry scouted in front. After proceeding about two miles inward,
and thoroughly scouring . the country without seeing the enemy, we came to
the road leading from Baton Rouge towards Port Hudson, down which the
riflemen went, encountering the cavalry pickets of the enemy, firing at and
driving them in. But as the expedition had no orders to proceed further in
that direction, we returned by the Baton Rouge road, having been within a
dozen miles of Port Hudson, passing our most remote pickets some five
miles from the city. One of them informed me that two nights previous one
of their companions was dangerously shot by one of those mounted rebels,
whom he challenged and stopped, and who upon his advancing, immediately
fired and fled, but not without his discharging his gun, and as two rifles were
found near by next morning, it is thought with some effect. On our return
we passed through the city, where we halted, and Colonel Kimball went and
reported to Gen. Banks. We arrived at camp at five P. M., well satisfied
that we had marched far enough, and were well tired, but as we received a
large mail from home on our return, the men soon forgot the march, but wero
reminded of it again, for orders came to strike our " wall tents," and put up
our shelter tents instead, which we had to do before retiring. This morning
all our extra clothing, wall tents, &e., have been sent to the city, and we
have orders to have three days rations in haversacks and be ready to march
at any moment. It is rumored here and in the city to day, that Port Hud
son has been evacuated. B-

240 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Front of Port Hudson, Friday A. M. May 29, 1863.
Although I have just sent a letter down to division head

quarters this morning, I will write again that you may know what have been
our labors. I will go back one week to Friday, the 22d. On that day we
were stationed at Simsport, on the Atchafalaya river. Friday evening we,
were ordered aboard the " Laurel Hill," bound for Port Hudson. Most of
us laid down without unrolling our blankets, using the wet deck for our mat
tress and the moon and stars for our coverlet. Saturday morning, May 23d,
when we awoke, we were at anchor in the "Father of Waters," by the
bayou Sara. We disembarked at daylight, and our regiment, (the other
regiments of our brigade has been sent on before us,) acted as a guard to a
supply train. On this day's march toward our division, on the. road in
advance, we came up with our brigade before dark and reported ourselves,
immediately pitched our tents in a cornfield, and after making our coffee, laid
down to rest. About ten o'clock we were called out and stationed behind a
rail fence on one side of the road, the 31st Massachusetts being on the other
side, and a battery across it, behind a thick hedge of underbrush. You see
we had no idea of letting the rebels skedaddle in the night. We slept on
our arms that night without any cause for an alarm.
Sunday morning we were called in, and after we had cooked our breakfast,
we were ordered out as skirmishers for the whole Division which had started
onward. During the afternoon we came across a deep ravine, with a small
brook running through it. Part of the boys in our Company had laid down
their guns, and were just on the point of getting some water, when we
received a volley from the enemy concealed on the other side. This made
the boys jump in a hurry, regardless of water, blankets, canteen, or anything
else. Strange to say, no one was wounded. We did not attempt to cross
the ravine, but were ordered back again. That night our regiment went on
picket, and passed the night without much trouble, except being pretty well
worn out by losing our sleep. Monday forenoon we rested ourselves. In
the afternoon we advanced with the rest of our Brigade. The rebels were
posted in the woods, and our advance had driven them back about a quarter
of a mile by dark. The Fifty-third was ordered to relieve the Ninety-first
New York, who were in the advance. Soon after, the rebels opened upon
us, and their fire was immediately returned by two regiments in our rear.
From front and rear we received volley after volley resulting in several casu
alties. Captain George H. Bailey was shot in his left side during this fire j
Mason Harrington had a ball just touch him over his eye, and a ball pass
through his cup and canteen ; Bradley Upham had a ball pass through his coat
sleeve. As soon as I found they were firing from behind, I laid flat on the
ground and so escaped uninjured, though I never did hear such a buzzing

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 241
around my head as there was for a few minutes. As soon as the firing ceased,
the picket line was corrected, and we had but little firing in the night from
the rebels, although the balls did buzz occasionally.
Saturday Afternoon, May 30th. — At three o'clock Wednesday morning,
we were called up, filled our haversacks with three days' rations of hard tack,
coffee and sugar, rolled our blankets and piled them against a tree, and at
half past five o'clock stood in line of battle ready to go forward and meet the
enemy. Colonel Kimball spoke a few words to us, telling us that he
expected every man to do his duty, and after asking if he could rely on us,
there was a unanimous yes, passed the whole length of the line. We
advanced in the second line of battle, supporting a battery through the woods,
with the shot and shell flying thick and fast around. One of the enemy's
solid shot struck a tree about as big as a peck measure, but a little distance
from us, and cut it completely in two. I used to think it would be hard
work to pick out a place for a battle, but it seems that the battles take place
in the roughest places. We have to march over ledges, stumps, brush and
ravines. We advanced in line without any one being wounded until twenty
minutes of nine, when I heard the order, " Company A, right face, forward,
march, by file right, march." Obeying these orders took us to the rear,
where we learned that we were detailed as provost guard, whose duty is to
drive forward all stragglers, guard the hospitals and prisoners, &e. Of
course we could not but be thankful that we were detailed, for no one wishes
to go into battle, yet I believe that every man of us had made up his mind to
meet the enemy like a hero, and fall nobly if fall he must. During Wednesday
wounded men were brought in continually, and it was heart-rending to hear
the shrieks of the wounded. I never. should have supposed that I could have
been so little affected, but I have seen so much suffering that I stood without
even so much as a shudder, and saw legs and arms cut off. One man was
brought in with his knee all shattered, and he talked and laughed with us,
yet within an hour after, he had breathed his last. Another came in who was
shot through his mouth, the ball passing out of his cheek. He could not
speak, and he would walk around us with tha blood streaming out of his
mouth. I pitied the poor fellow, and hoped I never should be in like situa
tion. How many were killed on Wednesday I do not know, but I heard one
of the hospital nurses say a few minutes ago, that up to this time, there were
about eight hundred in all. But very many have been wounded since
Wednesday, as the principal action since, has been artillery against artillery.
Thursday. Friday and to day, we have been getting some heavy pieces into
the best positions, while the infantry are remaining in about the same position
as on Wednesday night. The rebels are posted in rifle pits, and our boys
in deep ravines almost under their big guns. Our Company still act as
31

242 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
provost guard, and I am satisfied to remain in this position for the present.
As far as I can judge, we are surely going to bag the rebels here, though
probably they will hold out for a number of days. We have them entirely
surrounded, and it is' merely a question of time when the fort will fall.

SURRENDER.
As a fitting close to this field correspondence, the following letter
from Mr. Frank H. Snow of this town, (an agent of the Christian
Commission) is given. It is a clear and interesting account, by an
eye witness, of the surrender of Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Vir
ginia, an event which terminated hostilities and brought the war to
a close.Sunday, April9th, 1865. — The most brilliant page in the military history of
our nation has been written to-day in characters that shall never be effaced.
The Rebel Napoleon has surrendered his entire command to the Wellingtonian
Grant, and the rebellion is virtually brought to a close. The enthusiasm of
our troops to-night knows no bounds. The air is filled with the sound of
glad huzzas as the great news spreads like wild-fire from regiment to
regiment. All along the lines hundreds of military bands are discours
ing martial music, and naught seems lacking to complete the happiness
of all. For the first time since the opening of the war, a hundred thousand
Union soldiers lie down to rest with the certainty that they will not be sum
moned to arms before morning.
It has been a proud day for the Army of the Potomac, which, now
unchallenged, takes the foremost place among the armies of American his
tory. The movement of the last twenty-four hours, attended with such
glorious results, have evinced the most masterly military genius.
Appomattox Court House, the scene of the surrender, is by rail forty-five
miles northwest from Burkesville, one hundred miles west from Petersburg,
and twenty-four miles east from Lynchburg.
At Farmville, yesterday, we received intelligence that Thomas was rapidly
approaching Lynchburg from Tennessee, with a force that could easily hold
that city against the whole of the rebel army. The circle was being rapidly
completed, and the army of Northern Virginia seemed already doomed to
destruction. There was, however, one avenue of escape remainin"-. Two
miles west of Appomattox Court House, the turnpike road branches off
toward Danville. Could Lee reach this outlet before Grant, he might be
spared the humiliation of a surrender. But not thus was the death blow of
the rebellion to be averted. While Meade with the 2d and 6th Corps fol
lowed closely upon the rear of the rebel columns, Sheridan and the 5th corps
together with Ord's detachment of the army of the James, were dispatched
to the left by a circuitous route in order to anticipate Lee's arrival at the last
loophole of retreat. „

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 243
By a forced night march of nearly forty miles, Sheridan's advance arrived
at the critical spot almost simultaneously with the vanguard of the rebel
army at an early hour in the morning. A sharp fight ensued in which the
cavalry were repulsed, the infantry supports not having yet come up. The
rebels had already started their wagon trains through the open gap. At this
critical juncture the 5th and 24th corps troops arrived, having pressed for
ward upon the double quick for the last three miles of their march. The
rebel wagon train was captured, and their advancing columns brought to a
sudden halt by the fatal celerity of the Union soldiers. The circle, some six
or seven miles in diameter, was now complete. Its circumference consisted
of a hundred thousand Northern veterans, and the rebel army was its centre.
Three hundred and eighty pieces of artillery were in position, ready to con
centrate a fire of annihilation upon the confederate host.
Lee's only alternative was — surrender, or death. Under the circumstances
he deemed it best to choose the former course. The articles of capitulation
were made out by General Grant, and signed by General Lee at the house of
Wilmer McLean, who, singularly enough, is also, the owner of the first Bull
Run battle-field. The negotiations were completed at twenty minute3 to four
o'clock this afternoon. At that time the two Generals-in-Chief came out from
the house and rode away each to his own army. I was so fortunate as to be
within a rod of General Grant, when he dismounted from his horse. Some
traces of satisfaction were visible even upon his usually inflexible countenance.
He filled a tin cup with water from a pail near by, and allayed his thirst.
Then cutting off a twig from a little bush at his feet, he sat down in General
Gibbon's camp chair and began to whittle. In about half a minute he coolly
turned to Major General Gibbon and remarked, " General, I think we'll
begin to go home to-morrow." Gibbon replied with enthusiasm, and the
conversation soon became general.
The whole impression of Grant's character conveyed by his conduct on this
remarkable occasion, was that of a great military genius, whom no reverse
could discourage, no victory unduly elate, and no obstacles deter from the
successful accomplishment of his plan.
Amid the general rejoicings which followed the announcement of the sur
render, one incident occurred which deserves to be recorded.
When the good news first came in, Mr. G. S. Chase, the agent of the
Christian Commission, of the Fifth Corps, remarked to Brig. Gen. Gregory,
by whose side he chanced to be standing, that no event in American history
demanded more hearty thanksgiving to Almighty God, than this glorious
termination of the Great Rebellion. General Gregory immediately ordered
his brigade to be drawn up in solid column, and then those scarred and
bronzed veterans, the heroes of a score of battle-fields, sang together, and
with impressive effect, that familiar doxology — " Praise God from whom all
blessings flow."
Such was the fitting termination of the bloody scenes which for four years
have been enacted on the soil of Virginia. God grant that the sword need
never again be drawn in defence of Liberty and Union !

CONCLUSION.
We have attempted to the best of our ability, with such resources
as we could command, to prepare in a form to be preserved, our "war
history." We cannot but feel that it is in many respects deficient,
but any omissions must be excused in part at least, on the ground of the
very meagre records that have been preserved. If as in many towns,
a systematic plan had been adopted and carried out, of collecting
from month to month, to be preserved, such records and items con
cerning our soldiers as might be of interest in future years, the work
of the historian would have been comparatively an easy one. Some
efforts were made in this direction, as will be seen by what follows.
At a town meeting held Dec. 14th, 1861, the following resolutions
were presented by Hon. Alfred Hitchcock, and unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That the Trustees of the Public Library be required to take
immediate measures to preserve in their Archives in some permanent form,
all the interesting facts, correspondence, narratives, incidents, mamorials,
trophies, or patriotic sentiments and sacrifices which may illustrate and per
petuate to future generations, the history of the service in which the Fitch
burg volunteers have been or may be engaged.
Resolved, That this request of the town, through the Trustees of the
Library, be extended to the citizens generally, and especially to the regimen
tal and company officers, asking their contributions in making a correct his
tory of their services in the war.
The Legislature of 1863, with the same view, passed an Act
malting it the duty of the Clerk of every city and town, to make
out a full and complete record of the names of all soldiers, with
their rank, company and regiment; "to add to and note any
changes from time to time, as may be necessary to make said
record perfect and complete."
But little was done under either of these plans. So far as relates

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 245
to the Public Library, a few subscription papers and letters from sol
diers in the field, are all that its archives afford. With reference to
the town record it is but just to say, that the work was well begun,
as we find a list of something more than half the names of soldiers
who enlisted from this town, giving the military records of a portion
of them. But unfortunately the record was not kept up. We speak
of these not to throw censure upon any one, for we well know that
there was no wilful neglect in either case, but it is only a result of
carelessness which is very apt to occur in cases where there is no one
person directly responsible for the work. Had the case been differ
ent, this history might have been far more complete and satisfactory.
But we -think that the records which the preceding pages have
given, show a result of our share as a town in the great work, which
we may well look upon with pride.
Few, if any, communities have sent into the service so large a pro
portion of their own citizens, and have as large a surplus to their
credit over all calls. Few have done more for the relief of the sol
diers and their families. Our whole people, with hardly an exception,
have given liberally of their means, and the busy hand of woman has
incessantly labored for their benefit. All can claim some share in the
work that has been done. We say all ; but we remember in sadness
and mortification, that there were a few exceptions. It would seem
that in a community like ours, where public sentiment was so over
whelmingly loyal that any outspoken sympathy with rebels would be
quite unknown. But such was not the case. A few rare specimens
of the genus " copperhead " were found here ; men who had no heart
in the great cause ; no sympathy for those who went to fight its bat
tles ; who had no joy in our successes, but who secretly exulted over
our reverses ; who gave nothing for the relief of the war's victims,
or gave grudgingly ; who were continually croaking over the causes
which brought on the conflict, or venting gloomy forebodings of the
future ; and some of whom, when we were crushed by the great
national sorrow, could ill conceal their delight that our beloved Pres
ident, whom they hated, had been removed by the hand of the

246 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
assassin. A few such we had, and they are so few that they might
easily be designated. But this is unnecessary. The present genera
tion knows them and will remember them ; the next will be only too
happy to forget that they ever existed. We leave them to the
reproaches of their own consciences, which should be more bitter than
any'execration we might heap upon them. The world is wide enough,
and there is room for them, but what true man can respect the secret
enemies of his country^? " Living shall they forfeit fair renown,
And doubly dying shall go down
To the vile dust from whence they sprung
Unwept, nnhonored and unsung."
But while nearly all have done so well, yet to those who actually
went forth to fight our battles, chiefly belongs the credit. The true
hero of this war is the private soldier : he who at the call " to arms "
has given up all and gone forth to toil, hardships and privations, for
the mere monthly pittance and bounty, and the opportunity to fill a
soldier's grave. To all who have so gallantly served us in the field,
and helped to achieve the splendid victory, we owe a debt of grati-
itude we can never repay. While we five, " like the poor, we shall
always have them with us." Let us never forget what they have
done for us. Let us cherish them as the benefactors of their country.
Let them have the respect that is due them, so long as they shall not
forfeit it by any bad conduct. Let any among them who are needy
be tenderly cared for.
Surely, we, fresh from these years of war and bloodshed, cannot
forget to be just to those whose courage and gallantry we are so
familiar with. They were well cared for during the war; let
them not be neglected now that peace has come. We cannot
doubt that the present generation will do them all, justice — Nor
can we doubt that in future years, when most of us have passed
away, and this valley shall be filled with •substantially another
people, the few " veterans " who shall go down from us to them
— " spared monuments" of this great struggle — will be as tenderly

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 247
cherished as were the old " Revolutionary fathers." Some of them
will have a competence, and their declining days will glide smoothly
on, and in their happy old age they will live over anew their
younger days in rehearsing again and again, to the delighted
children of another age, the " stories of their battles."
Others, less fortunate, crippled old men, (for they are already
crippled in their youth,) who have buffeted the seas of fife a half
century beyond this present time, will be poor, feeble, forlorn,
helpless. These are the legacies we shall leave our descendants.
Oh, may they tenderly guard them, and prevent suffering and
poverty from visiting them ; may their lives be made happy, for
they will soon pass to their rest, leaving no living witnesses of
these "our days of trial"; even as the last "Revolutionary hero"
has already been gathered to his fathers, and we are forced to
feel that the last connecting link between us and the birth-time of
our Republic is broken forever.
Such as they are, and may be, we commend them to the benev
olent hearts of their present and future fellow citizens.
Peace has again come to us, and prosperity reigns among us.
True it is, that at the present time, (the Autumn of 1866,) the
political horizon is obscured by clouds, and it would appear that
the fruits of four years of hard fighting may yet be lost. The
spirit of treason is still abroad in the land. The people of the
South, who at the close of the war, acknowledged themselves so
completely whipped, and were willing to abide any terms that
would give them their fives and liberty, have, (through a mistaken
policy of leniency towards them,) become rampant, and are fast
assuming an attitude of defiance. But the signs of the times are
auspicious, and there are indications that the elections which have
taken place, and are about to occur, will- speak in such " thunder
tones " to the rebels at the South, and their sympathizers at the
North, proclaiming the will of the people, (that the great question
of Reconstruction shall only be settled upon the principles of Justice
and Right,) that the plotters of Treason and Anarchy will desist
from their hellish schemes.

248 FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.
Yet there are those who predict another outbreak at no distant
day. God grant that we may be spared the horrors of another
Civil War! But if it should come, our people would remain no
idle spectators. Fitchburg, in the future, as in thepast, would be
a unit against treason in whatever form it appears. Our young
men would again rush to the conflict, which, though it might be
brief, yet long enough to teach the guilty that the people can
punish treason and " make it odious," if their officials cannot.
But this conflict need not occur if the people of the country do
their duty. The battle is to be fought out at the polls, and the
ballot is the silent, all powerful weapon.
To us, and especially to the young men of the country who are
just coming to the exercise of their privileges as citizens, is to be
the keeping and preserving of all that has just been gained by
successful war. The next few years are to try the strength of
this Nation. The issue is between loyalty and disloyalty — whether
the government can be carried on by those who will be true to its
best interests, and the welfare and peace of the country, or whether
it shall pass into the control of its enemies whose hands are red
with the blood of the victims of the Rebellion.
Let us see to it, as far as in us lies the power, that the
" Temple of Freedom" is securely guarded, that no " traitor"
again pollutes the Capitol; and that none who have been "traitors,"
either North or South, be permitted to have any part in the
government until they have done works meet for repentance.
True to our instincts, let no uncertain, temporizing policy ever
receive any encouragement, from whatever quarter it may originate.
The war has settled the question that " Secession" is impossible,
and State Sovereignty is a fallacy, and that the States lately in
rebellion are subject to all the consequences of the war, the
abolition of slavery in fact as well as name; the repudiation of
their debts incurred in carrying on the rebellion ; and to such
other conditions as Congress, within the Constitution, has a right,
and thinks fit to impose for the future protection of the Govern-

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 249
ment. The work is going on — let us keep fully awake to the
emergency. As we stand around the fresh graves of the thousands of heroes who
have laid down their fives in this great contest, filled with gratitude to
them and the brave survivors for what they have done, let us solemnly
resolve that we will fight out the battle to the end, that we will be
swayed from our purpose by no political expedients, but stand firmly
forth for the right, and insist on those guaranties for the future peace
of the country which justice and the welfare of the whole people of
all races and conditions alike demand, With these secured, we shall
have a peace which will be abiding, when liberty and equality shall
prevail throughout the land to all the people. Then shall our govern
ment be enduring, because established upon the sure foundations of
Truth and Justice, and the Eternal Laws of God.

NOTE.
The Roster of Commissioned Officers and Roll of all Soldiers from this town
which follow, have been prepared with great care from the Records of the
Town, and Adjutant General's Office, and from information obtained from
many different officers and soldiers belonging to the different Companies we
have sent into the service. The list of Commissioned Officers contains fifty-
seven names. The whole number of names in the roll, officers and enlisted
men, is eight hundred and twenty-four, of which seven hundred sixty were
Fitchburg men, and sixty-four were substitutes, who went to our credit.
The list also includes the names of the few men we had in the Naval service.
Of our own men all but twenty-one are accounted for. No effort has been
made to account for the substitutes. The list is submitted with the feeling
that there must necessarily be some inaccuracies, but no efforts have been
spared to make it as complete as possible. The compiler would respectfully
request all soldiers and others, who may notice any omissions or errors, to
communicate the same to him, as it is probable that a corrected list will be
made for the Town Records.
32

250

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

id U3 lO
CO CO CD
oo oo oo

iO iO »o

PiP2pqw
oEHl-HPh
o
rt
oI — I
PhPh
o Ph
Pho
I — I
G/2CO
I — I
ooPh©F-lGO

!»<»

-*s ^* -J
y>ja£

cc

Kl

O

CO ,H
OO CD
r-l OO
-tH
IO -

CO CO

•5
-tf

CQ _

t> CO
O CO
goo^ >H
O O

CO CD
CO 00

2 a
§3

o1-5

CQ

S"

^ ^"SP

bed
a> ©
Ph "
36
O £>
^^ h3 d
d ^
^d co
5^
i-H d
_ o
d a>
o bo
o 1-i
ba 3
goo
SO. j

<U-

£Ph
"-3 .

o

3>* £
J rt
pp.

O ffteH CO
a r=i . r-i
^ S £<*>
•-CD =0 k2
tJ<oocoS(DHH
'-i OB g
sv-' .-OO
r-1? --CO i-l
.„co oo o
„oohM"^ i— '
50 s."b
00 -"tH S
^ ~ «
rJ2 _g oo
•¦= CO CO -<Jt
M CD CO i— I
«oooo .
os ,— 1 1— i E3
T-t "
. co co" S
ed ,-t >h
as -*a
-?^ -*j t>* -J
d r - ^>
ejhHH
¦¦d ^ <-h r
Mil
will Is S£

xn

<

r-i

(^

<1

O
iM
CD
r-i
00
CDCO
i-H
-*3 O
00 _o
BbM S
d S
Ph g>
^jPh ^^
to ja
M iO
ITS _~
d --d
s s
ffi-H •a «
^-i o
Ob
FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION. 251

•tf CD tJ(
CO CO
i-l COIH
s. "tf IO
*tf co th co
S , OO . t-i
s ^ ¦§ .
=3 ,h O 5f
to eo "^
oo . (M
th eo
22 j< ^su sr S

<j

_-5S 5 Ot(o ft -tf
¦< . co -~ o oo
-§2! -e <M gn -co
^^OO .D«H (O IM
fflr"? HfflO (CS ~lMO g tZ rn . COIHOO^
SO _00O ^{rH ^ «^- U \A -CO OO .HJ
O0 • - _(H CO^-rHrj-t^ tei <d Oi CD HIM .^

-CD ii r-l

*; *J T3 • M ^ h^
co o r~ « . . - . 55

OS

ss J43! "°"£§M ^ I 1- s^i°f-

j CO

. -d -a *j O da "~_j th co oo _, H "i-s "^ -e \Z .^ _r
¦Sda oh2^0<I i^-g-< pIHr-;eo':o2S^'.2'-,(:q<?,

rt cb " . > .,/§ h- °^^ rd"S '¦§ ^ co co g _,-0o";t?„_r W> 9>-J*-
<i se -s J ^ § teS JT 2 ^ rt- § CrS . -•-co ^.sg --S--W|-»

-r A r>^ J J-l f 3 3 oi ^ S ^ g>» r^|S SPJTl "
« rfa1(3(3SP^^S*lS ^^-l^l^cl^f
O H? O hs l-s H C5 l-s Iri l-H O C£3 C+i fl H l-siiMlHbpl-sdJ^pclOQ

252

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

•tfCDOO

CO
OH
XSO H
a
ou

CD
GO

o

60
d
."<
CD -g
00 «
^ rH

¦tf ¦
co eo
oo «°
" rH
03<N a >t
PI ^

Q £ ^ ha ""»
CD CO
d oo co s "g

co
oo

CO

. -eo<M ^'°°
.43 "d CO CD CD r-l

ni ©

g§

60
PVeo Ph

H3 iO © CD

o _rrj J?» &b o !^
d ; p d d (ii .
§ <j * Hj <h ^. ^
^ -TH ^d ^, -H ,
^S dco^g js>
^2 -M10^ -
,s a d ¦§ h n S b d^
to ^ „ d ^ d m -t=>

Ph

&)bs

a _
o w » i-s H <! o pq ii

CD CO
co oo
- g rt tH- m- rH ph
^a3pSr!o?©<»
Ill fr~tl
60 - W^ JS -fM
3 WpS^ 60" rt

- in S2 <-"< _^ vo

- . d co . - g
8 1 ° § S

-,*3 QJ

- a> o m

cS^b^PnP
3« m ta H =g ra

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

253

£ £

V2

g
¦TS <S
fl

I

* 5
&SǤ

Is*

^

p

J?

f

M
•W
d
S
CQ Mft
il
+3+3+3+3^+3+3+3+3 *4 +3 +3 +3 +3
"bo'bora "cU3"bo'bO~bD:3 oq "wTsoWsiD
CD CD ,0 CD CD CD CD ,  : ^_ O CD D D
M^cSrtrtwrtcaQrtrtrtM
,d rd -h .d ,d .a ja" •" j3-aj3ja
> > . . >> t*»
&4 PH +3 +3 +3 +3
CO § "bo^boh^ "^4
<+++4 £ S-S-Q
O /-, rt ^H Hi TO
js ja -S .S3
M M g S rt h
CD 03 ^ ^ o .O
¦p-s
t> j ; I i | i ! !!!!!!!!!
p? i i ! ! I ! ! S
JS» -*
+* I I i i i i i -s
C5 -
+1
- '  ' ' ' ' CQ
so i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i a
TS I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i a>
d i  i i i i i i i i i .S
> !l i !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ! fl
cn I l l l l ! i I ! ! l I ! ! l i ! ! ! !
o ! ! ! ! ! I
ax
a
<Ti rt rt rt rt r^H rt .*-, rt rt rt -v 03 TO C3 (^ 03
- ¦¦¦' ~ *_c g ¦-'H *~
£
<u <D <u
t> > >
COO
¦P -P 4j
rt -- rt
.& .fc.fc
J- J-1 J- K
rt CO CD CS cd 03
rt „ y .fc .t.
ft Ph Ph Ph Ph .&Ph £pH^rM^Sfifi=8fiPH.-S^PHpHPHrH,fipH
u i=i p-,(MCQo
Ph
•g
Ph
&P3
Oj4
oa "S *& rcJ ^ ""fl rcJ ^
I {J5 CO CO CO CO CO (M
^d-d^
+3
bd5
br
^3 .3
cu
!>>-f
Ph
rt .
Ph
d
^
co-5U
DfH H +3 rS +=
+3 CQ +3 +3 bO
<J "bo
F SP«
a
S P> 9
Ph iPn
P3
HH«IM(N"OlOiOiOiO -tf 'tf iO 4j
rH -P-us "^ ,_l -* ^
pdrS +3 +3
o eo
HfflAAj+H^^pHMWAKWWfcS^f! <ti
IPh ^; CO '
<i
!.M
CQ
2fl.
CD .d b-'d
rt **«i P«
TJ rt a a r^1
pd d
Ph
o a a
pP co ce rt- —
Sp^fq
-d_fe
ppi^ pS | -
ca"-s ^
- d
¦a .5 o
2+^ a
|Wp4rt -u f*i
fl
rt p 5
O n-J
rt- >>if f
d cd .2 .
13 "§ 3 !
a
^
 ( rt Tfi
© g rt
PeHg
GO
P,PHCD PM
1 T3
¦ d
I? fe4- -
O CD Q, Qj
^ nS rt M
bo cct o o
cc rt
^-Ph
<n 'd
¦ c§ A^
mIp!-S
o g»a g
<1<l^^<i^<l<i^-<<1flrqrHPHrHflrHpHmm
a ,3
53 d
254

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

CO bd SI

MO

M

il

pd I

Ǥ

fl fl •§
©Or"

ns

'Sb'So"1

fl

K £<*

*55

** o

M

VS «

¦g-s-s CJ 1> Cj
a | a
'bo'Sb'Sb CD CD CD
rt rH ^4
-d -ca .d
+3 "+» +3
VP>

-*3 ¦+=> -*3 -*5 -*3
fl fl PI fl (=1
O 0) o o ©
§ i § § a
¦bo'bo'bo'bo'bO CD CD CD © CD
W, 1* U 1-1 1-t

'£'£¦£'£'£

dCD a
'So

Ph

W

-•^ii a
¦c> d ft+i
p° s „ .2
aTrrt CD pd
2 d 2 .2
CD d CD ra
•Sp2-2rt
fl^O^1

- j i , i i i i r . m
° ' ! ! ' ! ! ! 1 "rt =3
JS-o»n3iepiii'(C-a HlllrtlllllpHlH
w ! i i| : ! i : ip°
fr.|ll+3lllllZcDoiics  tr.
0.1 I I .. I 1 I I I +3 pH
I I fi  'S+3
* ! | ] 1 ! : : : ! cd- *
§ ¦! !fl ! : ! ! ! I §
* i i i i i i i !«*§

ca'

CD CD CD ca
PhPh
d
« 3.2
Ph p_> ca
d d'
f £.1
2 *- .2
'C rt "H 'H ' ' d rt 5 £P~fi "sh "S "S "S "S 'S "H
Ph =3 g Ph Ph =43 eg O 0 g „ „ „ pL, „ Ph Ph Ph
rt-^oc^cjooooo
rtCDisodcacacacacacacaca
rn bOrt^-iS >>^>>>t>t>
w S _°T o 60"„ "
CO
c8 bO
> '—
.rt CD
Ph^
b0„
"5 -
Ph
— ^11
IOJ|CM0q<MCN<NcNi:0<rq
CG CO CQ
^ ,d
+3 +3
iO iO
<N CN
CM
a" a" a" fl" fl" fl" fl" P=<" < & & &
% bo+=
+1 Cd bO
d p-,
• odd
CD O co co
+3 .
•AJ gj - w - - - j
fePTpSpScoeoeocococo
pp* -- CO
co co
uO
COCO"<<,,^<H"<J<l<!<i<!<4<JrHflIO lO 
;**
PH
W
®-* a
Ml
si e
PhPhPh
d k
PH r^
¦S<1
PhPh
. ICQ :
«3p> |»<!
S-p^d S
pS p « -a
p^fSrtJ
d" - »0
. o co bo „
F,g E-2
o u d >h
PhPhPhPh
^m -
ca p
45 1 s-d
Ph"
^P„^C5,
o ca
CQ N rt
2 d P
B^ J4
r?-lEH
¦ .'pfeW
al^H rtH CD
*H &^
!„p^
PhPh
o i- " d
in ca ca C
PhPhPhAAPhPh
i ^ffi rt CD
ca ca ca
^ rt- " -
"3 -d 9 d d
CD O O h K
flpqWAPq
co •JJ r-Q
A - tT
CD CQ d
rt rt a>
PhPhPh
FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

255

*& T$ n3
o c o
t-^J r^5 r^
fl fl fl
ggg

Ph

¦+2 . ¦ • +^
S >>.fe>.fe> fl

1 ! !"-1

+3 • 43 hh -P
fl >» fl fl fl

+3+3 1 .
d d 1 t>>

P

service. service. '1 order. service. ability. giment. ability. service. ability. service.

a.ls-i

a

CD i t CD
a i -• a

irti a B-§

gune gime abilit

CD s

"Sfa^-S

"bb'Sb | ! "Sc

'&Ort *So*3o'Sb

•a

with
a for
dis for
dis; fordis:

CD CD . iCDCDCQCDCDCDCDCDtca
rtrt j jrtrt^rtHrtfHHH J^
+3 .+3 | iBb gS'SS'SS | g
pe P | | VS « VP 'S 1= "S j «

cu Ph
rfl

exp.of exp.of by spec exp.of fordis: withre fordisi exp.of fordisi exp.of

!.« a !

!!!!!!! !d ! !
!^l> !
1 ! cd 1
! !>¦ !
1 ! 1 ! 1 ! ! :s :
! ^bc !
! ' 1 i ! ! ! bb 1 1
! » S !
1 ' & !
! ! +3 d
1 1 C8 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1-1 1 1
• 1 1 1 1 ! 1 d
1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 HP 1 1
f 1 i r r 1 1 1 °a 1 1
I 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 JS> ! 1
1 « "S '
1 1 rt '
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 +3 1 1
\*& !
! !c I
1 1 i 1 1 1 1 t CD , ,
]];;;;; ]C5 ; ;
ifs !
1 1 rfl |
1 1 CD 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 rrj | |
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 CD 1 1
i mf3 i
IS* !
i i^ i
!!!!!!! !M i i
¦5
1 -p
1 d
1 CD
. . "S
•*
!  fl .
CD CD CD _f?H
¦Silo
hS
d d o o
-tJ -40 -4J -IP
fl) Q ffl 0 03
¦+_> H— ' H-J -+J -+-I
03 03 03 03
CD
+3
!cD©CDCDcDCD'd1arca"cJ' H^" +^ +3 +3 +3 +3 rtT L. ^ C.
ca
rt rt rt '•-
TZ rt rt rt Tj
to1 rt rt rt
ca
idciBiBiiii^SoS
.£:.£;.>; "S
.E;
> > ±> t>
r> £ > t> _>;
.£; .& .fc .£;
>
i.rt.rt.rt.rt.rt.fc • &^8o
1 S B C B c B« d « £r
Ih Ih -_h 1  1
*Ph
*!_! "i-l *!_, S-.
*C "tH '£ "rH "C
'rt 'rt 'rt *S
¦s
Ph PhPh cm
flpd CM
rtpMAPHpHpHPHPHPHpHPHPHPHPHPH
02
! -^
1 CQ
1 T-*.
£
"& . .
¦< <j <rj -< <tj -g,
..
i "& i -a 2
Ph"
„„„„„«
h^Ph .=. Ph =S
— 1 eo -<r
^d-S+i+i+i+3+3+3+3+1+3-d^^^^-S^^
= ^^c-^'S^^a
OH"3m
t-t~Kt-t-h-l~-rt;iJi^^ri<DCO
d diOrtSir-J>SinS.
if) iO O iO fJ iO >o . „ .
- " CM CO CO
£ CN (NHg^HHrtrtg
fl"W"fi»"
p. -. « „-~* - „ - « „!2
rt~m"rt ph
a,"ftfeiH_|ii'hpHRHH
^flflrtrt-^PHpHrHpHs,-
p-h"
1 p-l :
l-lrt'
S 5
^JlcSt
£
Sjw
¦Sd
¦ 1 1 1
fl'W 1^
CD .15 CD
d ^=rt
Ph
JO .r-l S SU r-
CP S- P r-l 03
pq pq pq fl pq fl W W fl W fl
a
p^
s"et 0
d o
d 2
ca d
.(SHr?^°.
tT-d oT d . "d
^ S Sdipo
rt to as o rt
PhPhPhPhPh
d
J § d
^ S_T rn"
o fe rt
i-H 03 b-
03 H-3 t*
PhPhPh
W
ifl
IO-S 3
O U rt
cd ca .d
CD -° „
O
<5Ph
« -d
CD CO -
¦S 2 +i
PhPhPh
O r^
o d
CD ¦Bh^jTj b
oj rt d m cd „
J § I S . rt I
a rt w o B h
PhAPhPhAPh
256

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

a

Sh *H
o
O d

A fl
I— I "

d
.rS
d 1
CQ j>
S1 fl *
03 Sh
M 03
« s
Ho
CQ
s

aMB

*?»•?>

H-> H^ ->-•+-. 4P +=> H-J H-J -t-> H-J
flflflflflflflflflfl030303030303a3a3a3a3.r-i -i-i
#g a ,g j J J b b .§.§23
0303Q303Q303CDO3CD03CQCQ pHrHrHpHPHpHPHp-.pHPHig^rt
pfl^^rflpflpfl^fl^^pfl 4J+3PP4J+IHJP434J ** r-l
'g'P'g"S'g-S'g'P'P'Pt2t2

CDcDCDCDCDjHji^Jji'
.2 .2 .2 .2 .2 p§ "S d ^
t>^.>->->.EHCDCDcO
CQ m CQ CO « --> -rjj.gjj.g,
IStStSt3<S |2 S 8
 S\d hs jg
Oh Ph Ph Ph Ph t^-'P .13 ."S
oj o ffl o o

H

o cu

FHfe«
¦aCh'a
o

CD CD CD CD CD
+3 +3 43 +3 +3
ca ca j

d
CM

iJ CB CD
d .fe .£
goP+n PhAAPhAPhPhPhA

tr t> l> l>

2 +3
ca c3
> >.

43 +3 43
ca ca ca
i> > >
'u "S "S
AAA

CD CD CD "la O^ CD CD CD CD CD
+3 43 43 rt 43 43 +3 +3 +3
ca ca .ra o ^_j ca ca ca ca ca
.fc .fe .fe & d .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe
"rt *rt *rt g OJ 'tn '*. 'sh 't-< "sh
AAAoA^PhPhAA

eg
CQ

-a
• +3
P"0 z

M ¦

fl^"^

'Ph
d pph d
eo co eo
iOuj"5
a" a" a"

;A

IrS

.-j S _a+3.cojart
tiddddtid3dj'a5tD^.*3fcoeococoeococoioeo^icocDeo- cDOrH
lOiOOkOiOOiOcqiC „ 10 eo coco
.!>>.-.>>..
A~A"A A A" A APh A cafl<l^caM<1 A
fl fl

.CO =8 Z

-fl, _
rt +3 p. d
+3 in +3 cn
•* CMO

-9 -d-d
+3+3+3
t- *- Jt»-
•O ITS iO

a"a"ph"&Tph"

\<

•ife

,«

W

A
bd d

' -5 -d ..
g^ co cd^S e b
¦ rt" ^ ^ -
P CD CD .**!

c-B _:d

35 S ^ ca

Ag

P- 4a ^3.
Art"1-1

fl

&H

-ted
« 5 3
-2-2 |

-!3 -§

3 d
, « - CD
> ,o >> te
5 53 -S 1-3
2.2 "3 o 'S
AAAAPhAAAAAAAA

* so § g %° |0^ ,3 !

.SPs E cS
AA

CO
CQ
r^ d

to1 rt
AA

A ¦
a gp . ..3
9dr^|| fl - °
a-S^s 6 8
rt .-J rt rfl. *-h .-=h
AAAAAA

"5 3!

. d .
co .d i >>
bo o I H
O * _fl CD
25 a4W.
-^ d
PODO

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

257

n=S

n5

r,

¦HL3

5*

P
A
s.g
•g-ps
-ri H-J +J +H +J -U +J -P .'J -P
fl'flflflflflflflflflO303O3O3O3O3O3O3O3O3
.a.a a a a g.g g g a
'Sb'Sb'Sb'Eb'Sb'Sb'Sb'Sb'Sb'Sb 03030303030303030303
P-. Ph Ph
rH rH *H
•fg'g'g'fS^g^'S'S
£.flflflflflflfl
•Th 03 03 03 03 03 03 03
s.g.g g.g.g.g.g
CQ03030303C30303
^rHrHrH-HrHrHr-. H-P-r3-PHJ-PHJ43
<s > "g '£ ¦£* "S V£
-«'„¦„ 92 g S
fl QQ OQ
A
CD CD
£
a
o
w
ca
w-a o
O
£
0303030303030303
H-3 -J—< H-J ¦+-> H-i H_J H—> +-J
rt rt rt rt rt rt rt rt
> t> _f> t> !=- J> t> t>
"•_ *EJ "^ *£j '2 "G "rH 'rH
AAAAAAAA
 o . p-i • ^ 13 ¦ ¦ • •
CDCDCDCDCDCDPHCDcadcadCDCDCDCD
4343+3+3+3+3 -4+3 rt ' C3 rt C8 +3 +3 +3 +3
cQcacacecacaocao^ocDcacacacat> c > t> > >r-> > dHDL,pH?Dfe fe fe fe
'E 'E 'E "E "E •£ E g Jr *- * -rl -r! "~ -rl
A A AAA A
2
43+S"|
CD
CD
crt
ca ca .2
crt
H
g;
fe fe J
_>
1*
SPHOOomfHrffHrtrlrlrt^rlrl
o
O
-a -«
ea ea
-=» cS
*=* 1=
1C3 ir3
pSsc?
.......
<! <l <l <l <l <! <1 "&<! <j
D, 2ndEegt F, 57th " B,
15th " B,
53d "
+3 bo
jaddd
+3 +3 +3 +3
1-— Jr— t— t—
pq Ph Ph"Ph
¦3 ¦+? ril +f ¦£ -3 -S £ -d -g
W A" H H W" W" A" Ph
A .  ,  |— ^rtirdrflrflrfl
a" a" a" a" a" w -<" -of -4 ¦<
« a
>*£ d^
S -2
ca cq
.a o
OO
i ,d
. Ph
o
gas
^cbca
5 fe
r? a
d d
o o _-
bD <p
91 _
.d rd ca
OOO
co !=S «
rt"<' Iii bb boi-s
-S -d d d
£ cd co -a •„ „,¦
fe CQ rt rd rfl CD
5 « o. 2 s g
ca ja o d d cs
OO o o o o
33
pt
i i
¦ t
i i
l-H
CO03a
pq £>
*> £
2pH
aw
ca
43 !HCD
pQ
3
|P-ii d
I CD
.pet;.2:3
CQ CQ —|
rt 03 .B
S 6-5
I
1£
tins fl rt
C3 l-S
- CQ
CD rt
CO '3
CDbD
d^o o
CD a
O „pfl
^4
>^p3=r p 'E
0^4
<
COca
-d
s"
J3 O o
d^
J|"o j3
oooooooooooo
iA
!fl
! 3 §
I. 'd i5
H d" d
„^rt
S C3 £-*
^ o^a
OOO
rfl
o
Ph 03
rt
03CQ
CD
1-5
d d
1-5
U
E-i
<!
CDCQ
Oh-^
aT
-d
3
oo
l>r,
o
OOOO
258

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

8
33

d d
do

r.

dQJ
Fdfl 43
CO

d !f d d
cd Ph aj _aj
d ... d pd
d=a d d
d  , ^ ^
5 d o o
£!££ do

£

1 C3

fl I

1 >

1 *-03

a |

1 CQ

"Sb

03 ,
1 °
rfl r
1 P-
1 M
1 03
Is |
fl
03 a
'So 03Ph
+3 fe
173
Hp -P -P 4« -r-
fl fl fl fl fl
03 03 03 03 03
a a a a a
Ph Ph Ph P-
rS +1 rt+3 +3
¦g'tt'S'pc'S
p!> fe. 13-,
+3 43
§ § .-s'.rt'^'
.§.§221
bD bD ca ca ca
o cd >- f. 'Ji
M "-1 d d d
g g«S<S«S
O fe
M
d _:
S bbH'
lr§-S'
•2 «'S
43 +3 M
p CD O
""CS •— < fl
g ^fl
CQ „
§ s
fl>H
r§ fe
w
03 03 C3
H— I -(— ' -<-*
*C "rH "rH
03 ai <& 03 03 CD
rt .
a 3
O03C13rtrtOCUCDrtG303Kdrta3a3a3a0303G3
+J +J +. -_, rti -+-J J.J -H-J p -rt- H— P. S -, H— h_j H— — -. _- ,j_J .+_
lg|as->fe.g|fe.fecfls-fefefe^>>>
rt£fiJ|AAAjAArt|JflflA^^^
J*J CQ
rH cq
CD CD CD
43+3+3 > > >
'E -E 'E
AAA
iO
fe* g^
c^d^d^-d^+i'rt'+irt'+l+i1
pd pd rfl +3 +3 .£j P] _Ti ^ rt +3 4, H -,
COTtH-TpHTHOiOiOOU-JrHT^u-ju-jCOCOCOCO^CO 1-- r^_ r-i K- h- £Z
Ci3WM<NNCOHHHHCqoic<|W>OiOiOiogiO ^o to iri to to S
«l" ^ K" W" <[ A" A" A" A" A" fl" Pq Ph" •< <l" «f <l" <f -4 g PlT pq" Ert" Ph" Ph Ph"
• CD
w cci
iJri
^q B £.2
CD rt- O d
ltd :s
W
cafe
"-- S d d
¦« c-5 fl .S fe S fl
¦+- ' -t-3 rt Ifl r* rfl fl
d S g-3 cl 2 d S^
ooooooooo
rtVg
' d - a) .- fe ^
,rt-A ?DCDAPS
„ rt-'i s°<° nfa"
r^» g.d P g O
a-s ass §¦£
ca ca d o o -a d
OOOOOOO
fld3 ^43
p2 c=S CD
A
A .
CD CD
fe fe
d d
OO
5 d ¦ ! « i ! !
S43fl >>§ Jm B
SS rt^ntJi^f
Ws S 1 .?§ aJ
. —j" "» • 9 Jd iCn
3 bbOEHl ^°
rfl ? „ - P 0 o
S J -a g ,§ 9 a" 5?
d oa j>rtArt drd
rtdcaooadca
OOflfl^flflfl
FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

259

rfl ^ ^
03 03 03
n3 ""fl rfl
fl fl fl
fl fl fl
OOO
fe££

d
-ri

g

n

CDd

o

o

ps

43 CO

fl

a

"P

i d
fl 1
1 CD
03 |
a
a ;
•&i
'Sb i
i <*>
PH
m
. -d pd
! !*
fe |
-4-i -<—¦ -h-s ¦j-.-
fl 3 S fl
03 03 03 03
.a a a. a
'Sb'Sb'Sb Sb
CD CD CD CD
PH pH P4 rt
fe fe fe
i?d£>
pS .3 pa
ca bo ca
CQ CD CQ
d ^ pg
pp
PH +3 p.
o *c- o
Crt f£ Crtl
43+3 ,* +3 +3 +3 +3
fl fl ^fl fl fl P(
03 03 .Th 03 03 03 03
J.gg.a a j j
CD 03 CQ 03 03 03 03
?H rH ^ W rH M fH
33 ^3333
•p -g <s -g ¦£ "£ 'S
Ph M
. CD
Sri/' 03
A
4
to
W
o
d d d
o
c3
CD
CD
CD
CD
§
CD
CD
CD
aj
CD
ca
ca
p]
ca
crt
ca
ca
p»
>
>
f>
>
p-
l>
r»
(*
'E
rt
H
AAA
4^
A A A A A
"3
a
rt
ocacacacacacacacacacacarocaca?3oi5cao ^.^ .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe p*.1* ^.fe.fe .fe.fe bo^Pn-fc dn
o 'E 'tH 'E *ph 'f- 'm 'E "E 'E 'E 'E rca 'p. '?- ^ fe ca 's- fe
0AAAAAAAAAAA .|?Vh A & rj O A £
co1 o
M
<i <j «i <tj g^ |
*tf •*
tea"
w
rt 03 (
oi 03
3<?&
03 rt Q3 «
.&fl
» O ^rj <& pd
+3 +3 =
i 3 'd ""d d d d d
HdiaH"OHH£cOM01cSMm4i'SrtN pvoioioioeo
t80^8)HHCfl(SlSiO'OiO'OiOiOC9HlO OHHH{M«3
O
| A gf>A a"MAAAPh^<5<JAAAPh"Ph" Ph AAAPh^
co 8
>?
r2 CQ
rt'l
AA
fl
1-5
CQ
,S -2
'fe" C8
d _P
flo
A
!A
a .
.. CD
> fe
AA
fe-3
flfl
O 03
o a
03 rt
flfl
A
'S M EH
c3p2H
45 a '
OPH
¦all a « a
fl-gco ^ a"
r— i rt "o
03 03 rt
^ *-*! /-.
H *<=>£.
an
bbSs»
ad a
Aflflflflflflflfl
d d
"§ 1
>3
-rt!
a
03 rt
flfl
CD ^H
p, 'l .a a s fl
doi ^ fe o
o rH d ca d L— i
"„ >» S io
-SJ-S .-S fe
" O 03
rt 03 0J
i i ife'
Iv- I CQ
^feW I
i-> fl r, 03 |_j
03 S « "fi W
-±2 fl G-" ^J
T3 _^ T1 <3
fe rd 3 . a
pS^grtdfe. OSO °P
2 ^ =3 S g
A p fl fl fl A fl h a A A
260

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

A S
1 CQ
A r?
CD A

d d
CD CD
d d
d d
gg
fefe-

+3 +3 +3 ,¦
d d d R>
CD CD CD *3
.§.§ §p!
bb'bb'tjo ca
CD CD CD .
rt rt rt ^
pd _d pd
43 43 +3 pH
¦g-g-gcS

fl >> fl fl
en H-, rll --

03 03 _.
lis

03 03
a a

.. . ,-Q .rt.
60 &D rt bO bJD
03 03 CO Q3 03

¦g-gcg-g-g

-i-a h-=> rt
fl fl .-fl
03 03 p^,
i- ph
-s-d a
.d.d §

.2 fe>

H— < .rt
Op3 o-o

*> 43 ." +3
.2d £»^
p- CD rt CD
c3 a •g a
<° 5b « a
C_i 0) CQ CD
S «-r3 rl
.d pd
Ph-ph o *d
M fe * fe
03 

a

CD
p=H

H

o

»t|

d

rt

+3

ca

A

CD

ca
oCO

H3 03

AW

pd
O

ca
pP -
rt p_,
-3 s
O CD
o-g rrf* CD .,
pd d

Ms

pa

a S a
g ca cd
* 2 p3
bO CQ M

ca ca
pp >

CD CD CD CD CD CD
43 +3 +3 +3 +3 43
ca ca ca ca ca ca
> (> f> >- *> p.

03030303030303030303030303
-H'-rtHH-jH^-^-rt.-trt-t-'H— '-pH-tw^-JHJ
rtTTprtrr. rtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrt
p-p-p-^^^^^p-p-^fepp 'CT'

^Hrt43PHjUpHPHtHrt^HrttHrt pHpHpHpHpHpHpHpH&HpHpHpHpH
®p ^Ph A A A A A A A A A A AAA A A fl A A A A A A

CQ

¦<C 43
^ bO
Mr?" rfl "^ Jd
H +3 CO ^

P?43
¦a %>-
;a

° -5 -d pd 3 -d °*

& bo
ts. 5 s : i :
"A
^dd^^'

iW

¦ I_J irt- -r-> l—r -4-1 i" 4J — | ^T -t-J Hr3 TT -*¦* - W •— ' ' U. -H *— ¦— ' -4-J *— '
D3ca<-p^o^^:S^oir'-^coM-rocococo^ciaoco . <-£

^a rfl rfl
^13 -M -w
iO O t-O

a

ca

0)

<l

a

p^r?

PH

<i

pH
d
d
d
ca
WW
« rt
pi g
d fe
W 'd
-W
l>. .
a a
WW
jfl
• 03
GO JWD
^ | |w
^ ao .
>-5 d a1^
. a o
6 J § g
feO CQ OO CD
wwww
, 9h. !
Wd
cb'
W a ¦ ¦
. M pP JQ
pid J -g p° M
cd *r) o ^ o
'E -g fe p'E
g .1, ca Jr £
-H W &H (X, fe
-g^w
A
pH ,  1
60HS
N p. E
."S 'i- ca
WWW
d
-a
in
ipd-CQ O
fl fl
Ph OJ
rt P-,
WW
is
fl 2 d
d5
<i|
o O
pd' Oh,
a d
J 8
d £
d fe
WW
-3 b PH
ca co E
WWW
_- -h i^ d
"cd "-S £>A
,= d d „
r-H" *. P
rrt r-H - tr-
03 ^ rH ¦£
fe g-s a
rt rt fl rt
FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

261

d ddo

d d d

CD
d

CD
d

d
3 § 3
o o o
r* fe fe

o fl fl fl fl fl -a i^&'-fe* fl ,flflflflflfl ,fl£»flfl £».g a a a a
(13 '03 03 03 03 03 03 -^H -rt .T5Q3 • 03QJ03G3G3Q3 Q) . h (D 0) . h t- 03 © Q) <D
.s as .§.§.§.§ psps pa .g^ .§.§.§.§.§-.§ .Sps a.a- l.a.a a a
CO be bD bO bD bO bD ca c3 ca bD d bo bO bo bO SD bD bDca bD bD ca " bO bD bD bD
CDCD©CDCDCDCDCQCQ02CDbDcDCDcDCDCDCD CDC£CDCDI£e_HCDCDCDCD
rt p. t. >, j, ,, p.;g;g;g 54-55 J--:- h t. i. s. n^j s- s- ^ 0 s- n p, n
rS'S^'S'HSrS^ n ^ ph-5 S l-S^^^rg-S | rS ^ 5 rS * -¦ 3 3 3 3

'g'feg'prgptgcSrttgg 'fefefefefeS i^rr«S{i^g| CD

Disease,Newbern, N.C. Disease,Port
Hudson.La.

CD CD CD
43 +3 43
P» P- >

A A A APhOhq

ca a> cd
o ca ca
6, p» >
ph 'E "E
PhPh

oi c» i

2 ¦»
A • . fl .
¦SrtflcDSnS^^*
S^n cd '« y« ca la la la
.fe.fe^ SD-pLcD.fe.fe.fe.fe.fe
rH rH . fH _ -/", -_-_.--__
fl "^ -g co o - A ^ w A w
CD «

-ISnfe
c3^

03 03
-an fe fe
'E 'E
flfl

d caCD d

CO

CD
rtA
=a pph
43 TD
CQ

CD CD
43 +3
ca ca
> > .
'E 'E '
flfl

flfl

bb-rt <] -f| 4!tj <rj -gj .
,3  ps -
WKMMSSH

<!W

a*
¦-fl --fl -n ""d "-fl
CO CO -.CO CO
iO o "^ iO o
CO
pCM^flH H H tt ffl tt AAprt?^ ^ ^--*M «1 &< tt tt

js  ¦ ' rfl rd
^ "^ "^ Ttl *^ *^P i-H i-H

3% ft 12,33;
lO H H h lO ¦* '
r-H CM CN CN CN CN '

. <1 <l <l bb
,oHHH*
- -J _ca pd pd pd 32.
coeocoeocopH+igg^coiOioeoioiacNH'HH"<*,''*eo

MAW^

<J i ^
dd rt
•ggo
WP p
bb.s a
bD+3 a,
Js S £
www

Ph j ;W
. rt -Am
^3^d„ § "I d-gj
a|o^_ „ r. rt S Ph
JjlHa i — Irt fl) ^ H
S 3 c- rt rt
AW WWW

„W

co

co

W

a fd<q S
tT -fl rri cH _p pd
So0" -SO
pP „ ph CD
Is ,- -s -S fe «?
»d ca pd o ca o
pq W W W W W

WW a cq
!'r ^w;

PhW
M d
^ Si
l-s'
^ rfl
Wco

Wrt CD d
cq ca
ca u
£ W

CD '

a a a g _
S S S i?'S
W W W W Wl

C5>

= as g a
( ph CQ CD H
I ca o p. ca
(ps(WWW

'W So
CO ca w
r?OS gfl^
„ „ „ QQ rH
fl fl fl '3 g CQ
03 03 03 fl co JS
03 03 o S _q ^
t-, i_, p- fl r^ rfl
o o cb cb ^5 ti

62

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

d
I

s

03

fl fl H fl p fl .S flflflfloflflflflfl j^£>£*>*fl fl a .&>£>£»
Q3a3a303Q303r>a303O3Q303O303030303 .Th -Th .Th .fl 03 03 03 .fl .T* -T-
>fl »fl -fl *fl -fl -fl Si "fl 'ri •>* <r* «fl «fl -fl rfl .fl -fl -O p-Q ~ _Q .fl .fl .fl h2 hO -Q
tjJO&oSoEaO&doSb™1 ^&Ob0£iJ0&OfeOeiC&OcaO&Ort rt'rtca &C &C fed rt cd rt
03 03 03 03 03 03 m-h Q3a303Q3a303a3030303COrQcQCQ030303tlDCQca
rHrHrHrHrt^i0rtrtrt!Hrt?HfH^^rt^^^^^rHjH^^^
_fl rfl rfl rfl rfl -A . rfl ,-fl rfl rfl rfl rfl r-A rfl rfl rfl . , rflrflrfl
-r- -*-• -r- H— -»H -HrtS p- •*-' +3 H-^ H— H— -H— H— — - 4—+rtrtlWiP-Hp-H_-rt..J^P-p-HpH
¦g -g -g -g -g -g re -g -g -g -g -g -g -g -g -g eg eg C2 =2 -g -g "g eg eg eg

_o .
CD CD CD CD CD CD  , ffi CD
-" -S d Hrl "d 13 ^ fe -d
ca ca ca ca ca ca rvi o ca
.£ .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe . o-.fe
'E 'E 't. 'f-, '*-, 'h pT fe "h
a-aHPHflflflJcSw

CDCDpcacacDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDcartH
4343 rt -^ rt43434343+3+3+3+3+3+343 -. C3
caeaS5oocacacacacacacacaeacacaofe
^-g-gjPHGHfe.fefefefefefefefefefeprtS
'E'H ^fe fe.'S'E'E'E'E'E'E'E'E'E'E fe &1
^^cooo^^^^f^fl^fl^flfloj

03 ^ « " ~
brjtfrt-dd -S+ia
d CO CN H o t-
CO 10 cq CD CN ^cH
a"w"w"a"^"

to
CD J
ACO CO

I bO
I CD ~
!A

iTrt >o

w

:A

irSnd rt.

-a -a -a

¦ddddd d+3 rg. +3 d
co-=cocococOd-eocDiococN4343'i3io s
iCloOtf3iOOco''5m(NMMHi)l'*rt.<{si a"a "a*-B<JH<i<iWKWB-. -
 W  Pflf PQ

p4

w

O

i CD co d
I rS . pd
ifl ^
p H tT
! g 8=1
§ P "3
•2 2 pS
OOO

ca cd S
BBSo ca tjp

d ft
Sr2

03 .
-H fl "
^•gs^

• 1 03
fit* bpp^i

3A

o

^ACD ' '

!N

' © E rt eg CD
O „,J3-rtp2p-H J p? <1
. gwf^l^^
Q , p_ . . H -V

OOO

fl cq" a > o W PQ 'C d "3 g tC, £ d"
S3 sljrtrt'S 3 „ J P.lrt
oo"Oooooooo03O03O"

O r-j 03
=-fl Tj"

CO<j
2 S a

—; rt- 1 — 1 . a u
P —frt d -r;

d P

-g cD-vd-fl g §
8-3 Brdrtrt
03 05 O" O 00

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

263

po

> .

OS _i

d

d

CD
d

CD
d

« O

d

p

rH fl

d

d

o

o

gf£

£

£

d d d

d d
I

fl

a fc> fe> te»
Nisi
• S H= pP pP
bD ca ca ca
CD CQ CO CQ
** d ^3 d
%? h !; !<
"ph OOO
g eg rt ed

4^ AS ^
.t5 03 03 03
IS J J J
oa bD bD bD
p.'S rt'H?
<S"g'g'g

a
°5b

Prt.H3 .* +3 +3 +3 43
.-£? fl JJ> fl fl a d
pd CD . d CD CD CD "
pp.ag -"
m 'Sb ca 'Sb'bb'bb'bb
CD CQ CD CD CD CD
S-pg. !H pH PH IH

a a

d

1 'g eg 'g 'g 'g 'g

¦+J -+3 -U +3 -t-j JK
fi fl fl fl fl .2
03 © 03 03 03 >
g g 9 fl fl ©
'5b*&o"5b*5b"5b M
© © © © © -| i
rH fH PH rH rH O
rfl .fl r_fl rfl rfl X

-U Hk3 -U

'g'fe'g'g'g

P P
CD CD
a s

fe fe

o ! ! ! ! I i [ I i ! • | ! . ! ! J I ! !
CDlllL^J-lprtllSrt
dHHd,cc?,!'flpdSBd:^43|4343
gi.llg!^!!!!!!!^!!!!'!0513
S | | | |°_ j^- ! | ! j ! I ico ! ! j | ; ! | |
-llll-dlClllllllprJllllllCDCD
CQ ' ' ' ' p2 ' F3 ' ' ' ' ' ' ' » I I I I I .„ .g
ECllllAlllllllIrt 
o : : ! : i i :::::: !:::: :

©©©^©©©flrtrjiXIrtrHtiaOrt©©©©©©©©©-*©©^ ¦g "S « .2 a-s-caa.2.cD^-3 I4343P4343434343+3+343+3 +3+3 g
.fe.fc.fefl a .fe .& p-a a .fe & &> fe .fe A fefe.fefefe.fefe.fefe£3fefeSH>

._ .g .£ ,g ,£ A
fifiA^JJAAO^^Wojgflfl^flW^

o

A
pd
pd .
rfl rfl
bD
CD Z Z Z
A
. 4 - 3
- - HH CO
z z z
*-
Eeg
Jr— bO
: : : 1 10 «: : :
J8«
bO03 *
A
bO
©
A
3333
+3 +3 +3 V3
CQ CQ CQ «<3
ft33
-fl 3 3
rf^ ni r"C. rc5 r-fl r^ ""^ rt^ I"C
^cg-TH r-H.
5
P-
OlOOOHH H -u
cococococococococc:
""fl <-&
CO CO
S3
1— 1 t— 1 rH 1— 1
CN CN CN ^jj
<M cjq cm
10
CN CN
OiOOiCiOOOOiO
iO 0
LJ
lO
,
- - -CN
.
CN
 „ ,
-O 10
CO
AAAAA.AAp-
A W"w"
w"
feW j=T<! «j<!<j<i<1"«i<i-«Hl
-<M
<JhpH
PQ
A
w ;
-ps
EHp2rt . d CD
rM I
£0 g
. -fl
-p; d _
flfl ^
n cq J$
ca cd u
an"
W
bO - "^
a
fe fe o
S S «
*E 'E rd
03 03O '
^°|grSrOOpS
l. O i-h
©
;A « a
C3
M "E ae2
•d d cS d ;
'g 2 « -
O^ pd .a -
.2 .2 a
_Jj _! c3
d d pp
2 2 rt
O © Sh
OO03
,W 1^p2 rt
fl -I ^ ©
fl "£
o ©
rt\o2^
p-- 1 rt-HH
go ^ _r
Sh
g d JgWH
ca o ^
gO d
!0
Ad
-at
c -E
S^drt 9
„ - fe
d a d
. o o ta
I 43 +3 . '
I bD bD .
-.9 .3.
t-> P-
a la
d ° S
flOp. o o is
^ ppd
p d o
CO rt ^-^
. bD O „
.S-S.s
p^ -*-3 H-3 Jh
S-, CQ rH rH
^ooa3l-,oortrH£_Ql-, ^^3 2SSp352SSK +3fl 5 S -<
oornOOOrnrt-fl rfl o™^™™^53™513™™^ *rt rfl co o rt
OO03OOO0303OO03WWWWflWflWWWffiMMWHrtH
cd d a ,t.
P d d epj
d d cs --j
bp,^
.dd-fe-ci © O „ O
rt rt © ."*3
Ah 1 — . - -¦ :— -¦
dO'g a
ca cd A
a a"
ca o
w|°cd"
' -^ fl
264

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

d dd

d ddo
p£

a

d

o

d

d

So

o

fe

e«
d
*r
CD
+3
dd dg
fe
*- p. d
CD CD PD
B d -5
O O rt
CQ CQ d
pF* pF ©
flfl^
RHCI
-,<!a
-+3 ¦+=> -_3 HJ -*J . *
fl fl fl fl fl >>
© © © © © .Th
.aaaags
'bb'bb'bb bb'bb ca
CD CD CD CD CD CQ
H h H S- ha
fe fe fe fe feed
d jj> d a d d
CD rt CD CD CD CD
§2 § §.§.§
'bb ca bb bO bD bD
CD CO CD CD CD CD
In p3 ph H PH H
-d pP pO pB pd
"geg'g'g >"g
Ph
.P?'g
7d *-
_Q CD
ca »
.Shh
d °
d >,£¦
CD 43 ' *«
§|SpObo ca ca
CD CO CO |
'" d d
¦+3 -H H
p-^.2
|_Vd g g Oh
pH fe ed eg >4
a R
PH
O
pO fe
A
M
rt
o
CD CD CD CD CD ca CD
"d -d "d d d -¦< 43
ca ra ca ca ca o ca
.fe .fe .fe .fe .fe o-1 fe
'pH 'E "pH 'ph 'p. b "E
fl A A A Ar_> A
03©©©©©©©
t,^+-4J-H-p3'P-P
7j rt rt CTj -^ rt rt C3
p.p-p>p»>->|>>
CDCDCDcDcDCDcadcD
HIH3434343+3 H -H 43
d d » cc d 3] OpH ri
> > > -* .fe .fe Ov-i .fe
'E "tn '_E >, 'p. £=; ca '
fc.fe
AAAflflflflflAAAAflflcj .£A A fl
fl
43-" bCrtCD iiM
«-§ d sa
eo -
Oera 1T3
m'« a"a"
fco
a «>¦.
fl ©
-2fl
^1
b0_
,«*«
A
cd ** oa
fl " -s A
^^^¦^^¦^^^333^^^ €53d'
S^^coco .coc»ccj^)?)C-flpo'=!a^pH^coc.q.
LO S ^ M OT p*.011 <MCNLOLOiOrJHCNdc330,CNc;,<»'
_>= p - fe - „_ ..-CN ,_-„ppp.pp.
<1 -< (§-<! oWWWWWfi-flWoAoAAAAA
:+i+3+?^^
I rH rH rH rH £j
w ;
•as*
w
fl Jt
pd <!
A*
!HJ
o :
a cq
* 2
co aca
pd &1 d
23 pP
l^fl fl J A
iillz;
• j p
© ¦< pd
fe r?
w
w
p»>-d d
§OA
¦pTn - cd .CQ S rtS
c- 2
" d --H
.a q
3rd
I a
d ca
WW
O 6
|-si-a £ <£ ^ p -_
_- CD J T O .CD rg prt „
co" § 8§ ca p eg (S ^ d
_ bog bDt^cDrtH ca g
- Hd,*E d 'r- ph a _- p a
abpfclaEpppd fe.p§
cd ca
. p-- 'O ^'H H p. 1  i ^rikj [H ^J JH W W r— H pr^r-H
<Z><zi<?37Zl&7A'3iZt&G>lAcD<DG3'7SO
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
^Ip^Uh
rtgc3 0-pd"^
J3 fl ©
1 3 g-jrt-fl"
c?^l rti.g
w w wwww
S^-2 d .
^ s
CD 1-3
d d p_,
C3 CD CD
CiWp?
O O r^-T rH" IH
fefe
a a a
CO CQ CQ
ca ca _ 
WW www
FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

265

d a
§

d CD
d ad
pS

d

>

CD
oi
t>
CQ
ca
O
OJ
d d
o
CD
>
d
» 5
n
n rt
g
CD CD
CQ CQ
fe
CD CD
AA
A
co
45*
da
fci. -*? -d
£> a a
3 CD CD
2.1.9 ca bb bO
eg-g'g
H 43 -P
fl fl fl
03 © 03
| .9 J
SD bD bD
CD CD CD
Sh S S
.rt .T3 .TS
g fe fe
d
a
A
M
A
s
p^
ps!
OhI
o
rt
d p p fc> d fe>
CD CD CD .d CD .d
| .9 .9 Is .§13
bo bO bD ca bD ca
<D CD CD CQ cd co
H h H pd, ph ^
pp pP pP . pd ,
+3 43 43 pH 43 pH
'fe'fe'geg'geg
^O
J .fed .
S "pi . d
W" cj oj 2
p> 5 .g
. — . a h
'S g^grtH
oS o d
0ShA^
© - © 2^
r^^ 3 A
MrtJ MA
•a
rtrtflrt©©cg<©©©
r-, P- fl fl -r- H-> ^ -4—- ¦->-. J3
oo^grfrtortrtcSSfirtrHl-rHrt^nG
OoO^flW^AAA
© © © © ©
"t. "S "2 "S ¦"
rt rt rt rt rt
.fe .fe.fe .fe .fe
'fH 'p. "pH 'pH 'pH
A A A A A
CD
CD CD CD «& CD CD*c3 O H
+343+3+3+343 p.+3 R ^
cacacacaojcaocacaca
.fe.fe .fe.fe .fe.fe Ph fe Stkfe
rt rt rt p. c- rt
bD.
SD.S.E
h ^h rt< h
AAAAAAc^A^ApgAA
so
cj :
A-= -s
iO««l-H rH
A" A"
43 pd pd ,a pd
CQ 43 +3 43 43
HOOiOlOH t-
CNCNCNCNCNCN'-*"*
: ^pjMpiT5HH5rt -
rtS+ilrtcl
co p«
co "^
A w"w"w"w" A W W j* <! <l
. W
" p?H
¦3co ,a
<lfl
<! g<!CD .
aIw W-fl
•d - -3
cn -^
K ^W"
O p^ W
pc+
sb-sl-*! "bb
CD CD "
AflW-fl
.•a-g.
-S'd,
grtH^p^gSco!
ft- A 03 m-<r[ A" A" A"<j{ A" WW
H
•Spc.
& s
w£
CO
pHUpdd ra
32
a -3
d cd
WW
rH hi
02 *^
A
d
43
pO
W
©
H
-a
O
CD
A
d"
pf
fe
.
-a
p-»
-zj
a
ca
ca
<u
WWW
CO '
« 5 q «
5°, CD d CD
>->-d ppg
coo a
. .a - -
CQ t? CH _W pH
2 S a, o 2
CL^ d rt *- ^
ca a o cd o
d i W
rt |  , CO
-fl ^ p2
o . „
A^pS •o
p§ I rt
bD „ a
caaocDodSaj
W WW WWWWW
W^
CQ Eh
I?d o
WW
w J a
&>fec§fl
cd © ©
.-fa
3 .?§
WWW
hH<!
p. cd ca ^,
rt-|°rt-p-
¦S%gp9
ca ca d o
WW WW
d fe>,
i
co r^ . rn rt-1 ..
d . CO „ CD !— 1
si-prs
rt-W . . .Mfl
9 pd pd pd pd
13 pd 3. d d d g
-d CO O"1 CT Cr i-P.rt
O O rt rt rt rt o
l""3 l"S l"TJ r-3 ^ l"3 l"3
£
A
34
266

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

doCQ
•E
A

t3 rd r*3
03 © ©
""C- ""fl rfl
§§§OOO

regiment. regiment. regiment. regiment.

1 ©

^pd-3 -
¦g'g'g'g

3 'fe

£ fe g fieg fe fe g

1 +3
i a
1 CD
' a

£ !
ha i

if

ti-s ! !
©©11

{¦En

* !

i-s

'Solo ! !

©

QQ

r.ai d

A !

rH Ph

1 ,-fl

rfl rfl 1 1
!"*
eg |
leg
>> | ;
Ph Ph
CD CD
do
CO
d d
W
A CQ
d dd
ca
!>
A
w-
^ a"
> R
cq ca
« -K
P-4 CD
o Vp3
|4 oTp§--103 fl
CQ O
flpS
ps
asa o
t£fe
WW
d CD CD
O +3 +3
cd ca ca
bo > fe
CD CD
13 -S
> >
¦B-E
flfl
1 '
gd
P CO
CD CD CD w-, CD CD
43 43 +3 **". +3 +3
sa la
pCDQCCtCDpHCDCDCDCDCDCD
Sp?p?p5cdScdSp5p?p?p?p?
-, .fH p_, » .H .p4 bb.fe .fe.fe bb.fe SD.fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe
E E rca 9 E E tr E E E SrS Sr E E E E E E
^ ^ '"_.-§ ^^CC^^^ffi^tB^^wPHpHPH
go
W
E8 rt rin _- 1
^ ^ s-prt-B ^
g g g
¦a -e -a
AAA
d
co
<1 "^ <! "& >o ¦< "&
43 CD « " ^.""4^.-««^^"« CD-
S h W W -|^ W ^
paddrt^+^+i+^^ps+^pdrt:'
¦d
^33
parti rSls s«s
O . . O .
'-'WWW ¦*! A A flflw"*!^^ a<!<1<!o"Ww"W
•Sph
' CM
af?NS5HSmM"MffiC0C900«N*Mod5c0 l~q^loo'0lOeocoeoCNeolo"*eocNCNrH<-<i fl" A" o"
:W
flap? g,
<5«5~.rfjj
O CQ
I CD .
bD gfja
b o -d d
pi-s
if £ 1 g"
© © o o
»-a t-a ha i-b
;^
<z .
03 ©
I c?
l-Sr-3
O g
d.S o
|W0
p-h- 9" d"
I 9 S
i i i
i i i
PQ i -*>
" d d
¦e o a
l^*a^^A-9
O"
S !
-fl
O fl «JiK
nt rt rK rt1- ¦>
W-d
So
Hi^^O-sb
'a a J L , 
ca -d o fl t2 -d
On. 2
rt" a
d B a S >» a -a p- a
-- cd CD CD CD-ddoSCD
'Srf
di-s AM
|-s p
© s ~3 a ^ a t>
.r-j.l_i.p_l CU .rH © © © © tL» .rH M CO O. .rH fl TrH .rH -I rH -J
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW'Wflflfl
FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

267

d CD
d ado

.2— : S

ca

dp2

PHd

d

•^ a

d

oi

ca

43 CQ
o
fl

. pP o

Pi
5

d CD
d a

d

tlJ

^ d rtta

a a

.So
Era g
pd "s ¦Sb'bD'Sb'bD
-*3 cq CD CD CD CD
™ rt pH pH pH pH
pd pd pQ pP pd

fe fe fe fe

CD

+3 43 +3
d d d
CD CD CD
a a a cd *^
'bo' St' so on ca

P.r?S.r?

'Sb ca

,a -d -d . , .d ,
+3 +3 +3 rtj rt rt
'g'g'pt M eg "feeg

J5»
pd

43 +3 • +3 +3
d d fe> d d
CD CD .d CD CD
.9.913.9.9 bO bJO rt bD bJO
03 © KJ © ©
rH rH^ rH rH
rfl rfl , ^fl rfl
-4-3 -4-3 ' "

+9 -p -p 4J
fl fl fl fl
© © © ©
BBB B
"5b* So" 6b" So
© © © ©
M SH rH rH
rdra-flra
H-3 -1-3 -»J -+3
Vg'g'fe

O

W

bDP

ca
A d
pP

rtCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCD^43434343+3+3434343cacacacacacacacacaca

cDcDCDCDarcaaF^
+3 43 43 +3 P rt 'P pH
BJtdcJffldn»S> p» t> > a
¦n-n-E-c; d

OcacDCDcecDCDCD
d SH-d+3 PH434343
..nOddoddd
As, 0.feOHfel>p,p»l>>
" ca fa, '_!- rt "C '.E fe 'S 'E 'E

A^AAAAAAAAArgA-SAAAAAuOgAoAAj^AAA

SD .
fS™«W'W'WM«

"Sb^ •< <! <i

lr- uJ bD

-«H

A'

'J3

pd _ -h ph „pdpd-dpdpd
43J-JpapdpP434343+3+3
u-jrfl-*rl'Tj((:<(T_|pHi0r_l

-fl-a
d 43 43 +3
rt 32 O >0
(jq rH CN CN

<&3
3 3 ft 3 -a ¦* 3 d 3
HHo)eqS»'OoM IO

- <~

H3 43dtB
CD CO CN i

; feWW W W h b «J AAO03OAAA w'w'^-tl A <! < < <

co

<Jo §fl P^

p^1
pja

>l 0Q
Fi ©
fl

>W

rtd

>>
W3

AA

0) CD i £
-H H ph

pdfll* ^
-7- p— | q rt rt
OS _rl"S A d- rt fH
4S p3p5 w
^ m • pTPh -
O - CD pp
P CD pO c3
ca ^ a

fl"-*1- , QQ CQ
q rt rt
fe> » a a
I^pSpS
Jp,HH

s a
<4<|'

fe

d-g

^AflflAflflfl

O ^_,-^rt"
.3 fc d d
pM fe pP pO
ca ca o o
flflflfl

"o fe
flfl

O1-
j cd > fa g
^ p*„ |o
t> O HH O
© © «f-H 03
flO §H £
pP" CD' £ | p.
a fe fe I g
ca o ca cd .5
Aflflflfl

O CD
pbpA

w

CO
.a

d

o

caa
o
pO a
a>
CH
flfl
S O rt CQ
'Spa .3 -g „
g-2-fepS 1
sa<i ^
a" - 2 -
pg pfgo!
AflflSa
263

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

d 1
fe

¦J 43 43 ¦*-»
te* fl fl fl
.t; © © ©
2 .9 .9 .9
ca bo SD bD
CQ CD CD CD
_3 pH pH PH

*« fe fe fe

. . . CD CD .
>*>> 0..2.2 fe>
rthlhl | ghl
rt rt rt rt
QQ , CQ CQ C4_, «4_. OQ
"5 "5 "^3 ° ° *5
. g o &&%
«R tfl Cft |*| ^) nfl
© ©

4 43 -P -P 43
fl fl fl fl fl
© © © © ©
a a a a a

rH h rH rH rH

."fl ."fl ."fl ."fl -"rH
g g g g g

43 4H
fl fl
© ©
a a

fe fe

ta ta
CD CD
SB
"Sb'Sb g g
•g-g

O^
^ d
fl"1o 2
1 1
oil03 fl
CQ O
flpS

SD SD
&H rt
d d
-2-2

CD CD
flfl

w

w

^ oi .
pg^W

d
CD

Co CD
A05-§ .'S
dp2S
paw

03030<1>©<]303©
4143434343434-43, ¦ .-j .rH

— rH

Ph Ph

03 03 © ©
OS CS 03 03
r> > > t>
fl _& "~

©©©©©©©©©03©
+J-WHHJ--J+i-rtH-l-P+i-P rtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrt
fe -fe -fe .fe .fe .fe ,'*¦ p* ."¦ >¦ .fe
E "_ph V. '_E "_E *_E "E 'E *h

APHAflAAflA^AAAAAAflPHAAAAAAfl

^3 CO
-- "d
0 ca
Ph fe
rt 'E
a rT
O A

"Sd<h <i <i "&>< "so > <5 «i «i <! «*i ?,: "& 1
co v . cd - s s J - 3 " p?cD-c;_g--
MAAflApcHA WflKWWS^ "§
,5rtrt^^^^'5'43'43d'4S^'Spapapapapaj5"S+?'5d: I'd d
pHr)Hrt<rHCN~J-|cOCN!NeOioto'0"*"*'*-*rli iH CN CN >0> - KJU3
A" <c!"aw"«}" w"o"w"w"w"W"w"W"w"W"ma"w"a"^"J1a"a'

O c.
SrS
£W

w
cd d g
H O «
-34*1-1--,

W | •
CDh-H^bo^ rt

rt"-H m fe. CD

ca
rt d
-ta co

a. B '43
43 o a
fl-flfl OS

o cdW fe
r-j O CD
CO pC+
I d 55 d
ca M o p
pp C3 Ph ca
¦ ¦ P co -s
y* Sp

O
. d
CQ O ,
1 ea -a
9 a^
d o <ri
¦'-H CD"

ca ca
-gfl a
a *

© 33
IH
© [H TO rt

1 5h

 -^ 03 OS 03 Qj
aaaaaaaaa

CQ fl *43
rH rt fl
s s rt
aaa

-&»-

ca L-; .
A ^ fe> a

r£n o r* ¦¦— '
fH O rfl Jh
rt © © O
aaaaaas

""p.1? .
p2 W

S3 2 +3
¦9 S k
3 d .5.2:3
-i-s a - -
p-J O p»j a>
^ --S t. -a
-a pB « a d
g gao^
rt S © o p

Op§CD o

COC3
a
o
pd
ca a -
d hd
CQ O CQ
PH CJ (4
ca cd 03
aaa

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

269

•pP
d A
p., . .

d a
I

d ad

CD

CD

¦« 15 fl
S d o
d OS .JQ
•^ d a
do

s

rtd

dp§
I

12 - _ - *i -^ -:
fl fl c fl fl a S
S 5S 5 t» 3 9 p->
.§.-§ s a e s ©
Eb ab bb"bb"&o*5b_J
©. © © © 03 © 'TIS

• 43 43 . * 43 43
&>d d >>fl dp-5
•d 2 2pd 2 2 o
pd .d .d .a .rt .d rt
ca bo be ca bo bDs2
.S3 ?D CD CQ CD CD 13
pg h p. pg ^ ^ g
n33 1.33 |
eg -g -g eg 'g 'g *¦

fill
~ J © fl ©
¦% *^ s
CQ 5,4 CQ Crt
d ° -1

o

.2 fe»:

43 43
A fl-ET 4a- -
© © £- -fl •£
'¦Il 8 Is
i bb^SpI rt
.-d-d . ^ .

3 PhS eu-ts-ti p-o &
iii i-n <ii m

a .
2da §
'So bb
CD .p-r
p. CQ
« ffl
¦3A

| ! j | | l-a

¦ ; j i > ig

! i !,'!;«" '

i I i i i i^i

o*

fl

fl

1 1 1 1 1 1 <i

::!'.! ' i

',,',',','. «

i 1 ! 1 l-a i

! ! ! ! 1 !a 1

rt oj
p> 0.

om

WW

A

d
'3

dCDcDrtCDCDCDCDCDCDcaCDCDCDpCDCD'CDd
rt 4_ |^ rt H_J 4a 43 -r3 Hr3 43 £* 43 43 | -* ^J 4a 43 1 .1 - , — I -
scacaSojcacacacacaocacacacacaojojcacocajj: .fe §b.fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe -Hfe .fe .fe oi. fe fe fe &"& So fe .
..rtpHPHpHEpHpHpHpHrtpHPHpHrfpH'pH'pHCaOjpH'pH^
ifl AA^A Ajg fl A fl fl fl fl -3 fl fl A S A A A OO £ fl .

"So.

<
W

43-3 bOuO
o ph • w : :

W pd

tj>
A

-

w

43 3
bD CO
CD - - ; CO Z

- - - - - ^ Z

ddd-+dda'3'3'3'3

HH

pO-d pd
^ ;£ -d

.a

n

cpd'ildrd

pd .a pd pd pd pd +=¦
¦43 '3 C43 43 +3 +3 CQ

co eo eo

»

eo d co co co co

3

CO
J
doOicoSS
^lOOOOiOH
"OiOOdiOCOCOWMK
co eo co
ce.
CN CN <^ CN S rH
HpiHHH'HCSI
CO
>o
CD
AAA
•10 a"
A„-<!<h<!-<
CO<J"
«1W-*1
W" A* W" A" fl" A" A" A" A" A" A" A" A" fl"
snw^
!£*£
.2 ° 9
SdlpSj p. d
-d ?s fe- •-- co .
grtW^inArt
- oj p » „
pH pd +3 cd +3 - .r
CD 02 O CQ O CD pa
S S.9J.0 s s
saaaaaa
a a
1 pM 3
CD X
B«5SS
£?,
caa a
wa*^
<
flco
W
S^
-.H^ CD
^p9
rta=flM
|rtde -
rt rt co . _h
aaaa
- - CD CD
h>iH PH
.a .a +3 '43
Ph p. a a
I ~>
§d-
1-3
gaa^aaaaaaaaaaa
S J- -
TO ? __3 CD
©D rt CQ CQ
U 5H f-t t-i
o o as ©
iaa
.•- '« ^s ca
3 spa
-go
pill
•gH-f
r. CD"
© H _
2 rt -fl
rt fl CQ
fl o rt
aaa
2X0

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

d a
d

""Ci ©
-S-3 ph d
cd a
dq =:

pT CD pT
£ ApS

d dg
ps

•sbl

CD CQ
^p3
p3 ,

d00

CD CD .

C3 ©
•p-p IH JH
©
ftrH <4-l .CQ
o O^

rt 5h --h
© © *fl
DQ CQ rg

Ph p--
© ©

CD .d
60 rt
© CQ

.p?l.rt-l CC © CQ «4_,
pg^pg ©
hh fe ed H
^ CD

a
•sb

43 -P
fl fl
© ©
a a

pd pd
¦+3 13
¦g>

ca ca
».pf -
a bo
pfepi

°HpH
CO "

rdrd
WW

03
fld" dca

m

W

fl

ca
bb
PH
pg

© © ©
rt rt o$
> > k
'E 'E *E
flfl A

CD d
+3 . o
d d d
« 'd °

p CD CD g
77* 43 +3 CD
ca ca ca "a;
JL-fe-fe1^ ^ PH +3

d CD
S o3
CD t-
pn r:

CD J3 43 -5 Q. A ™ ""A
cqO sO^^hoq"
CD

CDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDa3CDCD"rtCDca ca ca ca ca ca' ca ca ca ca ca ca .2 pa
fe fe fe fe .fe fe fe fe fe .fe .fe fe fl -fe
*J4 'pH "pH 'pH 'E "E "E 'pH "E J- E 'ph "E
AAAAAWAAAflAAIofl

bO_

- IP.
2A

h=„ bb<! <§
: " g5 CD .CD
A" -3M " I^W-h
-S-S-g-S'd'3rtd3'd'd,3J^fl
H<HHHeoOrt dioeoeoco- j^
CN C<1 CN <M ^ H< 5 CN CN "3 "3 M , »0
A" a" a" fl" < I «" W" < A" 4 J* W" fl" o" o" A" A" <i" •< «}" W" W" «{ W"

--444-4V. OJ
 -5
« -5 d £ d -S rS -3 _ -a -3 +i "
2c»cN>ococococooic;tt;copd"l(MCi5HiOCl503COB3iniOMT|l

;WW

CD

HW

CD

A SpK
O bDO
Pd-j.^ -pS
h h d p>>^ m
ct ca o. ca rd ca
aaaaaa

w .
d A
flp| pW
a .
|§ © rt
a^

i

a pec? s
3 ° -H
-32.°
| Or- a
bo bo a
a a a a
3 '43 '3 a
H 43 43 O

w

fl £
IpSpS
I ^1
^£ga S « 9
CQ cq 03
fl a fl
o d o
ooo

.a CD +3
rt «8
aw

a a^
¦ rt CB
rtrt<!,->^

' d
! <m

CD CD
a a
a a
o o
AA
bb

rt S
p-HP-^pd

piH

flfl
p^ 2 CD
CD S °

prtP-jCIQ

rH

o

oo

COA r-
CD CD
pP -*
To ca
OO

fl a 2 p-T
a 2 a 'd
a »rt rt o

Aflp§§-

AA
oboood

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION-

271

1

£

d CD >

B

43 43 4a
H fl fl
© © ©
a a a

p£ p* pS

43434=434.43434343 ¦
flflflflflflflflfl£»©©©©©©©©©. fl
.§.9J.a §.§.§.§ §2
&jo tn So Sb'So'Sb Elo'Eb'Sfa rt
©©©©©©©©©CQ rHpHp-HPHPHp-f-p-HP-.JJrt

-M H— ' 4-1 4H 4-" -H- 4J -»a -t_> H
¦g'g'g'g'g"g'g'g"geg

43 43 43 43 43 4a 43
fl fl fl fl fl fl fl
©©©©©©©a.a.a.a.a a a
'ScfSo'So So'So'Sb'So
©©©©©©© p_H P-, Ph Ph J_ fl, Ph
,£] P-fl rfl rfl rtfl rfl rfl
43 -U 43 43 43 -*H 43

© ©
C3 ©
'r> '> |
p- JH |
© ©
CQ CQ 1
Hrt q-i 1
© O [
" Ph fl-i '
M M '
© © 1

' 03
!'g a
1 CD S
i«g B
I • -fl.
1 O..S
1 M ps
1 CD

g is g g g g g

ps

bbb
s -°
rfl CQ
CQ ;_?,
CD =$
-3 GO
©
fl fl-o
prt ?5
CO J-1
pdflW

©

rrt «
fl CQ
gfl

ca

43S

© © ©
<-3 43 43
_, rt as rt
afl.fe

© © © © © _
-<H 43 43 43 43 43
az 03 d & oi 03
.fe .fe .fe .& .fe .fe
A A A A A A gj"lQ AflAAAflflflflflflflAflflflflfl^flflfl

©©©©©©©9©©©©©©©rt©©a^
¦4— ¦-— ' H— H— 43 -J—. H— H-- H— ' H— ¦+-¦ H— H— H— Jrt ^ V 4J 4-
.. rt rt rt rt rt rt c; rt rt rt rt rt rt rt rt ~ rt rt rt
>. p. f> [>(>l>t>t>{>r>t>r>^r>P>> p_ [> > [>

CO

fefs? Sa fefl
o

bD

5 A " « fl " fl fl A fl W W &
^ -°'3'3c>d'dddd'333-drg ^ ph^ p, rtp.^ ^^^^^•S
^J.dSodmMMcococoroSp^^4l5^«co-HSoS£SS
HS^«0IMin>C'.'O^OC003Mu-cHJ^P"-|(TlHTtlC0C.|HMHHHH
g"w" W"fl" A"^"^"A"A"<l"^"<1w"w"W"w"ffiW"W"W"<l"A"o"A"M"A"A"A"

d
d

:-gH

co 2
• ph ca
«1Ofl

a
, CD ' : J - 'd*
CQ 60 -
S ofl co . >-
t>J d W ^W
O CD d -
p fl d -d d
P3 2 S >>'^ -3-rt=!

s£

|fl go!

«.£

a
bDa

W

O

3 p,
pm ^"S S'S
^ +3 CD PH p4 Cfl P-
ca d ea cd ca t- cd
A A A A A A A

6< -
d"^

p^ pT _co I
(11 r ' 

© ""fl
jh rt

ca o
flfl

Wpfe> .
co O CD
M pO »^
ph ca rt
. — 1 w rt ca cj ca
A A A AAA

I^O™.

fl |<j© ni
rH ©
rt sh
l~H R-
o

- p2 ps
pS- s

! c.2
i rt rt
1 A A

o a pM
8 a "
A A

.SO CO W a CO
d fcPs ^ rt P, pH
S pTsJ | 8 ! J
W JOfS gO-3<i
¦ pffl - . Prt p O p
CQ „ co cc pTn cq d d
a CD dn a Ph „ CD
„"-Pids-2S.SJ3 S cStS 'S3 rt
P-P-AAAAAA

272

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

CQ

d aao

d aa
p|

Ph

43 +3 +3 +3 43
d d d a d
CD CD CD CD CD
.§ g g.a a
"Sb'Sb'Sb'Sb'Sb © © © © ©
Ph Ph Ph Ph A*

ps ps pJ ps ps

43 43 43
fl fl fl
• © © ©
"g s g a
d So 60 ho
bO CD CD CD

ps ps ps

43 43 43
A A A -J
© © © ^
tsjj a £
'So'Sd'Sjo,© © © © *+*

JH rH rH

oi

•g-g'g

i> CD CD .tS .d
t-> a a d d
m 'bo'Sb ca ca
p, , CD CD CO CQ
o n n d d
CL^+i P4 P4
^•g'gegeS© 

+3 43 43
fl fl a
03 © ©
g-s a
&C Sc'bO
© © ©
Ph Ph SH
333'g 'g 'g

W

C3

d
pO

fl

w

60CD
A

d

•a

43 tf

a

>

t>

p-
A A
A
© © ©
43 43 43
";_ *rH 'S *. .
ca cd
CD '
,d CD CD
;o Sfli.fe .fe.fe Pna.fe .fe.fe
-. PJ -
d CN
¦ 43 . . • 43 . — ! i — .
dpCDCCCDrtcaoJ gl-s-s-s.isspi sb.fe .fe.fcfl &-«*
.l^^fi^Au^AAAlplflpCrtq^^rS 4J ct
o 
<bb=a
CD _rt
A«q
iOCN
A
3 -S-S-3rS33rt
lO-H— IiOiOiOiOiO
tHCNCNCNCNCNCNCN
Hi
pd pd
^Spd +3 pd'
CN >Q O H<
i "&
. CD -
> .
ca +3
ci""- A A fl W W W W W W W w" W "1 '
co ts. £ >o ig •
! *= »0 S -I A <
; - pio ---.».--
p<d W rt-M A A W W W <j <!
i O
, ~ -a-d-fld d
i H .n in W M CO
! <M S CN CN -O «
pS
H
d
pd
rt o
£>-
o „"
., ca
43 rt
rt co
53 .rH
flfi
, g
rt1-* I
— < t».p^
•a^p 8 «3
AW| §-43-9
.11
Ph Ph PW
©
WPHfe ., CQ
•" rt ft, o!
fe §J ^a
^.lfe SpS
p£fl ."^
- -pSPph" a
co cq -a g a
p&.Srt1 I fl
CD CO "E o -d
_a d 3 S d
A A A A A
2w
I
© ©
*fl yj fl
fl Ph .fl
Art 0 ^3
© ^
¦*— sh rt
AAA
:^fl
W ao A
60ph Ct.
.- o ca
pd CD pB
dOO
f-3 „ „
-d d
p2 ° <=
-d o o
o ps ps
f ppp.
S>> g a
CD O O
rtrtfl
acH a « -
fl 03 • A fl
-d a o ca
§ §«3^W
111AflKflfl
££
SpH
w
bDrta o
CD .
§ogCQ «
~I=3p£ oi S
-s a 6
1 Ifs
rt O Kp_
«o^ d .;: O .rt i^ ca
A A A A rt Ph
FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

273

d ado

•EA=3

d g o

do
•2A

a

d

d I

fe ps ^

+3 +3 +3 +3
d a a a
CD CD CD CD
a a a a

ps ps ps P

*ipfp#

S^rfl

-73 CQ tM CO CQ
n3 ° "fl *5
Ph -." Ph p_
o fl-* o o
Mrt M nfl HH

.4 . © ©
« H->g •{?
_ fl © ©
•bb-i ¦° <°
£.°S cn e«
3 In • ¦
.d g Oh Ph
psed M M

rt^^

k! "*3 k* 43 43 43 43
rt^a >> fl fl fl fl
a o g o o » « jp. g
pS .a pS .9 .§ .§ .9 pS ,3
tf So ca bD bD bO bO M 'ffi
CQcDCQcDCDCDCDCQ .%£
pd jjddd
tH+3 ph'hJHj'S'S h t-
eg *g eg 'g 'g 'g 'g eg eg

tf
fl a"
oCQ
1 43 JHo
Ph ©
p|

.« d
Ka 'II
tp 43
prt CD CD
>3'+3 Jg
CO fl tf
43 rt OO

Oh
CO 1

asWW

&

©©©©©©^fl©
43 43 43 43 43 43 rt ,,_,
rtrtrtrtrtrt.^rt

— ) . 43 4a
rt © rt rt
« -a § §

a

© © © © ©
43 43 43 43 43
rt rt rt rt rt — 
> ^ .^ .£ .^ ^ .^ .£ .^ .& .fc
'S "C "rH "rH 'rH "rH " rH " M "G ' EH ' SH
AAAflflflflAAflfl-SofloflcocQrt

i " al C S JH ^ „ JH

43 43
fl 9
oj rt

-ST? +5 d

§

.2g"80'"3.i"S»'8"3
fl bb,£; &,.> ^ .fe ?°.fc .'"
 , rtPHrtPH . - ffl h W
cn co fl S ^ ft fl CQ A A

-So © -
rt
d d
eo co
«5 ud

d d d '

,-d-d +3rtpdpd

eOCOcOOOCNc331rt.pHCNiOiOlOiOiOCNCNrHiOCOCOP-lrH

pd pd
+3 43
lO iO

-a -S
+3 +1*

> 43- p3 •
tf jTn ' - 43 43
— p.CS pd +3 43
• *=T jd +3 a cq
pP CO - plOHH
«C0 ^.iOpHCNCN

"H to iO IO iO iO
<M CN CN CNCN <N

Hj hJ <| <J Ph"ph"0 OCt-OOAAAAAA m"<j *= „- A A A A W W W W W

S.S
¦^ ca -

ca
_n "j ¦ ph
*3 tf .ft,
?H -d a
O o _-
p^p CQ rt-
d .; a cj
o rt d K
tf -S pO CQ
o o o d
rtrtirtrt

bD
-d

H i U> rt
-p fl tf pd
rt cd pd £3
w s c. -a
pP rt a
O fcH .CD
pO >, bOpM
O O CD rt4
Artrtco

o
rt -d
cd d
"i!fl^

a :
CD tO
to 03 p_H
£00

'rfl ,>
-rt QJ
fl 43
-X.0Q

tf H

a
'>

o
pP

<1

N

W)

pA'd

oi

o
a
CD .id
"- a
O
w
h3 co CO
.-dd
_d a a
43 o o
¦gag
CO CO CO CO CO CO CO
6 H
s- A p*»
dH S
a • a
rtH d co
•< pM
g o S 5
2 "5 Jh d CO ' -r\
9r?^ £W So
2 I S S? g .e 9
35
co co oo co co
og>l
g^O-<
^ SP PH* p4~
B S CO
rt 43 +3
d 00 CO
- g £
pJ tfpfepfe
co co co co co co
, o
ps^, a a-
ps 2
cb a
274

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

'd rS
CD CD

^ rrrt

d -a
fl 9

II

d d

2 S

k?p2

rtl

tUO

¦+3 43 43 43 43
a a d a d
© © © © ©
a a a a a
• fl .fl .fl .fl .fl
So 6J3 SO bJO fcD
03 © © © ©
PH rH JH M rH

•£*£*£*£¦£

-r3 |

1 1 p

fl 1

1 1 CO

© 1

i ! a

B j

! 1 'Eh

"So 1

rt
JH
1 1 rJ=Jrfl i
i i'^'S j
fl -£».!?> -p^fl
cd .s .d .-g a)
.1 ps pS ^3 .9
60 tf ca tf 60
CD .CQ CQ CQ CD
h d d d h
pd .a
- "h & n-*s
g eg eg eg 'g
1 1 43 1
1 ®
: : s :
:-p
a :
, 1 a 1
! s
•a
1 OQ
"§0 1
CD
©
I ®
1 1 .d 1
-fl 1
i i^ i
! ^
1 ©
'1 i
ortH
si
I! oi !
1 -d
i-a i i
its i i
Hi!
fl _°
i 1 -S te !
; | a. pM ]
¦ |S„ :
1 © 1 1
! a ! !
; rfl | )
1 "+3 1 |
, rt | [
| j t> ]
I I'fS !
gal
.a "^
ia
ii
1 43
1 ©
!"¦§
tf 1
!> 1
pfe, !
« |
1 1
pd 1
1 © 1 t
1 CQ 1 1
1 03 1 '
1 CQ 1 1
jfl ! !
1 ITJS |
1 I CD CQ 1
. CH tf
I 1^4 0 '
j [ A !
1 ™ 1 1
«s '
1 Q 1 1
1 CQ I 1
S : 1
! IfpH !
II ©" 1
11 TO .
CS
II © '
II CQ 1
IIS!
1 „
1 d
1 ^
IS
O |
d 1
CD 1
W 1
d a
ao
CD CD a a CD CD CD
¦rtirt^l'rt'Srt
tf
CD g
60. fe
^ a
PH tf .
O CD tf o tf tf
Ph bp_fe Oh.p* ,>
^ o L-H T
fl 'cS* CD CD
« rt -d 43
oi o tf ca
if^'E
rt ©
o rt —
C-h > t>:
03 © ©
fe fe
I 'E 'E 'E 'E 'E '
rtflpgcgflflfltMflfloCBflcjAApgtSAAoflflAflflA
"& ea
CD - - jr.
A " " *s
-S-ddpa'ddddd
ioioeo g eo eo co eo eo
cncn"^
10
w
dco
iO IO IO UO IO iO
pd .d-d ddd
_i 43 +3 +3 +3 +3 43
pco'co co co co co co
uo eo co co eo co eo
333
co co +5
eo eo cn
J co
ftpj<i3 hH <!'<! ^ '<) A" -A «3 '<< <! «J W <! '<
-43 pq
.d „
oOpd/S-fl-S<^ «$ pS *- *-
ww"w"w*
-fl S •
o 3. a
. CO CQ
adda a a
-d 2 2
pfl.S.p,
co co co
dM
W
Jf^w
ps -S 'S-ro fe j-
Ph tf tf Ph+3 +3
CO CO CQ CO CO CQ
^cfwS
CD CD . fd p_'
g p„
^d 3
,« W
tf kJ -d
. „; . rt
g<-,A
S3
CD ,
CO
fl -d
cy rt d -rt rt
t> •.=? 3 H CD
cd -9 2 2 fl
43 tf PhpP .d
CQ CO COCO CO
fe 43 2
ps
pbe!
CO CQ CO CO CQ CO CO
«^4.' a 'a 'a
Ph p. d
CQ CO- GO
tfbD
d ¦
wjj ® -
fe1 fD
pS fe.
tf J4:
COCQ
FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

d d
CD CD
d d

£

gg

•"cT

.0 0

t^ps

1

.0

r*

Ph
•c CD CQdo
O

d CO
d

•a d
Ap§

fl

. d

d

¦d g

0

03 O

Es

ȣ

g
p£
4J 43 4->
a fl fl
CB a3 ©
a a a
'Eb*5b bo
CD CD CD
rt PH rt
^ ^ ^
43 43 43 43
fl fl fl fl
© © © ©
g I s a
So 1
pa .a pd _g
¦g'g'g'g
43 CD +3 +3 43
a .2 a a fl
CO S CD CD CD
a |.g a a
'So co 'bb'bb'bb
CD . CD CD CD
rt eg „ rt h
pd . d pa d
.d P4.d .-a .d
ps t! I ps ps ps
a
•sb
fllM ps
A
w
O
CO
pCH
tr
OS ,;
!> ca g
>p§
™ p&ffl
md 43 +=
co d g
- ca .^
pdpd A
tf o -
WW CQ
-d
.d p
d 00 a
oid S
! T3 tf _g
ca tf ca
fe fe fe
© © © 03
-S
CO
CD
01
tf
tf
i> fe t> i=-
i>
fe
fe
 t-H =5 ' ' * ¦+=» • H 43
©©©©©©©©rt^©©©fl©fl_!
43 43 -4— 1 43 4J 43 43 43 !_, r^n 43 43 hV w 4H *rt rt
SSrt.HlHSSeH.rtS rrt^S^Srt-irt©
Lri rt [_ 5-1 p_
4-" +J -—J 4- ^-i F— 4 -r— -*_ -,—
rtrtrtrto.-.rtrtrt_: >¦ ?_ ^ Ph fl _;[>.>
t-i S " pH • rt
AA Php^AAA A A
.fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe ftp .fe .fe .fe bb.fe
'E 'E 'E 'pH 'E 'pH 'pH 'E "pH *pH rt tf 'pH 'rt "E *- 'pH
AAAAAAAAAA-3 g(A fl A jg A
e<fl
tf  ,
MOo :
rt
"H bO
- © "
Wrt
© &0
t> © "
W
¦ CD pfl ,
- 1
¦3 3 .a -3 ^ +3 vS +3 -d _, ¦?
^^¦S^io-SAiScNd, pd
IO iO ^f -H rH rH _^ u-j CO CN _ ^
A"sh" W" A" A" A"t> W" O" A"pS w"
<l PI'S) pt1 CD "
W srt ~'"3 -^ rfl
;w.
.. j ^3i. "bb„
" CQ cd fe CD Z
.rtcSrt
CQ rfl
, Oi ,fl l~l ^f ^ r_
rHrtOOi-H^CN^CqGq
^M
d^S^lo
CN iO iO iO t-h
CN rH rH rH CN
d d
eo eo
10 10
Ph
pfl«AAAAAAA<5<J
©
3 ,
S S d|"§
rrtj
I— I— I
03 ©
fl rf
rrt f"1 ^ uJ
r- -1 — u^ ^
ilwpa_
-5 be pPH
-H_s oi g
¦gpSiSsSSapA'apSi gp3 te tf « oo .id tf -3 pd a
ps a Spa pipppapaS d tf
CGCQCQCQCQCQCQCCCQCQCQ
§_2pM
W"o d
.A g
g a*
CQ S
S I „
rt rt rt
CQ CQCQ
CQ
>1_CDp- —
a
tf :
W
pSeh
p? -£ |
5 ca cd
co EH En
rt WdW
* I 1 80- c
2 § 3 d pfe
=d 2 § a "3
I g"l?:
g.2 a,
SW
>
»rt^
a
5 feiflfej;
o rt © rt o
En EH Eh £-1 EH
|rt
>~ co
ca d
EH H
276

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

d g
o
rS

43434343434343 J 43
flflflflflflfl£-fl
©©©©©©©•rt©
ssssa§s|§
"So'bb'bb'bb So Slo'So £ "So
©©©©©©©£2©jHJHJH^HJHMrHrg^H
_fl rfl ^ rfl -fl r^-1 r-fl , rfl
43434343434343 rH 43
¦g"g'g"g'g-g'geg'g

Ph Ph
rf H
CO CD

4^ . d
did 2
pS S.S
go bOc?
d -§j*
k h „
eg "g

. ¦ 43 ¦+= 43 ¦*_ -
^ fl fl fl g
-5 © © © ©
¦g a a a .§ ¦
is 'Eb'bb'bb bp
CO CD CD CD CO
•g pH pH ph p-
s, +5 S "S 4J
eg'g'g> fe

tf
i

w

fl

w

IJ- P— s
CD O
.a 2 -s
a cd

£;

|1 S 03
fl CQ

feO.S

tH t-i pH

_. fl fl fl .£ ®
rt 2 ^0 23 as fl
.£: J3 'S j .>: rS
•r. >~~ 1 0 1—1 >rt r=:

© © © ©

03 © © ©
43 4J 43 -4-J
*** tH rH t=i r-i

Q) TJ_. fl_) 03 ©
4-3 43 43 43 4-
rt rt rt rt rt
t> > > fe t>

d CO O O rt CD O CO
tfrt4343 rt+343+3
Stftfca.2tfcatfI .fe .fe .fe ^ -fe •£ •&.

© -
A
d d
eo co
10 10

d d
eo eo
10 10

„ ea 6Dco
- — » iO
^rt.a
Oj =0 CO pg
o pg co co
eg -CO

CQ

' fe •
I Oi 43
1 r-j 6D
1— ' CD -

-< 4-1 h»h ^ A"fl" *< t<

rt||frt rt
Soo||ls;
M pa t>- cn u cn 10 ¦
"*Sp_?A ^HtiWVrifi^VHBBB

w
I d rt
I CO ^
1 10 rH

H_!rt
¦ tf
Od -d d rt d d d
^SdcocoSeoeoeo
^d 2= cm 10 10 g 10 10 uo

pH I
I* at » t
m rt
fe-a
fl o.

p2 "^
<cj .fl
-gO g^B
d, S H d ih

w

So '^ a

O

d a
!-§HEH

la.
Eh'ehI

A fl -
-ih o a
fl -so
O p, On+p
¦SpS a S
-2 fe> 2 2
•d « pfl pd
Eh Eh Eh EH

CQ „ A
CD CD prt
Idll
^-¦1

w

a iwa

d
¦g
-2 a d W
^- a d
.a .d d 5
OHW §
. . . ps
d S d S

CO fD cq
-2 £°2 cS
dogs tf CO tf

A

O^h?

H H H PAPA aa t5 £

43 43 43 riJ
CL| P-i Ph A

. rfl ¦"$ ""fl
r5 <=> ° fl
fl JH rH ©
ce © © -"fl
_a rv-J re. fl
Oh fl ,fl rt

© fcuO 1
¦ a p.- ¦ n
'£ fe ^5? oi
Wp§ | a
O IT1 . •*"¦•-<

t»B »
a SpQ
WW$
-H .H* -
© © rjj

pipSpS

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

277

V

dI

CO

A

d CD
d d
d

P.A a -d
CO tf
&-§ d aa
.o

d d
CD CD
d d
d a
a a
o o
psts

pi

• g fl fl fl fl fl
[>©©©©©
fe a a a a a
10 bO bb bb'bb'bb
Crt CD CD CD CD CD
O pH PH pH PH pH
.JpUpIpI
On/d . -S .-s .d -ps
K ps ps ps ps p£

+3 -(3 ' '
© © ,-g /fl
• in .fl <3 -Q
&0 bD rt oi
© 03 5Q CQ

43 43 A" rH
"g'gegeg

rt
pS

Ph

£i

fe. p | ^ « "S i> -
/fl © ?- /fl © © /fl ©
•g a s-g a a-g a
ca Sb °° « 'Sb'Sb-tf "So
CQ CD +4 CO CD CD CQ CD
. -d . . -d -d , ,d
rt rt rt p. 43 rt M43
"g ETrt'g-geS'g

. ei c3
rt 03
-S-gPp?
°p-|J * „ a
CD-rtA
p3 ai~ -
CD S'd
HAW

©

£0© ©
r- -+J H_>
fl rt rt
«2 > >

©©©©©©©©©rt©©©©©©©©©©©©©©
43 4-3 -rt -4-1 4-i H-J 43 43 43 S4343434a43-M43434—43434J4a43
rtrirtrtrtrtrtrtrtSrrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrt
.fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe So.fe .fe .fe fe .fe .fe .fe .fe .fe.fe fe fe fe fe
"E *pH 'E "j- 'pH 'pH 'fcH 'tH 'E rt '-H 'E 'E "E 'E 'pH 'E 'pH 'p. 'E 'E 'E "E 'E
PL,plHp+,p-HAAAflflp2AAAAAAAQ-AAAAAA

rt rt rt
t fe (»

'CO'

;&, A A A A

cq d d
¦ph eo eo
cm 10 10

...--...»... fe> °i
:s:s:ss--"s: p? . «
^t?;rt
-dpd rtpd.flpdj fe _
TiH'Sdtl3*^S,*p,S ojpd
mSmmmcotoSecococooSS u.S>oy«.»MwMB03MrtH!q

.4 +3 p-. pd jh _a _a +3 43
3d u. d 43 -£3 -3 rjs cq cq
A1_l£2SLC3lCDlOrHrH^CNCNCNph— IrHCNCN

CQ CQ CQ
rH rH rH
CN CN CN

a" a" a" a" mmm<< < < < < ^ flW w w w w a" a" a" a" a" a" a" a"

W'p^o
CO . CD rt W
_^ d hn ¦

60 1

w g^pH CQ

:w

CDfS cDpS d
^0<prtrtloa-HTc?^
•=H ]>,•„ — ! -H d

© -.
rQ h
Th ©

IS

©

"S -fl
psps

CD pd
ft os
a0,
J.-S
p3.a

. ca ¦
W<J
d d"
o 0 .
- o ,

O

w

d
co a ,
"a W,

i^J

r— r- * ©
IZJAa.— • hhh-
- . 'd p? a * p0
(HgteCOrgfeflg^-
r. O " _•*"* " - O ©
S* i fe S* rt 0 fe* I ^
flnSSflOOfl-SS
43 _43 rt 43 DO H 43 -»a ,j3
_  . _rfll-flrtr3rtrtrflrfl"©

-1 a
rt rt
rrM
pH ©
© ©
13 ¦"©
pSpS
psjs

CD <ti
60rt CQ
o tf
Pk a
O o
d
pO-H la"
S £
.3 Si
isps

rtW

psps

278

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

d I
r*

43>1a
/h ©
rt bO
GQ 03
S- +3

•c1 rt
l> ©
s a
""•&
13 g

H g
CD ^

+3 K*4343+34343434343
flfe»flflflflflflOa
CO . d CDCDCDCDCOCDCOCO
agajs | a, a bb
"5b rt *5!b'5b'5b'ivC*feb*5b'bb Sb
03H3030J05Q3Q3©©©fH^rHrHrHHrHfHrtrt
3 ^33333333
•geg'g'g'g'g'g'g'g'g

43 43 43 43
fl fl fl fl
© © © ©
asaa

¦g'g'g'g

w

o

©

ca

a
pp

fl

W

. a _; rt
goH.flp-
g I

A

co co rt
js =s a
h So
gwirt

rt£0

CD Cp.
Ph5» O

fill
P^rtfl

d
ca

5 a
tf .2
.fefl fl.
HH --

03Kn©i_^_!^^^<D®<D©a303©a3a3©a5a3©
*3 PV-t-rv-Sl. rt4343434343434343434343434343434j5

03 © ©
43 43 43
oi as oi
fe fe fe
'E *E *E rt
AAAA rtA.„A.jHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
d Ph

^Idlpfl

QSaSasasoioSaSaSQiai
fefefefefefefep»t>p. E '.E "_E '_E "_E '_E '_E "E "E

o
O

CO
w

CN CN CN CN

,a Hfl pd -a
+3 +3 +3 .43
iO IO
CN CN

A

d -d d d d "^i
co co co co co c*3
o o io io io d
_eo
a" a" a" a" w" < w" w" w" W" < ¦< ¦< < 3 oi" oi" A" oj" <tj" < <j" <ej" -jh" <T r^-

•d io io
CN CN CN

dd coddddddd-d
coeorHCOcoeoeoeocoeOp!flOiOCNiOiOiOiOiOiOioJo

CO

a

<iw

I CQpS
tH «=-2 b
& sip.
+3 pd s -d
la ^pflO
"E pd ja ja

Igoqapq

aSS
.« CQ" .
pd pd .-d
+3 . — i a

WW
.a 2
O g
fe^OCD
3 CO

W
a -
CD CD
Wpg

31

w 8° S a
Wpi

© ©
© '©
© ©
rfl rfl

13=.
bo
fl --fl

pO a s
8 a

pdC+J

ed
pS fDp

-h rt ps|
fe -H

¦eW

CO

srtw
CD p p
43 fe^S

"pHpdpd_dpd.drtca'^dca-a eo-fl-dpOpdpdrd'tf 5 5 c 5 o 5 3 "5

rH "-> --
wofe
J^ fcA'-fl
O fl rt
£-o ps
+3 d d
ooocd o c
ps£!s

CDbO

CD co E£ l-H
rM -^ &
• O p CO CD o
re fe^bo,4- 8
^ Srtfeo
' O -H
O O- !H 43
o.oo -

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

279

^.5 T}
© ©
1 1

CO fl

l-*f> ^P+3+3+3434343
irt>*flflflflflfl.©.Th ©©©©©©
! .13. 1.1 .§¦§¦! J
)©EQ.Q03©©©©I h^ h H rt h Pi rl
\3 ph rS 3 3 3 3 3
: fS eg 'g 'g 'g 'g 'g 'g

.* 43 43 43
£» fl fl fl
.Ih © © ©
3 .1 .1 .1
"tf 60 6D bD
CQ CD CD CD
p3 pH pH tH
pdpd pd
pH 43 43 43

H=l

¦g-g'g

CD CD .
.2.2 fe>
fe fe .d
pH pH d
CD co -a
CQ CQ -P tf
e.-. ep, co
o old,
-HpHOM M«
CD CD

phCDCD a

flfl

..a
03 03 03 © © 2r 03 03 03 03 © ©
-*34343 43'43fl4343434343-»_J
rt rt rt rt rt uy cs oi as as as oi
.£.£; > > > > > >>>,.%
"rH "-H '£ "rH "iH 43 '£ *rH *iH ' S ' !H " -H

Oi

CO

00

oi
Oi
CI
tf
fe
fe
fe
fe
JH Ph t- Ph
AAP-fl
d
co
bDCD ;
fl
¦^ *-t^ "^ "^ "^ "^.
¦ CQ ¦
IPs'
w'wwwww ^" w^^w
££g333333££'M3£ $ft
!ototo'*"cti"*,*-*,*eoio^tiio an
"ph° -
W«
w"w"w"W"w"W WWW of a"
fe, 60 . O)
-ifl 65 fl
¦a oW
flrS^3
d vS -5 "*
+3
^w'w'w"
i co
oi
iS
k_ I ' I
ps ! !fl
p-ts
CD ^
a co
P o
a a
M 8
<tJHJ
»:¦¦?
d 3
p^-S
¦d pO
ptd ,0
rd.o
rt CO
££
(SES
bo
d
W;
flfl
ca d
I a
'pS ¦
fl dW
a-i p
pP
^dflCOrtpflo^ .tf I
jS^l^W-d||^
•3 -tHr- I £ .. JjXcjW.S
p?Jw rt
CD ^H . tfps
a
2.2^
a J
w
JJ » o
pd ca
pd.d
iSiS
. o
d a
tsps^
o a
© O
cf£^WH
a h- -a" s -
Idol's,
pspst
ojo CO CO
d co
• d tf
^ — •d
pa ea .a
280

FITCHBURG IN THE REBELLION.

_5rtt=> A Wo EH l-H w oH fi EHl-H P rto EH w>EHI— I
APCQ

p= . 3
gl_ TO
ifl ¦_" fl
J Op'q

a 'fe
1 3
r, JH M
© b*. ©
6 court's
§ s 1 1^
W s -a fl d

Ph c! PH
O Q

¦§
A

d
ph °
d - at
w W1-
So||
fe fe d
2 o2 rt
a ca «
OEH<!

I

w rt- S
a I. g
go
h d gPjO"
« £0^
Ph TT": 
0 .55 "« 8
b S S "e
R .§. ^ e ..
co 1? £ I "
EH i^
P HH H
ce

- \7L.
d (T
53 pd
P -SPpbrtplrt., Art!i
¦tf co co h
d a a p2
oj tf tf M
Adtc W

ts

jj^''*

1111 0 -
pis 60 fl
S a o
« -3 £
ss§i*, ¦ Sed
^rtgp2
fe fl a d
o pa cq pa
ao o o o
Cihbb

-- s g

r

a
s z ~f>

B-l

«

1 p. o
pApS'^
pSg"!
- Ti " fl

rt-l^rt

a

_ - . a fe>
°H fl _tl P>
S-|W-d g
p?r?ci.o!K

J

?pS
kfec<2

a cj B
¦pa •«* -pi
a Se.
Si 2 s -
5

-ci| o

d ca d
o _
a -3 'sA

fl JD .
O O CD
Sl2 d
ca*"- S
fl &w
fl43-§

- o?
* pE

cd a p.
a -f tf

CD
-h Q3
Srt4CD TS

w

fei^ dvS
' f§a
' CQ l—l
a a 2 « «
- § a a °

O s- CS
-)p=|-.

^H

'SI

! -Is
. pS «* '
P-? CO 8'

pg

pJ,C*i

S" a" «
.a E a
h_LrS
- ° a
a BpS
[> tf o
p> 1-5 l-S

ca

I^Jflrtb
rt 2.2-S g'
3tt V— I O r-H
i-sawflof

I"
B"B B
.5\_p§
^Si_
1,-3
• p^ -
i«s
a 8 &!
14 d oo
s 2 ¦«
p-H .a a
<!EhA
- - ©
gpp?-s (a-
JlV^flrtf C s° 3 a
ca tf pd s.
A Ao(>
tT A
3 o
5b a
fl -d
os a .-
*p?a s p?a
OO^
a
I
ErgpgS^S
p . a d p&'S
p£OoPd«
a -g co a i
60 ca bo 60
,'a^ §
3 g cTcT^rl
CD d CD CD -g pd
OWOOi-iO
CONTENTS.
Opening Scenes and Action of the Town,  -  --_ 7
History op the Second Regiment,  -_ 15
" " " Fifteenth Kegiment,  22
" " " Twenty-First Regiment, -  36
" " " Twenty-Fifth Regiment,  47
" " " Thirty-Sixth Regiment,  62
" " " Fifty-Third Regiment,  71
" '" " Fifty-Seventh Regiment,  91
" " " Fourth Heavy Artillery,

Call for Three Months Troops, 1862,  -¦-S-'Sh
The Draft,  ^____ 

102 106

Draft of 1863, Draft of 1864, Substitutes, Eepresentative Recruits, &c.
Relief to Soldiers and Families,   114
Soldiers' Aid Society, Soldiers' Relief Committee, After Ball's Bluff,
After Roanoke Island, After Antietam, After Fredericksburg,
After Gettysburg, The Wilderness, Petersburg, Correspondence.

Our Patriot Dead,  148
Roll of Dead, Obituary Notices of F. A. Hildreth, C. S. Simonds, John
Murkland, Geo. C. Taylor, Ai D. Osborne, Geo. B. Simonds, John
M. Whittemore, Henry A. Beckwith, C. E. Tolman, C. E. Upton,
F. H. Sibley, Geo. E. Marshall, Geo. G. Nutting, F. L. Works,
H. S. "Woodbury, Geo. H. Bailey, E. P. Farwell, J. H. Kendall,
Joseph W. Gird, S. F. Marshall, Joseph Lowe, Josiah C. Trask,
Fred. Kimball.
Soldiers' Fdnerals,  178
Capt. C. S. Simonds, Lieut. H. A. Beckwith, Lieut. George G. Nutting,
Lieut. Fred H. Sibley, Captains Bailey and Taft, Sergt. Marshall,
Privates Farwell, Stuart and Kendall, Lieut. Col. G. E. Marshall.
36

282 CONTENTS.
In Prison  189
Notices of John H. Prichard, Chas. E. Goodrich, Wm. T. Peabody
H. K. Hill, Geo. P. Cotting, W. H. Hayden, Cyrus Putnam,
" Recollections of Andersonville," "Life in the South."
Reception of Regiments,  — 203
Reception' of Fifty-third, Reception of Fifteenth.
Town Action, Poblic Meetings, Incidents, Correspondence^ &c, 211
Resolutions, Summary of Expenses, Soldiers' Monument, Rejoicing
and Mourning, Public Meeting, "The Escape, "Correspon
dence, &c.
Conclusion,  244
Roster of Commissioned Officers,  250
Roll of Fitchburg Soldiers  253

n

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
To the Adjutant General of the State for the use of the Reports and records
of his office; to the proprietors of the "Sentinel" and " Reveille," for free
access to their flies ; to Captain Miles of the Board of Selectmen, for valuable
assistance, and to many officers, soldiers and others who have given impor
tant information, the compiler tenders his grateful acknowledgements.

>:¦• m

, ¦>.

mm

RH

I