Civil War

North Adams and the American Civil War

The following was an article written in The Adams Transcript, Thursday, July 4, 1878. It was an "EXTRA" to coincide with the "Dedication of the Soldiers' Monument."

The Town of Adams in the War of the Rebellion

Adams has a record for patriotism during the war of the rebellion of which her citizens may be justly proud. The number of soldiers sent to the war was unusually large in proportion to the size of the town, and yet the amount paid for bounties was smaller than that of almost any other town in the Commonwealth. The men, for the most part, enlisted out of pure patriotism, and in the early part of the war waited impatiently, in readiness to depart at any moment, for the summons that should call them to the scene of conflict. When the news of the firing on Fort Sumter was received the feeling was intense. The local military company went into camp and training at once, public meetings were held and eloquent, patriotic speeches made, business was generally suspended, money was freely contributed to equip the soldiers, and the universally expressed sentiment was that the war was inevitable and that Adams should do her share in carrying it on. The first man to enlist was Wells B. Mitchell. He went to Pittsfield on the morning of the 18th of April, and as he stepped off the train heard of the firing on Sumter. He immediately enlisted in the Allen Guard of Pittsfield, which was ordered to leave town for Washington that very night, took the next train for Adams, where the news which electrified the nation had just been received, had barely time to make a few preparations, and then in company with Daniel D. Clark of this village and W. H. Montgomery of South Adams, returned to Pittsfield, the latter men also enlisting in the Allen Guard.

After the departure of Company B for the war, a town meeting was held, the record of which will be read with special interest at this time. The town committee made this report of the expenditures for equipping the company and sending them into camp at Springfield: Paid for cloth for uniforms, $700.00; flannel for shirts, $150.03; shoes, $115.20; caps, $76.05; making and trimming uniforms, $707.00; boarding soldiers,$954.02; soldiers while drilling, $858.53; Captain Smart as drill master, $70.00; tickets to Springfield, $126.00; incidental expenses, $102.93; soldiers and families, South Adams, $30.00; total, $3889.76. It was voted "That the care of the families of the volunteers for this town be consigned to the selectmen of the town, in whom we have that confidence as will secure a proper regard for the comfort over and above the allowance provided by law, and the Selectmen are hereby authorized to use the funds or moneys of the town to such an amount as they shall deem necessary for that purpose." It was also "Resolved, that all and above the sum allowed by the town of Adams, to the families of volunteers in the United States service, be considered as a gift to said families, the idea of charity being entirely discarded."

In the first year of the war every regiment had its full band, and Hodge's band of this village, for a long time a leading musical organization in Western Massachusetts, was selected to "mark the time and cadence the step" of the Tenth Regiment. The band was made up of genial, good fellows, whose enlivening strains relieved many a tedious hour of camp and march. The band was mustered into the service the same date as the regiment, June 21, 1861, but having some engagements on hand it was not permanently attached to the regiment until July 9, 1861. The company continued its service with the Tenth until August 11, 1862, when an order from the war department mustered out all regimental bands, the finances of the country at this time not allowing the expenditure of any money except what was necessary to carry on the vigorous prosecution of the war. The band arrived home at North Adams, Thursday, August 16, 1862. In the winter of 1863, while General Eustis? brigade, of which the Tenth Regiment formed a part, was encamped at Brandy Station, VA, the band was reorganized, under the leadership of Burdick A. Stewart, and February 4, 1864, again went to the front as the band of Eustis' brigade. Shortly after its arrival at Brandy Station, Stewart died, and as the band could not agree upon a permanent leader to fill his place, they soon returned to Massachusetts.

The history of the Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society, who give the monument to the town, and their work in sending supplies, etc., is given in the oration by James T. Robinson.

North Adams had for some years kept up a military organization known as the "Greylock Infantry," and this company formed the nucleus or rallying point for the young men of Adams and vicinity who responded to the first call for volunteers. Early in April, the local newspaper made an earnest appeal to the citizens of North Adams to subscribe, liberally, funds to equip and furnish the home company for active service. In response to this appeal, the business firms and citizens contributed five thousand six hundred and thirty-four dollars in aid of the object. For much of the information following we are indebted to Captain Newell's history of the Tenth Regiment.

Tuesday, April 30, Major William M. Brown presided at an election of officers, assisted by Major J. Q. Robinson and Lieutenant S. T. Rogers, and the following was the choice: Captain, Elisha Smart; first lieutenant, Samuel C. Traver; second lieutenant, L. W. Goddard; third lieutenant, J. W. Mallory; fourth lieutenant, William Briggs. The company voted to call themselves the "Johnson Grays" in honor of Mr. Sylvander Johnson, the chairman of the town committee, whose liberality had done much towards perfecting the organization and keeping up the spirits of the men, while waiting for the call for active service. On Saturday, May 4, the company went into camp on the lot just north of the old brick factory owned by Arnold & Ray. A large crowd gathered upon the occasion, and after the raising of the colors, speeches were made by General A. A. Richmond and M. F. Adams, who received three cheers each from the company. Cannon were fired, and the soldiers went through their drill exercises and stationed their guards. The camp was named Camp Johnson, after their townsman and patron, Sylvander Johnson. The volunteers in camp were amply provided for by the town committee. One noticeable feature of the camp was the total absence of intoxicating liquors; neither the soldiers or outside parties were allowed to bring any into camp, and some parties detected in smuggling some in were summarily dealt with by the officers. The Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society made the flannel shirts for the company in Burlingame & Ray's Hall. The volunteers made frequent marches through the streets of North Adams, kindling the military flame in the breasts of the young men of the town, and exciting universal praise for their increasing perfection in military maneuvers. On Friday, June 7, the guards were furnished with their new uniforms, and the same day their rifles were ordered to Boston for inspection, but in reality to arm some of the eastern regiments being equipped for the war. On the following morning, at the invitation of the citizens of South Adams, the company marched down to that place. They were met, one mile this side, by a delegation of citizens of the town, three hundred strong under the lead of General Plunkett with martial music, who received them with cheers, and escorted them into the village which was alive with a large and eager crowd who extended a hearty welcome. B. F. Phillips & Co. had their store windows trimmed with the national colors and dealt out to the soldier's large quantities of lemonade. After marching through the principal streets, they were escorted to the audience room of the Methodist Episcopal Church, where General Plunkett made them a speech of welcome. Repairing to the vestry, a row of tables, groaning beneath their weight of substantial food, greeted the guards, who with a number of citizens of the town, made the inner man rejoice at the success of the ladies in cookery. After the repast, the company were called to order by General Plunkett, who called out Rev. E. T. Hunt, who spoke pleasantly to the soldiers, and was followed by excellent remarks from Rev. John Tatlock. J. N. Dunham referred to the fact that some of the volunteers might never return from the war, and pledged them that the town would hold their memory dear and support and encourage those they should leave behind. Hon. E. F. Jenks made some interesting remarks; Dwight Cole, just returned from the South, gave a fine sentiment, and General Plunket made a witty and appropriate speech. Captain Smart, in response to the kind welcome of his hosts, said he had always heard the people of South Adams well spoken of, but he must confess his disappointment at the whole-souled and hospitable treatment experienced by his company and himself at their hands that day. He promised them that while they should care for those they left behind, the Johnson Grays should maintain the good name of the town abroad. It was voted, amid deafening cheers, that Captain Smart and his company be invited to dine with the citizens of South Adams, on their return from the war, and funds were immediately raised, by the citizens present, to pay the fares on the cars of the soldiers on their return to North Adams. After once more marching through the streets, and showing their proficiency in drill, they marched to the depot and took the cars for home. The next day, in the forenoon, Rev. Mr. Sanford preached the soldiers an excellent sermon, at the Baptist Church. The company and audience listened with deep interest to the remarks of the pastor, who concluded with a touching appeal to them to put their trust in God, and the right. At the close of the sermon, the choir sang the national hymn, "My country 'tis of thee," in which the audience joined. In the afternoon, the Grays attended the Methodist Church, and were eloquently and touchingly addressed by Rev. Mr. Jutkins.

On Monday, June 10, in the forenoon, the Grays marched up to the Beaver Mill and received and gave three cheers. On returning through the Union, the company was presented a fine, gilt-edged Bible by Mrs. O. Arnold. Captain Smart responded by saying that they would endeavor to prove themselves worthy of the gift, and the company gave three cheers for the locality. In the afternoon the company had a drill on Sylvander Johnson & Co.'s grounds. In the evening, Mr. Johnson gave them a supper at his residence. Messrs. Rogers and Keyes, with ladies, sang the "Star-Spangled Banner," and Charles H. Williams made a speech in behalf of their host. Mrs. Johnson presented each man with a nice towel, at the close of the exercises. On Wednesday, June 12 in the afternoon, the ladies of the town gave the Grays a collation on the lot of Charles O. Hall. The same afternoon came the order from Governor Andrew for the company to go into camp on Hampden Park, Springfield, on Friday, June 14, 1861. Thursday afternoon, June 13, the ladies on Church Hill spread tables in front of the Congregational Church, to which the soldiers repaired, and partook of the good things prepared. At the close of the feasting, Rev. Mr. Sanford addressed the soldiers in eloquent and touching remarks as he presented them with the farewell gifts of the ladies and society, which consisted of a handkerchief, havelock, Testament and a small bag which contained sundry articles of convenience for use while in camp. He said that all the ladies asked in return for their gifts was, that the soldiers behave themselves like men, and be true to the good old flag, which though trailed in the dust at Sumpter, would soon wave again.

Friday morning, June 14, a great crowd collected on the grounds of the Pittsfield & North Adams Railroad Company, to bid the Grays a final good-bye as they were to leave on the first train. The soldiers made their appearance, ninety-four in number, headed by Hodges' band, and took their seats in the cars and were off amid the cheers of the assemblage. At South Adams the arrival of the train was hailed with great demonstrations, firing of guns and singing. As the cars left the citizens gave them a hearty round of cheers. At Cheshire, a large crowd was present on the arrival of the train, and made patriotic demonstrations. At Pittsfield, the company formed and marched through the streets. At eight o'clock they again took the cars, and bidding all good-bye, left for their rendezvous in Springfield. At Springfield they were received by six companies, already arrived, and escorted to their barracks on the Park.

From the arrival of Company B, on Hampden Park until the close of its eventful service, its history will be found in the chronicles of the Regiment, Company B bearing its honorable share in the fortunes of the Tenth. At Fair Oaks, it lost its gallant commander, Smart, and in that, and subsequent engagements of the war, gave its full proportion of martyrs to the cause for which they fought.

Saturday evening, June 25, 1864, the following survivors of Company B returned to their homes in Adams, having served out their term of enlistment: William Hazlett, Charles E. Jewett, Alexander Perry, Simon B. Cotton, Jerry Leary, John W. Pike, Charles N. Pike, George Long, Henry K. Harris, John Reilly, John C. Atwood, William E. Briggs, Thomas Maginley, Chas. Van Valkenburg. Of the balance, some had been previously discharged for disease, some had re-enlisted for further service, and many, alas, "slept the sleep that knows no waking until the great reveille."

UNION MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS

These are the movements and battles of the Regiments the North Adams soldiers were a part of.

8th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry (3 months, 1861) Militia

One of the first four Regiments to respond to the call after opening of hostilities. Gathered at Boston April 16, 1861. Left State for Washington April 18. Moved from Philadelphia to Annapolis, Md., via Perryville, April 20-21: thence march to Washington, D. C., April 24-26, and duty there till May 15. At Relay House till July 29. Moved to Boston July 29-30, and mustered out August 1, 1861.

8th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry (100 days, 1864) Militia

Organized at Readville July 13 to 26, 1864. Left State for Baltimore, Md., July 26. Attached to 3rd Separate Brigade, 8th Army Corps, Middle Department.

SERVICE.-Camp at Mankin's Woods till August 15. Company "B" on duty at hospitals August 12 to October 28. Companies "A" to "K" on Provost duty in Baltimore August 12 to October 28. Companies "D," "E," "G" and "H" at Camp Bradford, near Baltimore. Draft Rendezvous for Maryland and Delaware August 12 to October 28. Companies "C," "F" and "I" guard Northern Central Railroad. Headquarters at Cockeyville, Md., August 15 to September 25, then at Camp Bradford. Moved to Massachusetts October 28, and mustered out November 10, 1864.

Lost by disease 4 Enlisted men.

10th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry

Organized at Springfield June 21, 1861. Moved to Washington, D. C., July 25-28. Attached to Couch's Brigade, Division of the Potomac, to October, 1861. Couch's Brigade, Buell's (Keyes') Division, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to September, 1862. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Army Corps, to October, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Army (Corps, to January, 1864. 4th Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Army Corps, to July, 1864.

SERVICE.-Duty at Kalorama Heights and Camp Brightwood, Defences of Washington, D. C., till March, 1862. March to Prospect Hill, Va., March 11-15. Embarked at Alexandria for the Peninsula, Virginia, March 25. Siege of Yorktown April 5-May 4. Battle of Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, May 31-June 1. Seven days before Richmond June 25-July 1. Oak Grove, near Seven Pines, June 25. White Oak Swamp June 30. Malvern Hill July 1. At Ball's Bluff till August 16. Reconnoissance to Turkey Island August 5-6, and to Haxall's Landing August 8-11. Movement to Alexandria August 16-September 1, thence march into Maryland September 3-18. Battle of Antietam September 18. At Downsville September 18-October 20. Movement to Stafford C. H. October 20-November 18, and to Belle Plains December 5. Battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 12-15. "Mud March" January 20-24, 1863.Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Operations at Franklin's Crossing April 29-May 2. Maryes Heights, Fredericksburg, May 3. Salem Heights May 3-4. Banks' Ford May 4. Franklin's Crossing June 6-7. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2-4. Bristoe Campaign October 9-22. Rappahannock StationNovember 7. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. At Brandy Station till May 1, 1864. Reconnoissanee to Madison C. H. February 27-March 2. Rapidan Campaign May-June. Battles of theWilderness May 5-7. Spottsylvania May 8-12. Spottsylvania C. H. May 12-21. Assault on the Salient at Spottsylvania C. H. May 12. North Anna River May 23-26. Line of the Pamunkey June 26-28.Totopotomoy May 28-31. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Before Petersburg June 17-19. Ordered home for muster out June 19. Mustered out July 6, 1864.

Regiment lost during service 10 Officers and 124 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 55 Enlisted men by disease. Total 190.

17th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry

Organized at Lynnfield July 22, 1861. Left State for Baltimore, Md., August 23. Attached to Dix's Command, Baltimore, Md., to March, 1862. Foster's 1st Brigade, Burnside's Expeditionary Corps, to April, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Dept. of North Carolina, to December, 1862. Amory's Brigade, Dept. of North Carolina, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 18th Army Corps, Dept. of North Carolina, to July, 1863. Defences of New Berne, N. C., Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, to July, 1864. Sub-District of Beaufort, N. C., Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, to January, 1865. Sub-District of Beaufort, N. C., Dept. of North Carolina, to March, 1865. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Beaufort, N. C., Dept. of North Carolina, to March, 1865. 1st Brigade, Division District of Beaufort, to April, 1865. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 23rd Army Corps, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.-Duty at Baltimore, Md., till March, 1862. Ordered to New Berne, N. C., March 12, and duty there till December. Reconnoissance toward Trenton May 15-16. Trenton Bridge May 15. Trenton and Pollocksville Road May 22 (Co. "I"). Expedition to Trenton and Pollocksville July 24-28. Demonstration on New Berne November 11. Foster's Expedition to Goldsboro December 11-20. Kinston December 14. Whitehall December 16. Goldsboro December 17. Provost duty at and near New Berne till April, 1863. March to relief of Washington, N. C., April 7-10. Blount's Creek April 9. Expedition to Washington April 17-19. Expedition toward Kinston April 27-May 1. Wise's Cross Roads and Dover Road April 28. Expedition to Thenton July 4-8. Quaker Bridge July 6. Raid on Weldon July 25-August 1. Duty at New Berne till February, 1864. Operations about New Berne against Whiting January 18-February 10, 1864. Skirmishes at Beech Creek and Batchelor's Creek February 1-3. Expedition to Washington April 18-22. Washington April 27-28. Duty at New Berne and vicinity till July 27, and at Newport Barracks till September 23. Veterans on furlough till November 10. Duty at Newport Barracks November 20, 1864, to March 4, 1865. Moved to Core Creek. Battle of Wise¿s Fork March 8-10, 1865. Occupation of Kinston March 15. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21. Advance on Raleigh April 9-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Duty at Greensboro May 5-July 11. Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C., July 11, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 21 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 4 Officers and 147 Enlisted men by disease. Total 172.

20th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry

Organized at Readville August 29 to September 4, 1861. Left State for Washington, D. C., September 4. Attached to Ladder's Brigade, Division of the Potomac, to October, 1861. Lander's Brigade, Stone's (Sedgwick's) Division, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1864. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.-Moved to Poolesville, Md., September 12-15, 1861. Guard duty along Upper Potomac till December. Operations on the Potomac October 21-24. Action at Ball's Bluff October 21. Near Edwards' Ferry October 22. Moved to Muddy Branch December 4, and duty there till March 12, 1862. Moved to Harper's Ferry, thence to Charlestown and Berryville, March 12-15. Ordered to Washington, D. C., March 24, and to the Peninsula March 27. Siege of Yorktown April 5-May 4. West Point May 7-8. Battle of Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, May 31-June 1. Seven days before Richmond June 25-July 1. Oak Grove, near Fair Oaks, June 25. Sappony Church and Savage Station July 29. White Oak Swamp andGlendale June 30. Malvern Hill July 1 and August 5. At Ball's Bluff till August 15. Movement to Alexandria August 15-28, thence march to Fairfax C. H. August 28-31. Cover retreat of Pope's army from Bull Run August 31-September 1. Maryland Campaign September-October. South Mountain, Md., September 14 (Reserve). Battle of Antietam September 16-17. Moved to Harper's Ferry September 22, and duty there till October 30. Reconnoissance to Charlestown October 16-17. Advance up Loudon Valley and movement to Falmouth, Va., October 30-November 17. Battles of Fredericksburg December 11-15. (Forlorn hope to cross Rappahannock December 11.) Duty at Falmouth till April.Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Maryes Heights, Fredericksburg, May 3. Salem Heights May 3-4. Gettysburg (Pa.) Campaign June 11-July 24. Battle of Gettysburg July 2-4. Advance from the Rappahannock to the Rapidan September 13-17. Bristoe Campaign October 9-22. Bristoe StationOctober 14. Advance to line of the Rappahannock November 7-8. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. Demonstration on the Rapidan February 6-7, 1864. At Stevensburg till May. Campaign from the Rapidan to the James May-June. Battles of the Wilderness May 5-7. Laurel Hill May 8. Spottsylvania May 8-12. Po River May 10. Spottsylvania C. H. May 12-21. Assault on the Salient May 12. North Anna River May 23-26. Line of the Pamunkey May 26-28. Totopotomoy May 28-31. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Before Petersburg June 16-18. Siege of Petersburg June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865.Jerusalem Plank Road June 22-23, 1864. Demonstration north of the James July 27-29. Deep BottomJuly 27-28. Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, August 14-18. Ream's Station August 25. Boydton Plank Road, Hatcher's Run, October 27-28. Dabney's Mills, Hatcher's Run, February 5-7, 1865. Watkins' House March 25. Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9. Crow's House March 31. Fall of PetersburgApril 2. Sailor's Creek April 6. High Bridge and Cumberland Church April 7. Appomattox C. H. April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. At Burkesville till May 2. March to Washington, D. C., May 2-15. Grand Review May 23. Duty at Washington till July 15. Mustered out July 16 and discharged July 28, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 17 Officers and 243 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 148 Enlisted men by disease. Total 409.

21st Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry

Organized at Worcester July 19 to August 19, 1861. Moved to Baltimore, Md., August 23-25; thence to Annapolis, Md., August 29; and duty there till January 6, 1862. Attached to Reno's 2nd Brigade, Burnside's Expeditionary Corps, to April, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Dept. of North Carolina, to July, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to April, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th Army Corps, Dept. of the Ohio, to June, 1863. Unassigned, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps, Dept. of the Ohio, to October, 1863. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th Army Corps, Dept. of the Ohio, to April, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to June, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Army Corps, to September, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Army Corps, to October, 1864.

SERVICE.--Burnside's Expedition to Hatteras Inlet January 6-February 7, 1862. Battle of Roanoke Island February 8. At Roanoke Island till March 11. Moved to New Berne March 11-13. Battle of New Berne March 14. Expedition to Elizabeth City April 17-19. Battle of South Mills, South Mills, April 19. Duty at New Berne till July 6. Expedition to Pollocksville to relief of 2nd Maryland, May 17. Moved to Newport News, Va, July 6-9; thence to Fredericksburg August 2-4. March to relief of Gen. Pope August 12-15. Pope's Campaign in Northern Virginia August 16-September 2. Battles of ManasassAugust 29. Bull Run August 30, and Chantilly September 1. Maryland Campaign September-October. Battles of South Mountain September 14, and Antietam September 16-17. At Pleasant Valley, Md., till October 27. Movement to Falmouth, Va., October 27-November 17. Warrenton, Sulphur Springs, November 15. Battle of Fredericksburg December 12-15. "Mud March" January 20-24. 1863. At Falmouth till February 19. Moved to Newport News, Va., and duty there till March 26. Moved to Covington, Ky., March 26-April 1. At Paris, Ky. April 1-5. At Mt. Sterling till July 6, and at Camp Nelson till September 12. March to Knoxville September 12-20. Operations in East Tennessee October 22-November 4. Knoxville Campaign November 4-December 23. Campbell's Station December 16. Siege of Knoxville November 17-December 4. Pursuit of Longstreet December 5-29. Re-fenlisted December 29. Veterans absent on furlough January to March, 1864. Moved to Annapolis, Md., and join 9th Army Corps. Campaign from the Rapidan to the James May-June. Battles of the Wilderness May 5-7. Spottsylvania May 8-12. Ny River May 10. Spottsylvania Court House May 12-21. Assault on the Salient May 12. North Anna River May 23-26. North Anna May 24. Line of the Pamunkey May 26-28.Totopotomoy May 28-31. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Bethesda Church June 1-3. Before Petersburg June 16-18. Siege of Petersburg June 16-October 21. Mine Explosion, Petersburg, July 30. Non-Veterans left front August 18 and mustered out August 30, 1864. Weldon Railroad August 18-21. Poplar Springs Church, Peeble's Farm, September 29-October 2. Veterans and Recruits transferred to 36th Massachusetts Infantry October 21, 1864.

Regiment lost during service 11 Officers and 148 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 89 Enlisted men by disease. Total 250.

24th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry

Organized at Readville September to December, 1861. Left State for Annapolis, Md., December 9, 1861. Attached to Foyer's 1st Brigade, Burnside's Expeditionary Corps. to April, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Dept. of North Carolina, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 4th Divison, 18th Army Corps, Dept. of North Carolina, to February, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 18th Army Corps, Dept. of the South, to April, 1863. Stevenson's Brigade, Seabrook Island, S. C., 10th Army Corps, Dept. of the South, to July, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Morris Island, S. C., 10th Army Corps, Dept. of the South, July, 1863. 3rd Brigade, Morris Island, S. C., 10th Army Corps, to September, 1863. St. Augustine, Fla., Dept. of the South, to February, 1864. Jacksonville, Fla., Dept. of the South, February, 1864. 1st Brigade, Hodges' Division, District of Florida, Dept. of the South, to April, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 10th Army Corps, Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, to May, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 10th Army Corps, to December, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 24th Army Corps, Dept. of Virginia, to July, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 24th Army Corps, to August, 1865. Dept. of Virginia to January, 1866.

SERVICE.-Burnside's Expedition to Hatteras Inlet and Roanoke Island, N. C., January 6-February 7, 1862. Battles of Roanoke Island February 8. Expedition to Columbia March 8-9, and to New Berne, N. C., March 11-13. Battle of New Berne March 14. Guard, picket and outpost duty at New Berne till January 22, 1863. Reconnoissance toward Beaufort and Expedition to Washington March 20-21, 1862. Company "A" ordered to Washington May 1, and Company "C" to same point May 12. Action atTranter's Creek June 5. Action at Washington September 6. Expedition from New Berne November 2-12. Rawle's Mills November 2. Demonstration on New Berne November 11. Foster's Expedition to Goldsboro December 11-20. Kinston December 14. Whitehall December 16. Goldsboro December 17. Moved from New Berne to Hilton Head, S. C., January 22-31, 1863; thence to St. Helena Island, S. C., February 9, and duty there till March 27. Moved to Seabrook Island, S. C., March 27-28, and duty there till July 6. Expedition to and operations on James Island, S. C., July 9-16. Battle ofSecessionville July 16. Assault on Fort Wagner, Morris Island, S. C., July 18. (Cos. "C," "E," "F" and "I" remained at Seabrook Island till July 16.) Siege of Fort Wagner and Charleston Harbor, Morris Island, July 18-September 7. Assault on Rifle Pits August 26. Capture of Forts Wagner and Gregg September 7. Moved to St. Augustine, Fla., September 30-October 4, and duty there till February, 1864. Reconnoissance to St. Johns River November 7-9, 1863. Skirmish near St. Augustine December 30 (Detachment). Veterans on furlough February to April, 1864. Non-Veterans moved to Jacksonville, Fla., February 18, and Provost duty there till April 24. Moved to Gloucester Point, Va., April 24-May 1. Butler operations on south side of James River and against Petersburg and Richmond May 4-28. Port Walthal Junction, Chester Station, May 7. Swift Creek May 9-10. Operations against Fort Darling May 12-16. Drewry's Bluff May 15-16. Bermuda Hundred line May 16-June 20. Port Walthal June 16-17. Siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond June 16, 1864, to April 2, 1865. At Deep Bottom June to August, 1864. Demonstration north of James July 27-28. Strawberry Plains, Deep Bottom, August 14-18. Before Petersburg August 28-September 26. Chaffin's Farm, New Market Heights, September 28-30. Darbytown and Deep Bottom October 7. Reconnoissance on Darbytown Road October 13. Non-Veterans mustered out December 4, 1864. Duty at Four-Mile Church before Richmond till December 18, and at Bermuda Hundred till April 8, 1865. Guard duty at Richmond, Va., till January, 1866. Mustered out January 20, 1866.

Regiment lost during service 7 Officers and 90 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 122 Enlisted men by disease. Total 220.

27th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry

Organized at Springfield and mustered in September 20, 1861. Moved to Annapolis, Md., November 2-5, and duty there till January 6, 1862. Attached to Foster's 1st Brigade, Burnside's Expeditionary Corps, to April, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Dept. of North Carolina, to July, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to August, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Dept. of North Carolina, to November, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Dept. of North Carolina, to December, 1862. Lee's Brigade, Dept. of North Carolina, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 18th Army Corps, Dept, of North Carolina, to June, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Defences of New Berne, N. C., to October, 1863. Heckman's Brigade, Newport News, Va., Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, to January, 1864. Unattached, United States Forces, Portsmouth, Va., Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, to March, 1864. 2nd Brigade, United States Forces, Portsmouth, Va., to April, 1864. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 18th Army Corps, Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, to September, 1864. District of Beaufort, N. C., Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, to January, 1865. Sub-District, New Berne, N. C., Dept. of North Carolina, to March, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Beaufort, Dept. of North Carolina, to March, 1865. District of New Berne, N. C., Dept. of North Carolina, to June, 1865.

SERVICE.-Burnside's Expedition to Hatteras Inlet and Roanoke Island, N. C., January 7-February 7, 1862. Battle of Roanoke Island February 8. Moved to New Berne March 11-13. Battle of New BerneMarch 14. Duty at New Berne till May; at Batchelor's Creek till June 1, and at New Berne till September 22. Expedition to Trenton and Pollocksville July 24-28. Expedition on Neuse River Road July 28 (Cos. "D," "G" and "H"). Companies "A," "C" and "I" at Washington N. C., and five Companies at Newport Barracks September 9 to October 30. Expedition from New Berne November 2-12. Kinston Road November 11. Foster's Expedition to Goldsboro December 11-20. Kinston December 14.Whitehall December 16. Goldsboro December 17. Moved to Washington, N. C., January 4-5 1863, and duty there till April 24. Near Washington February 13. (Cos. "G" and "H" detached for duty at Plymouth January 27 to May 8, then rejoined Regiment at New Berne.) Demonstration on Plymouth March 10-13. Siege of Little Washington March 30-April 20. Rodman's Point April 4-5 (2 Cos.). Moved to New Berne April 24. Expedition toward Kinston April 27-May 1. Dover Road and Wise's Cross Roads April 28. Demonstration on Kinston May 20-23. Gum Swamp May 22. Provost duty at New Berne June 5 to October 1. Expedition to Trenton July 4-8. Quaker Bridge July 6. Expedition to Swift Creek July 17-20 and to Winton July 25-30. Moved to Newport News, Va., October 16-18, thence to Norfolk November 18 and Provost duty there till March 22, 1864. Companies "A," "D" and "K" at Portsmouth, and "F" at Norfolk till April 15. Demonstration against Portsmouth March 4-5. Expedition to Isle of Wight County April 13-15. Smithfield, Cherry Grove, April 14. Camp near Julian Creek till April 26. Moved to Yorktown April 26. Butler's operations on south side of the James and against Petersburg and Richmond May 4-28. Port Walthal Junction, Chester Station, May 6-7. Swift Creek or Arrowfield Church May 9-10. Operations against Fort Darling May 12-16. Drewry's Bluff May 14-16. On Bermuda Hundred front May 17-28. Moved to White House, thence to Cold Harbor May 28-June 1. Battles about Cold Harbor June 1-12. Before Petersburg June 15-18. Siege of Petersburg June 15-August 24. On Bermuda front August 24 to September 17. Moved to Carolina City, N. C., September 17-21, and duty there till November 28. Moved to Beaufort N. C., November 28; thence to New Berne December 4, and to Plymouth December 7 and duty there till January, 1865. Moved to New Berne January 8-11 and duty there till March 3. Moved to Core Creek March 4. Movements on Kinston March 4-12. Southwest Creek March 7. Wise¿s Fork March 8-10. Ordered to New Berne March 12 and duty there till June --. Mustered out June 26, 1865. Old members mustered out September 27, 1864.

Regiment lost during service 9 Officers and 128 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 Officers and 261 Enlisted men by disease. Total 401. Including Charles D. Sanford.

*Taken from the National Park Service Civil War Web Site.