13th. The regiment received orders to pack personal baggage, and store it at Alexandria, in anticipation of a march. 16th. The knapsacks were packed and left in camp. With three days' rations and a blanket slung in a roll across the shoulder, the regiment, in "light marching order," crossed Shuter's Hill, and, with the other regiments of the division, took up the line of march for Centreville. The Fifth, in Col. Franklin's Brigade, having been honored with the right of the division, was at the head of the column, under Col. Heintzelman. Companies D and E were deployed as skirmishers during the day. At 7 o'clock the regiment halted, and prepared to bivouac during the night. At 8 o'clock an alarm was given, and soon after three prisoners and two horses were brought in by the guard. 17th. The march was resumed at 7 o'clock, A.M., with Companies A and K deployed as skirmishers. Fifty from the Fifth Regiment, together with fifty from the First Minnesota Regiment, detailed at Alexandria as pioneers, with an axe apiece, and their guns slung across their backs, closely followed the skirmishers. The troops proceeded cautiously, the pioneers cutting away large trees which had been felled in the road to obstruct the progress of the troops, and in some instances opening an entire new road through the woods. At noon, Company C was sent in advance as skirmishers to relieve Company K. The skirmishers had a severe task in finding their way through swamps and dense woods. The men spread out in a line each side of the road, sometimes five, sometimes ten paces apart. Rebels were occasionally seen in advance, but mostly out of range. The people had had no notice of the approach, as the troops had come by a circuitous route. The secession pickets now spread the alarm, and the whole country was aroused. On every hand the scouts found evidence of the recent presence of the enemy, who, on the approach of the troops, ran like frightened sheep. The few genuine Union men, who had so long been oppressed by the reign of terror, found this 17th of July a regular 17th of June, and were rejoiced to find themselves once more under the protection of the glorious "stars and stripes." The roads became more obstructed by trees felled by them. At one point the advance guard was fired upon by the enemy, who immediately ran, leaving their knapsacks, blankets, &c., as mementoes for our men. Near by a battery of earthwork had been erected, but no movement was made in its defence. About two hundred rebels, encamped a short distance ahead, fled precipitately, leaving their camp equipage and a large amount of stores behind, together with their dinners half eaten. At 3 o'clock, P. M., the troops reached Sangster's Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, where the regiment hoped to intercept the flight of the enemy from Fairfax; but the bird had flown about an hour before, burning two bridges to cover the retreat. An hour sooner and our column would have been able to cut them into pieces, and with trifling loss. Col. Lawrence rode all day at the head with the skirmishers and pioneers, as he did the day previous, gallantly conducting the advance. To-day's march was twelve miles. The regiment bivouacked in a mown field, on the edge of a magnificent wood, near the railroad, and enjoyed a sound sleep, which they much needed, for the march was quite exhausting. 18th. A scouting party of forty, under Capt. Messer, of Company D, left camp at half-past nine o'clock, A.M., and reconnoitered by a circuitous route in a southerly direction, toward the Occoquan River, on the opposite side of the railroad from Centreville. They engaged the enemy's pickets, fifteen in number, whose roll they captured at Wolf Run Shoals, eight miles from Sangster's Station. One of the rebels was killed. On their return, they overtook the regiment at Centreville at half-past nine o'clock in the evening. The regiment itself started for Centreville at 5 o'clock, P M., with a thunder shower for a companion, where at about nine o'clock they halted in a grain field and bivouacked for the night. The lights of the different regiments of the grand army of thirty thousand were to be seen on every side. During the night a light rain fell. 19th. Many of the officers and soldiers erected brush tents. News of the disastrous result of the skirmish of yesterday, in which the Massachusetts First bore a prominent part, was the exciting topic, together with the probabilities of the morrow. At 8 o'clock, P.M., divine service was held. 20th. At half-past two o'clock, P.M., orders were received to prepare for an advance, and three days' rations were distributed. The order to march at six o'clock was changed into an order to start soon after midnight. 21st. At quarter-past one o'clock, A.M., the command came to "fall in lively," and the line was promptly formed. At half-past two the regiment, in its turn, started, but soon halted until half-past four o'clock, when the whole division took up its march for Bull Run, just three months to the day and hour since the regiment marched out of Faneuil Hall. The larger part of the route lay through the woods, whose shade mitigated the almost intolerable heat. The scarcity of water, however, was severely felt by the troops. The Fifth, after marching about ten miles, of which the last mile or two was at double-quick, halted at about eleven o'clock. The general engagement had already begun, and in a few minutes the order was given to cross the ford, and the regiment advanced for the scene of action on the double-quick, halting a moment on the way to deposit for a time their blankets, &c. Then came the order," Fifth of Massachusetts, forward, double-quick, march!" Away they went past the dead and wounded, both friend and foe, who lay where they fell, and, in the midst of shot and bursting shell, took their position on the brow of a hill, directly in front of the rebel batteries, and fired at their retreating infantry. The enemy's artillery getting their range, the regiment was ordered in mass, and to fall flat on their faces, while a shot from the rebel batteries mostly passed just over their heads. "A Looker On" gives the following description of the Fifth on the field: "I saw the Massachusetts Fifth in their dark uniforms and their steady advance under the enemy's fire of shot and shell; I noticed them some distance off; they came into the field by a flank movement, and then into column, with as much coolness as if they had been on an ordinary muster-field. They then had to pass over an open field, exposed to the full force of the rebel batteries, but they did not waver in the least. They were ordered by Col. Franklin to take and hold a position on the brow of a hill, in front of the enemy's batteries. Here I first saw their Colonel (Lawrence) at their head. He is tall and slim, with dark hair. He is quite young, rot more than twentyfive. [The roster says twenty-eight years.] They took their places in perfect order, and fought bravely.' Another says: ་ "The boys were no way abashed by this hot reception, but took the whole thing very coolly, waiting patiently to pitch in' again. The firing was now perfectly terrific, and at times it seemed as if the heavens would burst asunder with the concussion. Colonel Lawrence, standing most of the time in the middle of the regiment, used his utmost efforts to keep the men calm, in their places, close to the ground out of the way of the shot, which went singing their peculiar death-song three or four feet above the ground." Several of the men were wounded by the bursting of shell; and private Angier was struck by a six pound shot in his leg. This rest afforded great relief to the men, whose mouths were parched with thirst; the scarcity of water, the rapid marching, and doublequick movements having well-nigh exhausted them. A field officer rode up and inquired, "What regiment of regulars is this?" The men answered, "We are not regu lars; we are the Fifth of Massachusetts." He replied. "Is it possible! I thought you were regulars, you are in such perfect order under fire." The Massachusetts Eleventh took a position on the left. Another regiment advanced in line on the right, but broke with the utmost disorder, the men firing recklessly and flying, with injury to their friends and none to the enemy. Col. Franklin, commanding the brigade, ordered the regiment to take a position forward to charge with the bayonet. The order was promptly obeyed, and away went the regiment, on the double-quick, towards the position designated. The shot and shell came thicker and faster, whizzing mostly just over their heads. A change of orders came to the Fifth ; "The Zouaves are going to charge; support them!" The regiment, splashing through a brook, hastened towards the Zouaves. On the way, a battery of artillery drove at full speed through the centre of the regiment, completely breaking up the ranks of the color company and another. "Rally, rally," shouted the officers; and under that fierce fire the two companies rallied, and again came the command to the regiment, "Forward, double-quick." A position was taken on the left of the Zouaves and about one hundred feet to the rear, and the firing commenced on the right. A most murderous fire was here kept up by the rebels. The United States Artillery was doing good execution on the left and front, but were obliged to retreat, over half their number being killed or wounded. The horses attached to the gun-carriages and caissons, rendered utterly unmanageable by some of the drivers being killed and themselves wounded, came thundering down the line of the Fifth, knocking down men and scattering the ranks of the left wing in every direction. The companies rallied again, promptly forward on the colors, the colonel and officers everywhere diretting, and the men pouring a deadly fire into the enemy. In the advance the color-bearer, Lawrence, bravely waving the national colors, was shot dead, by a musket ball in his breast. Sergeant Wallace, himself wounded, seized the national flag as it fell from Lawrence's hands, and raised it gallantly. Sergeant Major Quincy receiving from Sergeant Wallace the Massachusetts flag, bore it bravely. Col. Lawrence, wounded, was borne to the rear as the retreat commenced. The regiment retreated from the field in some confusion, mostly by companies, but was soon well together again, and, under command of Maj. Boyd, (Lieut. Col. Pierson at this time left to render assistance to Col. Lawrence), marched to their bivouac in Centreville, where the regimental line was formed, muskets stacked, and with a guard set the regiment lay down for a night's rest. In about an hour, an order came to march to Washington. The regiment rising at half-past one o'clock, A. M., had marched a full day's journey before reaching the battlefield, had fought on the field about five hours, had retreated over the route marched in the morning, and were now ordered to march about twenty-five miles to Washington,a truly hard day's task! A couple of the men, accidently left behind at the bivouac in Centreville, slept soundly on the ground until nine o'clock the next morning, and then travelled leisurely to Alexandria, without seeing an enemy. 22d. Early in the forenoon it began to rain, and by noon it poured. About ten o'clock, the regiment arrived at Camp Massachusetts, and at half-past eleven o'clock, orders were received for the regiment to march to Washington; and packing their knapsacks, they started for the Capital, under Major Boyd, where, after a march of about nine miles through the mud and rain, they arrived at about four o'clock, P. M., hungry, wet to the skin, and covered with mud. Many being wounded, they presented a truly pitiable appearance. They bore the fatigue manfully, and not a murmur escaped them. They were quartered in several different buildings, while the sick and wounded were generously cared for by the citizens, who took them to their own houses and provided them with dry clothing, food, and good beds. Hundreds of troops arrived that night, many of them suffering from wounds, and, for want of accommodation, were obliged to ie on the sidewalk. The Fifth remained in Washington the next five days. 28th. On Sunday, the 28th, at 9 o'clock, A.M., the regiment formed line on Pennsylvania Avenue, near Willard's Hotel, under command of Lieut. Col. Pierson, and were addressed by Col. Lawrence, who, though still suffering from his wounds, was determined to see his regiment safely home. The Fifth left Washington at 10 o'clock, A. M., arrived at Baltimore at 2 o'clock, P. M., and left for Philadelphia at 6 o'clock, P. M.. where they arrived at 5 o'clock on Monday morning, 29th. 29th. After a substantial collation, the regiment started for New York, arriving there at 44 o'clock, P. M., and meeting with a most hearty and enthusiastic reception. The officers were entertained at the Astor House, and the rank and file were provided with a bountiful supply of refreshments at the Park Barracks. The regiment left New York at 74 o'clock, P. M., arriving at Groton, Conn., at 6 o'clock, A. M., the next morning. 30th. The regiment left Groton for Boston at 7 o'clock, and arrived at the latter place at 14 o'clock, P. M. The regiment was met at the railway station by the Second Battalion of Infantry, which volunteered an escort. An immense concourse of people thronged the railway buildings,and the neighboring streets. The regiment disembarked as soon as possible, and formed line. At half-past one o'clock the column moved into Boylston street, where the Second Battalion, with Gilmore's Band, were drawn up to receive them. After the usual formalities, the escort, with a carriage containing His Honor Mayor Wightman, and several members of the Governor's staff, took the lead, and the procession proceeded through Tremont, Court, and State streets, and returning, proceeded through Washington, School, and Beacon streets, to the Common. The streets through which the regiment passed were lined with people, and from sidewalk, from door, window, and house top, the plaudits of the assembled thousands welcomed back the gallant troops. The whole march was one continued ovation. The Boston Journal of that evening says of the scene on the Common: "People began to flock to the Common at an early hour, and on the arrival of the escort, an hour previous to the arrival of the regiment, the crowd had become very large. After several hours of anxious waiting, the commotion in the neighborhood of the Providence Railway Station plainly indicated the arrival of the train, and hundreds bent their steps in that direction. Most, however, remained on the Common, supposing, of course, that the troops, who had had nothing whatever to eat since their departure from New York on Monday evening, would first partake of the collation which had been spread for some hours on the Beacop Street mall. The regiment, however, proceeded through the streets of the city before arriving on the Common. Their approach was the signal for a grand rush. Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and friends, seized the hands or clung about the necks of the soldiers as they came upon the parade ground. The strict order not to meddle with the boys on the march' was only partially heeded, and the detour of the parade ground was accomplished by the troops at the sound of familiar music, with their glorious colors still flying, and with numerous accessions to their ranks. No sooner had the regiment been formed in line parallel with the Charles Street mall, than from all quarters of the parade ground rushed throngs of people to greet them. The orders to stack arms, &c., were obeyed under great disadvantages, as at this time the ranks were much broken by the influx of innumerable friends. Then followed the greetings. The Colonel rode down the parade ground on his splendid horse, receiving the hearty congratulations of his friends on all sides. The civil and military authorities present, including several United States officers, repaired to the marquee at the north end of the ground, where a repast was laid, and where many friends had been gathered. In the scenes of welcome and heart-felt congratulation, the repast was at first well-nigh neglected. "Many an affecting incident occurred, and many tears of welcome were shed within the tent and all along the ranks. The troops were conducted to their collation, and were for a couple of hours allowed the full enjoyment of the meeting. One never failed of interest in walking among them. Here a hardy young soldier was exhibiting a shattered musket, or a few clean bullet-holes in his garments; another was the centre of an eager crowd, who were listening intently to the last authentic account of the battle of Bull Run, from an eye witness.' Outside the lines, little knots of people listened to new incidents of the fight, and none enjoyed the scene better than the returned volunteers. "To drink from a soldier's canteen that had been often filled from the puddles of Fairfax and Centreville, was the especial delight of many, while trophies of the field were liberally dispersed on all hands. In scenes like these two happy hours of the afternoon passed away, and we heard it from the lips of many of the regiment, that it was a source of especial delight that their first reception at home was beneath the green trees of Boston Common." A special order was issued from head-quarters, dated July 30, substantially stating that after three months' service in the cause of government, the Fifth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, which Col. Lawrence had so well commanded, was returned to the old Commonwealth, whose good name and unsullied honor the regiment had so nobly upheld. The people of Massachusetts welcome the regiment, and will ever cherish, with gratitude, its patriotic services. The memories of the men of the Fifth who have fallen in the great cause, and whose bodies lie mouldering in the soil of Virginia, Massachusetts will ever hold in grateful remembrance. At ten minutes past four the regimental line was formed, when Capt. Amory commenced the formal proceeding of mustering the troops out of the service of the United States. This ceremony occupied about an hour, and after the different companies were mustered out, their respective Captains assumed the command, and marched homeward. On their dismissal until further orders, Col. Lawrence addressed the regiment briefly, sincerely thanking both officers and men for their noble efforts and hearty support, wishing them much happiness at their homes, and remarking that he had never issued an order which had not been cheerfully responded to. He then bade them farewell until they should meet again. Committees of citizens from the various towns were present, to welcome their respective companies and in Charlestown, Medford, and other places, ovations, second in point of numbers only to that which marked the entry of the troops into Boston, welcomed them home. But the honors did not end here. Numerous company receptions took place on succeeding days, and countless marks of approval showed in some degree the public appreciation of the noble labors of the soldiers of the Fifth. On the evening of Saturday, August 31st, Col. Lawrence received from his college classmates (Harvard, 1855) an elegant sword, a fitting testimonial for services such as have been recorded. The occasion of the presentation, in view of the arduous campaign which had just closed for the Fifth, was one of peculiar interest. Thus ended a campaign, begun in the hour of the nation's sorest trials, when her all was entrusted to brave and loyal hearts, and when she found her truest supporters in the ranks from Massachusetts. Among the few regiments, who, for three months, left their common callings, and girded on the armor for their country's defence, none can boast a fairer record than the Massachusetts Fifth. The varied and somewhat irregular duties incident to the opening of the war and to the imperfect organization of the volunteer army, found able hands and willing hearts among her number, while the mutual good feeling between officers and men, and between the men themselves, and the genuine and marked respect which was always shown the commanding officer, distinguished the Fifth Regiment. Its services in the trying times of the nation, and its well wrought deeds, will be its most enduring monument. Surgeon's Mate. Chaplain Transferred to N. Y. Fire Zouaves, July 1, 1861. Appointed July 1, at Washington, D. C. East Bridgewater. Charlestown. Philadelphia, Pa. . Charlestown. Charlestown. . Charlestown. . Charlestown. Company A (Mechanic Light Infantry), Salem.-5th Reg. Organized Feb. 26, 1807, and made their first parade July 4, of the same year, Perley Putnam, Commander. From the above date to the present time this company has never been re-organized, and the smallest number that ever paraded is twenty-five non-commissioned officers and privates. Orders were received from Col. Lawrence, of the 5th Regiment, M. V. M., April 19, 1861, at 3 o'clock, P. M., to report at Faneuil Hall, Boston, on the 20th, at 10 o'clock, A. M. At 7 o'clock the next morning, (April 20), the company assembled at the armory, and one hundred and twenty men, including three commissioned officers, answered to roll-call; after which they were formed into line and marched to the city hall, where Col. Perley Putnam, the first commander, in behalf of the ladies, presented to them a beautiful silk “AMERICAN FLAG" The city did them honor; the citizens cheered them as they marched to the depot; friends gave them their kind farewell, and the whole community viewed their departure with a satisfactory pride. At 10 o'clock precisely, they reported for duty at Faneuil Hall, Boston. There being one hundred and twenty meu, the surplus over the number required were dismissed and sent home, much to their disappointment. On their return to Salem, August 1, they were received by the old members, numbering over one hundred men, organized into a battalion, under command of past Commander Wm. R. Brown; also Salem Cadets, Major Marks; Union Drill Club, Capt. Whipple, and Zouave Drill Club, Capt. Woodbury, who tendered them an escort. They were received at the City Hall by the City Government, and welcomed home by His Honor Mayor Stephen P. Webb, in behalf of the citizens, after which they sat down at Mechanic Hall to a bountiful dinner, provided by the city. Thus ended the three and one-half months' campaign. The company, previous to its being attached to the 5th Regiment, for the three months' service, was known as Company B, 7th Regiment, and since its return has again taken its old position in the M. V. M. There are now fifty-eight members in this company who were at the battle of Bull Run, July 21. OFFICERS. Captain, GEO. H. PEIRSON, Salem, promoted lieut.-col. of 5th Regiment, July 5, 1861. 1st Lieut., EDWARD H. STATEN, Salem, promoted captain, July 6, 1861, at Camp Massachusetts, Alexandria, Va.; 3d Lieut., *LEWIS E. WENTWORTH, Salem, promoted 2d lieut., July 6, 1861, afterwards captain of Sharpshooters, 22d Regiment. Sergeants, Charles D. Stiles, Salem, promoted 3d lieut., July 6, 1861; James H. Estes, South Danvers, promoted 1st sergeant, July 6, 1861; *B. K. Brown, Salem, promoted 2d sergeant, July 6, 1861; * David N. Jeffrey, South Danvers, promoted 3d sergeant, July 6, 1861. Corporals, Albert J. Lowd, Salem, promoted 4th sergeant, July 6, 1861; John W. Hart, So. Danvers, promoted 1st corporal, July 6, 1861; James H. Sleeper, Danvers, promoted 2d corporal, July 6, 1861 Joseph M. Parsons, promoted 3d corporal, July 6, 1861. Adams Charles P., Salem Briggs Henry T., Salem, taken pris oner at the battle of Bull Run, Burrows William, Danvers Buxton Geo. B., Salem, discharged Buxton George F., Salem Clemons William H., Salem PRIVATES. Giles Charles H., Salem Gilman John T., Danvers Hildreth Elbridge H., So. Danvers Leavitt Israel P., Salem, discharged Moore Denison P., South Danvers, Moulton Henry W., So. Danvers Patten Jas. M., Salem, was wound- Phippen Charles H., Salem Ricker Charles W., Danvers Semons Francis A., Salem Sloper Henry, Danvers Sloper William A., Salem Smith Henry J., Salem *Smith Robert, Danvers Stiles William W., South Danvers Warren Edward J., Salem Webber Mendall S., Danvers Weeks William H., Salem, died of West George, Salem Edward A. Currier was detained at Annapolis, while on the way to Washington, on account of sickness, soon after returned to Salem, where he died, Aug. 3, of heart dis ease. 2d Lieut. Isaac S. Noyes was unable to go to the seat of war with the company, yet, while they were at Alexandria, he was elected 1st lieut. Company B (Richardson Light Guard), South Reading. - 5th Reg. Organized Oct. 2, 1851. This company, belonging to the 7th Regiment, M. V. M., as Company E, was attached to the 5th Regiment, and was known in the U. S. service as Company B. Orders were received from Col. Lawrence April 19th, 1861, at 1 o'clock, to report at Boston. The company marched, at 3 o'clock, from their armory to the common, where they partook of a collation, provided by their townsmen, after which they were escorted to the depot by nearly the whole town, where speeches were made, and the company left for Boston, accompanied by the Malden Band, who volunteered their services. On returning to South Reading, July 30, the company were welcomed by a speech from E. Mansfield, Esq., and escorted by several military companies, engine companies, and citizens generally, under the marshalship of Lieut. N. S. Dearborn, to the common, where a dinner was furnished, after which speeches were made by several gentlemen. Of the eighty members in this company, forty-two have re-enlisted. Every one of these, it is reported, has a position as good as that of sergeant. OFFICERS. Captain, JOHN W. LOCKE, South Reading. 1st Lieut., HENRY D. DEGEN, discharged at Annapolis, on account of sickness; 2d Lieut., CHAS. H. SHEPARD, South Reading, promoted to 1st lieut. about May 1st; 3d Lieut., JAMES D. DRAPER, South Reading, promoted to 2d lieut. about May 1st; 4th Lieut., GEO. ABBOTT, discharged at Annapolis, on account of sickness. * Sergeants, George W. Townsend, South Reading; Jason H. Knights, South Reading; Benjamin F. Barnard, South Reading; George W. Aborn, South Reading, taken prisoner at battle of Bull Run, and carried to Richmond; from thence to New Orleans. Corporals, *Wm. E. Ransom, South Reading; James M. Sweetser, South Reading; Geo H. Green, South Reading; James A. Burditt, South Reading. Musicians, *Alvin M. Drake, South Reading; William Vaux, South Reading. • Re-enlisted. |