for pickaxes and handspikes, but only one or two could be found. Many of the police interfered on every occasion; but the crowd, growing larger and more excited, would dash off at a break-neck run for another position further on, until the county line was reached. The police followed, running, until forced to stop from exhaustion. At this point, many of the mob also gave it up from exhaustion; but a crowd, longer winded, dashed on for nearly a mile further, now and then pausing to attempt to force the rails, or place some obstruction upon them. They could be distinctly seen for a mile along the track, where it makes a bend at the Washington road bridge. When the train went out, the mass of people had almost returned to the depot. Shots and stones were exchanged between the military and citizens at several points, and the train, in its run to Washington, was stopped at the Jackson Bridge, near Chinquepin Hill, by the removal of several rails. Disembarking, the rails were relaid, under the protection of the troops. An occasional shot was fired at the troops from the hills and woods along the route, but the range was too long for any effect. The news of this fight was at once flashed over the telegraphic wires, creating a most intense excitement throughout the country. In Massachusetts, especially, the feeling was not only strong and deep, but indignant towards the assailants, and sympathetic towards the victims, who had but a few hours before gone forth from pleasant homes and peaceful pursuits to defend their country. The Executive of the State keenly felt the blow, and the Governor, who had just before exchanged kind farewells with the regiment, immediately dispatched the following letter to the Mayor of Baltimore: "To His Honor the Mayor: I pray you to cause the bodies of our Massachusetts soldiers dead in Baltimore to be immediately laid out, preserved with ice, and tenderly sent forward by express to me. All expenses will be paid by this Commonwealth. JOHN A. ANDREW, Governor of Massachusetts." A correspondence took place also between the Governor and Messrs. Gardner Brewer & Co. of Boston, which reflects honor on the intelligent benevolence of that firm. They sent the following dispatch to their correspondents in Baltimore: "Messrs. Mills, Mayhew, & Co., Baltimore: "We telegraph you at the request and in behalf of Governor Andrew of this State. Will you co-operate with the Mayor of Baltimore in securing respectful treatment to the corpses of our dead soldiers, and their being carefully forwarded, packed in ice? and particularly do we wish you to secure the very best medical attendance and careful nursing to our wounded. We will be responsible to you for all expenses. Nurses can be sent from here if desired. GARDNER BREWER & Co." The heartfelt sympathy here expressed, consoled and relieved the public mind. All saw that proper measures to honor the dead and comfort the wounded would not be neglected. Arriving in Washington at 5 o'clock on the evening of the 19th, they were joyfully received by the loyal inhabitants, who viewed with great satisfaction and relief their presence, as an immediate attack from the rebels was apprehended. Soon after leaving the cars, the regiment marched to the Capitol, and were quartered in the Senate Chamber. Co. B, of Worcester, and Co. C, of Lowell, occupied the floor of the Senate, and the other companies were placed in the galleries and adjacent rooms, where the troops enjoyed the first night's sleep since leaving home. Besides a hurried journey of some five hundred miles, they had, for the last three days and three nights, been cheered on, caressed, and feasted by friends and patriots, as well as insulted, mobbed, and wounded by infamous rebels. Leaving their glorious dead behind, they had gallantly pressed on, giving no sleep to their eyes, nor slumber to their eyelids, until they were posted at the point of danger, to give their lives, if necessary, in the defence of the nation's capital. Their orders were to hold the Capitol, and they remained in the building, as a close garrison, one week, not being allowed outside, except for special service. For several days, all communication with loyal States was cut off, so that reinforcements could not reach them, and, as the enemy was thought to be within a few miles of Washington, their position was somewhat critical. While stationed here, the troops were busily engaged in drilling, and other regular duties. They also built ovens, filled water-tanks, and stored 16,000 barrels of flour and other provisions in the vaults of the Capitol, in preparation for a siege. May 3, Gen. Butler visited and addressed the regiment, and on the 5th they were also visited by the Hon. John A. Goodwin, of Lowell, and during their brief stay at Washington they were the special objects of interest and respect, not only from the government officials, but the residents, who experienced in their presence that feeling of protection which true heroism always inspires. May 5, the urgent necessity for their continuance in the city no longer existing, they were ordered back to the Relay House another dangerous post. They left in the afternoon, and bivouacked there on Elk Ridge Heights, 10 miles from Baltimore, regretting only that they could not go on to that city, "and fight their battles o'er again," and avenge the death of their comrades in arms. In the midst of a cold rainstorm, the men (having no tents) constructed huts of boughs and leaves, and as each one built after his own design, the camp presented, the next morning, some rare specimens of architecture. The huts afforded but little shelter from a two days' storm. Nothing of great interest occurred until May 13, when they left for Baltimore, at 5, P.M., in spite of the threats of her citizens that the Mass. 6th should not again enter that city. They reached the city in the evening, during a severe thunder-storm, and took possession of Federal Hill, and as they raised the flag in the intense darkness, an unusually brilliant flash of lightning revealed the stars and stripes to astonish an angry Baltimore. But they were up, and bound to stay, as well as the troops who stood under arms all night in a drenching rain. May 14, Co. B seized a lot of arms stored by the rebels; the tents of the regiment arrived, and were pitched. May 16, returned to the Relay House. May 24, flags placed at half-mast, having received the sad news of the death of Col. Ellsworth. May 25, while a train passed, bearing the body of Col. Ellsworth, the regiment was drawn up in line, with arms reversed, as a mark of respect. May 29, colors were presented the regiment by gentlemen from New Jersey. June 5, at 10, P.M., received orders to be ready for an attack, as one was apprehended from Baltimore, but the alarm proved false. June 13, ordered to Baltimore to protect the polls and maintain order during the election; took a position on Mt. Clare, and were joined by the 13th N. Y. Regiment. The presence of this force, with Major Cook's Battery, held the lawless in check, who had declared that Union-loving people should not vote. The double-quick movement of the troops, and their great efficiency, seemed to overawe the traitors, and the next day they returned to the Relay House. June 17, reviewed by Major Morse, and marched to the depot to welcome the Mass. 1st Regiment as they passed to Washington. June 21, a banner was presented by ladies of New York. June 26, ordered to Baltimore, and encamped at Mt. Clare; afterwards encamped in a grove owned by a noted Secessionist. June 30, at 10 o'clock, P.M., they were ordered to be ready to fall into line at roll of the drum, and at 2 o'clock next morning, summoned, and took up line of march through the city. They halted at the residence of Charles Howard, President of the Board of Police Commissioners, and arrested and took him to Fort McHenry. Next day, returned to the Relay House without accident. As threats had been made to destroy the railroad track, a part of the regiment were detailed to guard the tracks. July 4. Loyal citizens of Baltimore presented the regiment with a splendid silk banner, bearing the inscription, - -"Loyal citizens of Baltimore to the Sixth Mass. U. S. V. Pratt Street, April 19, 1861." July 20. After regimental drill, Col. Jones stated that, as no order had been received to return home, the regiment might be requested to remain a short time longer. 21st, they were informed that the regiment would leave for home on the 24th inst. July 22. An alarm at 1 o'clock in the morning; ammunition was served out, and the regiment was formed in line. A dispatch had been received from Gen. Banks, requiring them to be ready for instant action, news having been received that our forces were retreating from Manassas Junction. July 23. A strong feeling to return home was manifested by a few, as the time of their enlistment had expired, but others felt that, in the threatening emergency, their services should be continued. To settle the matter, the principal officers went to Baltimore to consult with Gen. Banks, who immediately visited the regiment, and addressed the soldiers, exhorting them to remain, and stating that they would be needed but six days longer. The regiment then voted to remain. Col. Jones then gave notice or permission, to those who wished to return home immediately, that they might leave, but only twenty-one left. July 26th, ordered to pack up extra baggage, which was sent home the next day. July 29th, broke camp at 6 o'clock in the morning, and started for Massachusetts. Arrived at Baltimore at nine, and left at five, P. M., for Philadelphia. Left that city at ten o'clock, the next day, and arriving in New York that afternoon, left for Boston at six o'clock the same evening. At Philadelphia, New York, and other places on the route, the regiment were honored with the most flattering demonstrations of public esteem and respect, showing that the gallant deeds of the "Glorious Sixth" were duly appreciated. Arriving at Worcester, at ten o'clock A. M., Aug. 1, they met with another grand reception, worthy of the "heart of the commonwealth," and cheering to the hearts of the soldiers, who were filled with delight to again press the free soil of Massachusetts. Leaving Worcester at three o'clock that afternoon, they arrived in Boston at about five o'clock, and were received with a most hearty welcome, and escorted to the Common, where they were addressed by Mayor Wightman, Colonel Jones replying. After partaking of a collation they marched to Faneuil Hall, where they were quartered over night, except Company K, which was quartered in their armory. The regiment left their quarters the next morning, August 2, at 7 o'clock, and marched to the Common, where another collation had been provided for them by the city. At ten o'clock, Capt. Amory, of the United States Army, mustered them out of service, after which they formed and marched to the depot, and left for Lowell amid the cheers of the spectators. They left Boston at noon, reaching Lowell at half-past one o'clock, where they were received with distinguished respect and esteem. The City Government, the Fire Department, military companies, societies, and citizens generally, formed into procession, and escorted them to the South Common, where, amidst the firing of cannon and the ringing of bells, they were welcomed by the mayor in an address of great cordiality and full appreciation of their heroic deeds and the signal services which they had rendered the country during their absence. Colonel Jones responded to the address, and the procession then re-formed and marched to Huntington Hall, where a collation had been provided. After partaking of refreshments, parting speeches were made by members of the regiment, expressing strong fraternal feelings, and showing that friendships had been formed which would endure long after the separation then to take place. Colonel Jones announced to his command the arrangements made for their transportation home, and that he would include his farewell in his last general order, of which a copy would be furnished every man. About five o'clock, the companies began to leave for their homes; and before six only a few members remained. Thus ended their more than three months' service, and thus parted the noble men, who, loyal and brave, forsook home and its comforts to repel the traitorous foe. They patriotically breasted the storm raised by semibarbarians, and stayed the tide of treason. Feeling inspired with ideas of liberty and intent on maintaining an enlightened civilization, they proved themselves worthy descendants of heroic men, who fought at Concord, at Lexington, and at Bunker Hill. The youthful Ladd, and the manly forms of Needham and Whitney, no longer appear in the ranks, but while their bodies "lay mouldering in the grave their souls are marching on;" and their names will ever stand out as in letters of gold on the page of history. "As at Concord on the 19th of April, 1775, Massachusetts blood sealed the devotion of Massachusetts men to the cause of liberty, so at Baltimore, on the 19th of April, 1861, the blood of Massachusetts sealed her devotion to the cause of the Constitution and the liberties of the country." This band accompanied the regiment as far as Baltimore, and there experienced the tender mercies of the traitors. It seems that the band was in the baggage car, and when the companies left in the other cars, this car was left behind at the depot, and no orders reaching them to march, they remained in it, receiving continual insults from the rab ble, which at length ripened into a dastardly attack. The doors of the car were closed by the band, and everything done to prevent a fight, but of no avail, for a shower of stones and bricks were poured upon it, and the roughs at last succeeded in forcing an entrance into it. At length the band left it, and endeavored to make their escape, leaving behind music, instruments, coats, caps, and haversacks. In vain they called for aid from the police. These fellows regarded them with no favor, but seemed to sympathize with the mob. After running some distance, and partially escaping from the mob, they encountered a party of Irish and German women, with some Americans, who took them to their houses, removed the stripes from their clothes, and also furnished them with old clothes for disguise, treating them in the kindest manner. All offers of money to those noble women, in consideration of their kind acts, were refused. The name of Ann Manly, the kind hostess, under whose roof they first found shelter, will never be forgotten by the band. During the afternoon a message was sent to the city officers, and in the evening a body of police was sent, who placed the band on board of the cars, and they started for l'hiladelphia, where they arrived the next day, and from thence returned to Lowell, arriving in. Lowell April 22, 1861. The following is a list of the members: Company A (National Greys), Lowell. - 6th Reg. Organized 1855, and were formerly called the Lawrence Cadets, but took their present name in 1860. This company, with Company C, Capt. Follansbee, Company D, Capt. Hart, and Company H, Capt. Noyes, all of Lowell, had but a few hours' notice to prepare for their departure; but so well was the time occupied that they were ready for duty at the time required. They assembled at Huntington Hall on the morning of the 16th of April, where were gathered a large crowd of friends to bid them God-speed and good-by. Mayor Sargeant addressed the companies, assuring them that their ready response was appreciated by all, and that the city fathers would watch with interest their families, whose comfort and necessities would be an object of their special care. Demonstrations of a general public interest in their welfare were manifested, and means tendered to contribute to the comfort of the members. The companies left with the regiment for Boston, about noon the same day. August 1. The regiment arrived in Boston, on their return from the seat of war, and the next day, the 2d, took cars for Lowell, and met with a grand reception, in which the Lowell companies were an object of especial pride and interest. The regiment here disbanded, and the companies dispersed to their several localities. OFFICERS. Captain, *JOSIAH A. SAWTELL, Lowell, promoted to major, May 17. 1st Lieut., *ANDREW J. JOHNSON, Lowell; 2d Lieut., ANDREW C. WRIGHT, Lowell. Sergeants, Enoch J. Foster, Lowell; *George M. Dickerman, Lowell, promoted to captain, May 18, 1861; George W. Snell, Lowell; John F. Sweet, Lowell. Corporals, Linus M. Caldwell, Lowell, promoted from ranks, May 18, 1861; *Wm. F. Lovrein, Lowell, promoted to 4th sergeant, May 8, 1861; Alfred J. Hall, Lowell, promoted from ranks, May 18, 1861; John W. Carter, Lowell, promoted from ranks, May 18, 1861; Solomon Clark, Lowell, promoted from ranks, May 18, 1861; Aaron Andrews, discharged at Relay House, May 16, 1861. Musicians, Frank W. Greenwood, Lowell; Lewis A. Young, Lowell. Adams Julius T., Lowell Frost John, Lowell "Grout Frank R., Lowell PRIVATES. Herrick Andrew J., Lowell Hall Winthrop H., Lowell Motley Robert, Lowell Norton Bradford S., Lowell *Reed J. G., Lowell Richardson Charles H., Lowell Tuck Warren M., Lowell Company B (Groton Artillery), Groton. -6th Reg. Col. Walter Shattuck, of Groton, states as follows respecting this company: On the nineteenth day of October, 1778, the major part of the Council of Massachusetts Bay issued a commission to Amos Farnsworth, of Groton, as first lieutenant in a company of matrosses or artillery, of Groton, raised in the sixth regiment of militia. Said commission is signed by fifteen of said council. I have it in my possession. Yet this company was under drill from two to three years prior to the date of this commission. Therefore we claim it to be the oldest military company now in the State, which retains its original organization and location, and has always been known as the Groton Artillery, and has ever retained at its headquarters in town two fine brass field pieces and equipments thereto, until the present rebellion broke out, and the fall of Fort Sumter, since which they have been removed to the seat of war. Yet this company for several years past has been known and done duty as Company B, in the 6th Regiment of Infantry, M. V. M. In the war of 1812-14, this company served a campaign as artillery, commanded by William Farnsworth; was stationed, with their battery, on Dorchester heights; and, whether as artillery, or infantry, or both, have ever been armed and equipped, loyally at their posts, for the defence of theirs and their country's rights. On the 15th of April, 1861, at 5 o'clock, P. M., Capt. E. S. Clark, the commander, received notice from the Colonel of the 6th Regiment, by express, that he must report himself and command the next morning for duty, and at half past ten the same evening, a special messenger arrived with official orders for the company, and that part of the field and staff located in Groton, to report themselves, armed and equipped for service, at Lowell, the next morning, at 7 o'clock, to join their regiment, to proceed at once to Washington. The remainder of that night was spent in rallying the company, and preparing to leave; certainly no ordinary task, when it is considered that the company left by the first train next morning, and joined the regiment punctually, and performed well their part in the acts of the "glorious Sixth," on their way to and at Washington. In addition to Col. Shattuck's statement, we will add that he has ever manifested a noble interest in this corps, and by word and deed has spared no effort to continue its existence, and promote its prosperity, and when the company was called to leave at a few hours notice, he rendered important aid; and after the regiment left Lowell, he returned to Groton, and rallied forward recruits to the company. The return of the company to Groton, in July, was an event of considerable note to the people, who justly felt proud of the honor they had conferred upon the town, and the services they had rendered the country. Their reception was a grand demonstration; all gave them a welcome; and, to use the words of one of their townsmen, "every one felt about a head taller, for having a company so ready to go, and so brave to perform." OFFICERS. *Captain, EUSEBIUS S. CLARK, Groton. 1st Lieut., GEORGE F. SHATTUCK, Groton, promoted to 1st. lieut., May 2; 2d Lieut., SAMUEL G. BLOOD, Groton, promoted from 1st sergeant. Sergeants, E. Dexter Sawtell, Groton, promoted from 2d sergeant; William T. Childs, Groton, promoted from 3d sergeant; *John S. Cooke, Groton, promoted from 4th sergeant; Joseph Stedman, Medfield. Corporals, George K. Cragin, Groton; Abbott A. Shattuck, Groton; Joseph A. Bacon, * Re-enlisted. †Ames Amos L., Groton Barrett George V., Shirley Carter Aaron, Pepperell Gleason George A., Groton Houghton Russell O., Lunenburg Jaquith Samuel J., Groton *Jaquith George D., Groton Jones Frederic A., Townsend PRIVATES. Knowlton Edwin H., Groton Lovejoy Charles M., Townsend Moulton Noah J., Groton Richardson, Jas. E., Winchendon, +Sartell Wm. E., Pepperell Shattuck Andrew J., Pepperell Warren William N., Pittston, Me. Company C (Mechanic's Phalanx), Lowell.-6th Reg. Organized July 4, 1825. Received summons at 8 o'clock, P. M., April 15, and arrived in Boston the next day, at 12 o'clock; were quartered at Boylston Hall for the night, and the next day mached to the State House, changed their old muskets for Minnie rifles, and then marched to Boston and Worcester Railroad, where, with the regiment, they took the cars for Washington. Frank Calvert, whose name will be found in the list of privates, joined the company at Federal Hill, in the city of Baltimore, May 16, 1861. He had formerly been a resident of Lowell, and also a member of this company; but for three years had resided in Montgomery, Ala. When the news reached him that his old company (the Phalanx) had been attacked by a mob in Baltimore, he immediately left his business and property, amounting to about $3,000, to join them. He reached Washington by the aid of a "rebel pass and secesh badge." On entering the camp at Baltimore, his first remark was: "I have been a member of the Mechanic's Phalanx, but have never had the opportunity of doing real service for the country with you. I have come from Alabama for this express purpose, and wish to be called upon to assist in the hardest duty you may have to perform." For further particulars, see Co. A, page 196. OFFICERS. Captain, ALBERT S. FOLLANSBEE, Lowell. 1st Lieut., *SAMUEL D. SHIPLEY, Lowell, promoted from 2d lieut., June 7, at camp near Relay House; 2d Lieut., JOHN C. JEPSON, Lowell, promoted from 4th lieut., June 7, at camp near Relay House. Sergeants, John W. Hadley, Lowell; *Brent Johnston, Jr., Lowell; Ira Stickney, Lowell; Thomas O. Allen, Lowell. Corporals, John H. Lakin, Lowell; Isaac N. Marshall, Lowell; Charles H. Arlin, Lowell; *Richard A. Elliott, Lowell, promoted 4th corporal, April 22, at Washington. Musicians, Andrew J. Burbank, Lowell, appointed May 4; *Joseph J. Donahoe, Lowell, appointed May 4. PRIVATES. Fairbanks George D., Lowell Mansur Joseph, Lowell, joined at Company D (Lowell City Guards), Lowell.-6th Reg. Organized 1841. Received orders on the evening of April 15, and assembled, with the other Lowell companies, at Huntington Hall the next morning. For further particulars, see Company A, page 196. OFFICERS. Captain, JAMES W. HART, Lowell. 1st Lieut., CHAS. E. JONES, Lowell; 3d Lieut., SAMUEL C. PINNEY, Lowell; 4th Lieut.. LLEWELLYN L. CRAIG, Lowell. Sergeants, *Wm. H. Lamson, wounded at Baltimore; John E. Ames, Lowell, wounded at Corporals, Arthur J. Withey, Lowell; *Amory W. Webber, Lowell; Winslow H. Dodge, Re-enlisted. Joined at the Relay House, May 20. 1st Lieut., Geo, H. Pierson, Dracut, went with the company to Washington, but was discharged April 22. |