Website's 3rd Anniversary

Yesterday was  the 3rd anniversary of 13thmass.org  

It had a false start some years earlier, when my friend and fellow researcher Greg Dowden set up a '13thmass'  site with free web space and web authoring tools that were frequently offered with service providers back in the day.  Greg and I were both anxious to get the stories of the '13th Mass.' out there.  I was pursuing my 'book' at that time.

In 2008 with Greg's approval, I took over the reins of building the site, using the same url.   I did about 6 months of research on web authoring before choosing a service provider and building the site.  Much of this research was done here.

Susan Harnwell who maintains the website for the '15th Mass.' provided some excellent advice and encouragement too.

In late May, 2008 I purchased a plan from Futurequest, and in a couple weeks I had my basic website live on-line.

Adding the 'detail' pages is an on-going project that was planned from the start.  This is the heart of the site. Pictures and graphics are an important part of each page and care is taken to find the right images to match the text.  In search of these, I've often contacted historical societies and towns that could provide insight, images and anecdotes about the local areas the 13th Mass traveled through. Usually this leads to an exchange of information which is mutually rewarding.  It probably builds a little bit of regional interest in the site too.  (I've corresponded with people in Hagerstown, Hancock, and Williamsport,  Md.; Bluemont, Va., Front Royal, Va., and Warrenton, Va., among other places back east).

I'm finally working on the Antietam Campaign, a year and 2 months into the regiment's three year term of enlistment and three years into the slow building of the website.  Here the regiment made its mark, a lasting reputation for valor and dependability that continued through to the end of service.  It was at the front from the day it arrived in Western Maryland Aug. 1, 1861, to the day it left the trenches before Petersburg to return home, July 14, 1864.

I must add however, that the regiment was already famous back home in Massachusetts. It gained for itself the moniker of 'The Marching Regiment" in its early days, and it began skirmishing with Rebel pickets across the Potomac almost immediately from the time it arrived in W. Maryland the summer of  1861.

I have lots of good material for the Antietam page.

Antietam is also a turning point in the history of the unit.  Several of my primary sources dry up following the battles of 2nd Bull Run and Antietam, fought within 3 weeks time of each other. I've had the good fortune to use several letter collections, gathered from institutions or family, that simply end at this time with the soldiers wounding, or muster out.  There won't be as many consistent voices with which to follow the fortunes of the regiment from this point forward.  This might be a good time to appeal for source material from any that might have a collection of 13th Mass. letters they wish to share.

The website has so far fulfilled my expectations.  I hope it proves a valuable resource for others as time marches on.

And, thanks for stopping by!

Time out from the Blog in Real Time

The next "Blog in Real Time" post may not come again until late June.  I was actually surprised at how much material I was able to post for April and May !  I must check my sources though, and this break allows me to make a couple observations and seek feedback.

I'm wondering for those of you following how well it plays.  The Civil War soldier was immersed in the great excitement and events of the day, whereas some readers of the blog need background information.  I'm wondering if the real time posts are as effective as I thought they might be.  The excitement level was high on both sides at this early period of the war.  I'm not sure the posts capture that reality.  Certainly there has been enough interesting material so far.  (I thought posting links to a site listing daily occurrences might be useful.) 

I was only late with a post one time so far, however I added material to the May 25th post after the fact.  I also have pictures to add to some of these posts - retroactively.

 So far, I haven't wanted to interrupt the flow of the posts with other subjects.  For instance, last week I posted a new page at my website, without announcing it here.  I'll write about that next.

Blog in Real Time - May 25, 1861 - Post #21

Fort Warren
On May 25, the "Tigers" left Fort Warren.  The governor declined the offer of the Tigers for Federal Service so those men interested in going to the war front had to seek out another organization to join.  For George Kimball, the author of this reminiscence, that organization was the 12th Regiment, Mass. Vols.  For James F. Ramsey, and Dr. Alston Whitney, members of the Tigers, that organization would be 13th Regiment, Mass. Vols. 

Brig. Gen. Ebenezer W. Pierce took command of the fort on May 15, and ten days after, the battalion, finding that the Government would not accept their services as an organization, returned to the city. The Eleventh and Twelfth got square with us by “toting" our luggage to the steamer, and Companies D and E of the Twelfth, under Captains Shurtleff and Saltmarsh respectively, accompanied us to the Hub.  Marching up State street, headed by Gilmore's superb organization*, the men sang the now famous song, which created great popular enthusiasm.

It now looked as if I must hustle if I intended to get at the enemy before he surrendered, so I ran about looking for a favorable opportunity to enlist.  I finally brought up in the camp of the First Regiment in Cambridge, and spent several days there, but that organization was full.

     Finally Henry Wilson advised Secretary Cameron to send for Col Webster's regiment, and, hearing that recruits were wanted, I returned to the fort and joined Company A.

*Gilmore's superb organization is a famous Boston area Band. 


Fort Independence
From Three Years in the Army;  The Story of the 13th Massachusetts Volunteers, Charles E. Davis, jr. writes:

On the 25th of May the five companies, with knapsacks, blankets etc., marched down State Street to the wharf, where they took the steamer "Nelly Baker" for the fort, and where they arrived in due time.


It was a joyous day, though cloudy. We were puffed up with pride and importance at our new responsibility and the knowledge that we were to relieve the New England Guards, who had been garrisoning the fort for a fortnight.  The New England Guards was one of the crack organizations of Massachusetts, of which the citizens of Boston were justly proud.  It subsequently became the nucleus of the Twenty-fourth Regiment, that left Massachusetts for the seat of war December 9, 1861, and afterward made a glorious record.

As we marched into the fort, that battalion was drawn up in line to recieve us.  As we watched with admiration the precision and skill with which they performed their movements, we shed a big lot of conceit.

The duties of a soldier began immediately on their departure.  We were in possession of a fortification of the United States, and the responsibilities seemed immense. We were to guard it, and see that it was not stolen or captured by the enemy.

A detail was made from each company for guard duty, and the writer began at once the tremendous duties of a soldier.  Being placed on the extreme southern point of the island, nearest the enemy, he was cautioned to watch carefully, that he enemy might not come up the harbor without warning being given of his approach.  There seemed nothing ridiculous in all this; the caution was given and received in all earnestness.  These instruction were the first and, so far as can be recalled, the only ones he ever received, and they made a deep impression on his mind.  We often laughed afterwards as we reflected on the difference between this and the reality, though it was real enough to us then. Not a wink did some of us sleep that night.  The responsibility was too great for sleep.

Blog in Real Time - May 19, 1861 - Post #20

May 19, 1861.
(Apologies for posting one day late).

Letter of James F. Ramsey

Fort Warren May 19th 1861

Dear Mother  I am very well. I have not got much time to write  If you come down the first of the week Tuesday would be the best day  I should like to have a box of crackers?  I was on guard last night  it was pretty cold.  There are a great many visitors here to day some that I know  we had a real pot pie for dinner and beans and brown bread for breakfast   I should like one or two pens my pens were in my pocket book and got a break.

     Good by
              from James


Letter of John B. Noyes

MS Am2332 (1) By permission of the Houghton Library, Harvard University.  John B. Noyes enlisted in the 4th Battalion of Rifles.  He wrote the following letter to his brother Stephen in New York.  Noyes was a prolific letter writer.  He seems to be having a jolly time playing soldier at this time, but he would live to see hard service and prove a very capable officer with the 28th Mass. Vols., mustering out as Captain, Brevet Lt-Col. with that organization in Dec., 1864.

Cambridge, May 19, 1861

Dear Stephen,

Your letter to Martha reminded me that yours of hte 22d ult. was still unanswered.  I have thought several times of writng, but occasional duties have prevented at the moment.  The war progresses without the immediate results desired by some.  I take it that Gen'l Scott knows what he is about as well as another man, and that his plans are the best possible.  I did duty at the Arsenal for the week ending May 3d.  During this time I was on guard six to eight hours a day, sleeping at the arsenal. The Drill Club of which I was a member under Capt. Meacham had orders to protect the arsenal, and of course I obeyed.  While there we were the observed of all observers, and attracted much attention from the Citizens of Cambridge.  We lived while there, for a  time at least, on the fat of the land, sent to us in part by friendly citizens.  Cigars and drinkables were plentifully provided.  On the whole I passed a grand week there, albeit a somewhat rainy one.  What a proud thing it was to be guard at the gate, holding the keys of office, at an afternoon parade when the fair demoiselles of Cambridge flocked to behold the scene;  and to bellow forth with stentorian voice "Sergeant of the Guard, No. 1."  How jolly to join in patriotic and other songs after Supper before turning in to snatch a couple hours of sleep, if possible, before doing guard duty at dead of night!  How like a "sojer" to cry Halt!  Who goes there?  And porting arms, or at charge bayonet to order the Sergeant of the guard, or officer of the night to "advance and give the countersign."  Since the week we were there, we have not been stationed at the arsenal as we did not care to serve there except under our own officers.  The students now take turn in defending the state property.

Payson Tucker was not there as Captain, but served in the ranks as a private.  His eyes prevented him from quartering at the arsenal, and he accordingly slept at home.  I have not gone yet, as you might surmise from the reception of this letter.  I hold myself ready to go however, having joined the Fourth Battalion of Rifles, Major Leonard.  I hope we shall go to the wars, but whether we shall or not is a matter of uncertainty.  The Governor does not know, not as yet having determined whom to send.  I attend two Evening battalion drills, and one Company drill a week in Boston, and occasionally drill at other times during the week.  We have splendid accommodations at Nassau Hall on Common Street. 

Gen'l. Butler seems to be gaining a great reputation by his energy and direction.  I suppose Maryland is now safe for the Union.  I hope Gen'l. Harney will do as much for Missouri, though the obstacles against it are incomparably greater.  New England is doing nobly and hereafter may not be quite so much black guarded by partisan politicians.

Several students have gone into the army.  Some are at the Forts in the Harbor, and some are earning laurels farther South.  Two belong to the gallant Salem Zouaves, who helped convey the Constitution to New York.  Sam Bigelow, I believe is now a Lieut. in the 7th Regt of New York.  Sociables were broken off by the fall of Fort Sumpter. Up to that time there had been considerable gaiety in Cambridge Society.  Our old friends Alfie & Martha Brooks are now in Cambridge.  I told the former to night that you had not gone & probably wouldn't for some time to come,  I might have added till you could see an enemy before he would pistol you.  Charles is getting along very well, and that little girl of his. He is strong on the war question.  Business is at a stand still, as I suppose it is in Brooklyn.

Yours Aff.
John B. Noyes

Blog in Real Time - May 17, 1861 - Post #19

May 17, 1861

Letter of James F. Ramsey

Fort Warren May 17th 1861

Dear Mother,  I am very well  I should have written before but I have not received a letter  I expected one every day  I hope you will write some  The other night we had an oyster stew  to day we had fish chowder for dinner  some of the officers are getting so proud? that they dine with the men   the officer of the day who
is second in command of the fort for the time being dined with us to day  two of the captains dine at the head of the tables occupied by their men  It says in the paper that we will garrison the fort  I have seen George he is well  I cant see to write any more so good by
              James

P.S  I layed the letter by last night because it was to dark to write  yesterday we were inspected our beds knapsacks and everything belonging to the government  They say we are to have the best uniform in the state.  I hope you will write soon  I cannot tell how soon I shall be home  probably not before a week.

Blog in Real Time - May 15, 1861 - Post #18

May 15, 1861

Roxbury City Gazette
The company mentioned, from Roxbury, would be mustered into Federal Service as Company E, of the 13th Mass.   The following newspaper transcription was originally published on the now defunct website "LETTERS OF THE CIVIL WAR"
 

MAY 15, 1861.
     
CAPT. BARLETT'S COMPANY.
     
            Last Sabbath morning, Capt. Barlett's Company attended divine worship at the Dudley Street Baptist Church, Rev. Thomas D. Anderson,  D. D. Pastor, who preached from the 12th verse of the 60th Psalm: "Through God we shall do valiantly; for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
      
            After the service, as the Company passed out in single file before the pulpit, every soldier received a copy of the Testament and Psalm, together with a small 18mo of 64 pages, published by the American Track Society, entitled, "Welcome to Jesus," containing a chapter entitled, "Good advice to soldiers." In each Testament was inscribed the name of the soldier, and the words "From the Dudley Street Society, Roxbury," and the quotation, "A light onto my path." Previous to the close of services, the soldiers joined in singing the "doxology."

(Roxbury City Gazette, May 15, 1861, pg. 2, col. 6.)

Blog in Real Time - May 12, 1861 - Post #17

From the Memoirs of George Kimball, 12th Mass. Vols.  
     At this time Kimball was a member of the 2nd Battalion, or "Tigers" serving at Fort Warren.  The 12th Mass. Vols. (The Webster Regiment) had arrived at the fort May 4 & 5.  Kimball describes the occasion.  Also, on May 12, the "John Brown Song" was performed for the very first time by a band visiting Fort Warren.

     A neat illustration of the fact that all men are brothers was given when Col. Webster's regiment came to the fort.  Some of the companies had been quartered in Faneuil Hall, and when orders came to proceed to Fort Warren all the stray companies were summoned to the "Cradle of Liberty" to prepare for the start.  A Captain, with neither discretion nor propriety, advised the men to prepare themselves for a cold reception at Fort Warren, saying that the stronghold was garrisoned by "kid-gloved soldiers." "A little bird " or some other messenger brought the tidings down. Think you the men of the battalion indulged in a towering rage? They didn't . We simply laughed, for we knew that the Captain was laboring under a misapprehension.

     Our officers suggested that we show them by a hearty reception that all men engaged in the suppression of the Rebellion occupied the same broad platform—that we were all Americans.  So, when the steamer bringing the regiment came, we began to cheer as soon as they could hear us, and kept it up until they landed. Then we escorted them to their quarters, and while they were wondering what we were up to, we stacked arms and broke ranks, and returning to the wharf on the run. seized mattresses and every bit of camp equipage we could lay hands upon, and started back, screaming with delight, as though the labor afforded us infinite pleasure. What little false impression the Captain's remark had created vanished into thin air, and the Captain himself took it all back with tears in his eyes. After that the men of the two organizations were fast friends.  When the Eleventh came we repeated the performance for fear that they, too, might think we were "stuck up.”


     Gilmore's and the Brigade Bands, which alternately visited the fort on Sundays, had learned to play the “John Brown Song,” and Sunday, May 12, was a great day.   Rev. Mr. Hepworth of the Church of the Unity, Chaplain of the battalion, preached an eloquent war sermon, after which we had a grand flag raising. Judge George D. Wells made a speech. Miss Louise B. Rogers raised the flag amid the cheers of the men, and we sang:

"Emblem of liberty,

Float thou o'er earth and sea.

By thee we stand.

Stay thou our enemies.

God of the earth and sky;

Under this flag we'll die,

 God bless our land." 

to the tune of "America."  Then Miss Rogers was made "Daughter of the Battalion."  At a dress parade that night all the troops were combined, and when Gilmore's Band, which played for us on this occasion, started up the long line from the left, they astonished  and delighted everybody by playing "John Brown." This was the first time the piece was performed publicly by a military band.