CHAPTER XIV.

History of Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Association 306

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Rev. Dr. John G. Gammons Frontispiece

Col. Silas P. Richmond Opposite page 49

Lieut.-Col. James Barton “ “ 53

Major John Morrissey “ “ 54

Adjutant Lucian L. Perkins “ “ 56

Surgeon Alfred A. Stocker “ “ 58

Chaplain Rev. Charles A. Snow “ “ 60

Capt. John W. Marble “ “ 66

Capt. Elihu Grant “ “ 133

Capt. Andrew R. Wright “ “ 150

Capt. John A. Hawes “ “ 185

Capt. George R. Hurlburt “ “ 205

Capt. William S. Cobb “ “ 221

Capt. Otis A. Baker “ “ 230

Capt. Barnabas Ewer, Jr. “ “ 251

Capt. Samuel Bates “ “ 272

Sergt. Patrick Cannavan “ “ 207

Sketch of the Goldsboro Expedition “ “ 26

INTRODUCTORY.

At the annual reunion of the regimental association held in East Bridgewater, Aug. 6, 1903, the question of publishing the history of the Third Regiment was enthusiastically discussed and approved. Much valuable material had already been secured by one of the members and the prospect was bright and encouraging that an interesting and valuable narrative could be produced. A committee of ten, one from each company, was chosen to prepare histories and rosters of their respective companies, to aid in compiling the general history. It was unanimously voted that the work of compiling and publishing the history be committed to Chaplain Snow, under the supervision of the Committee. Several changes have since been found necessary to be made in the construction of the Committee, as some of the members first appointed were not able to do the work assigned them. No great delay, however, has been caused by these changes, and the preparation of the volume has been made with reasonable diligence and dispatch.

In compiling this work the writer has acted as annalist rather than author. This is usually the fact in the narration of history, but particularly so in the present case, since the work has been largely to arrange materials, and in many portions in nearly verbatim form, as they were furnished by others. The labor has proved an agreeable pastime and this is the only remuneration sought or desired. Should the volume receive a gratified welcome from the comrades who served with me in the old Third Regiment this fact will be regarded as bonus in addition.

The Third Regiment does not presume to claim, in any special sense, the honors of a very eventful career. Circumstances beyond its control made this impossible. Equipped with unserviceable arms, which were duly condemned but never exchanged for better ones, and being assigned mainly to garrison duty, the term of service of the Third Regiment was completed without the gravest hardships. I am sure, however, that the regiment had the _esprit de corps_ requisite for the sternest military service and sacrifice. It only lacked the opportunity to prove itself. This proof has been given in a measure at least, by those who re-enlisted and did noble service in other regiments, particularly the Fifty-eighth.

I have been greatly assisted in the collection of materials, and in their verification, by many of my comrades, and their interest has been to me a decided stimulus. The names of the most prominent ones are given in connection with the articles which they have contributed.

Besides the valuable aid rendered by the Committee, especial commendation is due to Major A. S. Cushman of East Orange, N. J., whose contributions are of eminent value as matters of history.

CHARLES A. SNOW,

_Chaplain,_ 1862-’63.

NOTES.--Cities and towns mentioned in this volume may be understood as being in Massachusetts. Otherwise the states are designated in which they are located.

The photos representing the field and staff officers, also the line officers, were taken at about the time of enlistment in 1862.

OUR FLAG.

“’Twas eighteen hundred sixty one, April the twelfth at six, Old Sumter’s gates were firmly barred, and water filled the ditch; And the sentinel with martial tread, the relief expected soon, When upon the air so calm and still, there came a cannon boom.

“Beat the long roll,” the Major cried, “bid every man fall in, Secession’s work so long delayed, the Rebels now begin; But just as true as the Old Flag does from the flagstaff fly, We’ll show the Rebs true Yankee grit, we’ll whip them or we’ll die.”

Boom! boom! the cannon loud did roar, the shot flew thick and fast, And many a shell of a hundred pounds close to Old Glory passed. Said Anderson, “My noble men, such things should never be, Those stars of light, those bars of gold are emblems of the free.”

“That flag, the glory of our land, should we but pull it down, Would make our mothers weep for shame, and our sweethearts on us frown.” And every man he loud did shout, “Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! No traitor’s hand shall touch that flag, or its glory ever mar!”

Our dear Old Flag, in darkest days, inspired the old war song, “We’re coming Father Abraham, three hundred thousand strong.” And when the mud of the Sacred Soil made weary soldiers lag, Then new strength came to march again as we beheld the flag.

When on the field of Winchester, in the thickest of the fight, The Stars and Stripes were seen aloft, it gave the soldiers might; And when we all were driven back and thought we’d lost the day, Then daring Sheridan came up, and unto us did say:

“Right about march, just follow me, I’m with you although late; Fix bayonets, charge the Rebel lines, and all the ground retake.” And every man, on foot, on horse, looked like a son of Mars, As he shouted “Down the Rebel flag.” “Hurrah! the Stripes and Stars!”

At Gettysburg, our dear Old Flag was riddled by the shot And men had fallen by the score, by roadside and in lot. For three long days we fought the Rebs, repelling Pickett’s charge, And the victory of the Old, Old Flag, did every heart enlarge.

When in our country’s darkest hour, our Grant was heard to say: “Be true, my men, to the Old Flag, and you’ll shall see some day That victory like the morning sun, will rise and on us shine, For that Old Flag, so dear to me, I’ll fight upon this line.”

At Appomattox, in sixty five, we charged the Rebel lines, And then in silence, there we stood waiting for further signs Until we saw General Grant pass, in arm with General Lee, For the Flag of Slavery had surrendered to the great Flag of the Free.

Then wave, Old Flag, wave evermore, our fathers fought for thee; Thy very presence make us glad, as thy Stars and Stripes we see. Thou art the sign of liberty, the glory of our land, And long our institutions free, like bulwarks sure shall stand.

Sentinel of old, stand at thy post, and from the flagstaff fly; For thee, and for thy honor bright, our comrades dared to die. Receive the honors due to thee, and may we all be true To the Stars and Stripes, our country’s flag: The Red, The White, The Blue.

BY THE COMPILER.