The news of the fall of Fort Sumter aroused the entire North to action.
The great civil war which had so long been threatened could no longer be
averted, and in every town and hamlet, from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
the people rose as one man to defend the integrity of the Union.
On the 15th of April, President Lincoln issued his first proclamation
calling for seventy-five thousand militia for a three months' service.
The news was received in Marblehead, Mass., late in the afternoon of
that day, and the three militia companies were at once notified by their
respective commanders to be in readiness to take the early morning train
for Boston. These companies were: The Marblehead Sutton Light Infantry,
Company C, Eighth Regiment, commanded by Capt. Knott V. Martin; The
Lafayette Guards, Company B, Eighth Regiment, commanded by Capt. Richard
Phillips; and the Glover Light Guards, Company H, Eighth Regiment,
commanded by Capt. Francis Boardman.
The morning of Tuesday, the 16th of April, broke cold and stormy.
Notwithstanding the rain and sleet which rendered the cold weather
uncomfortable in the extreme, the streets of Marblehead were filled with
an excited throng of people. Wives and mothers and fathers and children
were represented there in the dense crowd, all anxious to speak a
farewell word to the soldiers on their departure. The first companies to
leave town were those commanded by Captains Martin and Boardman, which
marched to the depot and took the half-past seven o'clock train for
Boston. Captain Phillips' company took the train which left Marblehead
about an hour and a half later.
As the trains slowly left the depot, the cheers of the assembled
multitude were re-echoed by the soldiers in the cars. "God bless you!"
"Good-by!" resounded on all sides; and it was not until the last car had
disappeared in the distance, that the great crowd began to disperse.
Of the arrival of the Marblehead companies in Boston there is little
need for me to write. The testimony of such eminent witnesses as
Adjutant-general Schouler and General E.W. Hinks cannot be disputed,
and we quote it _verbatim_.
"There has been some controversy in military circles," wrote General
Schouler, "as to which company can claim the honor of first reaching
Boston. I can answer, that the first were the three companies of the
Eighth Regiment belonging to Marblehead, commanded by Captains Martin,
Phillips and Boardman. I had been at the State House all night; and
early in the morning, rode to the arsenal at Cambridge, to ascertain
whether the orders from headquarters to send in arms, ammunition,
overcoats and equipments had been properly attended to. Messengers
had also been stationed at the different depots, with orders for the
companies, on their arrival, to proceed at once to Faneuil Hall, as a
northeasterly storm of sleet and rain had set in during the night,
and had not abated in the morning. On my return from Cambridge, I
stopped at the Eastern Railroad depot. A large crowd of men and women,
notwithstanding the storm, had gathered there, expecting the arrival
of troops. Shortly after eight o'clock, the train arrived with the
Marblehead companies. They were received with deafening shouts from the
excited throng. The companies immediately formed in line, and marched by
the flank directly to Faneuil Hall, the fifes and drums playing "Yankee
Doodle," the people following and shouting like madmen, and the rain
and sleet falling piteously, as if to abate the ardor of the popular
welcome. And thus it was that the Marblehead men entered Faneuil Hall
on the morning of the 16th of April."
The testimony of General Hinks, who at the breaking out of the war was
Lieutenant-colonel of the Eighth Regiment, is interesting as an
important historical statement, and is as follows:
"On Monday, April 15, 1861, at quarter-past two o'clock, in reply to an
offer of my services made in the morning of that day, I received from
Governor Andrew a verbal command to summon the companies of the Eighth
Regiment, by his authority, to rendezvous at Faneuil Hall at the
earliest possible hour. Leaving Boston on the half-past two o'clock
train, I proceeded to Lynn, and personally notified the commanding
officers of the two companies in that city, and from thence telegraphed
to Captain Bartlett at Newburyport, and Captain Centre of Gloucester,
and then drove to Beverly and summoned the company there; and from
thence hastened to Marblehead, where I personally notified the
commanding officers of the three Marblehead companies. I found Captain
Martin in his slaughter-house, with the carcass of a hog, just killed,
and in readiness for the "scald." On communicating to the captain my
orders, I advised him to immediately cause the bells of the town to be
rung, and to get all the recruits he could. Taking his coat from a peg,
he seemed for a moment to hesitate about leaving his business
unfinished, and then turned to me, and with words of emphatic
indifference in regard to it, put the garment on, with his arms yet
stained with blood and his shirt-sleeves but half rolled down, and with
me left the premises to rally his company.
"On Tuesday, April 16, I was directed to remain on duty at Faneuil Hall,
and during the forenoon the following named companies arrived there and
reported for duty, to wit;--
"1. Companies C, Eighth Regiment, forty muskets, Capt. Knott V. Martin,
and H, Eighth Regiment, Capt. Francis Boardman, both of Marblehead,
which place they left at half-past seven o'clock A.M. and arrived in
Boston at about nine o'clock.
"2. Company D, Fourth Regiment, thirty-two muskets, Sergt. H.F. Wales,
left home about nine o'clock, and arrived at about ten A.M.
"3. Company B, Eighth Regiment, forty muskets, Capt. Richard Phillips,
of Marblehead, left home at nine o'clock, and arrived in Faneuil Hall
about eleven A.M.
"The above is substantially a true record, as will appear by reference
to the files of the "Journal" of that date, and is prompted only by a
desire to do justice to Captain Martin and the patriotic men of
Marblehead, who, on the outbreak of the Rebellion, were the first to
leave home, the first to arrive in Boston, and subsequently, under my
command, the first to leave the yard of the Naval Academy at Annapolis,
to repair and relay the track in the march through Maryland to relieve
the beleaguered capitol of the Nation."
On the morning after the departure of the companies, thirty more men
left Marblehead to join them. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed
throughout the town, and men everywhere were ready and anxious to
enlist. Of the patriotic spirit of the people, no better evidence can be
given than that contained in the reply of Governor Andrew to a gentleman
who asked him if any more men would be needed. "For heaven's sake,"
replied the governor, "don't send any more men from Marblehead, for it
is imposing on your goodness to take so many as have already come!"
The citizens were not less prompt to act than those who had rallied for
the defence of the nation. On the 20th of April, a town meeting was held
to provide for the families of the soldiers, and the old town hall was
crowded to repletion. Mr. Adoniram C. Orne was chosen moderator. The
venerable town clerk, Capt. Glover Broughton, a veteran of the War of
1812, was there beside the moderator, his hands tremulous with emotion,
awaiting the action of his fellow-citizens. "It was voted that the town
treasurer be authorized to hire the sum of five thousand dollars, to be
distributed for the relief of the families of those who have gone or
are going to fight the battles of their country." A committee of five
persons was chosen to repair to the assessors' room and report the
names of ten persons to act as distributors of the fund. The town was
divided into districts, and the following gentlemen were chosen as a
distributing committee, namely: Messrs, Thomas Main, John J. Lyon,
Frederick Robinson, William Courtis, William Litchman, Stephen Hathaway,
Jr., James J.H. Gregory, John C. Hamson, Jr., Richard Tutt, Joshua O.
Bowden.
No resolutions were adopted. The times called for action, and "_Factis
non verbis_." was the motto of the hour. But human nature must find
some vent for enthusiasm, and we are informed in the records, by the
faithful clerk, that "three cheers were then given." They probably shook
the building for genuine Marble-headers are blessed with strong lungs,
and can never cheer by rule.
The patriotism of the ladies of Marblehead at this time and throughout
the entire period of the war cannot be overestimated. With loving hearts
and willing hands, they contributed their time, their labor, and their
money for the benefit of those who had gone forth to battle. The work of
some was of a public nature, and the deeds of these are recorded; but
the only record of hundreds who worked quietly in their own homes was
written on the grateful hearts of the soldiers for whom they labored.
On the 22d of April a meeting of the ladies was held at the town hall,
and a Soldiers' Aid Society was organized. The object was to perform
such work as was necessary for the comfort of the soldiers, and to
furnish articles of clothing, medicines, and delicacies for use in the
hospitals. Mrs. Maria L. Williams was elected president. That lady
subsequently resigned, and Mrs. Margaret Newhall became president, and
Mrs. Mary M. Oliver, secretary.
On the following day, eighteen ladies met at the Sewall Grammar
School-house, on Spring Street, and organized a committee to solicit
money for the benefit of the soldiers. The following are the names of
the ladies who composed this committee:--Miss Mary E. Graves,
_President_; Miss Mary A. Alley, _Secretary_; Miss Mary L.
Pitman, _Treasurer_; Mrs. Mary Glover, Mrs. Hannah Hidden, Miss
Harriet Newhall, Miss Tabitha Trefry, Mrs. Hannah J. Hathaway, Mrs. John
F. Harris, Miss Amy K. Prentiss, Miss Sarah E. Sparhawk, Miss Hannah J.
Woodfin, Miss Lizzie Cross, Miss Mary A. Cross, Mrs. Hannah Doak, Miss
Alicia H. Gilley, Miss Carrie Paine, Miss Mary E. Homan.
In less than one week from the time of their organization the ladies of
this committee had collected the sum of $508.17. The teachers of the
public schools generously contributed six per cent of their salaries for
the year in aid of the object; and there was a disposition manifested by
the people generally, to give _something_, however small the
amount.
Stirring reports were now received from the companies at the seat of
war. The blockading of the railroad to Baltimore by the Secessionists;
the seizure of the steamer Maryland; and the saving of the old frigate
Constitution, in which their fathers fought so valiantly, caused the
hearts of the people to swell with pride, as they related the story one
to another. The men of Captain Boardman's company were the first to
board "Old Ironsides," and a delegation of them helped to man her on
the voyage to New York. The sufferings of their soldier boys, who were
obliged to eat pilot bread baked in the year "1848," brought tears to
the eyes of many an anxious mother. But the tears were momentary only,
and the sufferings of the boys were forgotten in the joy that Marblehead
soldiers had been permitted to lead the advance on the memorable march
to Annapolis Junction and to relay the track which had been torn up to
prevent the passage of the troops. The arrival of the troops in
Washington; the new uniforms furnished in place of those worn out in
eight days; and the quartering of soldiers in the United States Capitol
Building, was all related in the letters that came home.
Some of these letters were so full of patriotic sentiment that they
should be preserved to testify of the spirit of the men of Marblehead
who participated in the struggle for national life. I have space only
for one of these, which is quoted in full because it is so
characteristic of the heroic old veteran who wrote it.
"HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
WASHINGTON CITY, April 27, 1861.
"_Dear Sir_: We arrived in Washington yesterday after a great deal
of hardship and privation, living for thirty-six hours at a time on one
small loaf to a man; water a great part of the time very scarce, and not
of a very good quality. But the men bore it almost without a murmur.
The Eighth Regiment had the honor of taking the noble old frigate
Constitution out of the dock at Annapolis, and placing her out of reach
of the Secessionists. The Eighth came from Annapolis to Washington, in
company with the New York Seventh,--God bless them. They shared with us
their last morsel; and the two regiments together have laid railroad
tracks, built bridges, run steam-engines, and contracted an eternal
friendship, which has been cemented by deeds of daring for each other.
We have encamped in corn-fields, on railroad embankments, with one
eye open while sleeping; and have opened R.R. communication between
Annapolis and Washington, for all troops which may hereafter want to
pass that way.
"Give my love to all friends of the Stars and Stripes, and my eternal
hatred to its enemies.
"Yours Respectfully,
"KNOTT V. MARTIN. To WM. B. BROWN, Esq."
During the latter part of April, active measures were taken to recruit
another company to join those already in the field. In a few davs the
"Mugford Guards," a full company of fifty-seven men, was organized, and
Captain Benjamin Day was commissioned as commander. Every effort was
made to get the new company in readiness for departure as soon as
possible. The men were without uniforms, and the school teachers at once
voted to furnish the materials for making them, at their own expense.
Mr. John Marr, the local tailor, offered his services as cutter, and
they were gratefully accepted. On Sunday, May 5, the ladies of the
Soldiers Aid Society, with a large number of others, assembled at
Academy Hall, and industriously worked throughout the entire day and
evening to make up the uniforms.
On the following day, the town voted to appropriate the sum of $400 to
furnish the company with comfortable and necessary clothing.
On the 7th of June another meeting was held, and the town voted to
borrow a sum not exceeding ten thousand dollars, to be applied by the
selectmen in aid of the families of volunteers.
On the morning of Monday, June 24, the new company took its departure
for the "seat of war." The soldiers were escorted to the entrance of the
town by the Mugford Fire Association and a large concourse of citizens.
Almost the entire community assembled in the streets to say "farewell,"
and to bid them "God speed." On arriving at the locality known as the
"Work-house Rocks," the procession halted, and the soldiers were
addressed by William B. Brown, Esq., in behalf of the citizens.
The soldiers embarked for Boston in wagons which were in waiting, and
departed amid the deafening cheers of the citizens.
On Thursday, August 1, the three Marblehead companies arrived home.
Arrangements had been made to give them an enthusiastic welcome. At
three o'clock in the afternoon a procession was formed, consisting of
the Marblehead Band, the "Home Guards," the boards of town officers,
the entire fire department, and the scholars of the public schools.
An interesting feature of the procession was thirteen young ladies,
representing the original States, wearing white dresses, and red, white,
and blue veils. The arrival of the train bringing the soldiers was
announced by the ringing of bells, the firing of guns, and the joyful
acclamations of the people. They were received at the depot at about six
o'clock P.M., and escorted to the "Town House" where an address of
welcome was delivered by Jonathan H. Orne, Esq., a member of the board
of selectmen.
On the afternoon of the following day, the veterans were given a grand
reception. The procession was again formed, and they were escorted about
town to Fort Sewall, where a dinner was served.
Shortly after the return of the companies, Capt. Knott V. Martin
resigned as commander of the Sutton Light Infantry, and recruited a
company for the Twenty-third Regiment. More than half the members of
this company were enlisted in Marblehead. They left for the seat of war
during the month of November.
It does not fall within the province of this article to trace the
fortunes of the sons of Marblehead through the long and cruel war. Their
experience, however, was not unlike that of thousands who suffered and
died for the nation. With patient endurance and the fortitude of
martyrs, they drank to the dregs the bitter cup of war. Through the long
and fatiguing marches, in the many hard fought battles, and in the
hopeless agony of life in the prison-pens, they were manly and true. It
is unnecessary to say more. By the self-sacrificing devotion of heroes
like these, the nation was saved.
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