SINCE 1878
Col. Wales’ regiment, when he received his commission on Dec. 30, 1878,
consisted of the following twelve companies:
1, The Roxbury Artillery or City Guard.
2, The Boston Light Infantry.
3, The Taunton Light Guard.
4, The New Bedford City Guards.
5, The Standish Guards of Plymouth.
6, The Massachusetts Guards of Cambridge.
7, The Pierce Light Guard of Boston.
8, The West Roxbury Rifles.
9, The Taunton City Guard.
10, The Cunningham Rifles of Brockton.
11, The Maverick Rifles of East Boston.
12, The Fall River Rifles.
The Fusiliers and the Chelsea Rifle-Veterans were temporarily detached
from the regiment, and the Claflin Guards were gone, never to return so
far as we now know.
The 1st and 8th Companies were directly from the 1st Regiment. The 2d,
6th, 7th and 11th Companies came from the 4th Battalion; the 3d Company
came originally from the 4th Regiment and immediately from the 3d; the
4th, 5th and 9th Companies were from the 3d Regiment; the 10th was
originally from the 3d and immediately from the 1st. A new 12th Company
was organized on Dec. 12, 1878, with Capt. Sierra L. Braley in command.
The new company speedily forged to the head in efficiency and has always
been one of the three or four leaders in the entire regiment.
Boston celebrated the 250th anniversary of its settlement on Sept. 17,
1880, and along with other features included a magnificent military
display. Everyone conceded that, while other bodies presented a fine
appearance, the feature of the parade was the twelve-company 1st
Regiment. That day, for the last time, the companies wore their original
uniforms--old 1st Regiment, gray with towering bearskin shakos; 4th
Battalion, a semi-Zouave costume with low shakos, double breasted blue
coats, light blue bloused knickerbockers, and high leather leggins; and
the 3d Regiment, low shakos, short blue coats, single-breasted but with
three rows of buttons, and blue trousers. The regiment was received
enthusiastically by the people of Boston and the day was one long to be
remembered.
But changes were projected in the interests of efficiency, and first of
all, in that very year, 1880, it was decided to adopt the 4th Battalion
uniform for the entire twelve companies. So satisfactory did this prove
that the Commonwealth utilized the same costume as a state uniform, and
issued it to all the organizations of Massachusetts in 1884. Imitation
is the sincerest form of flattery; but it can scarcely be said that the
1st relished sharing their distinctive uniform with all the
militia,--they felt that they had paid dearly for this flattery.
Thereafter the regiment was to be subjected to a continuous and
intensifying process of military improvement, at the hands first of the
state authorities, and presently of the “Department of Militia Affairs”
or “Militia Bureau” in the War Department. While it was inevitable that
there should be a deal of experimentation whose results were not always
satisfactory, it remains true that constant progress was made thruout
the ensuing years. National Guardsmen, since they are human, are prone
to complain; certainly they greeted almost every innovation with a
chorus of “kicks.” But as soon as a change had demonstrated its
usefulness, it was heartily welcomed. More and more time was demanded of
the men; and on the other hand part of this increased service was
rewarded with increased pay by the State or Nation. The four days of
camp duty required in 1873 had stretched to fifteen days in 1916, the
twelve armory drills of early days to forty-eight. State and Federal pay
were not an adequate recompense for the labor performed; the service was
still one of unselfish patriotism. But the money invested by the
authorities in camp and “rendezvous drill” pay did unquestionably
testify to the higher esteem in which, with the passing years, the Guard
came to stand. One noticeable consequence of the increasing military
strictness was the gradual lowering of average age amongst the
companies. Older men cannot be away from their business or families for
so many hours and days, under ordinary circumstances. American armies
have always been made up of very young men; and under the stress of
increased requirements, the National Guard came to be similarly
constituted.
One company participated in the exercises connected with the funeral of
Pres. James A. Garfield at Cleveland in 1881.
Nathaniel Wales was elected Brigadier General on Feb. 21, 1882, and on
Feb. 24, Austin C. Wellington became Colonel. The Tiger battalion,
during the eight years of Wellington’s command, had become the most
prominent military institution in Boston; now the entire 1st Regiment
was to profit by the skill of the same man, a skill truly amounting to
genius. Peculiar qualities are demanded of one who is to succeed in
highest degree as a National Guardsman. He must be a well-trained
soldier and a hard worker as a matter of course. He must command
respect for his personal character and must be able to impart knowledge
to others. He must enforce rigid discipline, and must do it without
resorting to regular army methods of punishment. On top of all, there
has to be sufficient personal magnetism in his make-up to attract men,
and enthusiasm enough to overflow and fire others. This description of a
model Guardsman is nothing more or less than a description of Austin C.
Wellington. No wonder that during his six years of command, the regiment
was to register a new high-water mark of success.
Now the old companies began to come back. When in 1883 the Standish
Guards suffered disbandment, their place was promptly taken by the
company which had originally held it, the Chelsea Rifles. The Taunton
Light Guard ceased to exist in 1884, and at first, the vacant 3d number
was filled by the formation of a new company in Natick. Four years later
the Natick organization transferred and became Co. L of the 9th, and
then the Fusiliers returned to their proper place as 3d Company.
1882 was notable for the Daniel Webster centennial. Pres. Chester A.
Arthur honored Boston with a visit on this occasion, and on Oct. 11, the
1st Regiment served as Presidential escort during the celebration at
Marshfield. The habit of visiting distant cities now grew on the
regiment, so that on August 8, 1885, they were found in New York
participating in the tremendous funeral procession in honor of their
old-time commander-in-chief, U. S. Grant. Their fame grew.
All Roxbury joined in celebrating the centennial of its favorite corps,
the City Guard, in 1884. March 22 of that year will long be remembered
for its parade, and other demonstrations of affectionate enthusiasm. In
1886 the 12th Company visited Providence, R. I., as guests of the Light
Infantry; and assisted their hosts to celebrate in fitting manner the
two hundred fiftieth anniversary of Rhode Island’s settlement. 1887
brought the Fusilier centennial; and was likewise properly observed.
In 1887 the United States celebrated the centenary of the signing of its
constitution, choosing Philadelphia, where the document had been
drafted, as the place for the demonstration. Massachusetts decided to
send Gov. Oliver Ames and to provide, as his military escort, the most
proficient regiment in the State. It was not necessary to lose any time
searching for the regiment--orders were promptly issued to Col.
Wellington, that he prepare his command for the Philadelphia trip, the
Commonwealth to pay expenses. Sept. 15 found the regiment on its way to
Philadelphia, Sept. 16 saw them marching as one of the most brilliant
units of the great parade under command of Gen. Philip H. Sheridan,
while Sept. 17 was signalized by their return to Boston. D. W. Reeves
was band-leader that year--no unworthy successor to Fillebrown and
Gilmore--and he contributed, as his share in the event, a new march,
“The March of the First.” Chaplain Minot J. Savage, who added to his
gift of eloquence the rarer talent of poetry, wrote words for Reeves’
music,
“We’re brothers of all noble men,
Who wear our country’s blue;
We brothers find in any race,
Where men are brave and true.
But we’ve a pride in our own band,
And we are all agreed,
Whatever grand deeds others do,
The ‘Old First’ still shall lead.”
The fame of the regiment became nation-wide as a consequence of the
Philadelphia trip.
Col. Wellington’s most notable innovation was the introduction of
artillery instruction, or the re-introduction, as it was for those
companies originally in the old First. The change was made for the
purpose of rendering drills more interesting. It is easier to maintain
the interest of artillerymen--they have their guns as a rallying-point.
Moreover the artillery virus was in the 1st Regiment blood and was bound
eventually to manifest its presence.
That year of Col. Wellington’s accession, 1882, the legislature
appropriated $5,000 for the construction of “Battery Dalton” at
Framingham. Named in honor of the Adjutant General, Samuel Dalton, it
was truly a marvelous work of coast defence. Its mortars had a range of
five hundred yards. After firing the projectile, the cannoneers walked
over and solemnly dug the same up from its self-made grave, and fired it
over again. Artillery practice was economically conducted in those
pioneer days. Sept. 13, 1883, the regiment was permitted to hold one
day’s practice at Fort Warren, a great concession by the War Department,
and a long step in artillery progress. Sept. 4, 1885, one month after
the Grant funeral, the privilege of artillery practice was repeated.
A riot in Cambridge brought the 6th Company into active service for two
days on Feb. 21 and 22, 1887.
Col. Wellington’s death occurred while he still filled the office of
regimental commander, on Sept. 18, 1888. The funeral is said to have
been the saddest tour of duty ever performed by the regiment, an
expression of heart-felt grief. They were then looking forward to
occupying the new South Armory; and everyone contributed the entire pay
received for the day toward the expenses of a memorial room in the
building. This money equipped and furnished the gymnasium in the tower,
the room now devoted to the war-game.
Thomas R. Mathews, Colonel from Dec. 10, 1888, until July 19, 1897, had
served in the 2d Company during the Civil War, and had subsequently been
Captain of the 1st Co. (in 1880). On Oct. 8, 1888, just before Col.
Mathews’ election, the regiment took part in a general mobilization of
militia in Boston. On Thanksgiving day, Nov. 28, 1889, the Boston
companies were assembled at the armories in readiness for service in
maintaining public order at a great fire then raging. Fortunately they
did not have to leave their stations.
Prior to 1890 the Companies had been quartered in various halls and
rinks of Boston and the suburbs, Faneuil Hall being the most coveted
location, unavailable, however, most of the time, and Boylston Hall,
Boylston and Washington Streets, ranking next.
1890 was the date of the South Armory dedication. Massachusetts had
entered, after long years of discussion, upon her policy of providing
adequate accommodations for her volunteer militia. New York had led the
way ten years earlier; and the Massachusetts authorities were especially
indebted to the N. Y. 7th for providing an armory after which others
could pattern. It is a far cry from the 7th’s building to that on
Irvington St., but there is a similarity of type. It must be borne in
mind that the South Armory was relatively one of the best in the country
when the 1st Regiment occupied it in 1890. Nor had the railroad
developed into such a nuisance at that time. The South Armory was the
first State armory in Massachusetts; and led the way for the entire
series, by means of which our troops are quartered as well as any in the
land; its dedication was an important event in military history. Fall
River followed, and dedicated her State armory in 1895, Cambridge and
New Bedford in 1903, Brockton in 1906, Chelsea in 1907, and Taunton in
1917. Chelsea and Brockton subsequently lost their buildings by fire;
the structures were rebuilt respectively in 1909 and 1912.
Col. Mathews’ command served as personal escort to Gov. William E.
Russell, Feb. 29, 1892, at the ceremony of presenting Massachusetts’
first long-service medals. Amongst others, twenty-eight officers and men
of the 1st received medals.
An artillery tour was held at Fort Warren, Aug. 7 to 13, 1892, when the
men had practice on the eight-inch muzzle-loading converted rifles and
the fifteen-inch muzzle-loading smooth-bores. Modern coast artillery had
not yet “arrived”; but the regiment was making progress. In 1893 they
encamped at Framingham and manned “Battery Dalton” once more. In 1895
they had their last experience with these twelve-inch mortars--and the
sand-bank five hundred yards away; 1894, 1896 and 1897 saw them at Fort
Warren each summer. In 1896 the regulars did not take them seriously and
could not “waste time” instructing the militiamen; in 1897, with Lieut.
Erasmus M. Weaver temporarily detailed as instructor, the regiment made
progress. Thereafter, until 1911, regular officers from the forts added
to their other service the duty of visiting the South Armory and
coaching the militia regiment.
All twelve companies were ordered to be in readiness on March 10, 1893,
for service in connection with the disastrous “Lincoln St. fire,” but
were not marched out of the armories.
The state expended $2,500 in 1894 providing a model battery at the South
Armory. While crude compared with the huge gun and mortar installed in
1913, to which the name “Battery Lombard” is sometimes given, this
earlier artillery installation marked a long advance in drills and
instruction.
On Oct. 9, 1894, the regiment again participated in a general
mobilization of the militia at Boston. The monument to Robert Gould
Shaw, on the Common, was formally dedicated May 31, 1897, and the
regiment paraded in honor of the event. One feature of the day recalled
certain historic processions of thirty years previously--the New York
7th, in which Col. Shaw had once served, came on to have a share in this
demonstration of affection.
On June 1, 1897, by act of the legislature, the regiment received a new
name--it became the 1st Regiment of Heavy Artillery. In point of fact it
had begun to separate from the 1st Brigade back in Col. Wellington’s
time, and had become increasingly committed to the artillery branch;
this act of legislation officially recognized a transition which had
already taken place. Now the facings on the uniforms could be changed
from the blue of infantry to the brighter and more distinctive scarlet.
Massachusetts was the first state to have heavy artillery in its
militia--the old regiment was again “first.” Companies were rechristened
“batteries” in connection with the change of service.
Col. Mathews became Brigadier General on July 19, 1897, and Charles
Pfaff succeeded as Colonel on July 28. Col. Pfaff’s military training
had been in the Cadets, and as Captain of the 8th Company, Coast
Artillery; and he had served four years as Major. To him was to fall the
honor of commanding the regiment during its Spanish War service.
There was nothing unexpected about the war with Spain. From the day the
“Maine” was destroyed until April 25, when war was declared, more than
two months elapsed. Members of the command were in constant readiness
during this entire period for the summons which they knew must come;
and it was well understood that instant mobilization would ensue upon
receipt of orders.
But if we had reason to be in readiness, we also had good cause to
anticipate danger and hardship. The United States was notorious for lack
of preparedness, both by land and sea. On the other hand the might of
the Spanish fleet and the fame of the “Spanish infantry” had been so
magnified that much popular trepidation existed. Boston anticipated
instant attack; merchants and bankers deposited their treasure with
inland banks; while real estate owners were insistent that the national
government should afford them protection. Col. Pfaff and his men were to
volunteer in the belief that they would meet with instant and active
fighting. Beyond question the general public drew a deep sigh of relief
as the blue-clad column, on that fateful 26th of April, to the music of
the “March of the First,” swung steadily down Huntington Ave. The
out-of-town commands had left their home stations early and received
Godspeed from newsboys and milkmen only. In Boston, however, the display
of enthusiasm left nothing to be desired; and demonstrated not only the
city’s dependence upon its heavy artillerymen but also its real
affection for the red-legged organization. They were paid from April 25.
Besides Col. Pfaff, the regimental officers were: Lt. Col., Charles B.
Woodman; Majors, Perlie A. Dyar, George F. Quinby, James A. Frye;
Captains, 1st Co., Joseph H. Frothingham; 2d Co., Frederic S. Howes; 3d
Co., Albert B. Chick; 4th Co., Joseph L. Gibbs; 5th Co., Walter L.
Pratt; 6th Co., Walter E. Lombard; 7th Co., Charles P. Nutter; 8th Co.,
John Bordman, Jr.; 9th Co., Norris O. Danforth; 10th Co., Charles
Williamson; 11th Co., Frederick M. Whiting; 12th Co., Sierra L. Braley.
Capt. Braley had been private and corporal in the 3d Reg. during its
nine-months service in 1862. He had been 2d Lieutenant in Battery I, 2d
Mass. Heavy Art., and in Bat. L, 14th U. S. Colored Art., during 1864
and 1865. From 1866 until 1878 he continuously held commissions in the
3d Reg. and, after 1878, in the 1st, his latest command being the 12th
Company. Capt. Braley was the only officer of the regiment to serve in
both the Civil and Spanish Wars.
On April 26 the regiment began active duty at Fort Warren, the orders
reading that they would encamp there for eight days. Five more days were
added to this; and then the command was taken into the U. S. service
“for the war.” Since the thirteen days of state duty is added to the
total in computing their record, they were the first regiment of the
entire nation to begin war service. The Old First still led.
When they left the armory for Fort Warren, there were only six men
absent from the command--four sick and two out of the country.
Opportunity was later given for men with families to withdraw, if they
desired; and all were subjected to a rigid physical examination.
Ultimately three per cent. were rejected for disability and eight per
cent. excused for family reasons. These vacancies were immediately
filled from the throngs of would-be recruits who volunteered. It was a
disappointment to the regiment that the War Department never permitted
them to increase their numbers to the full war strength; their Spanish
War roster bore 751 names.
They started out in the rain on April 26, and it seemed as if it would
rain until they returned; during their first six weeks, they were blest
with sunshine only three days. By and by, when they had ceased to care,
the weather changed and they had sunny days. At Warren they were
quartered in wooden buildings, originally election booths in the city;
prisoners from Deer Island were imported to assist in erecting these;
and some humorist promptly designated them the “3d Corps of Cadets.”
While in the state service, the regiment was fed by a caterer, after the
fashion then prevalent at Framingham. When they became U. S. soldiers,
they messed themselves. All thru this war, ammunition was very scarce
indeed. The least a self-respecting military post can do is to fire
morning and evening guns; this was possible in 1898 only by cutting
cartridges in two and using half-charges. Most of the ordnance was of
Civil War vintage, or very slightly more modern.
Spain had been vastly over-rated, and there was very little fight in
her. The regiment passed a busy and profitable month at Fort Warren from
April 26 to May 30, being mustered into the United States service on May
7. During these weeks the companies or “batteries” attained a high
degree of proficiency in both infantry and artillery drill. Shortly
after midnight on May 13 the Engineers’ steamer, the “Tourist,” came
down the harbor from the Navy Yard to announce that the Spanish fleet
had actually been sighted off Nantucket. But men watched in vain for the
enemy vessels to appear.
On Memorial day, thru the exigency of service conditions, the companies
were moved and distributed along the coast at posts ranging from
Portsmouth to New Bedford. Maj. Frye and the Cape companies remained at
Warren. Lt. Col. Woodman with the 3d and 11th Companies garrisoned the
fort at Clark’s Point, New Bedford, a work which had been in existence
since 1857 but which awaited July 23, 1898, and these companies as
godfathers, before it was christened Fort Rodman. The Colonel,
Headquarters, and the remaining six companies proceeded by boat to
various points along the North Shore, at some of which militia field
artillery batteries had previously been on guard, the Colonel himself
being stationed at Salem in command of the entire Essex County district.
This transfer of troops was accomplished without peril or even
discomfort. The 1st and 7th Companies under Maj. Dyar became the
garrison at Salem; Maj. Quinby and the 2d Company were at Gloucester;
the 6th Company was on Plum Island near Newburyport, and subsequently at
Portsmouth; the 5th Company at Marblehead; and the 8th at Nahant as
guard of the mining-casemate. Lieuts. E. Dwight Fullerton of the 8th
Company and P. Frank Packard of the 2d were specially detailed to duty
with the regulars at Fort Columbus, Governor’s Island, New York, and
remained there several months. Lieut. Fullerton was called upon to
untangle the snarl into which the War Department had gotten with regard
to records of sick soldiers in the New York hospitals.
It fell to the lot of certain “batteries” to reconstruct and man ancient
earthworks whose history ran back many years. At Salem, Fort Pickering
was put in commission; at Gloucester, the old Stage Fort where Myles
Standish once came near having a battle; near Portsmouth, Forts
Constitution and McClary; and at Marblehead, Fort Sewall. This is very
romantic to relate. No doubt the renovated works with their armament of
obsolete field pieces could have afforded some protection against
Spanish raiders. But those who were called upon to occupy works built
for seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth century warfare, and
modernize them so as to render them useful under twentieth century
conditions, agree in testifying that the romance is all in the narrative
and not any in the fact. The 6th Company had at first been stationed in
an earthwork on the Plum Island beach which had been constructed by the
field battery, whom they relieved; as Plum Island, in June, is notable
chiefly for flies and fleas, this company was glad enough when the
transfer to Portsmouth brought the men again on solid ground. Fort
Constitution had a long history--it used to be known as Fort William and
Mary, and from its ancient magazine came the powder used by the patriots
at Bunker Hill; but in 1898 it was a comparatively modern work, and
mounted a battery of eight-inch rifles.
This Spanish War service is something of which the regiment are justly
proud. On April 26, Col. Pfaff led 99 per cent. of the full militia
strength of his command into the harbor forts, itself a conclusive
demonstration that the National Guard is a dependable force. Foremost
were they in the entire United States to assume their post of duty.
First of all volunteers were they to be mustered in; the genius of “The
Old First” was in control. Thruout the entire two-hundred-three days of
duty they maintained the very highest standards of efficiency and
discipline. It noway lessened the credit belonging to these volunteer
soldiers that the Spaniards were so wise as to keep at a safe distance
from the Massachusetts coast; the warmest kind of a welcome was awaiting
them, had they come. When on Nov. 14, the command were mustered out of
Federal service and returned to the militia, they had added a most
creditable chapter to the long annals of their organization.
In 1899 a tour of duty was performed at Fort Rodman; and so satisfactory
did it prove that the post was chosen for the annual coast defence
exercises, with one exception, until 1906. In 1902 some companies were
stationed at Fort Greble and other Rhode Island posts. The only serious
objections to Rodman were the haze and fog, which hang low over
Buzzard’s Bay. As a consequence of the Spanish War, the flannel shirt
and the khaki suit became part of the regimental uniform. Oct. 14, 1899,
the regiment participated in the ovation to Admiral George Dewey, and
at the same time turned their Spanish War flags and colors over to the
custody of the State. Col. Pfaff retired as Brigadier General Apr. 20,
1900. His loyal and generous interest in the old regiment has been shown
in making possible the publication of this history.
Col. James A. Frye, who commanded the regiment from May 4, 1900, until
Jan. 4, 1906, had served as Major during the Spanish War. Upon
relinquishing command of the regiment, he became Adj. Gen. of the State.
Col. Frye was the one selected to record the services of the command
during the Spanish War; and his history will always stand as a worthy
monument to his memory.
In 1903 the regiment participated in joint coast defence and naval
maneuvers at Portland harbor, of which the chief feature was the long
hours. The men were on duty all day and all night, so that sleeping
almost became a forgotten art. On June 25, 1903, the Coast Artillery
shared in the exercises of dedication around the magnificent statue of
their old commander, Gen. Joseph Hooker. Members of the regiment had
been foremost in securing the appropriation for the statue; and heartily
did they rejoice to see the beautiful bronze by D. C. French which
finally crowned their labor.
1903 witnessed the most important national militia legislation since the
original militia act of 1792. By the “Dick law,” with amendments added
in 1908, the militia really became a national force, with clearly
defined liability of service; and the name, National Guard, was
officially conferred upon it. Nevertheless Massachusetts continued to
call her citizen soldiers Volunteer Militia. 1904 brought the adoption
of magazine-rifles.
On Nov. 1, 1905, the regiment was redesignated as the “Corps of Coast
Artillery,” a title which has been used by anticipation at various times
in this book. Behind the change lay the fact that the War Department had
been testing militia heavy or coast artillery; and the latter, in the
estimation of the Washington authorities, were not found wanting. A
regiment is a closely united body, and is supposed to operate as a unit.
A corps, on the contrary, is a group of smaller units associated for
administrative purposes, but acting more or less independently in
warfare. Tactically a corps is not a unit; each of its members is.
Inasmuch as few forts require so much as a full regiment of coast
artillery to garrison them, it was deemed best to organize the artillery
in smaller units, in companies, better suited to the needs of the
average fort. Companies are combined in fort commands of two or more
each. Moreover, by 1905, a clear distinction had arisen between coast
artillery and heavy artillery; and it was necessary for organizations to
decide which branch of the service they would choose. Heavy artillery
follows a mobile army, and is used to batter down fortifications. Coast
artillery mans the guns and submarine mines of our coast fortifications,
and is not a mobile force. A moment’s consideration will convince anyone
that the Massachusetts men chose the more exciting branch, when they
became coast artillery. The heavy artillery fire from great distances,
while themselves entirely out of range of any answering shots, and fire
at fixed targets. The coast artillery fire at ships, moving targets
possessing the ability to return our shots, who will certainly and
quickly “get us” unless we “get them” first. An increase of interest in
the scientific side of artillery work immediately followed, and
stimulated every officer and enlisted man to do his best. Companies were
no longer termed “batteries,” but were given numbers, the designations
indicating seniority of charter. The band continued to wear the old
regimental number “1” on their uniforms.
To the twelve companies of the Corps were, in 1907, assigned regular
stations in the fortifications of Boston harbor, to which it would be
their duty to repair at once in case of threatened hostilities. As they
exercised each summer on the very guns which they would man in actual
service, they grew familiar with their work to a degree never before
possible. After experimenting at seven different posts, in 1913 the 1st,
2d, 3d, and 6th Companies became part of the garrison of Fort Strong on
Long Island (named in honor of Gen. Wm. K. Strong); the 5th, 7th, 8th
and 11th Companies were assigned to Fort Andrews; and the 4th, 9th, 10th
and 12th Companies to Fort Warren.
Col. Charles P. Nutter commanded the Corps from Jan. 23, 1906, until
March 10, 1910; he had been Captain of the 7th Company during the
Spanish War. In August, 1907, the companies participated in a general
mobilization of militia at Boston in connection with the “old home week”
celebration. The War Department now determined to make a slight change
in the name of the organization, perhaps in the interest of alphabetic
symmetry. Whatever the cause may have been, on Nov. 15, 1907, the words
were transposed and the “Corps of Coast Artillery” became the “Coast
Artillery Corps.”
It had been so long since the Boston companies were called out to
maintain public order at a great fire, that such a contingency was not
regarded seriously. Suddenly, on April 12, 1908, as men were returning
from Palm Sunday services, they received word that Chelsea was in the
clutch of a mammoth conflagration. Vast clouds of smoke could be seen
arising on the north-eastern horizon; Boston’s neighbor was indeed
stricken.
The 5th Company promptly responded to the call for help; but it was
evident that assistance must come from outside; local forces were
entirely inadequate to meet the emergency. At 5 P. M. the other
companies were assembled at their armories; and at 8.30, after eating a
hearty supper, they started for their posts of duty. The work was of the
usual sort, rescuing property and saving lives, guarding the property
from vandals and thieves, and assisting the young, the weak and the aged
to places of safety. Only men in uniform command confidence at such a
season of disorder; only disciplined men, working together, can
accomplish results. Right nobly did the Corps meet its responsibilities
during its three days in Chelsea, and many a firm friend did it win for
the organization. The 5th Company continued on duty five days longer.
Upon the local company fell an especially cruel test. First, their new
State armory came in the path of the flames and was swept to
ruins--while the troops, on duty in the streets, were aware that their
own civilian clothing in the lockers was going up in smoke. Worse yet,
the fire spread until it involved the homes of many militiamen. The
soldiers could hardly keep their thoughts on their work, while their own
loved ones were in danger, and their own household effects in need of
removal to places of safety; their minds wandered homeward--but the men
themselves quietly kept their posts. There never has been any question
about the discipline of the Corps in seasons of emergency; the 5th
Company proved true to the ancient traditions.
[Illustration: THE AUTHOR]
[Illustration: COL. GEORGE F. QUINBY
Page 151]
[Illustration: COL. E. DWIGHT FULLERTON
Page 147]
Companies of the Corps had been visiting Washington at inauguration time
ever since 1835; and almost the entire command went in honor of T.
Roosevelt in 1905; finally, in 1909, the Corps went as a regiment and
participated in the inaugural parade of President William H. Taft.
Participants in such a parade invite comparison between themselves
and troops from many other states--military critics, such as Maj. Gen.
J. Franklin Bell and Brig. Gen. E. M. Weaver, were unanimous in
asserting that the Mass. Coast Artillery Corps and the West Point Cadets
bore off the palm for fine military appearance, not even the N. Y. 7th
doing as well.
By 1909 the Corps had settled in its custom of holding coast defence
exercises at the harbor forts; consequently, it was with disappointment
and even resentment that they found themselves ordered to serve as
infantry in the so-called Cape maneuvers in August of that year. A
difference of opinion had arisen between the Adjutant General of
Massachusetts and the Corps officers concerning money matters; and this
tour of duty was laid on the latter as a penalty. Soldiers must obey
orders; however irksome and unwelcome the service, no one in the “blue
army” could truthfully say that the “red-legged infantry” fell below
their comrades in efficiency.
Col. Walter E. Lombard was in command from March 17, 1910, until Feb.
21, 1915. At the latter date he became a Major General on the retired
list. Col. Lombard had been Captain of the 6th Company during the
Spanish War.
In June, 1911, the War Department detailed a regular army officer to the
Corps as Inspector-instructor, Capt. Russell P. Reeder being the first
to perform that duty; at once the standards of instruction were
improved, and the artillery work profited greatly from the presence of
such a skilled teacher. Sergeant-instructors, four in number, were
presently added as assistants to the commissioned officer who performed
the chief duties. An immediate result of the Inspector-instructor’s work
was the wonderful shooting done by the 4th, 12th and other companies
during the 1911 tour of duty. After that date all officers were
required to qualify in the technical part of their work by passing
regular War Department examinations. The fourth officer to fill this
detail, Capt. William H. Wilson, commenced service in Jan., 1915, and
soon succeeded in systematizing the work of drill and instruction to a
point far beyond anything previously attempted; so that his term of duty
brought about a great increase of Corps efficiency. Capt. Wilson was
especially qualified for this service in that he had himself been a
National Guardsman, and had entered the U. S. army from a New York
regiment. Capt. Wilson not only emphasized the artillery work; he also
laid stress upon matters thitherto slighted,--company administration,
higher infantry, and gunners’ instruction.
Again in March, 1913, the entire Corps made its customary pilgrimage to
Washington for the purpose of participating in the Presidential
inauguration, this time paying the honor to Woodrow Wilson. As in 1909,
so now, they were most enthusiastically praised for their fine military
appearance and splendid marching. On May 30, 1913, the Gate City Guard
of Atlanta, Ga., visited Boston as guests of the Tigers. 1913 was the
fifteenth anniversary of the regiment’s service in the Spanish war; and
on Sept. 20, Col. Lombard tendered a review on the Common to the
veterans. On that occasion active officers marched with the veterans, in
the positions which they had filled fifteen years previously. Lt. Col.
Woodman was in command of the veterans, and Col. Lombard marched as
Captain of the 6th Company; while Maj. Shedd led the actives. After the
parade, there was a collation, followed by motion pictures, in the
Armory.
So well had the 5th Company acquitted themselves at the Chelsea fire
that they were one of the commands called out to maintain order at Salem
when, on June 25, 1914, that ancient city was threatened with
destruction; the emergency was similar to that of 1908. To the Chelsea
men fell the duty of organizing a huge camp of refugees at Forest River
park; and they remained in service seven days.
Joseph Hooker was born Nov. 13, 1814, and exactly one hundred years
later, his loyal admirers, among whom were numbered the officers of the
Coast Artillery Corps, paraded, and participated in a great meeting at
Tremont Temple in honor of his memory. Capt. Isaac P. Gragg, former
Captain of the 1st Company, was always the prime mover in organizing
celebrations in memory of Hooker, and he justly felt that the event of
1914 was the culmination of his life-work. Alas! Capt. Gragg did not
long survive the centennial of his beloved commander.
Edward Dwight Fullerton was elected Colonel Feb. 9, 1915, and continued
in command until retired as Brigadier General, January 16, 1917; he had
served as 1st Lieutenant of the 8th Company during the Spanish War.
The “House of Governors” was in session at Boston in Aug., 1915, and
Gov. David I. Walsh ordered a mobilization of the militia on Aug. 26, as
a compliment to the State’s guests. As the authorized strength of the
companies had recently been raised, the Boston papers commented upon the
appearance of the Corps, in fifteen platoons of twenty files, as
“wonderful,” not only for numbers, but for steady marching.
President Wilson called the militia out for service on the Mexican
border June 18, 1916. Massachusetts shared with New Jersey the honor of
placing her full quota of organizations at the post of danger in the
shortest time; and since the Massachusetts quota was far larger than
that of New Jersey, her record was the more creditable. On the ninth day
after the troops were summoned to arms, they started for Texas. Of
course the Coast Artillery could not be included in this great national
mobilization, as they might not safely be spared from their stations at
the forts. But on June 26, the day the mobile troops started south, the
officers and non-commissioned officers of the Corps were assembled at
the Framingham mobilization camp (“Camp Whitney”) for the purpose of
drilling the hundreds of recruits there gathered. The officers and
non-commissioned officers of the 6th Inf. also took part in this work of
instruction. No recruits for Mass. regiments ever constituted a finer
personnel than those eager to have a share in the Mexican service.
Coming from all over the state, they were uniformly willing, sober, and
quick to learn, in order that they might reach the front as soon as
possible. The Corps became responsible for the “2d Provisional
Regiment,” consisting of about one thousand men, destined for the 8th
and 9th Inf. Regiments, and also for the cavalry, machine-guns, supply
companies, field artillery, and even for the regimental bands.
Wonderfully rapid progress was made, so that in two weeks, the recruits
were equipped, and drilled, and ready to go forward. The Corps’ recent
training in company administration stood them in good stead and made
possible such rapid work. Certain officers of the Corps were drafted
into the U. S. service, in order to accompany the recruits on the
southward journey.
With grave disorder on the Mexican border, and with the greatest war of
the world’s history approaching its crisis abroad, conditions were once
more favorable for Congressional action in behalf of the militia. Since
threatenings of danger were loud and insistent, the legislators were
induced to take an additional forward step in rendering America’s
citizen-soldiers efficient. The National Defence Act, as the new law was
termed, completed the process of federalization by placing the militia
fully under War Department control, and also provided a modest rate of
remuneration for armory drills, thus making it an object for men to
maintain regular attendance. Massachusetts had done what she could to
encourage the passage of the law, by herself adopting, during the
prolonged debate on the National Defence Act, a State law offering to
hand over her militia to the Federal government. Indeed by her provision
for remunerating men for attendance at rendezvous drills, the
Commonwealth had taken her place beside Ohio five years previously as a
pioneer in paying her militia. The legislation became effective on June
3, 1916, and went fully into operation on the first of the ensuing
month.
Right in the midst of their tour, on June 30, the officers and men were
asked to take the new Federal oath, under provisions of this act. To the
officers the oath was administered at Framingham, while the enlisted men
were assembled in their armories that night, for the purpose of swearing
in. Almost without exception, and then always with valid excuse, the
members of the Corps assumed this additional obligation and became
Federal soldiers. Headquarters, band, enlisted specialists, and twelve
companies--the entire Corps--were, on June 30, recognized by the War
Department as federalized National Guardsmen and were entered upon the
U. S. payrolls. Of all the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, the Coast
Artillery Corps were the only organization to comply fully with the new
requirements and be recognized as a unit.
Companies of the Corps volunteered their services in connection with
exhibitions for the benefit of the Mass. Volunteer Aid Association,
which was raising funds to relieve distress amongst the families of
National Guardsmen then at the border. An unusually fine military
display was given at the ball-grounds in connection with a benefit
ball-game between the Red Sox and the St. Louis teams on July 17.
Many Corps officers were detailed for recruiting duty during the summer
and autumn of 1916, in an effort to raise the numbers of the regiments
at the border to full war-strength. Consequently the coast defence
exercises at the forts in August, 1916, were seriously handicapped. Many
men were forced to perform double duty. In spite of this limitation,
splendid artillery scores were made by the 2d, the 6th and other
Companies, the 6th Company earning the coveted Knox trophy.
Successive steps followed rapidly during the summer and autumn of 1916
to render effective the process of federalization. By order of Gov.
Samuel W. McCall on July 17, the title “Massachusetts Volunteer Militia”
was discontinued, and the force redesignated “National Guard,
Massachusetts.” In October the War Department authorized the companies
to increase their strength from seventy-eight to one hundred twelve
officers and men; new regulations established standards of drill and
instruction with which organizations must comply in order to qualify for
pay; a National Guard reserve was created by transfer of men who had
completed their three years of active service; promotion requirements
were established for officers; and an assistant Inspector-instructor was
detailed to the Corps, Capt. Hugh S. Brown taking his place beside Capt.
Wilson. While the new National Guard regulations raised the standard and
“tightened the reins,” it is a tribute to the high grade of efficiency
already attained by the Corps that Federal control caused no
revolutionary changes of method in the organization. As part of the
federalizing process, on Dec. 9, 1916, the Militia Bureau of the War
Department redesignated the command, and abolished the word Corps from
its title. Thereafter it was the “Massachusetts Coast Artillery,
National Guard.” On January 16, 1917, the organization received back its
old and well-loved designation, and became the 1st Coast Defense
Command, Massachusetts Coast Artillery, N. G.; once more Massachusetts
could speak about her senior regiment as “The Old First.”
George F. Quinby, a former Lieutenant of the 7th Company and Captain of
the 2d Company, and Major during the Spanish War, became Colonel,
January 20, 1917. The events of Col. Quinby’s administration,--our break
with Germany on February 3, the “armed neutrality,” the 5th Company’s
good fortune in being first of all the command to engage in active
service when, for twenty-four hours they guarded the electric
power-system of Chelsea against hostile interference, the declaration of
war on Good Friday, April 6, and the Old First’s service in the war, the
revival and establishment of compulsory universal military service--must
form the subject-matter of another chapter to be written at some later
day.