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THE return of the Forty-Fifth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers was made the occasion of a reception this morning, which, while it justly interprets the esteem in which the Cadet Regiment is held by the citizens of Boston and vicinity, must have also been extremely flattering to the officers and soldiers themselves. The morning was delightful, and the arrangements pertaining to the reception were admirably planned, and were executed so far as they were within the jurisdiction of the city authorities, by a large force of police under the supervision of Colonel John Kurtz, Chief of Police.

The regiment landed at Battery Wharf, at an early hour (about 6 o'clock) and such of the men as chose to breakfast did so; although a large majority of them preferred to wait until they should be escorted to the Common, in order that they might enjoy the hospitality of their comrades, the Independent Corps of Cadets, with unabated relish and satisfaction. This course, however, proved to be "more nice than wise" for the escort did not reach Commercial Street until about nine o'clock, by which time the regiment was in a very hungry condition. Almost immediately after the arrival of the escort, the column formed and took up its line of march for the Common, in the following order.

Squad of police, under Sergeant Dunn.

Independent Corps of Cadets, sixty-five guns, under command of Major John Jeffries, Jr., accompanied by the Brigade Band, twenty-five instruments.

James Bell, Drum Major.

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The past members of the Cadets, numbering about fifty men, wearing badges with the motto, Monstrat Viam, commanded by Colonel John M. Fessenden of West Roxbury.

Friends of the Forty-Fifth to the number of about seventy-five, W. A. Wellman, Esq., Chief Marshal.

Massachusetts Rifle Club, ninety guns, Colonel Hobart Moore, commanding, and Gilmore's Band, twenty-eight instruments, with Quimby's Drum Corps.

Roxbury Reserve Guard, sixty guns, under command of Captain Edward Wyman.

The Forty-Fifth Regiment, M. V. M., Colonel Charles R. Codman, preceded by the Corps of Pioneers, and the Regimental Band, under Bandmaster John O. Spofford.

Contrabands.

Police.

We observed in the ranks of the past Cadets, and in the various portions of the escort, some of our most "solid men," of whom we may cite as examples, Colonel Thomas Aspinwall, Hon. John C. Park, Hon. James W. Sever, Hon. George P. Sanger, Peter C. Brooks, Esq., Hon. Thomas P. Rich, and many others of equal standing. The escort was under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel C. C. Holmes of the Independent Corps of Cadets.

The regiment looked very well, the officers and men appearing brown and hearty, and seeming in many instances, to enjoy better health and bodily vigor than at their departure.

The line of the procession was handsomely decorated with a profuse display of bunting, flags and streamers literally filling the air. On passing up State Street, there was a solid mass of spectators to greet the returning soldiers, apparently extending from the junction of India and State Streets at the Custom House to Court Square, and unquestionably numbering, at least, twelve thousand persons. The regiment was loudly and repeatedly

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cheered, on its passage through the crowd, and on the arrival of the color guard opposite the entrance to the Merchants' Exchange, "three rousers for the old flag" were lustily given from thousands of throats under the enthusiastic lead of Hon. George B. Upton.

At various other points on the march the column was received with much warmth and feeling, while decorations of various kinds were exhibited, and floral tributes were showered upon the heads of the gallant Forty-Fifth.

As the procession passed the State House, a halt was ordered and the line formed. Governor Andrew, accompanied by his staff, in full uniform, came upon the steps, and after a military salute, the bands playing "Hail to the Chief," addressed the regiment, as follows:

Colonel Codman and Fellow Soldiers of the Forty-Fifth Massachusetts Volunteers:

It is with the most unalloyed and unmingled gratification and pride that I have the honor to welcome yourself personally, and the officers and men of your heroic command, to the soil of the venerable Commonwealth, which we in common own as our State and our mother. The voice of the Commonwealth which I feebly attempt to echo, bids you welcome--the heart of your countrymen, if it had voice, would speak in one word its emotion of gratitude. You have come, fellow soldiers, from the fields of Whitehall and Kinston and Goldsboro, the blood of seventy-six of your companions poured out upon the soil of rebeldom in behalf of the rights of us all and the honor of your blazing flag.

Welcome, then, Mr Commander, thrice welcome soldiers of Massachusetts, soldiers of the Union to all the honor and gratitude, which rightfully belong to the citizen, who in peace or war, does his duty for his country!

I have the honor to thank you, sir, and the brave men whom you command for the nine months of vigilant and heroic service which you have rendered to your country and her cause; and I doubt not that if the exigencies of the service shall call upon your regiment, or any of its officers, or men to resort to any field of arms, that they will march with the same alacrity which distinguished their conduct in 1862.

Thus much may be said for the record of the Forty-Fifth, its term of honorable nine months' service has closed. It began with promise, it was pursued with hope, it has ended with honor. And thanks, Mr. Commander, to yourself and your men, and may the blessing of God descend upon you and yours forevermore!"

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Response of Colonel Codman.

Your Excellency:

"The hearty welcome which you have extended to the Forty-Fifth Regiment will amply repay the service it has performed. I am glad, that knowing this to be a regiment raised from all Massachusetts, and therefore in some sense, a representative regiment of the State, it has done no discredit to it in the actions and services in which it has been engaged. I can only thank you in behalf of the officers and men of the regiment for the cordial greeting and welcome which you have extended to it."

The Common was reached at a quarter past ten o'clock, and the procession entered at the corner of Charles and Beacon Streets As the various bodies filed through the gates, a Federal Salute of thirteen guns was fired by a detachment of the Eighth Battery Association, under the direction of Lieutenant L. L. Fuller of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. Upon the Charles Street Mall, ten tables had been spread with a bountiful collation--a table for each company of the regiment. Immediately in front were two reception tents for each company, and at the left, one for the officers. The regiment marched around the parade ground, displaying admirable discipline in every movement, and formed the line in excellent style along the Charles Street Mall.

The police arrangements were excellent. No one was admitted within the lines, except those officially connected with the exercises until the formalities of the reception were over. The line being formed, His Honor, Mayor Lincoln, accompanied by Aldermen Tyler, Norcross and Amory and Councilman Davis, advanced to the front, and welcomed the regiment in the following speech:

Colonel Codman, Officers and Soldiers of the Forty-Fifth Regiment:

"As the official representative of the City of Boston, it is my pleasant duty to extend to you a cordial greeting on your safe return from the seat of war. The loyal city of Boston, while sharing the honor which has attended the marked achievements of every regiment which has gone forth from our old Commonwealth, yet derives a peculiar satisfaction in acknowledging the gallant deeds of those which are composed in part, or principally of its own citizens.

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That local pride which is founded upon merit and the performance of duties which have been honorably discharged, is certainly justifiable, and therefore it is with unfeigned satisfaction we hail your return, having in your short campaign distinguished yourselves in the cause in which you have been engaged, and thereby conferred honor upon the city which claims you as part of its own contribution for the safety of the Republic.

Identified as you are by name, and the previous military career of many of your officers, with a corps which has always enjoyed an enviable position in the front ranks of the citizen soldiery of Massachusetts, you have brought no dishonor on its fair fame, but have proved yourselves worthy of those who adopted you as their representatives and who have taken such a deep interest in your welfare. The peculiarity of a republican form of government is, that it relies for support entirely upon the people, it is for the people that it exists, and it looks to the people to protect and maintain it.

Hence our fathers ignored the idea of a large standing army, which was considered a necessary appendage to every monarchical government under the old system; and the trial which we are now going through will solve the problem whether a nation can be true in the days of adversity to its own ideas, and be loyal to a Constitution that was framed by themselves, in the same degree and manner as older nations are loyal to their reigning sovereigns and governing classes. Providence, by the logic of events in the magnitude of this rebellion, is going to put us fully to the test on this question. It was not decreed that a small number of troops, or two or three brilliant engagements should decide this matter, but the whole people, the great mass must be aroused, and it must be so prolonged in time that there should be worked out in the nation, the virtues of patience and perseverance.

The great body of our citizens must "endure hardness like a good soldier," to prove their manhood before they can be crowned with final success, and sit quietly down under the blessings of peace. For the part which you have taken in this contest we owe you thanks. The orders from the President of the United States, calling for the service of the freemen of the North, required a draft, but you, like all the soldiers from Massachusetts, so far in the progress of the war, volunteered, and the glory which awaits those who cheerfully do a patriot's duty is yours, and will redound to your own credit and to your children.

A few of your comrades have not returned with you, but have fallen in battle, or been stricken down by disease, and here and there is one, absent at the "roll call," but the gallant dead have proved the sincerity of their devotion to the country's cause, by the sacrifice of their lives. Their memory we will cherish with honor, and posterity will hold their names in grateful remembrance. The sacred flag of the Fathers under which you have fought has received new honors at your hands, and it

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comes back unstained, except by marks of honorable combat. Again in the presence and in behalf of your friends and this vast assembly I bid you a hearty welcome. I congratulate you upon your safe return to the homes and the social endearments of those you love best upon earth."

Colonel Codman replied briefly, returning his thanks for the generous welcome, and in alluding to the fact that many of his officers were from the city of Boston and that they had never forgotten the great interest and co-operation of the City Government in its formation. In its term of service, the Forty-Fifth had done all that was required of it, and they were glad to receive so flattering a testimonial from their friends. The regiment had suffered more severely than any of the other North Carolina nine months' regiments, and he was happy to say that in every action in which they had been engaged the men had all done their duty.

The men then broke ranks and made a vigorous attack upon their rations. The ropes were dropped and thousands of ladies and gentlemen, who had been impatient spectators of the formalities, outside the lines, rushed forward to bestow an individual welcome and greeting. Bouquets were showered upon the men by their fair friends, and nearly everyone was rejoiced with a floral offering.

At one o'clock the men took the cars for Readville where they will remain in camp until mustered out of the service. Their term of service expires July 7th; but as nothing is to be gained by longer restraint, and the men are naturally impatient to return to their homes, Colonel Codman will endeavor to have all the accounts rendered to the proper United States officers, that the men may be mustered out next Friday, and be at liberty to celebrate the Fourth in the midst of family and friends.

Arriving at Camp Meigs, Readville, the regiment formed in "hollow square," and were addressed by Colonel Codman, who expressed his satisfaction with the officers and men of the regiment and the pride he should ever cherish in having commanded such a body.

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The arms and equipments were then turned over to the quartermaster, and the comrades furloughed until the following Monday when the regiment again reported at camp and were "mustered out" of the United States service and were once again private citizens.

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EARLY in the month of July one of the most disgraceful and cruel riots that ever occurred in this country, broke out in the city of New York. It was represented to be instigated by persons who were opposed to the Union cause, and especially to the law of Congress to draft men to fill our depleted regiments at the seat of war, and that it was carried out by their disloyal followers. The defection in New York spread to this city of Boston. Information was obtained on the 13th of July, that a riot was likely to take place in Boston. Preparation was immediately taken to prevent it. On the 14th of July, orders were given verbally to Captain Edward J. Jones, to notify his Company, the Eleventh Battery, to assemble at their Armory, in Cooper Street, and to hold them subject to orders. It became apparent in the afternoon of the 14th, that an outbreak would, at least, be attempted, and preparations were immediately made to nip it in the bud.

Alarm spread to Cambridge, Roxbury, Charlestown, Lowell, New Bedford, and other large places and applications were made by the municipal authorities of these places to Your Excellency, for military support, to aid them in maintaining the peace, which requests were granted to the full extent demanded. The following "Special Orders" for troops were immediately issued.

Headquarters, Boston, July 14th, 1863.

Colonel Codman commanding Forty-Fifth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, is hereby ordered to report with his regiment forthwith, for duty at Readville.

By order of the Commander-in-Chief,

Wm. Schouler, Adjutant-General.

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Whereupon Colonel Codman issued the following order:

Headquarters Forty-Fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.

Boston, July 14th, 1863.

The Forty-Fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia will rendezvous at Readville, to-morrow morning at Sunrise, or as soon after as possible. Each man will appear in uniform and will bring his blankets, haversack, and canteen.

This is in accordance with orders from State Headquarters.

The Regiment though mustered out of the United States Service, is in the service of the Commonwealth, and prompt obedience is expected to this order.

By order of Colonel Codman,

G. C. Winsor,

First Lieutenant and Adjutant.

Note.--For want of space we only quote the order to the Forty-Fifth Regiment.

Nothing could excel the zeal and soldier like promptness with which the military organizations responded to the orders of Your Excellency. Major Gordon, U. S. A in command of Fort Independence, came from the fort with a company of his men and offered the services of himself and command for any military duty which Your Excellency, or His Honor, the Mayor of Boston might order him to perform.

Captain Whiton's Company of Heavy Artillery, Massachusetts Volunteers, also on duty at Fort Independence, came to this city, and upon representations made by Major Rodman, U. S. A., in command of the United States Arsenal at Watertown, this company was forwarded at once for guard duty at that important post. Captain Collins, Lieutenant McKibben, and other United States officers on duty at Boston also tendered their assistance, and performed valuable service. It is not my purpose to give a detailed account of the riot, of the disturbance which occurred during the days of July 14th and 15th. It is sufficient to state that the military and the police, by their courage and prompt action soon put an end to them, but not before blood had been shed upon the streets of Boston.

The rioters assembled on the evening of the 14th, in the

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neighborhood of the Armory of the Eleventh Battery, in Cooper Street, which was attacked with stones and other missiles. The military under command of Major Stephen Cabot, First Battalion of Heavy Artillery, Massachusetts Volunteers, kept inside in perfect quiet, but with their guns loaded, and ready for attack, should the exigency arrive. At length an attempt was made by the mob to force an entrance to the building and obtain possession of the guns. It was not prudent to delay "and accordingly Major Jones in command of the Eleventh Battery gave the order to fire--he having read the riot act to them from a window of the Armory and ordered them to disperse.

"To the comrades of the Forty-Fifth it seemed quite like old times meeting once more in the barracks of Camp Meigs, and making preparations for an expedition, though the consciousness that this time we were only bound to the city of Boston had a very enlivening effect upon us all. The quartermaster furnished us with arms, ammunition, and equipments, and with our blankets slung in the old fashion, we could very easily have imagined ourselves on the point of starting off on a tramp up country from New Berne.

Having formed in line, the colonel equalized the companies, a rather important matter, as the Nantucket Company, Company H, had but one representative besides the officers, and the Cape Cod Company, Company D, but four or five. We then went through a short drill in street firing; and having loaded our guns with ball cartridges, started

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for the cars, and were deposited at the depot in town. Having executed the order, "prime," with guns capped and at half cock, to show the by-standers and all interested that this did not mean blank cartridges or holiday parade, we marched to our quarters in Faneuil Hall.

This was the day following that of the Cooper Street Riot, and as a renewed attack on Dock Square and its gun shops was expected that night, this, the post of danger and honor, was assigned to the Forty-Fifth as well as the support of four guns of the Eleventh Battery, Captain E. J. Jones. We were on duty through the night, half of the regiment at a time, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Peabody, and major, a company being assigned to each gun, they being placed one at each corner of Faneuil Hall, thus commanding all the streets converging upon Dock Square. There were pickets out on all the neighboring streets, and no persons except market men, were permitted to enter the square. Strict orders were given to fire immediately on the approach of any threatening body of people, and thus, by a wise severity at the outset, to prevent such a prolongation of outrages as had resulted from the misjudged leniency of the New York authorities.

The night was passed very quietly, excepting some disturbance from a noisy crowd in the evening, which was, however, quickly dispersed by a patrol of dragoons. A regular guard was stationed at the entrance of the building, and there we had to stay throughout the day, short furloughs of an hour, or two, being occasionally granted. There is reason to fear, however, that during the week spent in the hall, a good many private furloughs were taken by way of the windows and spouts, but as we were only on duty at night, it mattered but little.

We continued to spend our nights in the open air, generally in the square, and on one or two occasions detachments were sent to other points, South Boston Bridge, the armories, etc. Though the city seemed to be restored to its pristine security, yet fearing some outbreak on Saturday night or Sunday, we were detained till the next Tuesday. It seemed very strange to post sentries about the streets and alleys, with orders to allow no one to pass through, and the indignation of some of our worthy citizens at being made to go some other way, was very amusing.

Our days were spent in watching the passers-by from the windows, and on one or two afternoons we were treated to a battalion drill on the Common, in which we certainly showed rather how much we had for gotten than what we knew, for our mistakes were very numerous.

The gaping crowd were, however, none the wiser, and doubtless thought them all a part of the show. But all good things must sometimes have an end, and so did our rations of bologna sausage and Washington pie, daily served out to us in the Cradle of Liberty. The rioters thought better of their plans, and wisely concluded that it was preferable

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to run the risk of being drafted and then killed, than to be shot down at their very doors; a fate they had every reason to expect if they attempted any further disturbance of the peace. Thanks to prompt action of the State and City authorities, the riotous proceedings were nipped in the bud, and law and order again reigned supreme. The men had been dropping into the rendezvous from day to day, drawn from a distance by the summons, until we numbered five hundred strong and on Monday night, knowing it would be the last time we should be together as a regiment, we devoted the evening, for we had no duty to perform that night, to having a good time. We sang all the army songs till we were tired out; we cheered all the officers and everything connected with the regiment, individually and collectively, till we were hoarse, and made such a scene as even old Faneuil Hall, in all her long history of stirring events, had never witnessed the like before, and probably never will again.

Our task was ended, our nine months more than full. Leaving behind us a name blotted by no stain of dishonor, and with a proud consciousness of having done honor to the noble State that gave us birth, having, in camp, and on the battlefield, striven to do our duty by the Government we had volunteered to serve, on Tuesday, the 21st day of July, 1863, we were paid off and discharged, and the old Forty-Fifth lived only in history.

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PERHAPS a few words about North Carolina and what I have seen of the places with which our Regiment was associated, twenty-five years ago, may be of interest to the comrades assembled. The present expedition of the Forty-Fifth, consists of but two members, Mr. Charles H. Brooks of Company A, and myself, and the order of things of 1862 is reversed, in that this expedition commenced at Goldsboro, and finished at New Berne.

The object of the expedition will soon be accomplished, and "the army" will be on its homeward way. Leaving Norfolk on the morning of the 22nd inst., we reached Weldon, a small inferior place (but of considerable strategetical importance in war times) at noon of the same day, and Goldsboro in the evening. Our train being an hour late, we found that we should not be able to connect with the New Berne train, but as there were six passengers aboard for the train, it was telegraphed to be held for us, which was well for it, as we constituted about all its passengers.

At first we thought that we would remain at Goldsboro over night and go over the battlefield there, but as it was not of especial interest to the Forty-Fifth we decided to push on to Kinston. On the train we made the acquaintance of a prominent citizen of Kinston, a banker, Mr. S. H. Loftin, who was a member of the Third North Carolina Cavalry and was at the battle of Kinston. He expressed himself as very happy to meet us, and gave us a pressing invitation to visit the battlefield with him, in his carriage, which we of course accepted.

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He told us much of interest concerning the fight from the Confederate standpoint. Among other things he said that General Evans when he met General Smith (his superior officer), begged to be allowed to return, get in our rear and capture us, which our friend Loftin said he could have accomplished, as he knew we were out of ammunition and food, but General Smith would not permit it, as he believed we were too strong for them.

Mr. Loftin spoke of our return to New Berne as a "retreat," as in fact did all whom we met and talked with, who knew anything about the expedition.

Among other things Mr. Loftin said, that the Confederates had but two thousand eight hundred men all told. That at Whitehall only two hundred infantry were engaged, and but six pieces of artillery, two of which were dismounted by our guns, early in the fight. I disputed none of his statements as I saw he believed them to be facts. Before taking the carriage ride with him, Comrade Brooks and I visited the battlefield on foot. The general features of the ground are unchanged. The old forest has almost wholly disappeared and a new growth has taken its place.

Between the point where we formed ready to charge, near the old church, which has disappeared, and the old house near the bridge, still standing, a thick growth of Black Jack hickory has sprung up, entirely shutting off the view of either spot from the other, and a line of fortifications extending on either side of the road from river to river, changes the appearance of things very materially. Proceeding along the road, familiar spots which we were looking for, appeared in view, and we soon found ourselves at the point where the regiment went in by the "Right Flank" to receive its "baptism of fire." We then followed the old line of march, till stopped by the swamp, which still exists in all its slimy mud as formerly, out of which were growing saplings with gnarled roots, affording the only means of getting through, by leaping from one to the other, with frequent slips to unknown depths

It is needless to state we did not attempt going through, being perfectly willing to let the experience of 1862 suffice. We

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then retraced our steps to the road, and passing the swamp, entered the wood at its other edge, and followed the track of the regiment to more solid ground. With the exception of the absence of the larger trees (all being gone) the ground remains the same as on that eventful day, and memories of that struggle came crowding thick and fast upon us.

I fancied I saw the line of "blue" and heard the crack of the rifle and the boom of the cannon. I could seem to see "Graves" as he lay moaning on the ground, and the many lifeless forms stretched around. I hear the sharp order to "Fix Bayonets!" and remember the thrill that went through me at the time, and I see the rush of the boys as they hurried to the "open" and hastily formed the line. But how changed! All nature now peaceful, the sun shone brightly, the birds sang gaily, and there was nothing to the visible eye or ear that indicated anything of the war of twenty-five years ago. I was exceedingly gratified to find that we could locate positions so accurately, as for instance, the location of the little church, which was verified by Mr. Loftin later in the day. The old bridge has been replaced by a fine iron one. The road which curved to the left, following the line of the river, still remains, but a new piece connects the bridge in a straight line with the main street, where the cotton was burning. The old railroad station still stands, but a number of new buildings have been erected around it. One building shows a hole where a cannon ball went through it and into the station.

Great improvements have been made in the town. We were very hospitably received by all, and they seemed pleased to see us take so much interest in the "fight." One gentleman, Mr. Wooten, informed us that his father owned and occupied the plantation, on which we camped, the night before Whitehall, and he recognized my description of the building from which we borrowed (?) the sweet potatoes for that morning's breakfast. Mr. Loftin drove us to South West Creek, and showed us a huge pine tree, through which one of our cannon balls passed, and which has stood all these years, until a few days ago. We left Kinston last evening and arrived in New Berne at 9 o'clock. We

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had supposed we must go to the old "Gaston House," but were glad to learn that it no longer holds supremacy. The new "Hotel Albert" where we are, is located on Middle Street, east side, between Pollock and East Front Streets. This street as we knew it was a resident street, but now, it is almost wholly devoted to business. The old structures have been superseded by new and substantial brick ones, and modern civilization is apparent, in plate glass windows, and brown curbstone sidewalks.

There have been many improvements in the city, new residences of modern architecture have been erected, indicating wealth and refinement, but generally old "New Berne" is still here. We visited the old quarters of Company A Though twenty-five years have elapsed, it looks as though we had but just left it. Apparently no improvements have been made, for every part of it seems familiar.

The building where was located the old Provost Guard headquarters, on the corner of Pollock and East Front Streets, still stands, but is somewhat changed, having been remodeled. The Craven Street Jail was burned, and the new Court House occupies the site. We visited Fort Totten which retains its name and largely its shape, as do the breastworks. The enclosure of Fort Totten is a vegetable garden, as is the case with another fort on the Neuse.

Just across the road, near our old barracks at Camp Amory on the Trent, is an earthwork, commanding the bridge and its approaches, Fort Gaston, and further to the east is the fort built by the Forty-Fifth, while at Camp Massachusetts. Its embankments are but little affected by the lapse of time. From it, and extending to the Neuse is a line of breastworks. Fort Spinola can be seen, but the old camp of the Forty-Fifth is covered with a fine growth of early peas. I wish that we could locate the house of each company, for the interest of the members of the companies who may be present at the Re-union. We can locate many of the houses, but cannot affix the letters. We have met many Ex-Confederate soldiers and southern citizens, and universal satisfaction is expressed that matters terminated as they did. The Union soldier is sure of a warm welcome here,

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and had the proposed excursion been made, the citizens would have done their best to have made it a most enjoyable occasion.

The proprietor of this hotel was a citizen of Kinston at the time of the fight. His hotel here is a fine new building lighted by gas, steam heated, and water distributed all over the house from an artesian well. In fact it is a modern, up to date hotel, where visiting members of the Forty-Fifth will be well taken care of.

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AS the years, weeks and months of our army life float past into history, we look back through the mist of the years and recall old faces, old scenes, old memories of the dreary hours on the sentry's beat, the long marches, when at the close of the day we threw ourselves on the cold wet ground to dream of our homes in far away New England, the roar of cannon, the sharp volleys of rifles, the mangled forms of comrades lying with their dead peaceful faces turned upward, the hot Carolina sands, through those burning May and June days, when not a sunset but saw a hollow square formed on the parade ground, in the centre a pine box containing all that was mortal of some comrade, stricken but a few hours before by the deadly Southern fever, all those scenes that once seemed as clear cut to our vision as an etching, have by time, that great effacer of all things mortal, been growing dimmer and dimmer on the tablets of our memories until it all seems like a dream, needing some great shock to arouse and bring the past vividly before us, even to the most minute details.

As the past year was drawing to a close, ere the echoes of the Merry Christmas bells, proclaiming "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men," had hardly died away, we read on the evening bulletins,

"EDWARD W. KINSLEY IS DEAD."

My heart leaped across the chasm of years down the quarter of a century to those old war days at Readville and on the banks of the Trent. How clearly it came to me, my first sight of that bright, keen, kindly face! It was an evening of song at Readville

[image: Edward W. Kinsley]

[image: Cyrus H. Bates]

[image: Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Surgeon]

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camp. The barrack room was crowded with visitors. Company A was famous for its musical talent. Becket was there, with his fine baritone, which was heard so often in after years in the New York Glee Club. Whitney, our own Myron W., the finest basso in the band, was also there. The air seemed palpitating with the strains of liberty, when Kinsley's clear tenor took up "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and all the enthusiasm, all the pent up feelings of a life-long lover of liberty, the very soul of the man rang out.

"As He died to make men holy
Let us die to make men free."

It needed no one to tell me that here was a man whose heart and soul was given to the cause.

"The grand old cause our fathers loved
Freedom and Equal laws."

Had one been passing through Copley Square in December last, he would have seen a throng of sad-faced men standing at the doors of Trinity Church. If you had entered those dimly-lighted portals, you would have seen what is rarely vouchsafed any man to see, military honors over the remains of a private American citizen. Not an officer; he was never girded with a bright and shining sword. Not a private; he had never shouldered a musket, but the flag-draped casket was there; you heard the measured tread of armed men, the roll of drum, and the notes of the soul-stirring bugle; all the solemn scenes of soldiers' farewell to a comrade. An honorary member of a Massachusetts regiment, a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, one of the largest Grand Army Posts in the North bearing his name. Surely this man must have performed some noble deeds, must have written his name high up on the scroll, where is read the names of those who helped save the Republic, that when his mortal remains are laid away, the stillness of the morning air should be broken by the sound of bugle and the tap of the drum! But he merited it all. Many a man has had tons of

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granite piled above his dust, many a man has had his statue of brass or stone erected on our highways, who never did one tithe to serve his country as did

No true history can be written of the part Massachusetts played in the great struggle between freedom and slavery, without inscribing his name in "letters both bold and bright." Through all the long years of the war for the Union, in private and in public, he was the same faithful, unswerving, never-doubting patriot, and no one can overestimate the debt we owe him.

Born on the rugged New Hampshire hills, his parents moved to Springfield when he was two years old. His father, Rudolphus Kinsley, was a strong Abolitionist, and his mother joined heart and hand with her husband. Those were the days of Lindley Coates and Lovejoy.

"That dark and evil time
When the Golden Rule was treason,
And to feed the hungry, crime."

So that Edward drew in his love of liberty with his mother's milk, and when barely twelve years of age we find him driving many a weary mile in the cold winter nights, with some trembling half-starved and hunted slave, hidden under the robes, flying from bondage to freedom.

At the age of sixteen coming to Boston, he was one of that faithful band who sought the companionship of such brave hearts as Garrison, Phillips, Sumner and Wilson, and when John Brown was hanged in 1859, he caught fresh inspiration from such heroic souls as Lydia Maria Child, sending her "God bless you, man!" to the old hero in his prison at Harper's Ferry, and the prophetic utterances of the silver-tongued Phillips, "You have proved that a slave state is only fear in the mask of despotism."

The next year, 1860, there came to the front, the man in whom the Abolitionists rested all their hopes,--John A. Andrew was the peer in intellect of all those grand, noble men who came

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to the front in 1860 and 1861. Firm, true, honest, determined, never afraid to speak his inmost thoughts, and basing his whole belief on the grand truth that "all men should be free." Hear him! "Rich or poor, white or black, great or small, wise or foolish, in season or out of season, in the right or in the wrong, whoever will speak, let him speak!"

With a great gift vouchsafed to so few, the power of being able to look ahead farther than any man of his time, he saw with a prophetic eye the work that lay before him. He realized, as but few others did, that the North was not grappling with the real issue; that before the Rebellion should be crushed, and the "Stars and Stripes" float in triumph from Maine to the Gulf, the slave must be free. In this dark hour he looked about him for some strong arm to lean upon, some incorruptible man, one with so much self respect and integrity, that no one would dare bribe him; one pure in his private life, clean handed in public affairs, loyal to God and to his country, and such a man he found in Edward Wilkinson Kinsley, and he grappled him to his side with hooks of steel. A score of evenings would not suffice to tell the story of Kinsley's noble work. Much of it was secret work known only to himself and Governor Andrew, and never told till years after the war was ended, and then only in the privacy of the home, or to a few comrades gathered around his table. But his power was felt every day, and every hour in the day, during those four years of blood and heroic struggle; one hour pouring out scorn upon some dishonest contractor, who tried to weave threads of cotton in the army cloth, the next, compelling the return of shoddy overcoats, and paying for good ones with his own check. He was heart and soul with the great War Governor in his constant unceasing efforts for the Emancipation of the slaves.

The Emancipation Proclamation was issued September 22, 1862, but it is now conceded by every student of history that it was given to the country only after persistent supplication from men-like Andrew, Summer, Wilson and others. Mr. Lincoln has always been credited with great sagacity, but he firmly insisted that the conflict was waged for the maintenance of the Union, and not for the destruction of Slavery.

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One day in September, 1863, Governor Andrew went to Mr. Kinsley's house and asked him to go to Washington at once. Said Andrew, "My mind is filled with forebodings of evil. I do not feel easy. Something is going wrong. I beg you to go to Washington immediately and see Mr. Lincoln and tell him our hearts are firmly set upon this matter and for him not to recede one inch."

Mr. Kinsley proceeded to Washington, had an interview with Mr. Lincoln lasting several hours, the President going into the subject of Emancipation and plying Mr. Kinsley with questions, as to the feeling in Massachusetts, and above all what Governor Andrew thought and said upon the matter. This was only one of the many interviews between Mr. Kinsley and President Lincoln. It was during the interview just mentioned that an incident occurred and I will give it as nearly as possible, as it was told to me. While Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Kinsley were talking, a clerk opened the door and said that a woman insisted upon seeing the President. Mr. Lincoln desired that she be admitted. A poor old woman, her clothing clinging to her worn out frame, came in and with tears running down her cheeks, she asked Mr. Lincoln for a pass to go and see her son, who was in a field hospital. The President told her it was impossible, entirely out of the question, no pass could be given to any one outside the military. "Her grief," said Mr. Kinsley was pitiable, she pleaded with Mr. Lincoln to be allowed to go and nurse her boy, till the President, every muscle in his rugged face quivering with emotion, turned to his desk, wrote a few lines, handed it to her and said, "Here is your pass; go to Stanton and get it countersigned." Mr. Lincoln leaned his head upon his hand, and in silence awaited the storm. In a moment the door flew open and in came Stanton like a raging lion. "Mr. President, don't you know that under no circumstances can a pass be given to a civilian? Why did you give a pass to this woman?" Quick as a flash came the answer, "Because she don't wear hoops"--without a word Stanton turned and left the room, and the poor old woman got her pass. Mr. Lincoln knew that he should not have given the pass, and that against Stanton's anger he could oppose no logical

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excuse, so he evaded it all by that irrelevant reply, and Stanton was wise enough and knew Mr. Lincoln well enough to see that all arguments were useless.

One of Edward Kinsley's great characteristics was his kindheartedness. I know of no one to whom these words of his old friend Andrew could better apply, "I know not what record of sin awaits me in the world to come,--I cannot tell--but this I do know, I never despised a man because he was poor, because he was ignorant, because he was black." He was the friend of the poor and the slave, one to whom others came for help when stranded on life's breakers, and they never failed to find a friend. Let me tell you what Mr. Kinsley called one of the happiest moments of his life. On one of his missions to the front, he was on a Government Steamer about to leave Suffolk for Fortress Monroe. The captain had given orders to haul in the gang plank, when at the top of the bank was seen an old negro woman, doing her best to catch the boat before it started. "Why don't you wait for the woman?" No answer, but the gang plank was hauled in, and stepping to the rail, the captain pulled the bell to go ahead. "She is a poor old woman, who probably lives down the river and wants to get home" "Our boats don't take niggers." "This one does," said Mr. Kinsley, quietly swinging around on his heel. Looking at the quiet little man, the captain said, "Who are you?" Mr. Kinsley put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a document signed by Abraham Lincoln, directing that all officers in the field and all masters of transportation should extend all possible courtesies to Edward W. Kinsley. Touching his cap, as if to a superior officer, the boat was stopped, the gang plank thrown out, and the old woman taken aboard.

His great big heart was full of sympathy. No poor veteran ever called upon him to ask a favor but found him cordial and quick to render service, if that service was in his power. When his old friend and chief, Governor Andrew, was laid away in the grave, he was the organizer of a subscription to place Mrs. Andrew forever above want. On one of his western trips he saw how much railroad men on those bleak and lonely prairies needed books, and upon his return home inspired the hearts of some of

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his friends in Boston and New York with such a portion of his own enthusiasm and love for all mankind, that enough money was collected to buy the libraries, Mr. Kinsley personally attending to the collecting of the books and forwarding them to the Atchison & Topeka Railroad Company. Of his labors during the later years of his life, as Railroad Commissioner, the outside world perhaps knew little, but no man in Massachusetts ever did as much as he to push into use all manner of life saving appliances, and to raise the standard of every road in the State. His was a busy life, filled with doing good to others.

Life, joy, happiness, went with him everywhere! All that was mortal of him sleeps at Forest Hill, but the part that never dies, this will never leave us--a brave, true, tender soul. He will live enshrined in our affections in deepest love and veneration. He has lived his life, giving his light where light was most needed. He has passed behind the veil which no mortal hand has ever lifted, has slowly drifted away to another world.

"I cannot say and will not say
That he is dead. He's just away.
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand
He has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming, how very fair,
It needs must be, since he lingers there."

May we not hope, may we not believe, that when out of the mists, dear hands reached out to lead him across the river, and through the valley of the shadows to where the cloud never blots out the sunshine, and love never wearies or dies: that among the first to welcome him to that glorious realm, was that great Statesman, and lover of humanity, John A. Andrew, and close behind him, pressing forward to welcome him were Lincoln and Sumner, Wilson and Morton, all that band of heroes, and stretching out to the very borders of the Spirit Land was seen in that light that never shone on sea or land, that vast army of martyrs, who went out from Northern homes to offer up their lives, that this country might be one and undivided--all forming one vast procession to the foot of the great white throne. And may we not

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also believe he heard that Voice asking, "What have you done to inherit Eternal life?" and with bowed head, he answered, "I did what I could to help Earth's down-trodden ones, to free the slaves and to build up a republic whose corner stone should be truth and equal rights to all men." Then from the great white throne, he heard that Voice say with infinite tenderness, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into my Kingdom." In memory to him whose loyalty to the cause of liberty was irreproachable, and whose fidelity never faltered, I tender this my feeble offering.

"Statesman, yet friend to truth! Of soul sincere,
In action faithful, and in honor clear;
Who broke no promise, served no private end,
Who gained no title, and who lost no friend."

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AT a meeting of the Regiment held at Nahant, September 5th, 1876, it was voted: To form a permanent organization to be known as the "Association of the Forty-Fifth Massachusetts Regiment," and to hold a yearly re-union. Colonel Charles R. Codman was elected President. Over two hundred were present and sat down at the tables at Whitney's Hotel. Before returning home, "Dress Parade" was gone through with, in the field adjacent to the Hall, the battalion under command of Captain Murdoch, Lieutenant Bond, as Adjutant, and Lieutenants Richardson and Hardy in command of companies.

THE DEDICATION OF THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT ON BOSTON COMMON took place September 17, 1877. The Regiment turned out about one hundred and fifty men in the parade, marching over the entire route. The Boston Transcript of September 18th said: "The Forty-Fifth (Cadet) Regiment of this city carried, besides the National Colors, its rich blue field flag, presented by ladies of Massachusetts, at Readville, just previous to its departure for the seat of war. It contains bullet-hole marks of service.

The three colors were carried by three color corporals, Keating, Dakin and Chittenden, who were members of the Color Guard of the Regiment in service. Lieutenant-Colonel Oliver W. Peabody, Major Russell Sturgis, Jr., and Adjutant Gershom C. Winsor, appeared in command, and on the staff, finely mounted.

[image: (drawing of ship U. S. S. Huron) Convoy of Steamships Mississippi, Merrimac and Huron, Boston To Morehead City, N. C. November, 1862]

[image: Edwin P. Longley, Company K. President Of The Association Of The 45th Mass. Regt. For (190(4?)]

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A large number of line officers were present in company command, and the men of the Regiment, in good marching, and soldierly bearing, made a solid display. At the State House the Boston Cadets paid the Regiment special marks of recognition and it also seemed to have many friends along the line."

A special meeting was held in the Meionaon, Tremont Temple, one hundred members of the Regiment being present.

Attention was given to the subject of the nomination of Charles R. Codman for Mayor of the City of Boston. Sergeant Royal P. Barry, offered the following Preamble and Resolution:

"The return during the last year from a long absence in Europe of Hon. Charles R. Codman, commanding the Forty-Fifth Regiment during its war service, and the prominent position in which he is now placed before the public, make it proper and due that the Association should take some action thereon. It is therefore, Resolved, That during Colonel Codman's absence he has had, as always since our first association with, and knowledge of him, our confidence, respect and sympathy. While we know, that between himself and ourselves, there is no need to make open profession of feeling such as this, yet it gives us pleasure to do so, and also to congratulate him upon his safe return to his native city in health and with the disposition for energetic usefulness.

Meeting here as Soldiers, not making a claim to great services, where, in many cases, other soldiers did so much more; yet for our Colonel, we hold that there may have been many older soldiers, but there were few better, and certainly none who more completely respected the rights of the humblest soldier he had under him, nor who cared more diligently and self-sacrificingly for the well-being of every individual under his command, and we are naturally proud of any distinction that may be conferred upon him. Meeting here as citizens who know Colonel Codman,--most of us living in the city of Boston, and all of us

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interested in the good government of the capital city of our State,--we are rejoiced that a man of such unblemished character, such sturdy integrity and independence, and so pre-eminently able in executive qualities, has consented to sacrifice his personal interests for the public good. Whatever the result in awaiting of those abilities may be, we congratulate our fellow citizens upon the opportunity.

Finally as Individuals, we pledge ourselves to do all in our power toward placing in the Mayoralty Chair a gentleman in whom we have unbounded confidence and whom we have tried and found in possession of elements of character fitted to grace, and certain to honor, any position in which he may be placed."

The resolution was received with cheers and long continued applause. Remarks cordially endorsing the Resolution were made by Lieut. Colonel Peabody, Dr. Samuel Kneeland, Hon. George P. Denny, Quartermaster Francis A. Dewson and others, and on motion of Comrade Thomas M. Ware, the Resolution was adopted by a rising and unanimous vote.

REUNION AT PLYMOUTH, JULY 17, 1879.

The Boston Transcript of July 18th said: "Of those who saw active service, one hundred were in attendance and with them sixty-five guests, many of whom were ladies. They were accompanied by the Maplewood Band, of which John A. Spofford, their old regimental bandmaster, is leader. Of this company there were men from Nantucket, the Vineyard, and many towns on the Cape, but by far the greater number came from Boston and its suburbs." The Comrades were cordially received by the citizens of Plymouth and shown many attentions, visiting many points of interest in that historic town, Plymouth Rock, Pilgrim Hall and the Court House. An interesting service was held in the cemetery at the grave of Horace Holmes, a member of Company A, where the ritual for the dead of the Grand Army was read, and the grave handsomely decorated with flowers. Letters were read from absent members, among others from Dr. Stone of San Francisco.

[image: John D. Whitcomb, Secratary Forty-Fith Regiment Association]

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REUNION AT NANTUCKET, SEPTEMBER 11th, 1881.

"The visiting comrades arrived at Nantucket at nine o'clock Sunday morning and were escorted by the resident members to the Springfield House, and later attended a Union Religious Service in the Methodist Church. The pulpit was handsomely decorated and the services were in every way befitting the occasion. The sermon was by the pastor of the church, Rev. Mr. Ransom, from the text: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Following this service the soldiers repaired to the Soldier's Monument where they strewed flowers in memory of the departed. Mr. John D. Whitcomb after making some feeling allusions to familiar names that he saw upon the shaft read the "Pledge of the Dead" as only a surviving Comrade can render such a piece. The poem is a most beautiful one, written by William Winter and delivered at the banquet of the Army of the Potomac, given in Albany, N. Y., June 18, 1881. The next day a "Camp Fire" was lighted at Surfside. Reminiscences were revived, old familiar stories related, and friendships firmly renewed. After the dinner a very eloquent and impressive address was given by Dr. Arthur E. Jenks which was listened to with the liveliest attention. Among other things he said: "I may say that never since I saw one of the first State regiments march to the front, have I ever forgotten either the fate or the fortune of a Union Soldier. Glorious Forty-Fifth Regiment! True your service was but for nine months; but in all those awful spaces you stood like heroes! Nine month's duty in war; the record of the eternal years for your reward! Success is not measured by the time occupied in achieving it, but rather by the importance of the work when accomplished. Sheridan's ride to Winchester was the breakneck speed of only a few hours. That he saved the day is the glory of horse and man; the lasting praise of Sheridan. Men of New England,

"With us your names shall live,
Thro' long succeeding years;
Embalmed with all our hearts can give,
Our praises and our tears."

Rev. Mr. Ransom read a fine poem entitled, "On Picket

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Duty." All joined in singing "America." The Camp was called "Theodore Parkman" in honor of the Color-Sergeant of the Forty-Fifth killed at Whitehall. Returning from the Camp the Comrades sat down to a fine dinner at the Springfield House where a continuous fire of wit and wisdom flew about the festive board and the best of good feeling prevailed. The Comrades voted their trip to Nantucket "the best time they ever had."

REUNION AT SWAMPSCOTT, JUNE 25, 1885.

Upon arrival at Swampscott the visitors were received by the General James L. Bates Post 118 of the Grand Army and veterans of Company E. Under command of Lieut. Alpheus H. Hardy the line marched to the Town Hall where a collation was served by the ladies of Swampscott. A vote of thanks was passed to Adjutant Winsor for securing a correct record of the service of the Forty-Fifth in the forthcoming history of the Twenty-Third Massachusetts Regiment. President Royal P. Barry gave some interesting statistics of the make-up of the Forty-Fifth Regiment, and brief accounts of the men of Swampscott in the regiment and their excellence as soldiers. The Forty-Fifth was perhaps more thoroughly representative of Massachusetts men than any other raised in the State. Thirty-two men were credited to the quota of the town of Swampscott. One of these men was killed in action, three died in the service, one of them died later in Andersonville prison, after re-enlistment; three have died since the war. First Lieut. Alpheus H. Hardy of Company E paid a warm tribute to the bravery and reliability of the men of Swampscott, mentioning by names, Thomas Donnelly, Caleb Stone and Dudley Blaney among others who were killed, or died during the war, particularly dwelling upon the cheerfulness and valor of Charles H. Smith, who later was taken prisoner and died amid the horrors of Andersonville. Lieut. J. Frank Emmons came specially from New York to see the men of his old company and spoke earnestly in their praise. Although obliged to return in the afternoon he had pleasure

[image: Thomas E. Holway, Company D, President Of The Association Of The 45th Mass. Regiment, 190(8?)]

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enough to amply repay his coming. There was a loud call for the skipper of the Ocean Bride who put out with his crew in the teeth of a fierce northeast gale on November 9, 1862, and perilled danger in Boston Bay to reach the storm bound transport Mississippi and deliver a freight of apples and supplies. Captain Miles Blanchard, hale and hearty, came forward and made a brief speech expression of his pleasure at meeting the Forty-Fifth under such pleasant and widely different circumstances. Eight members of this crew were present as guests of the Regiment. At the close of Captain Blanchard's remarks an original poem entitled "A Greeting to Swampscott," was sung to the tune of "Glory Hallelujah," Comrade Thomas C. Evans acting as chorister.

With song of old the Forty-Fifth greets Swampscott town today,
And comes again with loyal heart, though heads may wear the gray,
To give a hearty grasp of hand for days of Boston Bay,
When troops were sailing on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
As troops were sailing on.
If ranks are now not finely closed, yet comrades staunch remain,
To tell the tale in gratitude and tell it time again,
The story of that valiant crew, in days of strife and pain,
The Ocean Bride who manned.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Hail to that valiant band.
In thought of one November day, when storm and wave were high,
All seem to see, in fancy free, a welcome craft draw nigh.
Heer freight put out by willing hands and hearts that knew a tie,
For sons then sailing on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
For hands and hearts and sons.
The golden apple was the fruit that banished Eve, 'tis said,
When driven out from Paradise with curse upon her head,
But Swampscott fruit with blessing came, as manna blent with bread,
In wilderness of storm.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
That storm and war are gone.
The fields and lanes of Swampscott town are blooming now in June,
In peaceful wiles all nature smiles, and hearts are just in tune,
Ane cloud alone is fond regret that friends must part so soon,
For day is hasting on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
While life is marching on.

The President stated that there was no name of the author on the program, but he believed it was written by our Secretary, John D. Whitcomb.

After reading of letters from absent comrades the following original poem was read by Comrade Edward P. Jackson, entitled, "The Undecorated Graves."

A myriad of the noblest sons of earth
That ever rose in dauntless bravery
To battle for the land that gave them birth
And heal the woe of human slavery--
That ever left the happy fireside,
Whose flames illumined love and cheeriness,
For flames that shone on garments crimson-dyed,
On hunger, cold and deathly weariness--
Today in one broad shallow grave are lying,
Ah! well we know the anguish of their dying.
A myriad famine-stricken forms were there,
With hollow eyes bedimmed with bitter grieving,
With hearts that withered in their long despair,
Till madness brought its terrible reprieving--
The weight of agony, ah, who can tell,
What slowly sank within that prison portal,
Sank like a millstone--crushing as it fell,--
Crushing like wheat,--the very soul immortal!
Low, low the murdered multitude are lying,
To heaven, for justice, loud their blood is crying.
They gave themselves a willing sacrifice,
They were not driven to their death like cattle,
'Twas not their country's mandate, but her cries,
That sent her gallant champions to the battle.
Erect and strong, might still be every form,
Their ruddy manly cheeks need not have faded,
Their hearts with life and love might still be warm,
Their voice the March of Progress still have aided

[image: Luther S. Johnson, Company F, President OF The Association Of The 45th Mass. Regiment, 1903]

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In unmarked sepulchres their forms are lying,
A myriad broken hearts, at home are sighing.
O would that tender lips their brows had pressed,
And forms of loved ones blessed their dying vision!
But all unnoticed sank they to their rest,
Mid oaths and groans, or words of fierce derision.
No perfumed caskets held their wasted frames,
Their shrouds were buttoned round them old and tattered,
No sculptured stones immortalize their names,
No flowers on their unknown graves are scattered.
Far, far from home and kindred they are lying,
With only idle breezes o'er them sighing.

Before leaving Swampscott the comrades dropped red and white roses upon the Soldier's Monument in memory of their comrades whose names were inscribed on the tablet.

REUNION AT MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA JUNE 23, 1886.

The Eleventh Annual Re-union was held at the Masconomo House, one hundred and seventy-five members being present. At Salem the Salem Cadet Band joined the party, and upon arrival at Manchester the line was formed and with the band in the lead marched to the hotel. President Charles E. C. Breck occupied the chair. The Secretary reported that of the 1018 officers and enlisted men who left Readville in 1862, the whereabouts of 571 were known, and 325 have passed to the final "muster out." The death of Rev. Samuel K. Lothrop, one of the earliest friends of the Regiment, and an Honorary Member, was also noted, his name being among the first placed on the Honorary List in recognition of the high esteem in which he was held for his early and great interest in the welfare of the regiment.

In recognition of the long and faithful service of comrade William B. Stacey, as Commissary, it was voted that the title of his office be changed to that of "quartermaster." The secretary read a communication from Colonel Codman, relating to the Blue Flag of the Regiment, which the colonel had placed in the custody

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of the Boston Cadets, and on motion of Comrade T. C. Evans it was voted that the action of Colonel Codman be confirmed.

The comrades marched to the railroad station and received Major Russell Sturgis, Jr., who was warmly welcomed as he alighted on the platform. Colonel Codman arrived just after dinner and was enthusiastically greeted by the men who were drawn up in line for his reception. The band played "Hail to the Chief" and followed it with "Home Again." The comrades highly appreciated having their former colonel, major and adjutant and many line officers with them. At the hall, President Breck presented Colonel Codman who said, "That he had no speech to make. On this occasion when the memories of twenty-three years ago came upon him, he thought silence more expressive than speech. He had come down to see their faces once again and he thanked them for their expression of kind feeling. He trusted that it would be a long time before the last survivor of the Forty-Fifth would find it impossible to continue such reunions as this." Major Sturgis, who was received with three cheers and a tiger, said, "It gave him great pleasure to welcome the comrades to Manchester, because it was his dwelling-place, and because it was here he had performed his earliest work for the regiment in getting together the full quota of the town. He thanked them for their kindness to him and welcomed them in behalf of the citizens of Manchester."

Comrade Edward P. Jackson of Company D read a poem running in a happy vein and recounting his battles with the company cook, the vigilance of Stout McNamara, the sentry at New Berne with many other witty allusions which seemed to be understood by the comrades.

The newly elected president, Sergeant Ephraim Stearns spoke briefly in acknowledging the honor and testified of his attachment to his comrades of the Forty-Fifth.

The place where the reunion was held is one of the most beautiful spots that could have been selected, and the reunion in all respects was most enjoyable and successful.

[image: William B. Stacey, Quartermaster 45th Regiment M. V. M. Association]

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The members of the Association dined together at Young's Hotel, Wednesday Evening, December 14, 1887. The company assembled at the parlors of the hotel at five o'clock and an hour was passed there socially. A collection of portraits of prominent officers in the Eighteenth Army Corps, including those of Major-General Foster, Brigadier-General Wessels and others kindly loaned by the Forty-Fourth Regimental Association, hung upon the walls. The decorations of the dining hall were simple and appropriate. In the rear of the President's chair was a large national flag upon which was displayed portraits of Brevet Brigadier-General T. J. C. Amory, commander of the brigade in which the regiment served, and of Captains George Parkman Denny, and J. McKean Churchill. On the right of the large flag was the old blue color presented to the regiment upon its departure for the front, and on the left a white flag of the First Corps of Cadets, with its motto, "Monstrat Viam," loaned for the occasion. The date above was the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Battle of Kinston, N. C., in which the regiment took part, and the menu for the evening bore upon the outside page an excellent picture of the fight at Kinston Bridge. The Divine Blessing on the occasion was invoked by Chaplain T. C. Evans.

Colonel John Jeffries, Mr. Arthur B. Denny and Mr Josiah Oates were present as honorary members of the Association, and Charles E. Stearns, as honorary member of Company G. On the tables at which the different companies were seated easels were placed holding pictures of deceased and absent company officers.

President William D. Brackett opened the after dinner exercises in a fitting manner and in closing introduced Colonel Charles R. Codman as the presiding officer of the occasion. The Colonel was enthusiastically received and made a stirring speech, praising the officers and men of his regiment, and eloquently eulogizing the personal character and soldierly ability of General Thomas J. C. Amory, its Brigade Commander. Colonel Codman

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was followed with addresses, incidents and stories of army life by Senator-Elect George P. Ladd of Spencer, Mass., who was a Sergeant in Company E; Alderman-Elect Homer Rogers, who served as Sergeant in Company F; Adjutant Gershom C. Winsor, Major Francis A. Dewson, Lieutenant Theodore C. Hurd of F, Captain N. Willis Bumstead of D, Dr. Frank Wells of E, and Dr. Edward Wigglesworth of B, who read a poem, "We Have Survived." A letter was read from Rev A. L. Stone, formerly of Park Street Church, chaplain of the regiment.

During the evening Comrade Myron W. Whitney of I, the basso, with his son, William L., as accompanist, entertained the assemblage with two vocal selections, and the speaking was varied at intervals with war songs, a collection of which had been printed for use at the reunion and each comrade supplied with a copy. Comrade T. C. Evans acted as chorister, and the piano accompaniments were by Frank Lynes.

Much merriment was aroused during the banquet by the arrival in the dining hall of a large package supposed to have come from Kinston, N. C., which when opened contained a supply of long-stemmed Powhatan pipes and smoking tobacco. The joke appeared to be well understood by the comrades in connection with the large supply of smoking tobacco foraged at Kinston on the night of the battle.

The Twentieth Massachusetts assembled at Turn Hall, sent a congratulatory message to the Forty-Fifth.

Present, Field and Staff, 7; Company A, 21; B, 18; C, 6; D, 19; E, 21; F, 22; G, 14; H, 7; I, 7; K, 11; Honorary, 4. Total, 157.

At the Reunion held at the Atlantic House, Nantasket Beach, June 26, 1891, seventy-seven comrades were present. The organization known as "The Sons and daughters of the Forty-Fifth" was formed at this meeting. Greetings were exchanged with the Fifth Regiment which held its Reunion at Salem Willows as follows:

"The Forty-Fifth Massachusetts at Nantasket Beach send

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greeting to the Fifth Massachusetts at Salem. Not so near together today as when at Kinston, but yet shoulder to shoulder in comradeship. May your 'Clams' be as ripe today at the 'Willows,' as the 'persimmons' were on the road to Goldsboro."

Response:

"The Fifth Massachusetts Veteran Association from the home of our lamented Colonel George H. Pierson, send hearty greetings to our late comrades-in-arms, the Forty-Fifth Massachusetts. As in '62' and '63' we congratulated you across the river Trent, so today we send our cheers of loyalty across the blue waters of Massachusetts Bay, from Salem to Nantasket. The memories we revive today of Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsboro bind us all anew in the spirit of friendship, charity and loyalty."

Reunions of the Regiment were held at the Atlantic House, Nantasket, in the years 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1897, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1907 and 1908.

At Onset Bay, September 7, 1896.

At Cottage Park, Winthrop, September 7, 1898.

At Hough's Neck, Quincy, June 26, 1902.

At Baker's Island, Salem Harbor, September, 1903. At this reunion Comrade Silas W. Lang of Company A introduced a motion that the Association solicit contributions for a portrait of our late Color-Sergeant, Theodore Parkman, for the Military Memorial Hall in the Cadet Armory, which was carried and a committee was appointed to receive such contributions. While on the piazza of the hotel and just before leaving for the boat, the following original poem was recited by Comrade Albert W. Mann, of Company A:

Always a warm spot in my heart for this gallant little band,
For there's Fraternity and Charity in the grasp of every hand.
And in rebellion's stormy days whene'er we had a fight,
Was proved your loyalty to country and our starry banner bright.
So we call it not a duty, which brings us here today,
From Boston, Lynn and Swampscott, and places far away,
But one of those rare pleasures to meet comrades, tried and true,
For we know that they were "at the front" when they wore the army blue.
There are many noble Orders, with rites and rituals grand,
That benefit humanity and lend a helping hand,
But dearer to our soldier hearts, a reality, not a myth,
Is our unique "Association of the Massachusetts Forty-Fifth.
What precious memories are ours, some tender, sad, and gay,
When at our country's stirring call, we 'listed for the fray!
The life in camp, the march, the fight, the dreadful prison pen,
Oft rise from out the shadowy past, and seem as real as then!
Ours was a noble regiment, with Codman, brave and true,
A better Colonel ne'er drew sword, nor led at a review.
With Peabody and Sturgis and Winsor on the staff,
What wonder that the "Johnnies" fled before us, like the chaff!
Well, those glorious days are over, and now the Nation stands,
In Wealth, in Freedom and in Power, the envy of all lands.
We've lived to see the seed we sowed, in hardships, blood and tears,
Bear glorious fruitage for all men, in these succeeding years.

At the Reunion held at Baker's Island, September 1, 1904, it was reported that contributions had been received towards providing a portrait of Color Sergeant Theodore Parkman as voted at the last Reunion.

Boston, April 12, 1905.

Thomas F. Edmands, Lieut. Colonel Commanding First Corps of Cadets, Boston.

Colonel--

A long intended purpose of the surviving members of the Cadets' (Civil War) Forty-Fifth Massachusetts Regiment having recently been carried into effect, through the completion of a faithful portrait of Theodore Parkman, color-sergeant of the Forty-Fifth Regiment, who, carrying the National Color, was killed in battle at White Hall, N. C., December 16, 1862, that his memory may be more lastingly perpetuated, these comrades have considered that the armory of the First Corps of Cadets would be the most appropriate and the securest repository for his likeness.

Should the Corps in its view concur with the opinions and expressed wishes of the comrades of Sergeant Parkman, his portrait is herewith respectfully tendered for acceptance.

Referring to the past, in connection with the desire to transfer the portrait to the Cadet Corps for a place in its armory, where it can be viewed in lasting memory, and where it will convey its lesson of patriotism, such transfer will be individually and collectively gratifying to

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the past members of the Forty-Fifth now living who still remember the debt ever due to the war time Cadet Corps for its inception and the formation of the War Regiment; for its liberal contributions toward equipment; for support in the field in word and deed, and for furnishing regimental officers thoroughly grounded in the school of the soldier, these superior officers being supplemented by many men in the ranks who had also served in the First Corps.

Augustus S. Lovett, President Association Massachusetts Forty-Fifth Regiment.

John D. Whitcomb, Secretary.

Boston, April 12, 1905.

Augustus S. Lovett, Esq., President of the Association of the Forty-Fifth Massachusetts Regiment.

Dear Sir --

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your interesting communication of today, alluding to the portrait of Sergeant Theodore Parkman of the Forty-Fifth Regiment. The portrait has been placed in the drill hall of the Cadet Armory, within a few feet of the blue flag which was carried by that regiment; although, as I understand, Sergeant Parkman's duty was to carry the National color, rather than the regimental color.

I looked the armory building over very carefully before deciding that the best place for Sergeant Parkman's portrait would be where it is now, in the immediate vicinity of the flag, only a few feet from it. Unless your Association has some other place in the building where it would like the portrait to be placed, it will remain where it now is; and I can assure you that it will always be one of the most precious possessions in custody of the Corps.

It may be interesting for you to know that, in the drill hall, not far from the flag and the portrait, hangs the old bass drum of the Regiment, while in the foyer, beyond the gallery on the second story, is the cornet used by the bandmaster of the Forty-Fifth Regiment. None of these relics are needed in any way to freshen the memory of the Forty-Fifth Regiment, but it is well that the flag, portrait, drum and bugle should be together, where I hope they will remain undisturbed for many long years.

Respectfully yours, Thomas F. Edmands, Commanding First Corps of Cadets.

At the Reunion held at the Revere House November 15, 1905, the Association had as a guest, the well-known Boston artist, Darius Cobb, who had recently painted the portrait of

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Theodore Parkman, our color bearer, who was killed in the Battle of Whitehall. Mr. Cobb, who served with his twin brother, Cyrus, in the Forty-Fourth Massachusetts Regiment, made a stirring address and also recited an original poem. An allusion made by one of the speakers to Daniel Webster and the great lessons of patriotism inculcated by his teachings, and the mention, incidentally, that the Revere House was his home when in Boston, caused a wave of reverence in the assembly, and his memory was pledged by the comrades rising.

June 28, 1906, the Reunion was held at the Rock Mere Inn, at Marblehead. It was voted that the Secretary be instructed to have made and presented to Theodore Parkman Post G. A. R. of Centreville, Mass., a copy of the Cobb Portrait of Sergeant Parkman, the expense of the copy of the portrait and framing the same to be paid out of the funds of the Association.

The cut of the Eighteenth Army Corps Badge which appears on the cover of this book, and of the Eighteenth Army Corps Pennant in Adjutant Winsor's article, "As I Saw It," were from drawings made by Mrs. Carlotta Stuart, the daughter of Comrade Edward F. Reed of Company I, for which the Historian makes grateful acknowledgments.

Mrs. Stuart has also drawn and will have printed in colors the State and United States Flag and Blue Banner, with the names and dates of the battles on the Stars and Stripes. These will be printed on sheets the same size as the pages of this book, enabling anyone to attach them to this book if desired, and copies may be had upon application to Comrade Reed or the Historian.

The First Band to have the title of "Cadet Band" was the band of the Forty-Fifth Regiment, M. V. M.

After the return of the Regiment and the muster-out of the members of the band, Baldwin took the title "Cadet Band" to which there was no objection.

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[Leaves from a paper read March 26, 1889, at an evening Reunion held at Young's Hotel, Boston.]

PURSUANT to orders the Forty-Fifth, on the morning of January 26, 1863, marched from Camp Amory into New Berne, N. C., assigned to Provost Duty in that town, relieving therefrom the Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment. The column passed directly to the Parade on Broad Street, where the companies and band were dismissed to go to quarters. The band was assigned two houses on East Front Street, near the corner of Pollock Street. The houses faced the Neuse River, and the views from the front windows looking out upon the water were very pleasant--the views from the rear windows were not particularly inviting to the beholder in any sense.

According to custom at the South, the houses formerly occupied by the native white population, but which were now being used for soldiers' quarters, had detached one-story buildings on the grounds in the rear, which were devoted to servants' quarters and cooking purposes. On the premises where the band was quartered these buildings had been taken possession of by three distinct colored families. The husbands were George and Isaac and Dan'l, and their wives were Harriet and Kizzy and Mar'ty. Being slaves formerly, and now having dropped the patronymics of their former masters, they had no surnames and nothing left to be called by except their first names. Sally,--a spinster, was content to occupy the smokehouse, an eight by ten shanty, smaller and much more unpretentious than the sheds occupied by the married couples.

The domestic life of these people had a constant interest to the observers of it, from its novelty and dissimilarity to anything like it ever before seen. They were happy, according to their

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own statement because they were free; but they were always decorous in the enjoyment of their changed position. The men "toted" for whomsoever would employ them, and the women washed clothes for the soldiers. All of these families, including the spinster, with one exception, bore the map of Africa in its blackest imprint upon their faces. The one exception was Kizzy. Her complexion was of light ginger-cake shade, and her hair was long and silky, indicating a mixture of races. Kizzy was a beauty; with lithe and graceful figure and with reserved and modest manner. Had not the condition of slave children followed that of the mother the shapely arm that Kizzy daily displayed in the back yard, dipped to the elbow in the suds of the washtub, might possibly have been seen at some time in a drawing room undraped to the shoulder, to the manifest advantage of its owner as the possessor of positive charms of personal symmetry. It has been stated in print that "the prettiest model in New York of late years has been a colored girl of superb figure." To outward appearance, and from the absence in her simple one-breadth costume of the modern adjuncts of fashion, Kizzy, a quarter of a century and more ago, had all the qualifications for a similar position. There was one personal indulgence, however, which was something of a detraction from the complete indorsement of Kizzy as a person without any bad habits, she was a "snuff-rubber," but in this she only copied the same vice many of her Southern white sisters had.

These people of the servants' quarters were joyful in their freedom, but they had also the common lot of sorrow. A young child of one of the families living in the cookhouses died. In the evening many colored neighbors came and quietly took places in the room where the child lay dead. Apparently when all had arrived who were expected, without any word being spoken, a weird, wailing chant was begun by a single voice. This was taken up by all the voices after the first line was sung and repeated in chorus many times. A brief silence followed each chant and then another wailing began, sometimes led by a woman and sometimes by a man, and was joined in by all present. Few of the chants had any special coherence in words, but one of them that was intelligible ran in this wise;

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Ef yer wanter see der Lawd,
Yer mus' git outen der wil'erness,
An' dyin' belieb on der Lam.
De Lam dat er die on er Calbere.

The mourning lasted all night, and the chanting kept on, but without any frenzy. All was orderly, and no one was seen speaking to another at any time. In the early morning the child in its coffin was quietly taken away for burial by some of the colored men without any further funeral ceremony.

Near the time for the departure of the regiment from New Berne, its tour of duty having ended, a colored orchestra of the town assembled at night in front of the band quarters and gave a serenade. The instruments used were principally stringed, and they were played with great unction and impetuosity, especial prominence being given to the parts of the larger instruments such as the contra bass and 'cello. The tunes played were unfamiliar, and were doubtless largely original with the performers. In answer to an inquiry the leader of the orchestra gave the name of one of the tunes as "Run Nigger Run." The name seemed appropriate in an inclusive sense, as there was an ample amount of rhythm, swing and fast time to all of the selections played, yet the melody, though quaint, and probably played by ear, was good.