Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 7: Military History, 1924

Chapter 7: Military History

Preceding chapters have given the important facts concerning the War for Independence; also much concerning the privateer system of American warfare, and now the reader is referred to the second war with Great Britain, the War of 1812-14. It was on June 18, 1812, that war was declared by Congress, and the following day President Madison made public proclamation of the fact. Bedford was then strongly allied with the Federalists, Fairhaven being equally pronounced in its loyalty to the party of which Jefferson and Madison were the great leaders. The Federal party opposed the war, and so did New Bedford; Fairhaven supported the war. The two villages held many a fierce debate in the old town hall situated at the Parting of the Ways. But in 1812 the town of Bedford was divided, and Fairhaven was set off from her olden and long-time rival. The sentiment in New Bedford may be understood by the following resolution passed by the town meeting in May, 1812: 'We view with extreme regret and apprehension an impending war with Great Britain, which in our opinion will be disturbing and ruinous to our country, destructive to our commerce, and cause a heavy increase in direct taxation. Ruinous, as it would lead to an alliance with France, to which nation has hitherto acceded without loss of its liberty and independence." .

War of 1812-14. - As soon as the news of war was made known, the "New Bedford Mercury" expressed itself: "The awful calamity is at length officially announced. A war which has so long been predicted by the wise, ridiculed by the weak, deprecated by the honest, and courted by the wicked, is officially announced. Never have we seen dismay so generally and forcibly depicted on the features of our fellow-citizens as at this portentious moment. The hand of enterprise is withered and the heart is sickened, the hard-earned treasures of industry are dissolved, and the business of life seems to pause in awful suspense." Without doubt this expressed the honest opinion of a majority living in New England. New Bedford's fears were well grounded. During the first three months after war commenced, eight vessels belonging to this port were captured by the English, the total cargo of these boats being $218,000. The entire period of this war was fraught with terror and privation in all the coast towns of New England, but New Bedford, although often threatened, escaped attack. England did not believe America could muster much of a navy, but in this she was disappointed, for America hada strong fleet that swept the seas and captured more than fifteen hundred vessels. The harbor of New Bedford was ideal as a rendezvous for privateers, as privateer boats in this port were frequent in 1813 and 1814. During 1814 the British naval force in the United States waters was greatly increased and the New England coast swarmed with English frigates, gun-zoats or bun-brigs, as well as privateers. The seaboard towns were helpless, the troops all having been withdrawn for service in Canada. Later in the year a thousand soldiers were stationed along the harbor shores. How New Bedford was affected is shown in the many captures of her ships. While her losses from naval and privateering vessels was great, it remained for the British brig "Nimrod" to be the reigning terror of New Bedford, and the whole southern coast. She mounted sixteen 34-pounders, two long nines and one eighteen-pounder. January 28, 1814, the "Nimrod" bombarded Falmouth, injuring thirty houses, though no lives were lost. New Bedford was in a state of contsant dread and alarm. April 15, 1814, the British war vessels, "Victorious," "Endymion" and "Peacock," made their appearance in Vineyard Sound, and it was said were to attack New Bedford, but this proved a false alarm. The guns at Phoenix, June 13, 1814, gave notice of the approach of seven or eight barges. The weather was hazy, the barges were not discovered until close to the fort, but the preparation for their reception was so evident that they withdrew. 'Twelve vessels were set on fire, five of which were totaliy consumed. The cotton factory was also fired, but the flames were extinguished after the departure of the invaders. On September 27 and 28, 1814, five hundred soldiers marched into the village from towns in the northern part of Bristol county on their way to assigned stations along the seacoast. The village was under strict military rule for several months, and on August 12, 1814, Charles Gilbert was shot dead by a sentry on duty near the gun-house at the corner of South Sixth and Spring streets. Gilbert did not respond when the sentry asked for the countersign, although he was loyal and in possession of it, his intention no doubt being to test the fidelity of the sentry.

There were never records available as to Dartmoor prisoners nor of the Americans held in other English prisons, but scores of sailors belonging to New Bedford and neighboring towns were taken from merchant ships and either forced into the British service or confined in English prisons for refusing to fight against their own flag. There were confined in Dartmoor prison fifteen men. There also died at the same prison place, seven men. There were many New Bedford men in the army and navy, but no company was recruited entirely from the village. A number of citizens exempt from military duty organized themselves into an independent company under Captain Robert Taber and Lieutenant Haskell. This company was later commanded by Captain John Avery Parker, later president of the First National Bank of New Bedford. But the end was near, and on December 24, 1814, a treaty of peace was signed at Ghent between the United States and Great Britain, a bond that has stood for over a century, although sometimes sorely strained; and now the two nations have recently been engaged in the World War as allies. If New Bedford, like all New England, had been lukewarm in supporting the war, she was most energetic and vociferous in welcoming peace. It was eleven o'clock on Monday night, February 21, 1815, when Alexander Townsend of Boston rode into Bedford village with the glad tidings of peace. In a few moments church bells were clanging, the néws spread quickly, and the whole town was alive with demonstrations of joy.

The celebration of peace and the birthday of Washington, February 22, 1815, was a notable day. The flags of the United States, England, France, Portugal, Denmark and Sweden, flew from buildings and ships, the bells continued their clamor of praise and thanksgiving, salutes were fired, and in spite of its being stormy, the people gave themselves to the full enjoyment of the day. The celebration culminated in the evening with a grand display of fire-works, transparencies, and illumination of the town, the houses of Bedford village and Fairhaven being brilliant with lighted candles in the windows. 'Mid the roar of cannon and peal of bells and the discharge of fire-works, the celebration came to an end and the people retired to their homes conscious that an era of prosperity was at hand. Though the wheels of industry had long since ceased to move, the fleet that had brought prosperity was gone, shops and ship-yards were closed and the port closed against every enterprise, provisions were high and but little money in circulation, hope ran high, and that this spirit of optimism was justified results quickly proved. The paralyzed industries quickly recovered; shops, rope-walks, riggers, lofts, and ship-yards sprang into being and fairly hummed with activity; the wharves were alive with the fitting-out of ships, and the "Mercury" that had for many months been bare of maritime news was soon recording the arrival and departure of a goodly fleet of vessels, and prosperity followed.

The Civil War. - Whatever may have been said concerning lukewarmness in military affairs in New Bedford priod to the Civil War, it must be placed to her credit that in that war for the Union of States she was never lacking in patriotism. In response to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men, it was only four days after Fort Sumter was fired upon before this place saw 3,200 men (1,110 more than quota called for) taking the train for the seat of war. Home defense was immediately undertaken by putting Fort Phoenix in good order, and for the erection of a land battery at Clark's Point which mounted three twenty-four pounders.

The Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Society was formed, and work at once commenced; the reports show that this society donated 1n cash over $20,000; in cotton goods and flannels $4,000; and in hospital stores $6,000. Among the items these ladies furnished the boys at the front during that long drawn-out war may be noted: 5,904 flannel shirts, 3887 pairs of drawers, 4,573 pairs of woolen socks, 1,790 towels, 94 coats, 76 waist coats, 1,837 pocket handkerchiefs, 368 cravats, 314 dressing gowns, 679 pairs of slippers, 265 pairs of woolen mittens, 524 blankets, 515 sheets, 678 pillows, 758 quilts, 988 canes, and 1,280 woolen undershirts. In addition, $500 was given by a lady to pay soldiers' wives for sewing. Mrs. Joseph Delano was president of the society, organized April 11, 1861 - remember the date - Mrs. Lawrence Grinnell, vice-president; Mrs. William Eddy, secretary-treasurer. The city authorities were most generous in financial support of all true war measures, and gave every aid possible, freely and promptly. Companies A, Captain Henry F. Thomas; B, Captain William S. Cobb, and C, Captain George A. Bourne, were formed for home defense; and an artillery company was organized under the command of General James D. Thompson to garrison the forts, an appropriation of $5,000 being made for the support of the home and coast guard. July 10, 1862, $7,500 was appropriated to establish a general hospital for the sick and wounded soldiers, "provided the government should decide to locate one here." A bounty for volunteers was fixed at $100 for each volunteer for three years' service, and $26,000 was appropriated for this purpose. August 15, the bounty was increased to $250, and $20,000 set apart for its payment. August 29, $200 was offered for nine months men, and $25,000 was appropriated for this expense. October 21, $5,000 additional was voted for the home and coast guard, and a further appropriation of $20,000 made for the bounties. This was increased in December to $26,000. During the four years' war this city expended $125,495.85 for the support of the families of volunteers, and in addition $177,000 in other ways on account of the war. A wonderful record indeed. July 4, 1866, impressive ceremonies were had at the cornerstone laying for a soldiers' monument, which was dedicated later.

As in the Revolution and War of 1812, New Bedford suffered great losses to her marine industries, and for the third time now saw her vessels swept from the seas by enemy ships. The whaling fleet suffered heavily, | the privateer "Alabama" in particular creating sad havoc. Of the fortysix vessels destroyed, twenty-five were from New Bedford. The estimated value of the whale ships destroyed was $1,150,000 and of oil, $500,000.

Coming now to speak briefly of the brave men who entered the Union army from New Bedford, let it be said that thirteen different commands - regiments or companies - went forth with representatives from this city. They are as follows:

Field and staff officers of Third Massachusetts Regiment; also line officers, Company D, 23rd Massachusetts Regiment, saw hard service, for on its flags were inscribed these battles - Roanoke, Newbern, Rawles Mills, Kinston, Goldsboro, Wilcox Bridge, Newton, Smithfield, Hackman's Farm, Arrowfield Church, Drury's Bluff, and Cold Harbor. It was mustered out at Readville, July 12, 1865.

The Fifth Battery was the outgrowth of the military company organized at New Bedford for coast defense in the summer of 1861. Most all of the officers were New Bedford men. Max Eppendorf was captain when it left for the front. This was one of the fighting units of the Army of the Potomac, and took part in such awful en- gagements as Yorktown, Hanover Courthouse, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Run; and was mustered out June 12, 1865.

Company I, 33rd Regiment, was recruited from New Bedford, Colonel A. G. Magg commanding. The regiment was mustered in, August, 1862, and mustered out July 13, 1865.

Companies E, F and G, Third Regiment, were mustered from New Bedford. This regiment saw hard service, but never complained, though marching under the sun when the temperature read 107 in the shade, and again when water froze in their canteens. They were discharged at Boston, June 22, 1863.

Company A, 4lst Regiment, was raised in New Bedford in August, 1862, largely composed of New Bedford men. They were mustered into service in November, with John F. Vinal as captain. They were furnished cavalry equipment May 11, 1863, by a special order and created a permanent regiment, and for the rest of the service were known as the Third Massachusetts Cavalry. They were mustered out in May, 1865, taking part in the Grand Review at Washington. Other than the original soldiers in this regiment were retained longer and sent to Kansas and Nebraska for frontier service, but were discharged in October, 1865. Captain Vinal was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in 1864. On the regimental flag was inscribed the names of battles: Irish Bend, Henderson Hill, Cane River, Port Hudson, Sabine Cross Roads, Muddy Bayou, Snag Point, Bayou de Glaize, Yellow Bayou, Opequan Creek, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek.

Company D, 47th Regiment, -was recruited in the autumn of 1862 for nine months' service, and was largely from New Bedford. Austin S$. Cushman was major. This regiment was mustered out September 1, 1863, having been on service at New Orleans chiefly.

The 54th Regiment was the first regiment of colored troops to be raised in the State, and was commanded by Robert G. Shaw, whose monument now stands on the Common at Boston. Company C was recruited from New Bedford, and forty-six men were from the city. The captain was James W. Grace. 'They served well and were honorably discharged on Boston Common, September 1, 1865. It was during the assault on Fort Wagner that Sergeant William H. Carney, of New Bedford, seeing the regimental color bearer disabled, threw away his gun, seized the colors, made his way to the head of the charging column, and after the charge, although shot twice, brought the colors back and proudly proclaimed, "The old flag never touched the ground boys!"

Company B, Third Regiment, Heavy Artillery, was raised in New Bedford in the spring of 1863, and with eight other companies were detailed for garrison duty at Massachusetts coast forts. The captain was John A. P. Allen. It was finally on duty in defense of the National capital. . Captain Allen was promoted to major. The regiment's record reads, "executed their duties fearlessly and well."

Company B, Fourth Regiment Cavalry, was largely composed of New Bedford men, and went to the front commanded by Captain George R. Hurlbert. The regiment acted well the part of brave men and were mustered out November 14, 1865.

The last infantry regiment mustered into the United States service from Massachusetts was the 58th, the organization being completed April, 1864. It was largely composed of men who had seen former service in the Civil War, and was largely veteran. Company E was raised in New Bedford, and left for the front in command of Captain William E. Mason. Few regiments rendered more loyal service or suffered more. The regimental colors bear the names of many battles, and in sundry engagements having lost many of their original number. Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, all come into the list where these brave veterans fought. The regiment paraded in the Grand Review at Washington, May 23, 1865, and was mustered out at Readsville, Massachusetts, July 26.

The 15th Unattached Company was raised in New Bedford and mustered into the hundred day service, July 29, 1864. The captain was Isaac C. Jennings. The company served in the seacoast forts of the State and elsewhere until mustered out, November 15, 1864.

In addition to New Bedford sending more than her quota to the army, she also sent 1,336 men into the navy. Scores of New Bedford men found their way to service in the Atlantic and Gulf squadrons under Dupont and Farragut. When the "Cumberland" was sunk in Hampton Roads, the last shot fired at her destroyer, the "Merrimack," was fired from her after pivot guns, Lieutenant William R. Randall, of New Bedford, being one of the officers in charge of those guns. A moment after the last shot was fired, the "Cumberland" sank, with her colors flying - a monument to the brave men who fought their guns against an impregnable floating fortress until the waves swept over them. Acting Ensign John P. Zettick, of New Bedford, went down with the monitor "Tecumseh" in Mobile Bay, April 5, 1864, but escaped drowning, he being an expert swimmer.

The Story of the Stone Fleet - -Many a New Englander has seen the lithograph entitled "View of the Stone Fleet which sailed from New Bedford Harbor November 16, 1861." These pictures are growing scarce, and before Time obliterates all of them, this record should be made to perpetuate the meaning of the "Stone Fleet."

Late in 1861, the first year of the Civil War, one of the chief annoyances to the Federal cause was the constant blockade running into and out of southern ports. With all-the watching on the part of our navy that might be imagined, still the swift running boats of the Southern Confederacy would frequently get through the narrow channels and land war supplies for the Southerners and take out exports for foreign trade. Some genius of the Navy Department finally evolved the plan of sending down a fleet of stone laden vessels and sinking them in the inlets, thus closing the channels. 'This scheme was adopted by assistant Secretary of the Navy Gustavus V. Fox, who put the plan into speedy operation. Bids were received and contracts made for ships and stone. New Bedford, for obvious reasons, became the rendezvous for the vessels thus purchased. One reason for making New Bedford the headquarters was that within her harbor were many old whaling crafts that had necessarily gone out of business and could be bought by the government cheaply. Richard H. Chappel, of New Haven, was under contract to furnish forty-five vessels. New Bedford furnished him with twenty-four.

The work of assembling this stone fleet occupied two months, and the New Bedford wharves were alive with gangs of men engaged in fitting the vessels for their final voyage. As vessels returned from their last voyage, they were sold to the United States, with all their whaling gear aboard. The Bartletts bought all vessels offered them. The prices paid varied from $3,670 to $5,500. James Duddy furnished all the stone needed to load the boats. Every farmer in the nearabout country might have been seen drawing stone for the cargoes soon to be sunk to the bottom of Southern waters. Holes were bored in the sides of the ships just above the waterline, and into these holes were affixed neat fitting plugs so arranged that when they were needed to be pulled to let water in and aid in sinking the boat, it could be quickly accomplished. The entire Stone Fleet was in anchor on the morning of November 15, 1861, and the crews were all aboard. The signel gun was fired, anchors weighed, and the fleet passed out and down the bay. The commanders' "sealed orders" were not opened until the 21st, and then it was found the fleet was ordered to Savannah, there to report to the commodore of the blockade squadron. Captain J. M. Willis, the last surviving captain of the Stone Fleet, over eighty years of age, with a fine memory, kindly narrated the story from which these facts have been gleaned.

The second Stone Fleet was sent from New Bedford on December 9 of the same year. The two united before they went into actual use in stopping the channels and inlets of the southern streams into which the boats were finally sunk. This was indeed a novel war measure.

Spanish-American War. - New Bedford's interest in the Spanish- American War was not only that of preparedness and loyalty to service, but even in a more material way, for it had to do with that of coast defence and the part of the fortified coastwise city in the exigencies of the war. E, Battery of the Second Battalion was off for service promptly at the call on April 26, 1898, and assembled with the other batteries at Fort Warren, in Boston harbor. Mass meetings, held that very evening both in New Bedford and Portsmouth, protested against the condition of the defences at both points. May 6, Lieut. Lyon with a detachment of thirty.men from the batteries of the Second Artillery at Fort Adams, Newport, R. I., was ordered to the fort at Clark's Point, New Bedford, later to be named Fort Rodman. On May 30, G and L Batteries, with Lieut. Paine, range officer, and Lieut. Bryant, assistant surgeon, were ordered to report to Lieut.-Col. Woodman, to take station at New Bedford, and the lieutenant-colonel and his command left for New Bedford on June 1. The post then to be garrisoned was known as Fort at Clark's Point, the ground for its construction having been broken in 1857. Before the War with Spain, a solitary ordnance sergeant formed the garrison at the post, and:so continued up to the time of the arrival of Lieut. Lyon on May 6, 1898.

The batteries of 1898 set to work and brought the fortifications up to date in every respect, and when they marched out September 19 that year, they left behind a fort that was a model of neatness and readiness for action. By general order from army headquarters, July 23, 1898, the post officially was named Fort Rodman, in honor of the memory of Lieut.-Col. William Logan Rodman, 38th Massachusetts Infantry, who fell at the head of his regiment in the assault on Port Hudson in 1863. There is little to be recorded either here or at Fort Warren outside of garrison routine. The battery, its officers and men, were ready for duty, and alert for whatever call. They were "at the front," and having received honorable discharge papers November 4, 1898, received also the endorsement of the faithful soldier.

The World War. - Let us reiterate, here, as elsewhere, regarding the story of the World War, that it cannot be completely told in a volume devoted entirely thereto, so far as New Bedford is concerned, at least at this hour, when so many are living today who were concerned in so many movements for the success of the war, and with so many committees of service clamoring to be heard and represented in such a book, to say nothing of this single chapter that is devoted to the recounting of the essentials of the united endeavor. The city splendidly, thoroughly, proved its patriotic capabilities and readiness, even before the beginning of the war, and long after the close of hostilities. Approximately 5,600 men went into the service from Greater New Bedford, and today there are 196 names on the Memorial Tablet in the Library.

Men and women gave to the last dollar, or very close to that ultimatum, in order that the Allies might rise superior to the Central Powers, such statistics as the following, that relate to Greater New Bedford, including the towns of Fairhaven, Dartmouth and Acushnet, being recorded as the noblest money pledge and fulfilment that this section had ever been concerned in for any purpose: In the five Liberty Loans, the total amount raised was $33,960,150, the quota of $25,908,000 being exceeded by $8,052,- 150. The first loan result of April, 1917, amounted to $5,092,650; the second, - of October, 1917, was $7,801,700; the third, - of April, 1918, was $5,- 829,700; the fourth, - of October, 1918, was $8,767,000; the fifth - of May, 1919, was $6,469,100.

The funds for various war purposes raised in Greater New Bedford were as follows: War Chest, $1,300,000 collected; $1,500,000 subscribed, and the number of contributors was 45,000. The Salvation Army raised $5,000; the Y. M. C. A., $100,326; Armenian-Syrian Relief committees, $9,530; Red Cross, $32,850; Hebrew Relief, $30,000; Knights of Columbus, $33,000; War Camp Community committees: $5,000. Grand total, with War Chest fund, of $1,518,706.

About 10,870 male citizens of New Bedford were required to register under the conscriptive law, and from that memorable day, April 6, 1917, | there was a continuous outpouring of men, by companies and small groups to the various camps to which they were assigned. The eloquence of the four-minute men incited them to relinquish home ties for the new and unknown line of duty; the great patriotic parades, in one of which more than 20,000 people took part, thrilled the city with its spectacle; the planting of gardens and the giving over of eight acres to that purpose by the Morse Twist Drill Company became a widespread movement in patriotism; the announcement of the emergency committee's map for the preparation of a definite scheme of action proved a valuable basic affair for many further plans of action; the work of the food administrators, of the Board of Commerce, of the newspapers, of the churches and fraternal orders, the merchants, and scores of other agencies were at one in the forwarding the great event to success. Three clergymen went from here to the war, notably Rev. John B. Devalles, Rev. Osias Boucher, and William FE. Patrick - Father Devalles paying with his life as a result of his devotion. The local doctors and lawyers were second to none in their loyalty, both in the war and during the epidemic, which disaster took nearly 700 by death here.

Wartime Agencies. - From the beginning to the close of the war, the Committee of One Hundred was distinctively New Bedford as to its methods and its personnel, for the maintenance of the cause of democracy. Organized February 17, 1917, just before this country started in to aid the Allies, its function from the first proved to be that of a clearing house of ideas and plans for the safety of New Bedford and its vicinity; and an agency for bringing the voluntary efforts of citizens and patriotic organizations into harmony with the more official plans of the authorities. Committees were appointed by four departmental chairmen to investigate what was needed to be done, bring together the people interested in a given problem, formulate plans of action, and get all the cooperation necessary to execute the plan. The personnel at the start consisted of the followingnamed: Executive Committee: Honorary President, Mayor Charles S. Ashley; president, Thomas S$. Hathaway; vice-president, James P. Doran; secretary, Wilfred H. Chapin; treasurer, Harry C. Robinson; Rev. William B. Geoghegan, Charles M. Carroll. Education, Rev. William B. Geoghegan, chairman. Domestic Economy and Food Conservation - Dr. Anna Croacher, Miss Mildred G. Horne, Miss Lillian E. Harris, Mrs. Charles A. Macomber, Miss Helen P. Kempton, Miss Gertrude Wilson; Patriotism - Charles N. Serpa, E. H. Choquette, Rev. Hugo Dylla, Allan P. Keith, Samuel Barnet; sanitation, Dr. Willim A. Neild, Dr. John G. Hathaway, Dr. Edwin P. Seaver, Cooper Gaw, George A. Hough, Dr. G. De N. Hough; Thrift - H. C. Robinson, George M. Kingman, Henry W. Taber, George H. Batchelor; Physical Efficiency, George T. Ferguson, chairman; physical training - Frederick C. Hill, Edward H. Gifford, John C. Gorner, Walter Pollard, Robert Sibor; military drill, William O. Devoll, Thomas Brady; medical examinations, Dr. Arthur V. Pierce, Dr. Edmond F. Cody; walking clubs - Fred W. Greene, Jr., Albert W. Keane, David M. Cheney; dental examinations, Dr. Ned A. Shockley, Dr. A. L. Shockley; recruiting, Major Joseph L. Gibbs. Social service, Wilfred H. Chapin, chairman; first aid - Morris R. Brownell, Mrs. W. A. Robinson, Jr., Mrs. Lawrence Grinnell, Miss Ruth R. Hawkins, Dr. E. D. Gardner, Dr. Charles M. Atchinson, Dr. Edward W. Young, Dr. R. G. Provost, Dr. James M. Bonnar, Dr. L. G. Barron,.Charles R. Tasker, Daniel Pearson, James K. Gregory; Y. M. C. A. Camp Work: Charles Mitchell, Rev. Fletcher D. Parker. Relief - Mrs. Elizabeth B. Emery, Frederic H. Taber, W. H. B. Remington, Douglas L. McGee, Edward S. Nicholson, John Hannigan, Charles R. Price, Harold S. Bowie, John Sullivan. Public Safety - Charles M. Carroll, chairman. Food Supplies, Robert C. Sherman, George S. Taber, James L. Humphrey, Jr., Thomas Hersom, Frederick T. Browne, John W. Bannister, William F. Potter, F. J. Wall; Transportation - Chauncey G. Whiton, Henry H. Crapo, Elton S. Wilde, Charles Battie, Arthur W. Forbes, Clarence Obrion, E. S. Judd; Fire protection - E. Francis Dahill, E. Francis Dahill, Jr., William Briggs, Arthur S. Francis, George H. Nye, William R. Chase, R. C. P. Coggeshall, Joseph P. Kennedy; Industries - Otis $. Cook, James Adams, George H. H. Allen, David Beaman, William A .Carroll, Clarence A. Cook, James P. Francis, Thomas Glennon, William H. Snow, William

Local Military in World War. - There were two Batteries D from this city that performed service at the front in the World War, the earlier designated of the two being Fourth Company, Battery D, 55th Regiment, Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. This organization had its beginnings long before the middle of the last century. It was on July 9, 1840, that James D. Thompson and others brought about the formation of the New Bedford City Guards, which kept up that designation for a period of nine years, and then lapsed from 1849 to 1852. Reorganization was then again effected under Captain George A. Bourne. Its members took part both in the Civil and the Spanish-American wars. As the Fourth Company, it left New Bedford July 28, 1917, for Fort Banks, under command of Captain John A. Stitt, and there its destination was changed to Nineteenth Company, of Boston, Captain Stitt having been in command since February 2, 1914. It continued to be known as the Nineteenth until the formation of the 55th Regiment, when the Nineteenth became the nucleus of Battery D in December, 1917. First Lieutenant William E. James and Second Lieutenant Clifford B. Kilburn of the old Fourth were then assigned to the new regi- - ment, the 55th, Battery C, Captain Stitt after being detached from the old Fourth, was attached for a short time to a National army company at Fort Banks, and from there he went to Fort Monroe. He returned to Fort Banks, January 18, 1918, and joined Battery D again.

Fourth Company (55th Artillery, Coast Artillery Corps), left Fort Banks, March 16, 1918, for Camp Merritt, and sailed on the "Mauretania," March 25th. At Clermont-Ferrand, in France, the regiment was divided into battalions, the First going to Cebazet, the Second, with Battery D, to Aubiere, the Third to Beaumont. From Aubiere the battery proceeded to the front. While at Aubiere, Captain Stitt was detached from Battery D and made regimental supply officer of the 55th Regiment, filling that office up to Armistice Day, and November 10 he received orders to return to the States. First Lieutenant James was made personnel officer and regimental exchange officer, and on November 11 was transferred to the 51st as cap- tain. Lieutenant Kilburn was transferred to the 53d Ammunition Train as second lieutenant. When Captain Stitt was transferred, Captain George W. Hirsch took command, and remained throughout. The battery went through Chateau-Thierry; and the first gun position was at Arcis le Ponsart; later at Dravegny and Sergy on the Vesle front. About September 15, the long hike was taken to Argonne Forest. The outfit was then constantly in action at Recicourt, Avocourt, Very, Malancourt, Montfaucon, Epinonville, Gesnes, Romagne and Beaufort; and it is stated that no artillery regiment had so long and continuous a record at the front as the 55th, which included Battery D. The regiment had its share in three big fights - the Aisne-Marne offensive, the Oise-Aisne offensive, and the great Meuse- Argonne offensive. It was accoutred with twenty-four 155mm, _ highpowered motorized Filloux rifles, and altogether the men fired 32,678 rounds. After the Armistice, the battery started for home, arriving at Brest, December 17, 1918, sailing on the "Cretic" January 10. Arriving in New York, January 22, it proceeded to Camp Mills, and there met by Mayor Ashley and Captain Stitt. Leaving Camp Mills, January 26, they proceeded to Fort Ferry, near New London, and thence started for home, February 7. In New Bedford, Captain Stitt again took charge of the old company, and at the armory a wonderful supper was provided for the men.

The battery left New Bedford with 119 men. Of these, thirty men were transferred to the Twenty-Sixth Yankee Division on August 17, the vacant places being filled by men who enlisted from New Bedford. When the battery left Fort Banks it consisted of five officers and 225 men, these being made up from New Bedford, Taunton, Providence and National Army men. Of this number, 219 returned to the States. The following is the roster of officers of the organization from the beginning: .

Company E, January 4, 1858. - Capt. Ingraham; Ist Lt. Barton; 2nd. Lt. Israel T. Bryant; 3rd Lt. Austin S. Cushman; 4th Lt. Francis L. Porter. This company at Fortress Monroe, April 16, 1861. Returned July 23, 1861. Capt. Ingraham retired as Lt. Col. of 18th Mass. Inf.

New Bedford boasts the only Bristol county unit of the famous 26th, or better known Yankee Division, which was composed exclusively of National Guardsmen of New England and carved for itself a splendid record in the World's War, where the division, the first division of National Guardsmen to arrive in France and the first to take its place at the front, served nineteen months in France, including ten consecutive months on the Western Front. ;

This Bristol county unit of the Y. D. was Battery D, 102nd Field Artillery, 51st F. A. Brigade, 26th Division. It was organized in New Bedford in the spring of 1917 as Battery D, 1st F. A., Mass. National Guard. Under command of Capt. Roger D. Swaim and Lieuts. Henderson I. Inches, Roger W. Eckfeldt, Harold Winslow and Lester T. Lewis, and with an enlisted strength in excess of one hundred men, the unit left New Bedford armory late in July, 1917, and mobilized with all other units of the field artillery of New England at Boxford, Mass., where on August 8, 1917, it was federalized as Battery D, 102nd F. A., 26th Division, and with the other units of the Y. D. left the United States for overseas duty, September 21, 1917. After four months of intensive training at Coetquidan, France, Battery D, with the remainder of the Y. D., was sent to the front, February 8, 1918. Its first sector was on the famous Chemin-des-Dames at Soissons, where the division received its baptism of fire and gas, and where it remained during the months of February and March, 1918. Early in April, 1918, Battery D saw continued service in the Toul sector, in front of Mount Sec, where it participated in the first two battles fought by American troops in France, at Seicheprey in April and Xivray-Marvosin in May. While on this sector, early in April, Battery D had its first loss, Pvt. Robert Andrews, of New Bedford, being killed in hostile shell fire at the battery's firing position. Andrews was the first soldier of the 102nd Field Artillery regiment to be killed.

In July, after a short service in Picardy, when it was thought that the German army would make its attack upon Paris through Picardy, the Y. D. was sent to Chateau-Thierry to relieve the 2nd Division, which had as its infantry the 5th and 6th regiments of Marines which held the German advance at Chateau-Thierry. This sector was taken over July 4th, 1918, and on July 18th Battery D had its first experience in open warfare, as the Y. D. advanced against the enemy on that day. Until August 8th, Battery D remained in this great offensive, said by many to have been the turning point in the World's War. During this offensive the New Bedford battery lost a score of its soldiers by hostile shell fire. It served artillery fire for the infantry of four different divisions before it was relieved and sent to a rest camp for its first rest since February, and to get replacements. The battery remained out of the firing zone a scant three weeks, and then was sent with the division to be a part of the First American Army, composed of the five veteran American divisions, into the St. Mihiel offensive, which took place in September, 1918. In October, Battery D was continuously firing its 75 m. m. French guns in the Argonne Forest offensive, and the Armistice found the battery in Death Valley, just north of Verdun. The winter of 1918-1919 was spent by the battery in winter quarters at Mayette, in the LeMans area. With the other units of the division, it sailed for home early in April, 1919. Again in the United States, Battery D took part in the mammoth parade and review of the Yankee Division at Boston on April 24, 1919, and was discharged from the service of the United States at Camp Devens, April 29th, 1919. During its war service Battery D lost 21 men and one officer, while at least fifty percent. of its personnel were afflicted with wounds or the effects of poison gas.

Upon its arrival at the battery's home city, in excess of 100,000 New Bedford people were at the railroad station to meet it, or stood in dense formation along the route of the triumphant parade of the battery from the railroad station through the business section of the city and to the armory. The battery was accompanied to its home city by the 102nd F. A. regimental band, which had played for the battery in France, but its music was nearly drowned out by the music of the New Bedford band along the route of the parade. For an entire week the returned field artillerymen were the honored and petted guests of the people of the city of New Bedford, being banquetted and entertained at theatres and with dances in the state armory.

Soon after the discharge of the Division, the former members of Battery D formed an association which has been in existence ever since and is known as Battery D Veterans' Association. This association maintains a fund which is used exclusively for the assistance of the men who soldiered with the unit, when they are ill or in poor financial condition, and their dependents. The Association has been given a triangular plot of land by the estate of F. William Oesting, which is located on the main thoroughfare between New Bedford and Fall River, and a movement is underway for the erection of a fine bronze memorial representing an artilleryman in the act of placing a shell in the breach of a 75mm. gun, to be placed on this site, in memory of the twenty-one men of the battery who were killed or died in France during the World's War. It is planned to have this statue complete and dedicated on Memorial Day, 1924.

As the successor to Battery D, 102nd Field Artillery, the Massachusetts National Guard in 1920 established Battery D, 101st Field Artillery, Mass. N. G., in New Bedford. This national guard battery was organized with Harold Winslow, a first lieutenant in the old battery, as captain, and with Sgts. Perry, Stanley and Lucas of the old battery as lieutenants. Many of the members of the old battery are non-commissioned officers in the new national guard battery. The new battery has its main quarters at the State Armory in New Bedford, but its stables, where 32 horses are kept, are in Fairhaven, as is the ten acre drill-grounds, horse corral and riding ring. The city of New Bedford is very proud of its new national guard battery of field artillery, and has already spent several thousands of dollars in making the quarters at Fairhaven comfortable for its members.

Other Companies - - On April 6, 1917, the Sixth Deck Division, Naval Militia, were given a rousing good-bye as they left under the command of Lieutenant Homer J. Parent, to report at the Boston Navy Yard. More than 300 men were then enlisted from here in the Naval Coast Defense Patrol.

The Fifth Company of New Bedford, a full unit of the State Guard, was fully organized in May, 1917. Stephen C. Lowe was captain; Charles L, McBay, first lieutenant; J. L. Fairclough, second lieutenant. Major Joseph L. Gibbs was commander of the First Battalion of the 17th Regiment Massachusetts State Guard. Machine Gun Company of the 17th Regiment Massachusetts State Guard, a New Bedford organization that won praise for its work, was the first company from this city to report for strike duty at Boston in September, 1919.

Company A, New Bedford Home Guard, with Stephen C. Lowe as its organizer, started in 1917, and performed faithfully its part, many of its members later going out into the larger service of the war.

In chief, then, out of a great volunteer army of workers, the organizations in which the city was largely represented in the World War have been indicated. This marching host stirred the city to its depths, and its great gift of patriotic unity undoubtedly shared in the national success.

The Red Cross started in for active work in New Bedford, with a public meeting held in the Union for Good Works building, Thursday, October 6, 1914, then the following-named committees were elected to do relief work under the direction of the National American Red Cross: President, Charles W. Clifford; vice-president, James P. Francis; treasurer, Miss Rachel Howland; assistant treasurer, Miss Isabel L. Chalfin; secretary, Miss Emma R. Hall; assistant secretary, Mrs. George M. Kingman; ways and means committee: chairman, Miss Mary R. Prescott; emer- gency, chairman, Mrs. Katherine G. Merrill; clothing for men, Miss Isabelle Chalfin; bedding, Mrs. Maria T. Upjohn; hospital supplies, Miss Julia W. Rodman; publicity, Mrs. William B. Geoghegan; knitting, Mrs. Francis B. Boyer; ne wclothing for Belgian women and children, Miss Caroline Stone. The Bristol County Chapter was formed July 27, 1916, at the Union for Good Works building, with the following-named officers: Chairman, Gerge H. Tripp; vice-chairman, James P. Francis; secretary, Mrs. Andrew Raeburn; assistant secretary, Mrs. George M. Kingman; treasurer, William F. Caswell; executive committee: Misses Mary R. Prescott, Julia W. Rodman, Isabelle Chalfin, and Thomas S$. Hathaway and Jacques Schouler. At the first annual meeting, October 19, 1916, these officers were reélected. April 26, war having been declared, the name of Bristol County Chapter was changed to that of New Bedford Chapter, with jurisdiction over New Bedford, Acushnet, Fairhaven and Dartmouth. On June 3, 1917, Mrs. Lawrence Grinnell offered the use of the Grinnell mansion on County street as headquarters of New Bedford Chapter during the war. In August, 1917, the chapter had nearly 20,000 members, and forwarded to headquarters at Washington the sum of $12,931.50. George T. Schouler was elected treasurer in October, 1917. In January, 1918, the membership was over 32,000, President Tripp being called to service at Camp Dix library for three months, Mr. Francis assumed the duties of chairman, and James W. Allen was elected treasurer in place of Mr. Schouler. The officers were reélected at the annual meeting in 1918. The total number of garments distributed in 1915 and 1916 was 102,875. Thomas S. Hathaway was elected chairman of the chapter, in December, 1919.

The Mary Russell Rotch Auxiliary was formed in 1916 by young women connected with the Unity House, and fifty-two other branches and auxiliaries were started. There were four classes in home nursing; twentyfive nurses joined the Red Cross directly from New Bedford, and twentytwo were in active service. Of nursing resources, there wére 409 women in the personnel. Red Cross membership to May, 1919, was 49,336. The Junior Red Cross was formed January 7, 1918, with 15,485 members. Mrs. A. L. Shockley was chairman. The Home Service Section of the Central Relief Committee performed a splendid work. Mrs. Manning Emery, Jr., was chairman.

The most notable effort and the all-engrossing one for the raising of money for all war purposes in this city was that of the War Chest plan and purpose, whose intensive campaign ran from June 17 to 24, 1918, with about 2,500 people actually engaged in the enterprise. They are said to have given up everything else in order to raise the sum of $1,000,000; this they did, and also exceeded it by $50,000. The idea was first discussed at a meeting of the campaign committee for the War Camp Community Fund, held at the Board of Commerce rooms in December, 1917. May 10, 1918, the New Bedford War Fund Association was actually organized, "to enlist and organize for war needs every man, woman and youth in the community," the permanent officers and directors being the followingnamed: President, Oliver Prescott; vice-president, John Duff; treasurer, Edmund Wood; clerk, Samuel Barnet; auditor, Merton W. Swift; secretary, A. H. Andrews; Hon. Charles $. Ashley, mayor; James A. Adams, A. H. Andrews, Benjamin H. Anthony, Mrs. William S. Anthony, Samuel

A committee of the War Chest still functions, caring for needy veterans with claims against the government due to war service during the period prior to the announcement of decision on cases. Immediately after the war, the sum of $160,000 was expended for shoes and clothing for returned soldiers and sailors.

From 1840 To 1885

Seven years previous to the incorporation of New Bedford as a city, business was very prosperous and civic improvements went forward immensely. In 1840 the New Bedford and Taunton railroad was completed, and opened on July 1. The Whaling Insurance Company of New Bedford was organized, George Howland, Jr., president; and the market and townhall building finished and occupied. On April 27, 1841, a memorial service was held in memory of President William Henry Harrison, who died one month after his inauguration. A procession of military, revenue officers, Congressmen, civic officers, and citizens one thousand strong, led by General James D. Thompson, marched to solemn music to the North Baptist Church, where impressive services were held.

320 against the measure. In 1841 the town house on South Second street was fitted up as an armory for the newly organized New Bedford Guards. The Parker House was opened February 10, 1842, with a banquet given by the proprietors, Horton & Son, to about two hundred invited guests. Many brilliant speeches were made, among them one by John Avery Parker, who responded to the toast "The Parker House." The hotel was built by Mr. Parker and occupied by him as a private residence, and when converted into a public house of entertainment was named in his honor.

Fall River having been the victim of a disastrous fire on July 2, 1843, a public meeting was held in the town hall July 3rd, to raise funds for the sufferers. The result was $1,581 in cash, and six wagonloads of furniture, clothing and provisions. On the evening of September 27, 1843, John Quincy Adams, a former President, visited New Bedford as the guest of Joseph Grinnell, and was escorted from the depot by forty young men with torches. The next day a public reception was tendered the distinguished guest in the town hall, Chairman of the Board of Selection James B. Congdon making the address of welcome. After a twenty minute responsive speech by ex-President Adams, hundreds of citizens availed themselves of the privilege of shaking hands with their honored guest. President Adams had previously visited New Bedford, arriving from Nantucket with his son and others on September 19, 1835, in the steamer "Telegraph" and spent the Sunday at the Mansion House. In 1843 Daniel Webster argued a will case in New Bedford, the court-room being packed with eager listeners to his eloquent plea.

In 1846 the committee appointed by the annual town meeting to suppress the liquor traffic was instructed to call upon every family in town and ascertain its position on the temperance question, and whether they would sign a total abstinence pledge. In 1847, at a special town meeting held January 23, the question of a city charter was referred to a committee of twenty citizens. The committee reported a form of charter to a meeting held February 6, several amendments being made by the meeting. A warm discussion followed, but finally the committee was instructed to petition the General Court for an act granting New Bedford a city charter. Another town meeting was held March 8 to further consider the subject, but adjourned without action. On March 18, 1847, an election was held upon the acceptance of an "Act to establish the City of New Bedford." The vote resulted as follows: For, 1,150; against, 814.

First Years as a City - 1847-1860. - The City charter, adopted March 18, 1847, divided the city into six wards, and on April 28 the city government organized and elected its first officers. The city at this time was enjoying a condition of great prosperity due to a large extent to the whaling industry, and the new city entered upon its municipal career under most favorable circumstances. The establishment of the city charter seemingly gave great satisfaction to a majority of the people, the prevailing sentiment being voiced in a strong editorial in the "Mercury," which closed in the following: "Success to the City of New Bedford. May she ever be foremost in good works, ever be eminent as a friend of freedom, liberality, good will, education and Christianity. To the latest generation may she be a burning and 'shining light. May she be illuminated with the oil of gladness and blessed with plenty and prosperity."

The first Independence Day celebration was one of special interest. Excursion boats brought 1,700 visitors from Edgarton and Nantucket and many hundreds came from surrounding towns. The day was given over to patriotic rejoicing. The parade headed by Gen. James D. Thompson, marshal of the day, was enlivened by the New Bedford Guards under Captain Seth Russell and the Citizens' Band, while in line were the entire city government, civil officers, lodges of Free Masons, Odd Fellows, Sons of Temperance, many citizens, and the Fire Departments of New Bedford, Fairhaven and Nantucket. An oration was delivered by J. A. Kasson, and a grand display of fireworks in the evening closed the celebration.

The making of daguerreotypes was begun in 1847 in New Bedford by C. E. Hawes & Brothers, in their rooms in Liberty Hall. The "Mercury" in large flashy head-lines announced the fact that they had received news from Europe in twenty-eight days! They thought that very rapid transit at that time. In 1848 there were thirty miles of graded streets, all curbed and flagged. New Bedford has made fine street improvements through the years since it was incorporated. Public sewers were constructed through portions of Union and Middle streets in 1852. By 1857 very many streets had their sewer system. Father Matthew, the famous temperance apostle, came to the city in September, 1849, and several hundred signed the total abstinence pledge as a result of his labors. In 1849 Asiatic cholera claimed a number of New Bedford citizens as its prey. Solemn services in memory of President Zachary Taylor were held August 6, 1850, in the North Christian Church. The Free Public Library, at 139 Union street, was opened to the public March 3, 1853. In 1854 the Point road was laid out and graded to a width of eighty feet; later the name French avenue was bestowed in honor of Rodney French. In a great fire on the night of October 18, 1854, many buildings were destroyed, including the celebrated Liberty Hall. It was one of the most historic buildings in the place, and stood at the corner of Purchase and William streets, given in 1795, to the First Congregational Church by William Rotch, it was first used for church purposes and later converted into a public hall. It was from the stage in this hall that those great men, apostles of freedom and temperance such as William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Frederick Douglass, Stephen Foster, Theodore © Parker, Parker Pillsbury and Henry Ward Beecher thundered forth their anathemas against the slave trade, and in eloquent periods pleaded the cause of the lowly and oppressed. The bell known as "New Bedford's Liberty Bell" often rang out its warning to the fugitive slaves that danger was nigh. This bell was bought February 18, 1796, of Captain Silas Jones of Nantucket, the purchase price of $255 being raised by subscription; the second largest subscription, six dollars, was made by a colored man, Aaron Childs; the largest, ten dollars, by Thomas Hope. In the fire which ended the career of the old hall, the bell was melted, but the metal was rescued when the ruins cooled, tea bells and other articles were made from it, and in many homes are yet preserved as souvenirs of the past.

The greatest fire in the history of this city began at noon August 24, 1859, in the engine room of William Cox's planing mills on the east side of Water street, now the site of the Tillinghast mill. A strong southeast wind was blowing at the time and the fire spread rapidly, leaping across the street along the wharves, and soon shops, factories, stores, buildings and ships were a mass of flames. Cargoes of oil stored along the wharf caught fire, and the ship "John and Edward," lying at the Richmond wharf, was a mass of flames from deck to mast-head. The oil at this point ran from the wharf to the water and at one time a considerable area of the river was literally a sea of fire. By nightfall the fire had spent its fury and the danger was over. Several buildings had been blown up by the engineers in order to stop the spread of the flames. The total destruction of property according to the record was $254,579, with less than $7,000 insurance. The sad feature of this fire was that the loss fell principally upon a class of industrious, worthy men, many of whom saw the hard earnings of years swept away in the angry flames. Some lost not only their business, but their homes; yet out of it all came the new era of "better fire protection;" the old "tubs" were relegated to the rear, the steam fireengine came to the front, and a final result was the present efficient fire department. During the five years, 1847-1852, some of the prominent streets of the city were opened.

Following the Civil War. - September 14, 1864, New Bedford celebrated the two hundredth anniversary of her incorporation as the town of Dartmouth, although set off from that town in 1787. Broadcast invitations had been sent out to the honored sons and daughters of Dartmouth who had left her borders, and the response was very gratifying. Services of an appropriate nature were held at the North Christian Church. The orator of that occasion was William Wallace Crapo. A banquet was served at two o'clock, after which came many brilliant toasts by men of State and local prominence. An address had been carefully prepared by James B. Congdon, addressed to the mayor and aldermen of the city of Dartmouth, Devonshire, England. After being beautifully engrossed by George B. Hathaway and signed by the mayor, aldermen and town clerks of the towns joining in the celebration, the address was mailed to its English destination.

The first real improvement in New Bedford during the Civil War period was trying to supply the place with a suitable supply of pure water, $300 having been set aside in 1860 to investigate the best means of securing the city's water supply. Captain Charles H. Bigelow, United States Army engineer, was secured to be in charge of the construction of the water works. Public sentiment approved the plan of bringing water from the Acushnet river, and the General Court on April 18, 1863, passed an ' act providing for the issue of water bonds to the amount of $500,000. This act was accepted by the city at an election April 14, 1864, 784 votes being cast for and 594 votes against the proposition. The first board of water commissioners organized December 13, 1865, with William W. Crapo. chairman; Warren Ladd, David Kempton, and James B. Congdon, clerk. A dam was built across the valley of the Acushnet river, seven miles north of the city; miles of pipes were laid; and during the closing weeks of 1869 the great undertaking was completed. The first superintendent of the water-works was George A. Briggs, who served until 1871.

The decline of the whaling industry begun as a result of the discovery of petroleum, belongs in part to this period, as does the quick recovery from the stunning blow and the fight for life and prosperity as a manu- facturing city. New Bedford in this transition from an industry which was her very life and upon which her wealth was founded, gave evidence of the greatness of her merchants, her business men and her manufacturers. First in the whaling industry, which betrayed her, a substitute was found in cotton manufacturing, and the city grew to as proud a position among manufacturing cities. Mills commenced operation in various parts of the city, and each year saw an increase in their number. In 18/70 the Wamsutta Corporation installed in a newly finished mill a Corliss engine, which was then the largest stationary engine in the world.

In March, 1868, Charles Dickens visited the city and gave a public reading from "Pickwick Papers." The New Bedford Choral Association was organized in April, 1869, and began rehearsals for its part in the great Peace Jubilee held in Boston the following June. September 8, 1869, a destructive southeast gale swept over the city, which did much damage on the river and again destroyed the New Bedford & Fairhaven bridge, yet there was some compensation in the acquisition by the city of the franchise of the bridge corporation, at a cost of $20,970. A new bridge was erected, the cost being about $45,000, which in June, 1870, was completed and first used, free of any toll charges. In 1872 a public meeting was held to aid the Chicago fire sufferers, and within two weeks $20,000 in cash and clothing had been sent to the stricken city. Street railways operated by horsepower were inaugurated in 1872, and in 1873 the New Bedford & Taunton railroad passed under the contro! of the Boston, Clinton & Fitchburg Railroad Company.

August 31, 1874, President Grant visited New Bedford, coming up the bay from Nantucket on the steamer '""Monohansett."' He was given a most hearty welcome, immense crowds thronging the streets through which the presidential party passed, escorted by the New Bedford City Guards and the Schouler Guards. At the City Hall, after an address of welcome by Mayor George B. Richmond, briefly responded to by General Grant, a reception was held, hundreds of citizens were introduced, and the greatest good feeling and enthusiasm were displayed. A dinner was served to distinguished guests at the Parker House. December 31, 1874, King Kalakua of the Hawaiian Islands visited New Bedford. His welcome by the city authorities and citizens was most cordial, and the greatest courtesy was shown him.

Several changes in the city charter were made in 1875, changes made necessary by the constantly increasing importance of New Bedford as a manufacturing city. The Citizens' National Bank was incorporated in 1875; the Fall River railway was opened to travel on December 15, the same year; and in the spring of 1876 the New Bedford railroad extended its tracks to the steamboat wharf to connect with the steamship line to New York, which had been established in June, 1874, with the new steamers "City of New Bedford" and "City of Fitchburg."

The Fourth of July, 1876, Centennial year of American Independence, was observed with unusual ceremonies. On March 13th Congress passed a resolution recommending "the people of the several States to assemble in their counties and towns on the approaching centennial anniversary of our National Independence, and that they cause to have delivered on that day an historic sketch of said county or town from the date of formation, and that copies of said sketch be filed in the clerk's office of said county, and in the office of the Librarian of Congress." In accordance with this resolution, the city council appointed a committee of arrangements and made an appropriation of $4,000. The main feature of the day was a procession including the military and firemen of the city, Grand Army Posts, disabled veterans in carriages, city officials, United States officers, and invited guests. At Liberty Hall an historical address was delivered by William W. Crapo, and which covered the entire period from the first settlement of the town of Dartmouth in 1664. The climax of this noble address read as follows:

The memory of the heroism and the patriotic devotion of those who struggled for our independence, and those who gallantly contended for the preservation of the National Union stirs our blood and arouses our emulation. We remember the brave men who suffered to perpetuate free institutions. We cannot forget the record, and we ought not to forget it. It inspires us with faithfulness and determination to meet the needs and requirements of the coming age; it stimulates us to labor strenuously for the highest welfare of our country, believing that America holds in trust the destinies of the world. We are descended from a noble ancestry. We are proud of their noble achievements, and their history incites us to effort. Our birthright, this inheritance of the principles and sentiments which have made the Republic great imposes upon us grave responsibilities.

In October, 1876, the whaling industry again received a crushing blow in the loss of twelve ships in the Arctic ocean. The gale of October 12, 1878, was the severest since 1869 and caused much damage. The bark "Sarah" sailed that morning on a whaling voyage, and when about forty miles off Block Island foundered and was lost.

In January, 1879, the railroad passed under the control of the Old Colony Corporation, and in 1880 the Pairpoint Manufacturing Company joined the Morse Twist Drill and Machine Company, the Wamsutta Mills, Potomska Mills, New Bedford Copper Company, and other manufacturing plants, in creating a newer and greater New Bedford than had existed under its one industry of whaling and its allied branches. In 1881 came the telephone, introduced by the Southern Massachusetts Telephone Company; and in July of the same year the New Bedford Cooperative Bank was added to the city's financial institutions. In 1882 the Acushnet Mills Corporation, the Grinnell Manufacturing Company and the Oneko Woolen Corporation and many other industries were added. In 1884 the New Bedford Manufacturing Company was incorporated and the New Bedford Board of Trade was organized. The year 1885 saw many extensions of the sewer system. In July, 1886, the Edison Hluminating Company located an electric plant in the city. In 1887 the New Bedford Safe Deposit and Trust Company was incorporated. In December, 1888, the Hathaway Manufacturing Company was organized; the Howland Mills were established; the City Manufacturing Company, organized in April, began the erection of a mill in December, 1888, and the New Bedford Clearing House was formed in September. In 1889 the Bennett Manufacturing Company was formed, and the Acushnet Codperative Bank was formed September lst. Thus the city grew, and the first quarter of a century after the Civil War closed with New Bedford in number of spindles in operation standing third among the manufacturing cities of the country, Fall River being first and Lowell second. In number of looms she was fourth, Manchester, New Hampshire, outranking her, with the two cities just named.

While cotton manufacturing in New Bedford began in 1846 and 1847, the thousands of workers in her mills, factories, trades and professions were particularly identified with industries pertaining to whaling and the demands of the merchant marine. But the period 1865-90 reversed conditions, and from ruins of a structure built upon an uncertain foundation, arose a great and stable manufacturing city. The city had grown from a village in 1790 with its 3,000 population to 40,000 in 1890. The men who had borne the burden and heat of the day in the earlier history had passed to their reward, and a new generation had arisen which in turn had been gathered to their fathers, and the business of the city had passed into the hands of sons and grandsons of the founders of the city, while the advantages offered had attracted capital and strong men from outside.