Plymouth County, Massachusetts - Chapter 6 (3 of 3 so headed), 1884

Chapter 6

of Boston met in council at the Governor's room in \ ^"'''^'"K^' ^^d uniformed soldiers were hastening the State-House, and the situation of the nation, con- ; '" ^"*^ ^^° '° bu.sy preparation for their departure, ditionof the military of the State, movement of troops, ^^ "°^ o'clock p.m. of Wednesday, the members etu., were there fully discussed. "'"^ volunteers assembled at the armory at Hingliara

The Lincoln Lig-lit Infantry. - On the dissolution ^''°^''''' ^^^'^ ''"^y ""^ ""^^ ^y ^e^- Calvin Lincoln, of the meeting, Lieut.-Col. Hawkes Fearing, of the ^"''^ --"'^"^'uended them to the care and protection of Fourth Regiment, M. V. M., who had beeu'^'preseut '^"^ *^°'^ °^ ^^^" fathers in earnest and impressive and taken part in the deliberations, came directly to P'^''-^^^ ^' *0"r o'clock the line was formed, and the Hiugliam, and caused to be called and attended a ''"'"P"")'' <orty-two in number, took up their line of meeting of the Lincoln Light Infantry at the armory '. "*"''*=''' P^issing down Main Street, attended by huniu the evening. He then immediately returned to ,' '^''"'^^ '*'' °"*"' and children, amid the ringing Boston, and reported for duty at head(|uarters. Fan- °^ '''^ church-bells, the waving of handkerchiefs from euil Hall. ' the dwellings as they passed, and cheered by the fre-

The situation was critical, and the needs of the ''"''°' ^"'^ hearty huzzas of the gathering mukitude. moment immediate and imperative. The call for aid ^^ '''^^ halted near the depot, each man was prewas the call of the country, and it was soon apparent '^"'^'^ "''''' '^ wreath of flowers by the scholars of the that the alternative presented was but a simple unit. ^o''''> School. They were also addres.sed by Col. It was a claim on the patriotism of the company that i ^liarles W. Seymour, Rev. E. Porter Dyer, James S. a sense of honor forbade the setting aside. They ^^1-' '-^^^ Mr. Joel B. Seymour. Rev. Joseph were bound to respond to the summons, and a vote j I^'^h'"dson offered in their behalf a fervent and was passed accordingly. affecting prayer ; when, stepping on board the wait-

Tuesday night and the forenoon of the following '"^' 'rain, prepared to meet whatever the future might day was the only time allowed for the arran^emeu't ' '^-^*""'^''' ''"^y '"-"'^ ^^^ 'own, followed by the tears, of their affairs, the completion of the necessary pre- '-'''C'^''^' '^"'^ benedictions of the assembled muliitude. parations, and the taking leave of their friends. The '^''^ following is the roll of the regular members captain was sick; but the remaining officers, in a ' '^°'^ ''*^ volunteers of the company which left llingspirit of the most genuine patriotism, came promptly ; ''""^ Wednesday afternoon, April 17, ISUl, for active forward and offered, for the extremities of the hour, '^"'^'' '" response to the call of the President of the any service which might be required at their hands, '^""'-''l S""^'*'*

Witii a young family relying on him for support and UEUULAK MEMUEU.S OF THE t'OMI'.^NV. counsel, the situation of Lieut. Stephenson in accept- ^'"1''- Luther Stephanaon, Jr Ilin.'liu.i

Bo.stou was not reached till late in the afternoon. The Fourth Regiment, to which the company was attached, assembled at Funeuil Hall, but had marched to the State-House, where the Lincoln Light Infantry joined it. Equipments, articles of clothing, and camp necessities, including provisions, had been distributed among the troops earlier in the day ; but, in the hurry and excitement of the hour, these articles of comfort were not fully shared by the Hingham soldiers.

A brief address was made by Governor Andrew ; after which, amid universal cheers, the Fourth and Sixth Regiments took up their line of rapid march.

The following is a list of the volunteers who left Hingham May IS, 18C1, to join Company I, of the Fourth Regiment, then stationed at Fortress Monroe :

The Lincoln Light Infantry was organized Oct. 19, 1854. The first preliminary meeting was held October 14th, and on the 28th of the month the company adopted the title of " Lincoln," in honor of Benjamin Lincoln, a major-general in the army of the Revolution, and a native of Hingham.

On the 20th of June, 1855, pursuant to u warrant from his Excellency, Henry J. Gardner, Governor of the State and commander-in-chief, the members met for the election of officers, and Hawkes Fearing, Jr., was chosen captain.

The first parade was made July 4, 1855. Aug. 18, 1860, Joseph T. Sprague was elected captain, vice Hawkes Fearing, Jr., promoted lieutenant-colonel Fourth Regiment, M. V. M.

April 17, 1861, the company with forty-two men, in command of Lieut. Luther Stephenson, Jr., left Hingham for three months' active service at Fortress Monroe and vicinity.

April 19, 1861, Lieut. Stephenson w;i3 cho.sen capj tain, vice Capt. Joseph T. Sprague. I April 23, 18G1, the company was mustered into 1 the service of the United States for three months, to I date from April IG, 1861.

May 18, 1861, thirty-seven additional volunteers I left Hingham to join the company, and the number I was increased to seventy-nine men. , Mustered out of service July 22d, and returned to J Hingham July 24, 1861.

Feb. 17, 1862, Joshua Morse was elected captain, I vice Luther Stephenson, Jr., honorably discharged. : May 26, 1862, the company, then numbering forty- I two men, was ordered to report at once on the Com- 1 mon at Boston for active service, on account of the I rumored defeat of Gen. Banks and the Union army. May 28, 1862, returned to Hingham, the services I of the company not being required. June 23, 1862, Peter N. Sprague was elected cap- I tain, vice Capt. Joshua Morse, resigned ; and on the 29th of September following the company was disbanded and the officers honorably discharged.

April 19, 1861. - A meeting of the citizens was held at the town hall for the purpose of devising measures for the relief of such families of members of the Lincoln Light Infantry as might need assistance during the absence of the company. The meeting was called to order by Capt. John Stephenson, who stated that, in consequence of the sudden departure of the Lincoln Light Infantry for Fortress Monroe, a number of families in town were left without their usual means of support, and in closing he gave the number of persons that would probably need assistance for the next three months.

Remarks appropriate to the occasion were tlien made by Revs. Calvin Lincoiu, E. Poiter Dyer, and Jonathan Tilson, and also by Luther Stephen.son, Capt. Jairus B. Lincoln, Isaac Barnes, Bcla T. Spraj;ue, Elijah Whiton, Robert W. Lincoln, and others. Subsequently a subscription was suggested, and by the unanimous vote of those present a committee, consiating of Messrs. John Todd, John Stephenson, and Jo.seph Jacob, was chosen to carry the same into effect. A paper was immediately circulated in the hall, from M-hich was realized the sum of eight hundred dollars. The meeting was large and very enthusiastic.

Siindoj/, p.ji., April 28. - A large number of ladies met at Masonic Hall, in Lincoln Building, for the purpose of making clothing to be sent to the members of the Lincoln Light Infantry at Fortress Monroe. Mrs. Solomon Lincoln acted as principal superintendent of the work, and under her direction itwiis completed in time for shipment by steamer " Cambridge." The labor of pressing and finishing was performed by Messrs. Lincoln Burr, John J. Corbett, John Todd, and Loring Jacob, who gratuitously proffered their valuable services for the occasion.

During the war the ladies of the various sewingcircles held frequent meetings in the different sections of the town for the purpose of preparing comfortable raiment for our men in tlie service. These meetings were generally held at Loring, Torrent, Niagara, Union, Constitution, and Liberty Halls. But there were also other gatherings for this purpose at the residences of mothers, sisters, daughters, and I'riends who were unable to leave their homes, and thus the good work found willing hands and patriotic hearts among the daugliters as well as the sons of Hingham.

" Vultil, That the town appropriate six thousand dollars for the purpose of furnishing such supplies as may be wanted by the families of those who have been, or may be, called into the service of their country, and that the money be expended under the direction of a committee of six, consisting of John Todd, David Cain, John Stephenson, Demerick Marble, Josejih Jacob, and Albert Whiting." Should more troops be called from thia town, the committee were instructed to furnish them with clothing and other necessaries.

t/«/y 10, 18G1. - .\ citizens' meeting was held for the purpose of making arrangements for the reception of the Lincoln Light Infantry on their return from the seat of war. Col. Charles \V. Seymour was chosen moderator, and Henry E. Hersey, Esq., secretary. Addresses by Melzar W. Clark, John Cu.ihing, James S. Lewis, Esq., Luther Stephenson, CcjI. Seymour, and others were made, and the fullouing committee was chosen to make the necessary arrangements for their reception : tfu/i/ 18. - At a meeting of the committee of arrangements it was decided to provide a collation at the town hall, and the following ladies and gentlemen were chosen to carry the same into effect, viz. : Mrs. Albert Whiting, Mrs. John Gushing, Mrs. E. Barker Whitcomb, Mrs. B. S. Hersey, Miss Elizabeth L. Gushing, Mrs. Lucy Sturtevant, Mrs. David 11. Hersey, Mrs. William Thomas, Mrs. Thomas J. Liavitt, Mrs. John S. Souther, Mrs. E. Waters Burr, Mins Sally Thaxter, Mrs. Joseph A. Newhall, Mrs. Walton V. Meade, Miss Sarah L. Marsh, David Leavitt, David Gushing, Jr., Daniel Bassett, Abner L. Leavitt, and Thomas F. Whiton.

" Voted, That the sum of three thuusand dollars be raised in aid of the families of volunteer.-), and that the .selectmen be authorized to apply the same as their judgment shall dictate."

March 3, 18G2. - At a town-meeting, the committee previously chosen to direct the expenditures of money appropriated for aid to tiie families of volunteers, and for furnishing clothing and other necessaries to volunteers whicli might be called into service at a future time, reported that they had expended for

" Voted, To raise five thousand dollars for the payment of State aid to the families of volunteers enlisted in the service of the United States, and one thousand dollars as town aid to volunteers and their families, the same to be appropriated under the direction of the selectmen."

July 11. - A large and enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of Hingham was held this Friday evening, at the town hall, in response to the call of the selectmen, to take action in reference to furnishing the town's quota of recruits, as called for by the commander-in-chief The following officers were chosen, viz. : President, Luther Stephenson ; Vice-Presidents, Edward Cazneau, Caleb S. Hunt, Demerick Marble, James S. Lewis, Crocker Wilder, and Seth Sprague.

Animating and encouraging addresses were made by the presiding officer and other gentlemen, urging enlistments, and recommending that a liberal bounty be paid by the town to volunteers, and offering to contribute generously, if need be, to prevent the necessity of a draft.

Voted, Unanimously, to recommend to the town that an appropriation be made sufficient to pay a bounty of sevcuty-five dollars to each person who may volunteer to make up the quota of men required of this town. It was also

Voted, That a committee of twelve be chosen to co-operate with the selectmen in procuring enlistments, and the following persons were chosen, viz. : Rev. Jonathan Tilson, Rev. J. L. Hatch, Edward Caznuau, Seth Sprague, Demerick Marble, Albert Whiting. Charles Sprague, Ezra Wilder, Elijah L. Whitou, George Hersey, Jr., Andrew W. Gardner, Abner L. Beal, E. Barker Whitcomb, Edmund Hersey, Thomas Fee, and John Stephenson.

July 15. - Agreeably to a call issued by the committee chosen July 11, the citizens met at the town hall to consider the great and important question of the day, the call for volunteers.

The meeting was called to order by Col. Cazneau, and organized by the choice of the following officers, viz. : President, Hon. Solomon Lincoln ; Vice-Presidents, Jairua B. Lincoln, George P. Hayward, Charles U9

The president, upon taking the chair, stated the object of the meeting, and urged upon all present the duty of responding promptly to the necessities and demands of the present crisis. He then called upon Revs. Calvin Lincoln, J. L. Hatch, Daniol Bowen, John E. Davenport, E. Porter Dyer, and Jonathan Tilson, who responded in short, patriotic, and pertinent addresses. E. S. Torbey, of Boston, being present, was also called upon, and although not a citizen of Hingham, he offered to contribute, if necessity required, towards furnishing the means to induce young men to enlist.

Voted, To pay volunteers who may be accepted and mustered into the service of the United States, to the number of fifty-one, - that being the quota of this town, - a bounty of one hundred dollars each ; and the town treasurer was authorized to hire money for the payment of the same.

The citizens' meeting, adjourned from Tuesday evening last, was held immediately after the townmeeting. Col. Cazneau made the opening remarks; and in the absence of Hon. Solomon Lincoln, the president, Luther Stephenson was called to the chair. Brief addresses were made by Caleb Gill, Caleb T. Bassett, Rev. Mr. Davenport, George Hersey, Jr., Caleb Stodder, John Cushing, and the presiding officer. Several young men then came forward and signed the enlistment papers. On motion of Col. Cazueau, the meeting adjourned to meet at the same place the Tuesday following.

July 22. - An adjourned war-meeting was held at the town hall for the purpose of obtaining volunteers. Luther Stephenson presided. Col. Cazneau spoke of the sccviccs rendered by Capts. Stephenson and Humphrey, of Lieuts. French, Wliiton, and IJouvi?, and also referred to the noble young men who liud gone from this town as privates and in other cupacities. Revs. Messrs. Hatch, Tilson, DuVLiipurt, and Dyer followed. The meeliug was further addressed

Ou motiou of Col. Cazneau, Capt. John Stephenson and Peter Heisey, Jr., were chosen to noiuiuate a coaimittee of ladies, whose duty it shall be to call the next meeting at sut-h time and place us they may decide upon, with authority to procure speakers, music, and whatever else may be wanted to insure a grand gathering. The ladies chosen upon this coiumittoe were Mrs. Jairus B. Lincoln, Mrs. Jonathan TiLiou, Mrs. E. Porter Dyer, Mrs. J. L. Hatch, Mrs. Alfred Loring, Mrs. Job S. Whiton, Mrs. Charles W. Gushing, Mrs. John Lincoln, Mrs. David K. Hersoy, Mrs. Alfred A. Rouel, and Mrs. John E. Davenport. The meeting then adjourned to meet at the call of the committee of ladies.

Aiiff. G, 18G2. - A meeting appointed by the ladies of Hinghaui, to encourage the enli.stmeut of volunteers to fill the quota of the town, was held at the town hall. It was largely attended.

Capt. Jairus B. Lincoln called the meeting to order, and read the names of the persons selected for president, vice-presidents, and secretaries.

Luther Stephenson, having been mentioned as president, took the chair. After a few complimentary words to the ladies, he called upon llev. E. Porter Dyer, who responded in his usual happy manner. Mr. Southworth, of Scituate, followed.

Rev. E. Porter Dyer then read an original poem. Rev. Calvin Lincoln and others followed ; after which several recruits came forward and signed the enlistment papers. The meeting was then adjourned to the next evening.

Any. 1. - At a citizens' meeting held in the town hall it was " Voted, To recommend the Town to increase the amount of bounty to volunteers from one hundred to two hundred dollars."

Aug. 11. - At a meeting of the citizens it was " VoUd to reciuest the selectmen to ofi'er a bounty of one hundred dollars to all volunteers who will enlist upon the second call, the same being for nine months' service." This meeting was enlivened by the fine performances of the Weymouth Band, who volunteered their services for the occasion.

" VoU'd, To give one hundred dollars in addition to the sum already authorized to be paid to volunteers for three years, for the first quota."

Addresses were made by several individuals present ; and it was " Voted, To recommend the Town to pay fifty dollars additional bounty," thereby raising the amount to one hundred and fifty dollars for nine months' men.

Aug. 29 - A town-meeting was held this evening, to fix upon the amount of bounty to be ofl'ered lor recruits who will volunteer upon the quota of Ilingham for nine months.

Crocker Wilder, Esq., was cliosen moderator, and it was" Voted, To add fifty dollars to the one hundred recommended at the meeting held on the 15th in.st.," making, in all, a bounty of one hundred and fifty dollars lor each volunteer upon the second quota.

A citizens" war-meeting was held immediately after the town-meetiug last mentioned. Luther Stephenson occupied the chair, and Henry C. Harding acted as secretary.

After vocal music by the Whitcomb Family, Rev. Mr. Round, of Boston, was introduced, and being himself a recruit, waa able to enforce his eloquence by saying to the young men about him, Coute ! Rev. Mr. Hinckley, Messrs. George Hersey, Jr., and Caleb T. Bassett followed. Rev. E. l^rter Dyer, being the next speaker, took the opportunity to introduce Mr. E. Waters Burr, who made a brief but highly patriotic speech, and in closing he generously pledged himself to give ten dollars each to the ten men who would first come forward and enlist. 3Ir. George P. Hayward also offered to pay the family of the first married man who would enlist, if he should be accepted, the sum of twelve dollars the first moutli, and eleven dollars for each of the suhse(|uent eif,'lit mouths. Another gentleman would give five dollars each to the first five men wiio would enlist that uight. These generous offers were received with hearty and prolonged applause, and several names were added to the list of recruits.

Aug.'i\. - News of the second battle of Bull Run, uud of the immediate need of hospital supplies at Washington, D. C, having reached town by telegraph this Sunday morning, the u.sual afternoon service at the churches was generally omitted, in order that the ladies of the different societies might devote their time either to making ho.-.pital garments or in preparing bandages, lint, etc., for the wounded soldiers.

The next day (Monday) several packages, containing the necessary articles for the wounded, were sent to the Sanitary Rooms in Boston by the ladies of Hingham, to be forwarded to Washington.

Col. Cazneau, chairmau of the Board of Selectiuon, presided. After the openiug remarks, Capt. Rouuds, of Boston, was introduced. Rev. Mr. Hatch followed. Edward S. Tobey, Esq., then eloquently appealed to the young men to come forward and enroll their names.

Sept. 12, 1862. - An adjourned meeting of the citizens was held at the town hall, with Col. Cazneau in the chair, and Israel Whitcomb as secretary.

The following persons were chosen a committee to canvass their respective districts for the purpose of obtaining the signatures of exempts from military duty, and organizing the same into a company or companies, viz. : Joseph Jacob and Seth Sprague in the south school district; John Stephenson and John Leavitt in the middle district; John Todd and Elijah L. Whiton in the north district; Quincy Bicknell, Caleb Gill, and Edward Cazneau in the west district. Appropriate addresses were made by Col. Cazneau, Quincy Bicknell, Caleb Gill, Luther Stephenson, Rev. E. Porter Dyer, Col. Seymour, and others.

Subsequently two companies of Home Guards, numbering in all about one hundred men, paraded as a battalion the 22d of October, and after marching through the principal streets of the town, partook of ii collation at Loring Hall. Rev. Joseph Richardson, the .senior pastor of the First Parish, and others, addressed the assembly. A second parade occurred on the ^ afternoon of the annual election, November 4th.

" Voted, To authorize the selectmen, should they deem it expedient, to increase the bounty from one hundred and fifty dollars to a sum not exceeding two hundred dollars, for volunteers to fill up the quota of the town.

" \'<jted, That the use of the Centre school-house of the west district be granted to the ' Home Guard' for drill purposes, subject to tUe regulation and control of the school committee."

" Vuled, That the sum of 80000 be placed at the disposal of the selectmen for the payment of State iiid to the families of volunteers, if needed.

" Voted, That the sum of eight hundred dollars be raised by taxation as town aid to the families of volunteers, if needed, to be expended under the direction of the selectmen."

" Voted, That the town treasurer be authorized, under the direction of the selectmen, to hire sucli sums of money as may be required to carry into etfect the first and second sections of chapter seventynine of the acta of the General Court for 1 863, relating to the paying of State aid to the raiuilies of deceased and disabled volunteers."

Aug. 14, 1863. - At a town-meeting held this evening, James S. Lewis, Esq., moderator, it was " Voted, That the sum of fifteen thousand dollars for State and town aid be raised by the town, and be and hereby is appropriated, under the direction of the selectmen, for the aid of the wives, children, parents, brothers, and sisters of those inhabitants of the town who may be drafted into the army of the United States, and serve therein, under the law passed by Congress, entitled ' An Act enrolling and calling out the National Forces, and for other Purposes,' approved March 3, 1863, provided no more than two hundred dollars shall be paid to or for any one per.sou in addition to State aid.

" Voted, That the treasurer be authorized to hire the sum of fifteen thousand dollars to carry the above vote into eflFect, under the direction of the selectmen, should they deem it necessary."

Nov. 3, 1863. - Town-meeting. The subject of allowing to David H. Champlin the aid granted to drafted men, according to a vote of the town, Aug. 14, 1863, was referred to a committee consiating uf Samuel L. Fearing, John Todd, and Mclzar \V. Clark, to report thereon at future meeting.

Dec. 7, 1863. - At a war-meeting of the citizens of Hingham, held at the town hall this Monday evening, Jijdward Cazneau was chosen president, and Charles N. Marsh, secretary.

Dec. 11. - An adjourned meeting of the citizens of Hingiiam was held this Friday evening, to aid in filling up the quota of the town. Col. Cazneau presided, and Charles N. Marsh officiated as secretary. Addresses were made by Col. Seymour, Rev. E. Porter Dyer, Messrs. Benjamin Thomas, Luther Stephen.sou, Caleb T. Bassett, and Revs. Messrs. Lincoln and Hatch.

The secretary then re.'id a communication from Rev. Joshua Young, which, among other good things, contained a sentiment relating to " Our Armies," and one also to " Old Hingham."

" fft^tir Sir, - In reply to yours of November 28th, I eun only say that it is impossible I'or ine to attend tbe meeting at liinghaui on Mond.iy, December Tth, as you request, althougli I need not assure you wh.at j)leasure it would give me to meet my friends and ueiglibors, or to aid in tbe labor of recruiting there, if it were in my power to do so.

This meeting was enlivened by the excellent perfoiuiauces of the Weymouth Band. On motion of Capt. John Stephenson, a rallying committee was chosen to aid the selectmen in obtaining recruits. The names of the committee were as follows : Crocker Wilder, Amasu Whiting, Alfred Loriug, Ezra ^Vilder, John Cushing, Andrew W. Dunbar, John Stephenson, David Loavitt, John K. Corthell, Fearing Burr, Jr., J. Sturgis Nye, Ezra Stephenson, George Hersey, Jr., Joseph Ripley, Joseph B. Thaxter, Jr., Charles W. Seymour, Benjamin Thomas, William J. Nelson, Isaac Barnes, and Israel Whitcomb. \

" Vulcd, That a subscription paper be circulated among those persons present who are liable to a draft, ' to ascertain the amount of money that can be raised towards securing recruits for the quota of Hingham 1 under the last call of the President of the United [ States. '

" Vuted, To choose a committee of twelve to solicit subscriptions from persons who are liable to draft, and not present at this meeting. Tbe committee chosen were as follows : Amasa Whiting, George Dunbar, and William Cushing, of the South Ward ; Henry Stephenson, Henry Merritt, Jr., and Joseph T. Sprague, of the Middle Ward ; Charles N. Mursh, Samuel M. Beal, and Isaac Gardner, of the North Ward; and Edmund Hersey (2d), William F. Harden, and Isaac W. Our, of the west district of the North Ward.

Vuted, To choose a committee of twenty-five to solicit subscriptions from tlie community at large for the pur()ose of filling the quota of H Ingham, under the call of tlie President of the United States, dated Oct. 17, 18G3." The persons chosen upon this committee were Amasa Whiting, Albert B. Loring, Alfred Loring, William C. Wilder, Ezra Wilder, E. Barker Whitcomb, Samuel Lincoln, Israel Whitcomb, Joseph T. Sprague, Charles B. Boyd, David Leuvitt, John Stephenson, John B. Lewis,

Adjourned to meet the next evening. I>ec. 15. - At a meeting of the citizens liable to draft, held this evening, Col. Seymour was chosen treasurer. I " Voted, That the whole matter of recruiting for ; the quota of the town be recommitted to the former ! committee of twenty, chosen by the citizens of Hlng- : ham."

Dec. 80. - A meeting of tlie citizens of Hingham I liable to draft, and of others interested in filling the I quota of the town, was held this evening. Crocker , Wilder, Esq., was chosen chairman, and Israel Wliit- ! comb, secretary.

I Col. Seymour, treasurer, reported that he had received from the soliciting committee the sum of $4685, and had paid to persons for recruiting purposes 81391.34, leaving a balance on hand of $3293.66.

" Voted, To hold a war-meeting at this place tomorrow afternoon, commencing at two o'clock, and that the citizens be remembered to close their places of business at twelve o'clock ; also to cause the bells on the meeting-houses to be rung half an liour before the meeting.

" Voted, That all citizens present be requested to act as a. rallying committee to persuade persons who are liable to draft to attend the meeting to-morrow afternoon." Adjourned.

Dec. 31. - A meeting of the citizens of Hingham was held this Thursday afternoon, with Crocker Wilder, Esq., as chairman, and Israel Whitcomb, secretary. After passing several unimportant votes, it was adjourned to tpeet at seven o'clock p.m.

At the evening meeting Luther Stephenson was cliosen to preside in the absence of Mr. Wilder. Eloquent remarks were made by the chairman, by Revs. E. Porter Dyer, and J. L. Hatch, Col. Seymour, Isaac Barnes, and others. Subse<iueiiily It was " voted, to dissolve, with three cheers fur the Union."

Feb. 12, 1864. - At a meeting of the citizens of Hingham, held at the town hall this Friday evening, Crocker Wilder, Esq., was chosen chairman, and Israel Whitcomb, secretary.

This amount does not include any portion of the two thousand dollars previously offered by Hon. Albert Fearina, or of the generous gift of five hundred dollars by Edward S. Tobey, Esq., of Boston. Neitiier does it take in the proceeds of any fair or entertainmeut, or of the several collections taken up at war-meetings prior to the appointment of the Citizens' Recruiting Committee.

The credit side of the report shows in detail the amount paid for thirty-eight new recruits, and for twenty-six veterans who re-enlisted upon the quota of Hingham, with the necessary expenses of recruiting the same.

Feb. 15. - An adjourned meeting of the citizens liable to draft, and of others interested in filling the ([uota of the town, was held at the town hall. Col. Seymour gave some additional information relating to the receipts and expenditures of the Citizens' Recruiting Committee ; after which the thanks of tlie meeting were presented to the Committee of Twenty for their services in filling the quota of the town'under the call of Oct. 17, ISUS.

" Voted, To choose a recruiting committee of seven, and the following persons were appointed, viz. : Israel Whitcomb, David Leavitt, Edmund Hersey (2d), Elijiih Shute, Jason W. Whitney, William Fearing (2d), and Charles N. Marsh.

" Voted, To choose u soliciting committee of thirty to canvass the town for subscriptions to aid in securing recruits for the quota of Hingham under the call of the President of the United States, dated Feb. 1, 18G4."

" Voted, That eight hundred dollars of the money raised for town expenses be appropriated, under the direction of the selectmen, for town aid to the families of volunteers.

" Voted, To accept the minority report of the committee to whom was referred the subject of allowing David H. Champlin the aid granted to drafted men." The report recommends that he receive the same benefits granted to drafted men.

" Voted, To choose a committee consisting of Seth Sprague, Demerick Marble, George Hersey, Jr., James S. Lewis, and Caleb Gill, to audit the accounts of the recruiting officer, agreeably to order No. 32, from the Governor of the Commonwealth.

" Voted, That the treasurer be authorized to hire the sum of one thousand dollars to defray the expenses of recruiting in anticipation of premiums for volunteers enlisted under said order" (32).

" Voted, That the town refund the money contributed by individuals, and applied for the purpose of procuring its proportion of the quota of volunteers in the military service called for from the Commonwealth, under the orders of the President of the United States, dated Oct. 17, 1863, and Feb. 1, 18G4, so far as it can be done legally, and that no part of said money shall be refunded before the first day of August next.

" Voted, That the treasurer be authorized, with the advice of the selectmen, to hire a sufficient sum of money for the purpose of procuring the town's proportion of the quota of volunteers as may be called for from the Commonwealth, uuder any order or call from the President of the United States, issued after the first day of March, 1864, provided such sum shall not exceed one hundred and twenty-five dollars to each volunteer obtained under such call or order."

" Voted, That the selectmen be authorized to take action in procuring and interring the bodies of officers and soldiers belonging to this town that may hereafter die in the service.

the Legislature that authority be granted to raise money for defrayina; tlie expenses of obtaining and interring the bodies of such officers and soldiers belonj^ing to this town as may die in the service during the rebelliou."

" Voted, That the enrolled men of this town be requested to pay the sum of fifteen dollars each, for the purpose of securing a sufficient number of recruits to fill the quota of the town in anticipation of a call by the President of the United States for three hundred thousand men.

" Voted, To appoint a committee to solicit subscriptions from persons liable to draft and from citizens generally. The committee were also to take into consideration the correcting of the enrollment by reporting all cases of permanent disability, &c."

Jalj 30. - A meeting of the citizens liable to draft was held for the purpose of making arrangements to fill the quota of the town under the last call. By vote of those present De Witt C. Bates was chosen to solicit subscriptions.

Aug. 8, 18G4. - At a meeting of the citizens liabie to drul't, and others interested in filling the quota, a subscription paper was circulated from which was realized upwards of one thousand dollars. Several gentlemen present expressed their intention of procuring substitutes, and it was voted to allow all such persons the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars from the recruiting fund. Up to this time the committee appointed to solicit subscriptions reported that they succeeded in raising between five and six thousand dollars towards obtaining recruits.

Ati(j. 20. - An adjourned meeting of those liable to draft, and of all others interested in filling the quota of the town, was held this evening. It was announced as " the last meeting (unless more encouragement be given) that will be held before the draft." A statement was made showing the number of men required to fill the quota of the town. To meet this demand, a deposit had been made with the State to secure a proportion of the number required. Eight substitutes, also, had recently been furnished by persons who were liable to be drafted, and fifteen or mure credits were expected from enlistments in the navy.

Dec. 29, 18ti4. - In accordance with an act of the Massachusetts Legislature concerning the militia, approved May 14, 18(54, a meeting of the citizens of Hinghain liable to military duty was held at the town hall for the purpose of forming a company and chousing a captain. Henry Jones was unanimously elected to the office, but the act was shortly al'terwards suspended, and the company never met for parade or military drill. Capt. Jones was well qualified fur the honor conferred upon him, having seen three years of active service at the front with the Eighteenth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, of the Army of the Potomac.

March 6, 1865. - At the annual town-meeting, James S. Lewis, Esq., moderator, it was voted that the treasurer be authorized to hire nine thousand dollars, with the approbation of the selectmen, for the payment of State aid, and that eight hundred dollars of the amount raised for town expenses be approiiiiated, under the direction of the selectmen, for town aid.

The town trea-surer, with the advice of the selectmen, was also authorized to hire a sufficient sum of money for procuring the town's proportion of volunteers called for from the commonwealth, or under any call or order from the President of the United States, issued after the first day of March, 1SG5, provided such sum shall not exceed one hundred and twentyfive dollars to each recruit obtained under such call or order.

Miscellaneoas Assignments. - The following were enrolled for the term of one year, and assiirned to three-year regiments whose term of service had not expired, viz. :

First Regiment Infantry. - The First Regiment, Col. liobert Cowdin, was uiustered into the service of the Uuitod States on the 15th of Juue, ISGl. Immediately on the call for volunteers for a service of three years, Col. Cowdin visited Washington, and tendered himself and regiment for that period; and this is understood to be the first regiment in the United States, armed and equipped, which was so tendered.

It left the State on the day of muster, and on the 17th marched through the streets of Baltimore, - the first Massachusetts regiment which had passed through these streets to the seat of war since the massacre of the 19th of April, as it was also the first three years* volunteer regiment that reached the city of Washington.

After an active career, and leaving a noble record of bravery, it was mustered out at the expiration of the term of enlistment, May 25, 186-4.

It took part in the following engagements, viz. : Bull Run, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Glendale, and other battles on tlie Peninsula, Kettle Hun, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, Frederick.'^burg, Chancellorsville, Gett^'sburg, Locust Grove, Wilderness, and Spottsylvania. Of natives or residents of Hingham, the Massachusetts First included the following:

Ijinuiiam Mkn In Tiik Navy According To Hank

Saintnary. Regular members and volunteers of the Lincoln Light Infantry who served at Fortress Monroe, not inclutled in any t^uota ...... 79

It should be understood that many of our soldiers and sailors served upon more than one quota of the town. In some instances, soldiers serving for short teriua afterwards enlisted for three years. Others, at the expiration of their term of three years, or afier being discharged for disability, re-culisted ujfon new quotas, as required at the time.

With a single exception, all the quotas of Hiiighaiu were filled by voluntary etilistiuents. A draft was made at Taunton, July 20, 1863, when one hundred were drawn, viz. :

So far as known, three only joined the army under the requisition of this draft, viz., VVilliaiii K. Gould, Sewall Pugsley, and Don Pedro Wil.^on. -\ very large majority was excused for disability, and the reoiaiader eitlier exempted by provisions of the law, or by payment of the suiu required for commutation. Among the latter were the following :

Members of the Thirty-second Regiment who enlisted as veteran volunteer.s, and who were counted on the quota of the town of Hingham, being regularly mustered into the .service of the United States for three years from Jan. 5, 18G4 :

The monument is of Quincy granite. It rests upon a solid foundation, ten feet square by six feet deep, laid in regular courses of split stone and ceuiout. The mottoes, mouldings, and embellishments upon it are skillfully wrought, and the general outline of the whole structure is neat and pleasing in appearance. The proportions are as follows : Lower buie, eight feet nine inches square, by one foot five inches in height. Fiiiith, six feet eight inches square, by one foot five inches in height. Upper ha&e, moulded, five feet eleven inches square, by one foot two inches in height. Die, four feet six inches square, by seven feet one inch in height. Slui/t, two feet nine inches square at base, by niueteeu feet in height. AVhole height, thirty feet.