1864. July 1. The following is the list of officers who returned with the regiment: Company C.-Capt. F. B. Pratt. Company D.- First Lieutenant C. BATCHELDer. Company G.-Capt. J. B. WHITMAN. Company H. — First Lieutenant EDWARD Lewis. Company I. — First Lieutenant FRANK A. Lancaster. Company K.-Capt. EDWIN Hazel. Other officers of the regiment were absent wounded, on detached service, or in rebel prisons. Companies A, B, F, brought home no officers. Company A brought home three men only in its ranks. Capt. Moses N. Arnold remained in the service on Gen. Crawford's staff. 66 "The Boston Herald" gave the following account of what happened at Faneuil Hall : "The regiment reached Faneuil Hall about noon, and partook of a good collation prepared by the City Committee. "The hall was nicely decorated, and the galleries were filled with friends of the regiment. "Mayor Lincoln, after the edge had been taken from the appetites of the soldiers, addressed the men of the Twelfth. He welcomed the regiment home after its three-years' honorable service. Referring to the organization of the regiment, he said it was no holiday display that induced the men to offer their services to defend the common flag, and every man composing the regiment expected he would have to fight to crush the rebellion. 66 Mayor Lincoln passed a feeling tribute to the memory of Col. Webster, and closed by introducing Adjutant-Gen. Schouler, who welcomed the regiment in behalf of the governor of the Commonwealth, who was prevented from being present by important official business. He thanked the commander, officers, and men of the regiment for their three-years' service, and 1864. highly complimented them for their bravery. He spoke of his acquaintance with the late commander of the regiment, and related some reminiscences of him. He also spoke of the others who had fallen in battle and by disease, and said that their services would be ever honored. In closing he complimented Col. Bates for his bravery, and again extended a hearty welcome to the whole command. July 8. July 12. Dec. 11. "Col. Bates was then called on, and took the stand amid loud cheers; Gilmore's band playing 'The Bowld Soldier Boy.' "Col. Bates heartily thanked the mayor and adjutant-general for the elegant reception, and said, that, the day previous to the expiration of the regiment's term of service, it was under the heaviest fire of the campaign, yet not a man shirked; thoughif ever shirking could be justified — it would be at such a time. "Dr. Shurtleff made a few remarks in answer to a call; the regiment was furloughed till ten A.M. on Monday, July 8; and the men then left the hall for their homes.' "" On July 8 the regiment re-assembled on Boston Common: the roll was called for the last time by First Lieut. P. B. C. Moroney, Fourteenth United-States Infantry; and as he pronounced the words, "The Twelfth Massachusetts Volunteers are hereby mustered out of service," the Webster Regiment passed into history. On Tuesday, the 12th of July, the citizens of Weymouth gave the members of Company H an enthusiastic reception. All who had served in the regiment were invited by the selectmen of the town. Company H and those residing in the vicinity met the remainder of the regiment at the station in Weymouth Landing at noon; and a procession was formed under the chief-marshalship of Nathaniel Blanchard, Esq. The march was taken up to the townhouse, where addresses were made by distinguished citizens of the town, Col. Bates, and others. Instrumental music was furnished by Stetson's Weymouth band, and vocal music by a select club. At the close of the exercises a bountiful collation, provided by the ladies of Weymouth, was partaken of. The men greatly enjoyed the occasion, and will ever remember the kindness of the friends of Company H. On Dec. 11, 1864, the colors which the Twelfth brought home were formally presented to the State; many of the regiment being present on the occasion. 1864. Strength of the Twelfth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry from June 26, 1861, to July 8, 1864. Of these, many were taken prisoners on the march; but, having no official notice thereof, they were reported as "deserted." Doubtless many of them fill unknown graves in the South. * Two of these died of wounds received, making 18 officers killed and died of wounds. Of many testimonials which exist touching the estimation in which the Webster Regiment was held, the following unsolicited and unexpected tribute is copied from "The Boston Journal." WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA, To the Editor of "The Boston Journal." In reading your paper this moment laid down, my eye was attracted by an article headed "Twelfth Regiment, Webster." I think it will give pleasure to those that survive of that regiment to know what their commander, Gen. Meade, thought of them. We met in Independence Square, and I questioned the general as to the fighting qualities of our soldiers. He spoke in a general way of all, not detracting from any; but he said, the Massachusetts Twelfth he thought the finest regiment in 1864. the service. These were his words; and, if there is an officer or Dr. Elwyn is a retired physician, living at 1422 Walnut Street; and his reputation for veracity is unquestioned by Philadelphians. Members of the Regiment buried at Andersonville, Ga. * McFarlan of Company E says Holmes died June 28, 1864, and that Burnham died June 21, 1864. † Probably meant for Hens C. Hansen. Probably meant for Sanford P. Lane. |