Thirty-Seventh Regiment of Infantry-Mass. Vols. Chronology
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Thirty-Seventh Regiment of Infantry-Mass. Vols. Chronology ON the 1st. of July, 1862, President Lincoln called for 300.000 more volunteers for the war; and accordingly Governor Andrew made a requisition on the several towns of Massachusetts for their proportionate number. To the town of Chicopee the quota assigned was Eighty One. By private liberality a bounty of $100. Was offered to each man who would enlist for three years to meet this call. The town authorities and the citizens in general helped on the good work and volunteers readily responded. A request was made to Governor Andrew for permission to form a full company, to be offered by election from the members, and permission was granted. Thursday afternoon, July 24th 1862, in response to the call of the Selectmen, the volunteers met at Music Hall for the choice of officers. The following was the result of the ballot: Captain,_Jarvis P. Kelly,_1st. Lieutenant,_Eli L. Blackmer,_2nd. Lieutenant,_Carlos C. Wellman. On Saturday, the 26th of July, the company left Chicopee for Worcester, Mass. A large number of citizens attended them to the railroad station, and the pacific Engine Company formed their escort ot Worcester. There they remained at “Camp John E. Wool”, about one week and were then transferred to “Camp Briggs”, at Pittsfield, Mass., the rendezvous of the 37th Regiment, in which they became Company A._ Through some disaffection about thirty of the men left the camp on the 6th of August, and returned to Chicopee; they were, at their request, accepted as recruits for the 1st Mass. Regiment of Cavalry, and their places in Company A. were filled by subsequent enlistment. The following are the names of the Chicopee men enrolled in the regiment, together with the letters of their respective companies: Jarvis P. Kelly Co. A. Eli T. Blackmer “ “ Carlos C. Wellman “ “ David M. Donaldson “ “ {Sylvanne} Muller “ “ Joseph Hadfield “ “ Charles H. Tracy “ “ William S. Palmer “ “ William Morrison “ “ George L. Ballard Co._A. George H. Oakes “ “ Samuel W. Kelly “ “ Edward Begley “ “ Chester H. Ballard “ “ Edwin M. Cowles “ “ Patrick Dealy “ “ George A. {Ferrin} “ “ Thomas W. Fowler Co. A. Edmund D. Fiske “ “ Bartholomew Gilligan “ “ Michael J. Holohan “ “ William Harring “ “ John N. {McClester} “ “ William D. Shaughnessy “ “ Franklin V. {Oviatt} “ “ Nicholas Reed “ “ William Shepardson “ “ Peter Stalker “ “ John A. Snow “ “ Ezra G. {Tripp} “ “ Jacob Ungerer “ “ Nathan C. Snow “ “ Lyman Morton “ “ John McCormick “ C. John L. Gaffney “ D. Augustus S. Frost “ G. Raymond C. Flowers Co. H. William V. Gibbons “ J. Lewis Parrent “ “ John O’Shea “ A. Timothy Moriarty “ K. William Hayes “ “ John Evans “ “ James A. Mulligan “ “ Andrew Hopkins “ “ Timothy {J}. Croning “ “ Timothy {L}. Manning “ “ Nicholas Fitzgerald (was not mustered into service) Robert Dellane The regiment left the state, September 7, 1862, proceeded via Huson, New York, and Baltimore to Washington, where it was assigned to General Briggs brigade, and went into camp one mile south east of Long Bridge, Va., at “Camp Chase”, where it remained about two weeks. It was ordered to Frederick by rail, and thence marched to Bakerville. There the regiment was assigned to Gen. Devens brigade. It remained at Downville, near Bakerville, two weeks, when the division moved to Hancock, Md., thence to Cherry Run, Williamsport, Downville, and Berlin. November 3rd crossed the Potomac; afterwards marched to Union, thence to White Plains, and New Britain. November 13th left New Baltimore, and after a two days march reached Stafford Court House. Thence on Dec. 2, moved forward to White Oak Church, and there remained till the 11th._Then marched to the Rappahannock, at Franklin’s Crossing, below Fredericksburg, at which point, later in the day, they crossed to the south bank of the river,_the 37th being the advance regiment upon the lower of two bridges there. Alone, the brigade covered the bridges all the next day, standing to arms through the entire night. On the afternoon of the 13th, the day of the Battle of Fredericksburg, they took position on the extreme left, and were under a very severe shell fire, with, however, but little loss. On the 14th, were in the reserve; on the 15th again took position in front, and during the night covered the retreat of the army to the north bank of the river, the brigade being the last to recross, as it had been the first to cross. The behavior of the officers and men of the 37th; in this, the first time they were ever under fire, elicited high commendation. Remained in camp near Falmouth, Va. Through the winter, without participating in any important movement. The portion of the army in which the 37th was brigaded moved down to the north bank of the Rappahannock, April 28th._A part of the troops crossed and engaged the rebels during the next three days. May 2nd, the rest, including the 37th, crossed, and entered Fredericksburg by the rear about 3o’clock in the morning of the 3rd. The rebels were surprised, and fled to their fortifications on the hills, where they opened their artillery. In the {forenoon} a gallant and successful assault was made upon this strong position, the 37th being one of the supports of the charging column, and following close upon its heels. Moving immediately forward on the Chancellorsville road, the advance division met the enemy reinforced and strongly posted on Sallem Heights. The attack renewed, athe first line of battle was severely repulsed and thrown back in disorder upon the second line, formed by a brigade in which were the 37th, 10th, and 7th, Mass. Regiments. Not a man flinched or faltered; and the assaulting columns of rebels were hurled back, baffled and defeated._Held the enemy at bay on the extreme left of the front line during that night and the next day, (May 4th)._After dark on the evening of the 4th, fell back to Banks’ Ford, and before daylight of the 5th safely recrossed the river. Maj. Gen. John Newton, commanding the 3rd division, 6th Corps, wrote to Governor Andrew as follows: “The 10th and 37th, although under fire in Fredericksburg on the morning of the 3rd of May, rendered their principal service in the afternoon and the following day at Salem Heights. Their coolness under fire and admirable discipline merit the warmest acknowledgments.” May 6th, the regiment returned to the old camp near Falmouth. June 6th, marched to Franklin’s Crossing, and crossed over to the south bank, June 10th. There remained till the 13th, threatening the enemy, then recrossed the river, and took up the line of march, whose northern limit was Gettysburg. The 6th Corps protected the rear, crossing Potomac at Edward’s Ferry, June 27, 1863. At 4 P.M. July 2nd 1863, reached the battlefield of Gettysburg, after a forced march of thirty four miles, marching from 9 P.M. the preceding evening without a half long enough to make coffee. Immediately after arriving, they were ordered on the “double quick” to the support of our left, then hotly engaged in repelling the attack of Longstreet’s Corps._July 3rd were kept moving from point to point of the line of battle. The heat wsa intense, and about twenty men fell in the ranks from sun-stroke. About 3 P.M. the regiment pssed through a most terrific shell fire; in the first two minutes losing twenty three men killed and wounded. But the coolness and steadiness of the men entitled them to the highest need of praise._July 4th., took position in the centre, on the front line, but the rain, falling in torrents, prevented an assault. July 5th: the enemy had disappeared, and, with the 6th Corps, the regiment followed, fighting their rear guard every few miles. July 7th, the direct pursuit having been given up, marched to Middletown, arriving on the 9th:_ The severities of the marches preceding and following the battle of Gettysburg are well attested by the fact that on reaching Middletown, there were one hundred and eighty men in th e37th totally without shoes._ July 10th, crossed the South Mountain range, and on the 13th; had a sharp skirmish with the rebel pickets. ON the morning of the 15th, with the rest of the army advanced to Williamsport. Marched to Berlin July 17th; crossed the Potomac July 19th; continued to march down the east side of the Blue Ridge to Chester Gap, thence to Manassas Gap, and thence marched up and took position in line of battle near Warrenton, Va. July 30th, the 37th was detailed by Maj. Gen. Sedgwick, as one of the best most efficient regiments of the 6th Corps, to proceed to New York on duty connected with the draft. Arrived at NEW York August 2nd; and were ordered to Fort Hamilton. The night before the first drafting was to take place, the 37th was ordered to the city and bivouacked on Washington Parade Ground, with the exception of two companies, which were stationed in the building where the drawing was to take place. After a tour of this duty three days, were relieved and ordered back to Fort Hamilton._September 12th were again ordered to the city, and encamped between Forty Ninth and Fiftieth Streets, on fifth Avenue, doing provost duty, and guard duty in the city. October 14th, ordered back to Washington, and thence joined their old brigade near Chantilly on the 17th._Following up the retreat of Lee, reached Warrenton, October 20th. November 7th; marched for Rapahannock Station; were in the second line of battle in the capture of the enemy’s works at that point, but were not closely engaged. November 8th marched to Kelley’s Ford._Marched to Brandy Station on th e1th._November 26th, broke camp, and moved towards the {Rapidas}, which was crossed without opposition that same night at Jacob’s Ford._November 28th, took position in line of battle near Robinson’s Tavern._November 29th, made a flank movement upon the enemy’s right, in connection with the 2nd Corps. Early on November 30th, took position on the front and left, awaiting all day the signal for a general assault. December 1st, were in reserve, and December 2nd, fell back to the north bank of the Rapidan, crossing at Culpepper Ford. On the3RD; returned to camp near Brandy Station. Remained in camp at Brandy Station till 29 Feb., at which time marched, and in two days, {???} near Madison Ct. House. 2d March returned to former camp at Brandy Station, a distance of 24 miles. From this date to 4 May remained here encamped. On 4 May, left camp, the Command numbering an effective force29 officers and 581 men present for duty. 5th May, took part in 1st day’s fight in the Wilderness. Though not heavily engaged, the Reg. was exposed for a part of the time to a heavy musketry fire, having one officer and Eleven men wounded. Night of 5th slept on battlefield. In the action of the 6th Reg. lay in the thried or fourth line of battle as a support to Reg. in front. When the advance was hurled back in confusion, the 37th stayed, for a time, the progress of the enemy. It {chased} with great gallantry and, on the battle firld, was complimented for its conduct by Gen. Wadsworth. Later on was ordered to retire, which it did in good order. Casualties, 2 officers wounded, 29 men killed, 99 wounded and 8 missing. During night of 6th, formed its Cops (the 6th) on the extreme right of the line. 7th and 8th on march towards Spottsylvania Ct. House, in front of which amassed on 8th. Here Col. Edwards was assigned to the command of the Brigade. From this date to 12th, recouped various positions in the line of battle, with loss of 15. On the 12th engaged with its division (the 2nd) in an assault on the enemy’s {work}. The fight was almost a hand to hand {evenules} and was most desperate, continuing from sunrise to midnight when the rebels abandoned the field. In the battle, the Reg. captured a battle flag from the enemy. Losses 8 officers and 39 men. 13th, was relieved from duty on the front line. 14th, took position with its corps on extreme left of the line and during night threw up rifle-pits. 17th, marched all night and took position in second line in readvance to attack at daylight. 18th, returned to Earth works, the enemy’s work {forming} to {???} to be caused by assault. Then moved to left, crossed the River and bivouacked, there remaining till 21st. from 13th to 21st in the several engagements near Spottsylvania, Reg. lost 81 killed, 24 wounded and missing. 21st, position in front of Spottsylvania Evacuated._ In a three days march crossed North Anna River, arriving near {Pamenkey} on the 28th. 29th marched to {Stancon} Ct. House. 30th, to Peak Station. 1st {???}, to Coal Harbor. While the army lay here, the Reg. Accupied various positions in line of battle, with losses of 2 officers wounded, 31 men killed, wounded and missing. 1th, Lt. Col. {Montegue}, who was wounded in engagement of 12 May, resumed command. 12th to 17th, in march to Petersburgh. 17th to 29th, in front of Petersburgh. 29th, in the expedition to {Reams} Station. After destroying several miles of rail-road returned to its old positions, 2 July. The return of the {???} 10th Mass., found the 31st unexpectively on the 16th an d23 {June}. In the various battles in front of Petersburgh, the Reg. lost 5 men killed and 7 wounded. On the 9th July, with 6th Corps, proceeded to Washington, in which arrived on the 12th. Participated in engagement at Ft. {Stevens}, with slight loss. 14th Reg. was armed with Spencer Repeating Rifle. On the 21st Aug., while acting as a support to the picket line, near Summit {???}, Va., the REg. was engaged in a brisk skirmish nearly all day with some loss. 16 Sept., the {relatives} and {recruits} of the 7th and 10th Reg. were by order consolidated with the Command adding 73 men to the affective strength of the Command. On the 19th the Reg. was engaged in the battle of {Oleguar}, fought under Gen. {Sheriden} it numbered at that date, effective {force}, 296 men. The Reg. did {gallently} in the fight, capturing the colors of Stonewall Jackson’s old Reg. It lost killed and wounded 6 officers and 84 men. Evening of 19th, detailed for duty as provost guard of {Winchester}, Va., and continued on this duty till 13 {Dce} at which date was ordered to report to Gen.{ Halleck} {???}. There is was ordered to Petersburgh, in front of which it arrived on the 16th. There to close ofyear {???} on duty there. The casualties during 1864 are as follows: Officers Men Died of wounds rec’d in action 4 31 Wounded 22 295 Killed in action 71 Missing “ “ 18 26 415 (Incorrect) From {Jany} 1, 1865, to Feb. 5, was encamped in log-huts, near the {Jerusalem} {Plank} Road, about a mile {???} of our rear line before Petersburgh. Feb. 5,{???} camp and marched to {Notteray} Court House in vicinity. Feb. 6, moved to {Hotchis} {River}, where was engaged with the enemy in the afternoon, losing 74 in killed, wounded and missing. This battle is called that of {Dabney’s} Mills, or Second {Hotchis} River. After the termination of the engagement, the {lines} {new} reformed as they {now} {???} to the battle, and were held till the 11th, during which time the enemy’s artillery annoyed the troops much and there was much suffering from the storm of {???} and hail and the cold. 11 {Febs}, command was moved back across the River to a position on the {Vaugnes} Road where the Corps had been assigned to protect the left flank of the {???} army. (Incorrect) From January to April 1865, the Reg. for the greater portion of the {???} was lying in camp. Twice {???} {???} this period was at called {???} camp: {???} in Feb. when as {???} participated in the action at {Dalney’s Mills}; second in the {???} of the capture of Ft. {Stedman}, {???} 25., the command was {???} out, and in the afternoon was engaged in a feint on the enemy’s lines in front of Ft. {Fisher}, in which, at {least} 3 men wounded. April 2, the command participated in the {renewed} assault of the enemy’s lines below {Petersburgh}. The Brigade now formed in columns of attack preceded by a {???} {???} and a heavy skirmish line. In the brigade to which the 37th was attached, the {???} {???} {???} in command of Sergeant {Tracy} and the skirmish line in command of Capt. Robinson, both of 37th. The skirmish line was entirely composed of men detailed from the 37th. The {???} suffered severely while {???} {???} the {???}. Early in the fight Serg. {Mey} was {???} by a ball passing through his leg. He did not leave the field but lying on his side still directed the movements of his men. While {???} engaged a second ball shattered his knee joint. Capt. Robinson charged through the {???} at the head of his skirmishers, but was wounded and had to be {???} back. The colors of {???} 37th {???} the {???} of the division to {???} over the rebel works. There {men} {???} {???} {???}. From the first, the Reg. pushed forward to {his} Southside Rail Road. This Reg. {alone} of the 6th Corps on the next morning entered Petersburgh. Col. Edwards received the surrender of the place. The Regiment pushed forward in pursuit of the enemy, and was engaged at {Saylas} Creek, in which battle at least eight men killed and {thirty} {more} wounded. Capt. Hopkins held command in the {fights} of 2d {???}, {???} {???} and {???} {???}, for the skill with which he directed the movements of the Reg. After the battle of {Saylors} {Creek}, the Reg. followed in the track of his army till its surrender on the 9th {???} 13 april returned to {Ruskesville}. 23d, marched to {Doverlle}. 3d May, marched to {Wilson’s} station, where remained till 18th guarding the rail-road. 18th May, {???} for home. 24th, arrived in Richmond. 21 {June}, reached Washington, where on 22d was reviewed. 22d June left for Massachusetts. 1st July, ,discharged at {Readville}.