[By Frederick F. Maxfield.]

This company was made up of New Bedford men with three exceptions, Capt. John A. Hawes, of Fairhaven; Daniel H. Tripp, of Westport; and Albert M. Allen, of Westport. For the greater part the company was composed of young men and men in the prime of life. It is well for us to remember that New Bedford has an unique history, among the military companies of the State. First, the New Bedford Guards were organized in 1842. They were disbanded, and out of that organization came many who served as officers during the War of the Rebellion. At the present time there are two of the New Bedford Guards living; viz., James E. Blake, druggist, corner of Second and Middle Streets, New Bedford; William Balis, grain dealer, foot of Middle Street. In 1853 the City Guards were organized and drilled. This company, known in history as Company L and City Guards continued in commission, answered to the call of President Lincoln, and served three months in the Third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. On its return to New Bedford all its commissioned officers resigned, and William E. Mason, sergeant of the company, was in command. When the call was made for three hundred thousand men, Sergeant Mason recruited the company to its maximum number, but, being a modest man, and knowing that John A. Hawes was an adept in military matters, he asked Mr. Hawes to be captain of the company, which being agreed to by all, Sergeant Mason was made first lieutenant, and James L. Sharp second lieutenant.

Captain Hawes was a man eminently fitted for the commander of the company. Born in a home of wealth, educated in the schools of his own town, and in Harvard Law College, and having practiced law, he was well prepared to deal with all the difficult questions of military and army life; yet notwithstanding his wealth, he never asked his company to go where he would not lead, nor to suffer hardships which he would not share with them. He went to war not for pay, but for the honor of the old flag, which he loved more than wealth, more than ease, more than honors. That his services were appreciated by his superior officers will be seen by the following:

Captain Hawes looked after the rights and well being of his men, in camp and on the march. He never allowed one of his company to do a dare-devil act just for the notoriety of the thing, neither did he allow any one to shirk his duty. Each man must do his duty, and each man must be given his rights in rations, in recreations, and in social enjoyments. On the march he took always the left side of his company, and, if for any good reason, one of his boys became unable to continue the march from sickness, he always found a place for him in an ambulance, instead of leaving him by the roadside to care for himself. He has been heard to say, “Mrs. —— intrusted her boy to me, and I must so care for him, that should we live to go home, when I meet her I can look her in the face with the consciousness that I did my duty.” Such was Captain Hawes as an officer of the army.

On returning home he took up his citizen life quietly, and enjoyed the comfort of his luxurious home. For several years he was president of the Bristol County Agricultural Society at Myricks, where his good judgment and kindly acts will long be remembered. A little incident explains his character. One morning a representative from the church in Myricks went to him and suggested that a rope be put across one of the driveways on the Agricultural Society grounds, as some of the people of Myricks were nearly run over by the careless driving on the previous day. Turning to one of his officials, he said, “Mr. —— says a rope should be put across the road to prevent people from being run over.” “If he wants a rope across the road, let him put it there,” said the official. Turning to the official he said, “This is my friend, you see that a rope is put across the road,” and the proud official had to obey orders. For years he was commodore of the New Bedford Yacht Fleet, where by his gentlemanly courtesies to his superiors, inferiors, and equals, he endeared himself to all. After a well-rounded out life, with his loved ones around him, he quietly passed from works to reward, lamented by a large circle of friends, who to this day regard him as a model man, a good officer, and a true friend to all with whom he had to do.

The same that is said of Captain Hawes can be said of First Lieutenant Mason, who will be remembered by every man in the company and regiment, also, as a man of high moral character, and a true officer. Modest, yet firm in discipline; gentle, yet insisting that every man must do his duty; bold, when duty called; careful, when care became the better part of valor, he would not allow himself, nor the men under his command, to imperil life just for the name of being called bold; but when duty called no braver man could be found and no one who could be trusted better with an important duty. True to himself, he was true to his men. On the march Lieutenant Mason was always at the head of the company. He never ordered his men to go where he would not lead. He served his company and his country as a man who believed that shoulder straps are honorable only when honored by the wearer. His slogan was that every man has rights, which must be respected by all regardless of rank or position, and he should be protected in those rights.

After serving his nine months in the Third Regiment and being mustered out, he recruited Company G, Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, being second lieutenant Sept. 18, 1863, and captain in the same company Jan. 22, 1864. Here the same good traits as an officer continued. At the battle of Cold Harbor he was severely wounded, and again at the battle of Crater the same year, and for his bravery in these and other battles he was invested major. He was mustered out in 1865, returned home, and was made inspector in the Custom House, Boston, where he remained until failing health compelled him to resign. In his home in New Bedford, in the calm and serene beauty of a life of seventy-eight years well and conscientiously spent, he died May 27, 1905, beloved and honored.

Second Lieut. James L. Sharp was a good officer, who readily responded to every duty. Before the war he carried on the business of a tinsmith in New Bedford and was very successful; after the war he went to New York and continued in the same business. He is known as the patentee of the celebrated Gas Burner Stove. He died several years ago.

History of Company L, Third Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, afterwards Company E.

[By Major Cushman.]

Company L was generally known as the “New Bedford City Guards.” The first meeting for its organization was held July 22, 1852, and, on the 31st of August following, George A. Bourne was commissioned its captain. He had previously been commissioned captain of Company K, in the Third Light Infantry, Second Brigade, First Division, which existed in New Bedford and was known as the “City Guards.” Captain Bourne resigned Jan. 19, 1847, and the company was disbanded Aug. 8, 1849. Captain Bourne commanded the “New Bedford City Guards” till 1854, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Captain Timothy Ingraham, who was in command at the time of the receipt of Special Order, No. 14, dated April 15, 1861, which ordered the company to report immediately in Boston.

The New Bedford City Guards under Captain Ingraham soon became noted for proficiency in drill. His son was a cadet at West Point and the company not only adopted the complete uniform of the cadets, but excelled in the new tactics afterwards promulgated by the War Department as Hardee’s Tactics, which formed a part of the instruction at West Point. As a part of their fatigue dress the Guards wore a unique scarlet jacket, from which they were jocularly termed when in exercise drills, the lobster backs. Besides their complement of company officers they had an independent staff and a full band. They drilled as a battalion as well as a company. They acquired many of the improvements which characterized the noted Ellsworth Zouaves, and prided themselves upon excellence in skirmishing drills, the “silent manual” bayonet exercise, and guard duty.

When Governor Andrew issued his preparatory order of Jan. 16, 1861, almost the entire company volunteered to respond to any call for duty without the borders of the state, so that when Special Order, No. 14, was promulgated late that Monday evening, April 15th, they flocked to their armory as the news spread, to learn of the arrangements for their departure. There was little sleep that night in the homes of the Guards. What might be their ultimate destination none could decide. An ominous darkness shrouded the immediate future into which they were being ushered, trusting in Providence and confident in their acquired military knowledge. The few short hours before their departure were devoted to hasty arrangements to provide for their families and business while absent. Early the next morning they responded to the call and at eight o’clock left the armory. Meanwhile the citizens had organized a fitting public demonstration of patriotic feeling to bid them God-speed, so they were not permitted to leave until the city’s great heart found expression by a popular clergyman’s craving Divine protection for its gallant youth, and Ex-Governor John Henry Clifford had eloquently bade a final farewell with thrilling assurances of civic pride and neighborly love, pledging the united support of the entire community. Then to the inspiring music of its own band the company marched to Fairhaven ferry, accompanied by such an enthusiastic crowd as never before had been seen in the city. Owing to the extraordinary duties imposed upon the railroads which interfered somewhat with the regular schedules, the company did not reach Boston until noon. It was quartered temporarily near the Old Colony depot, and that night through the courtesy of the New England Guards, slept in their quarters over the Boylston Market. Lieutenant Porter then returned to New Bedford.

The next day (Wednesday, the 17th) Lieutenant Barton joined the company in Boston. In the afternoon Company L marched to the State House, received its colors, and was addressed by Governor John A. Andrew, and then amid the most enthusiastic demonstrations of the excited populace, proceeded to Long Wharf, where it embarked on the steamship S. R. Spaulding, which dropped down the harbor awaiting supplies. While at anchor down the bay on the 18th of April, a boat came alongside and a young man climbed over the side, who stated that he wanted to enlist. He was recognized instantly by Lieutenant Cushman as Edward L. Pierce, a former college mate, and was at once enrolled in Company L. At Fortress Monroe, as soon as “contrabands” came flocking around the fort for protection, he was assigned to the congenial duty of caring for their welfare, and proved a most useful acquisition. At the end of his duty at Fortress Monroe he was appointed to perform similar service at Port Royal, South Carolina, and during the war aided materially in developing the former slaves of the South into defenders of the Union and useful citizens.

On arrival at Fortress Monroe Company L efficiently performed every duty to which it was assigned, although its costly uniforms were quickly ruined by the mounting of heavy guns, and the handling of immense quantities of quartermaster’s supplies, besides the ordinary routine of military duty. From the company many were detailed for duty at post headquarters, scouting, and unusual guard duty. Captain Ingraham, who had been compelled by sickness to return on the tug-boat, April 18th, and Lieutenant Porter, accompanied by several recruits reached Fortress Monroe on May 5th, the former resumed command, but Lieutenant Porter (the fourth lieutenant), being supernumerary under the army regulations, was with the recruits mustered into Company K. July 22d the regiment was mustered out of the service of the United States.

On the return of the company to New Bedford at the end of its tour of service, it received a popular ovation, and was heartily welcomed home. Many of its members served subsequently as officers in regiments which were formed during the war. The state finally reimbursed the Guards for their ruined uniforms.

Corrected Roster of Company E to March 31, 1905.

John A. Hawes, Captain; 29; Fairhaven. Dead.

William E. Mason, First Lieutenant; 35; New Bedford. Resides at 118 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. Died May 24, 1905.

James L. Sharp, Second Lieutenant; 33; New Bedford. Dead.

David A. Butler, First Sergeant; 25; New Bedford. Carpenter for many years. Chief of New Bedford police force. Elected colonel First Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, 1888; resigned. Died in New Bedford, Feb. 6, 1906. Widow and adopted child living.

Charles H. Tobey, Sergeant; 23; New Bedford. Captain in Fifty-eighth Regiment. Superintendent of Star Mills, Middleboro, for many years. Shipper in Leonard’s Shoe Factory. Resides in Middleboro.

James C. Hitch, Sergeant; 25; New Bedford. Dead.

Isaac H. Jennings, Sergeant; 27; New Bedford. Commissioned captain after nine months’ service. Dead.

Joseph E. Nye, Sergeant; 24; New Bedford. Promoted to sergeant-major. May 29, 1863. Dead.

John H. M. Babcock, Corporal; 30; New Bedford. Dead.

Francis Herley, Corporal; 33; New Bedford. Dead.

George R. Paddock, Corporal; 27; New Bedford. Dead.

Alexander M. Brownell, Corporal; 20; New Bedford. Detective in Richmond, Va.

Frank H. Kempton, Corporal; 19; New Bedford. Captain in Fifty-eighth Regiment. Clerk in Providence. Resides in Providence, R. I.

Henry H. Potter, Corporal; 21; New Bedford. Captain of New Bedford City Guards. Dead.

Franklin K. S. Nye, Corporal; 23; New Bedford. Residence, Soldiers Home, Hampton, Va.

Sylvester C. Spooner, Corporal; 23; New Bedford. In the clothing business, Millbury, Mass.

Stephen P. Sawyer, Musician; 34; New Bedford. In the fine ware business in New Bedford.

Charles G. Allen, Musician; 14; New Bedford. Motorman on electric cars in New Bedford.

Henry C. Baker, Wagoner; 25; New Bedford. Baker. Resides in Fall River.

Privates.

Allen, Thomas L.; 23; New Bedford. Steward. Astor House, New York.

Allen, Albert M.; 20; Westport. Dead.

Angell, William H.; 19; New Bedford. Dead.

Bly, William L.; 21; New Bedford. Retired merchant. Returned to New Bedford at the close of the war. Resides in Medford.

Briggs, Charles H.; 19; New Bedford. Clerk in a furniture store.

Brayton, Charles F.; 20; New Bedford. Invalid, lives in New Bedford.

Brown, Jacob; 36; New Bedford. Dead.

Barker, William T.; 25; New Bedford. Dead.

Bullard, Amasa; 45; New Bedford. Dead.

Briggs, Leonard; 33; New Bedford. Dead.

Coggshall, George; 19; New Bedford. Clerk. Lives in New York.

Crapo, Philip M.; 19; New Bedford. Sailor. Died in Iowa.

Christian, Stephen E.; 19; New Bedford. Killed in battle June 18, 1864, while in action in the Fifty-eighth Regiment.

Chadwick, Isaac; 47; New Bedford. Retired whaling master. Dead.

Covell, Benjamin B., Jr.; 24; New Bedford. Dead.

Cushman, Frederick E.; 19; New Bedford. Served in the Fifty-eighth Regiment. Attorney-at-law. Resides in Austin, Texas.

Chapman, Edward T.; 19; New Bedford. Served in the Fifty-eighth Regiment and lost his arm June 2, 1864, while on skirmish duty. Dead.

Crane, Charles F.; 18; New Bedford. Died in Newbern, North Carolina, Jan. 29, 1863. Was complimented by General Foster during inspection for soldierly bearing and neatness.

Dexter, Luke; 30; New Bedford. Dead.

Davis, George H.; 20; New Bedford. Dead.

Dedrick, Charles M.; 29; New Bedford. Lives in New Bedford.

Dexter, Thomas D.; 22; New Bedford. Carriage painter in Mattapoisett.

Forbes, Charles H.; 20; New Bedford. Dead.

Folger, Reuben C.; 21; New Bedford; Mason. Lives in New Bedford.

Grinnell, Enoch N.; 22; Policeman in Lowell, Mass.

Gifford, Thomas J.; 22; New Bedford; Plumber. Lives in New Bedford. Re-enlisted in ninety days’ service.

Howe, William W.; 22; New Bedford. Dead.

Hitch, Alfred G.; 22; New Bedford. Dead.

Haffords, Joseph T.; 21; New Bedford. Dead.

Hathaway, Savory C.; 25; New Bedford. Dead.

Hathaway, James S.; 30; New Bedford. Carriage manufacturer in New Bedford.

Hargraves, John; 36; New Bedford. Dead.

Hanover, Walter; 28; New Bedford. Dead.

Hiller, Alfred; 19; New Bedford. Lawyer. Lives in Nebraska.

Hussey, Thomas; 19; New Bedford. Workman in a shoe factory in New Bedford, Mass.

Howard, Abner L.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.

Hatch, William W.; 23; New Bedford. Served in the Fifty-eighth Regiment. Dead.

Handy, George F.; 19; New Bedford. Resides in Rutland, Mass.

Hall, Gilbert N.; 22; New Bedford. Retired merchant. Lives in New Bedford.

Howland, Nicholas E.; 19; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Company C, Fifty-eighth Regiment; wounded and discharged. Expressman in New Bedford.

Howland, Charles H.; 25; New Bedford. Lives near Boston.

Hudson, Jack; 22; New Bedford. Blacksmith in Chicago.

Jenkins, George W.; 21; New Bedford. Re-enlisted as sergeant in the Fifty-eighth Regiment and wounded in battle June 16, 1864. Lives in Malden, Mass.

Jackson, William M.; 32; New Bedford. Deserted Oct. 20, 1862, immediately after bounty was received.

Kelley, Joseph H. A.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.

Leach, William H. H.; 23; New Bedford. Drummer. Lives in New Bedford.

Lawrence, William; 43; New Bedford. Dead.

Lovejoy, Amos F.; 43; New Bedford. Discharged for disability April 24, 1863. Carpenter. Lives in New Bedford (Wamsutta Mills).

Mann, William M.; 25; New Bedford. Dead.

Mann, John E.; 19; New Bedford. Works in a shoe factory, Brockton, Mass.

Munroe, Joseph V. G.; 31; New Bedford. Dead.

Mendall, Charles W.; 22; New Bedford. Dead.

Maxfield, Frederick F.; 22; Clerk. Lives in New Bedford.

Manchester, John B.; 28; New Bedford. Keeper of the police station, New Bedford.

Mosher, John M.; 23; New Bedford. Lives in Natick, Mass.

Negus, Charles H.; 28; New Bedford. Re-enlisted in Company E, Fifty-eighth Regiment. Dead.

Paiser, Jacob; 23; New Bedford. Dead.

Potter, Simeon W.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.

Purrington, Philip B.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.

Pierce, John W.; 20; New Bedford. Discharged for disability, March 12, 1863.

Rigby, Samuel; 19; New Bedford. Dead.

Robbins, Thomas C.; 21; New Bedford. Letter carrier, New Bedford.

Rice, Adoniram J.; 28; New Bedford. Blacksmith in New Bedford.

Reynolds, William F.; New Bedford. Workman. Lives in Bourne, Mass.

Richards, William D.; 23; New Bedford. Keeps a livery stable in New Bedford.

Soule, Rufus A.; 24; New Bedford. Member of the legislature. Speaker of the Senate. Senior partner of the firm of Hathaway, Soule & Harrington, shoe manufacturers in New Bedford and Middleboro. A man of staunch character and influence in New Bedford, where he resides.

Spooner, Samuel H.; 23; New Bedford. Dead.

Simmons, Charles H.; 22; New Bedford. Bookkeeper in Express Office, New Bedford.

Saddler, William G.; 28; New Bedford. Invalid, lives in New Bedford.

Swift, Leander; 24; New Bedford. Dead.

Tabor, Lyman G.; 19; New Bedford. Dead.

Tophams, Philip M.; 24; New Bedford. Unknown.

Tripp, Thomas G. C.; 30; New Bedford. Dead.

Tripp, Daniel H.; 30; Westport. Blacksmith. Dead.

Tripp, Edwin C.; 22; New Bedford. Dead.

Tuckerman, Robert, Jr.; 31; New Bedford. Discharged for disability, Oct. 28, 1862. Dead.

Wilkinson, William; 32; New Bedford. Lives in Alabama.

Wilcox, Henry P.; 22; New Bedford. Lives in Indianapolis, Ind.

Washburn, William H.; 19; New Bedford. Died in New Bedford, Feb. 14, 1906.

Wood, Thomas F.; 19; New Bedford. Member of the firm of Wood, Brightman & Co., New Bedford.

Watson, Samuel J.; 19; New Bedford. Re-enlisted as second lieutenant in the Fifty-eighth Regiment and taken prisoner in the Battle of the Crater, July 30, 1864. Died on parole in New Bedford.