Historic leaves, volume 1, April, 1902 - January, 1903

[24] manual of arms and skirmish drill, and when on patrol duty in Alexandria exhibited patience and tact, and commanded the respect of the inhabitants of every phase of political opinion.

The Fifth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, was again called for duty in September, 1862, and for nine months the company from Somerville was designated as ‘Company B,’ instead of ‘I,’ and had for its two lieutenants Walter C. Bailey and John Harrington, who were sergeants in Company ‘I’ in the three months service. They were excellent officers, brave and kindly, exacting obedience without harassing their men with unnecessary orders, and vigilant in the safeguarding of the health of the command.

The regiment was, during this term, in North Carolina, and in several important movements, marched over six hundred miles, was under fire several times, had eight men wounded, and fully maintained the reputation of the regiment for staid deportment and alert readiness for dangerous duty. It was warmly commended by Major-General John G. Foster, commanding Eighteenth Corps, in a letter to Colonel George H. Pierson, on the expiration of its term. This meant much, coming from the source it did.

On July 25, 1864, the Fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Militia was again mustered into the service, on this occasion for one hundred days, the Somerville company being included, and did guard duty at Baltimore in Forts McHenry and Marshall, and other service in that vicinity.

It is keenly regretted by veterans and many others that the present local company, which is every way worthy of public esteem, does not belong to the old Fifth, so long the pride of Middlesex County; and it is hoped that, eventually, the old affiliation may be resumed, and the organization strengthened in popular affection, as the direct heir of the name and traditions of a noble past.

The Thirty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers were mustered into service for three years August 12, 1862. It included a Somerville