The regiment received its orders to go home for its thirty
days' furlough January 9, 1864, those who had not re-enlisted remaining in camp
at Tullahoma, Tenn. Movements by rail were slow in those days, owing to
insufficient transportation, and it was not until the evening of January 18th
that the regiment reached Boston. There was a great throng at the Boston and
Albany station awaiting it, but no formal reception was given that evening. The
men were marched to barracks on Beach Street, and quartered there for the
night; the officers were entertained by Mr. E. R. Mudge at the United States
Hotel, and many of them went to their homes for the night.
The next day, January 20th, was a fine, bright, winter day,
not too cold for comfort. At about 9 A. M., the regiment filed out of the Beach
Street barracks, and, under the escort of the Boston Cadets, began its march.
It was an ovation from the start. The men had spent much of their time the
preceding night in polishing their brasses and belts, and brushing up their well
worn uniforms. Their rifles and bayonets were burnished to the last degree, and
would have passed the inspection of the most rigid West point martinet. It is
difficult to say too much in praise of the appearance of the command on this
occasion. The men were veterans in the truest sense, and their whole appearance
indicated it. Their march was the easy swing of the old soldier, but in perfect
time and alignment, with every face set squarely to the front. Their faces,
bronzed by exposure to the sun and the weather, had the expression of hardihood
which only comes to men accustomed to meet dangers and privation. The officers
were all young men, hardly one who marched that day being more than twenty-five
years old, yet from the military point of view they were entitled to be called
veterans. Colonel Coggswell, who commanded the regiment, was then in his
twenty-fifth year; Captain Crowninshield, who had been three times wounded, was
in his twenty-first year and was the youngest captain, but several other officers
of this rank were only a year or two older.
The march was first through the West End of Boston, passing
through Arlington Street to Beacon Street, — the reception proper really
beginning on the latter street. The sidewalks were filled with a cheering multitude,
and every window and balcony were crowded with friends, who gave the most
enthusiastic greeting to the regiment as it passed. It was a stirring march, to
fine martial music, and no one who marched with the regiment that day will ever
forget this thrilling episode of his military life.
From Beacon Street the march proceeded through the business
streets, where the principal stores had been closed by common consent. On State
Street was another ovation from "the solid men of Boston," who filled
the street and cheered most enthusiastically as the column marched by. When
Faneuil Hall was reached the men filed in, and every inch of available room was
immediately filled by the crowds which followed. The galleries were occupied by
ladies and many of the immediate friends of the officers and men. The hall was
handsomely decorated by flags and streamers, with the State arms and shield on
each side of the clock.
The officers and color guard with their shot-riddled battle
flag were on the platform, where Governor Andrew and his staff, Mayor Lincoln,
General Burnside, and other distinguished men were assembled. Mayor Lincoln
presided on the occasion, and after prayer by the Rev. Dr. Lothrop, a collation
was served to the men. Mayor Lincoln then made an address of welcome, which he
closed by introducing "His Excellency the Governor, who, in behalf of our
honored Commonwealth, will formally tender you that welcome which your merits
and patriotic services deserve."
Governor Andrew followed with an eloquent address, in which
he recounted the services of the regiment and followed its career through its
various campaigns. He referred by name to many of those who had fallen in
battle, and told the story of the color bearers who fell one after another at
Gettysburg, but who never let the flag touch the ground, in a manner which
thrilled every one who heard him. In conclusion he said: “Now, Mr. Commander
and soldiers of the Second, I have not attempted by words to declare how deep
is the gratitude of the Massachusetts heart towards the living, — how sacred
our remembrance for the memory of the dead. Brave and true men lean not on the
speech, rely not on the assurance of the lips. Soldiers, you know that from the
bottom of her heart Massachusetts admires, reveres and loves you all.”
Colonel Coggswell made a modest, well-spoken reply to
Governor Andrew's speech of welcome, and was followed by General Burnside, who
happened to be present in Boston at that time, and who made a few remarks
suitable to the occasion.
After the exercises at Faneuil Hall were concluded, the
regiment marched to Coolidge Block, Court Street, where the arms and equipments
were deposited, and the men received their thirty days' furlough.
The officers scattered to their homes to enjoy this brief
season of rest, although an active effort was made to secure recruits to take
back into the field. This effort entirely failed, mainly owing to the
unfortunate policy, then in effect, of creating and filling up new military
organizations, rather than placing every recruit in the old regiments or other
organized commands.
On Monday, February 22, the regiment assembled at Beach
Street barracks, and the next day, at half-past four P. M., left Boston for
Tennessee. An entire week was spent on the return trip, and the regiment
finally reached its camp at Tullahoma on a dark, rainy morning, where it
rejoined the comrades who had been left behind.
SOURCE: Charles Fessenden Morse, Letters Written
During the Civil War, 1861-1865, p. 217-9
