Second Corps Departs from Falmouth

Monday, June 15, 1863

The Second Corps, as rear guard of the Union Army, was the last to leave Falmouth on the march north to pursue the Confederates. The Twentieth Massachusetts, along with the Second Corps, departed from Falmouth today and marched through Stafford Court House, which was in flames, en route to Acquia Creek for evening camp. The temperatures were extremely warm and the regiment suffered several cases of heat stroke and exhaustion. This was the first day of the most grueling march in the history of the regiment. ¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 262-3.

Oliver's Story - Petition to Governor Andrew

Friday, June 12, 1863

Private Oliver Stanton Bates of Company A was one of the many signatures on the petition to Massachusetts Governor John Andrew requesting the removal of Sumner Paine from command. It is unclear from available records whether or not Oliver was an object of Paine’s disciplinary actions or the dislike for Paine was so prevalent among the enlisted men of the regiment that Oliver signed in solidarity to his comrades. At the time of the petition Paine was in charge of Company G but at Gettysburg Paine was in charge of Company A, the company in which Oliver remained for the entire length of his service with the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment.¹

References:
¹Petition to Governor John Andrew from the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 12 June 1863, Massachusetts State Archives.

Petition to Governor Andrew

Friday, June 12, 1863

A majority of the enlisted men of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment drafted a petition to Massachusetts Governor John Andrew to have Second Lieutenant Sumner Paine removed from command. Eighteen-year old Paine, who had recently been commissioned from civilian life, was inexperienced as a leader and had taken extreme measures to discipline the enlisted men. The severity of the discipline resulted in dissention among the enlisted and the formation of the petition to Governor Andrew.

The body of the petition reads as follows:

Falmouth June 12, 1863

To his Excellency John A. Andrew, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Greeting[s].

The undersigned noncommissioned officers and privates of the 20th Regt. Mass. Vols. would respectfully present to your Excellency the following facts:

It has long been the boast of Massachusetts that whatever other states might do Massachusetts should ever be the home of the free, an asylum for the oppressed. And while this is her proud boast shall it be said that her soldiers who have periled their lives in defense of the Union, cemented by the blood of our fathers, have been subjected to a tyranny worse than African slavery? Many of us have left happy homes, loving wives and prattling babes – perhaps never more to see those loved ones again – and have placed ourselves between our country and her foes that we might leave to generations yet to come a heritage of freedom. Freely have we periled our lives – with the assurance that merit should receive a just reward, and he who was valorous on the battlefield should be promoted. Has that pledge been redeemed?

What are the qualifications that caused a civilian to receive the title of Lieut. and to be promoted to command over “veterans” from many a bloody field?

Was it because he was superior to us in military science that he was thus preferred? We answer, No. Was it not rather from partisan influence, or family connection, that Lieut. Paine was promoted to a command as second Lieut. In the 20th Massachusetts regiment?

But what has been his record during the few – weeks he has been connected with this regt.?

For the most trifling causes soldiers have been incarcerated in the guard house, suspended to trees, tied in the stocks, or elevated on instruments of torture, thereby crippling their energies and tending to destroy their manhood. And while we believe that such a course is detrimental to our glorious cause we would most respectfully request your Excellency to cause the said Lieut. Paine to be removed from all command in the 20th Massachusetts regiment. All of which is respectfully submitted.

The petition concludes with "the written document is approved by every member of the regt. but as the said Lieut. Paine is in command of Co. G we do not deem it advisable to have them sign it, it being signed by more than ¾ of the regt."

The rapid departure of the Second Corps from Falmouth on June 15 in pursuit of the Confederate Army precluded any timely action to remove Sumner Paine from command.

Among the signatures on the petition was Private O.S. Bates of Company A.¹

References:
¹Petition to Governor John Andrew from the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 12 June 1863, Massachusetts State Archives.

Letters from the Front - Doctor Nathan Hayward

Monday, June 8, 1863

In a letter to his father Doctor Nathan Hayward reported the crossing of the Rappahannock by General Sedgwick. At first he was concerned that it was part of a larger action but relayed that Sedgwick's movement was mainly demonstrative. Hayward was concerned that he would need to return to the Lacy House, which had been used as a hospital for two battles at Fredericksburg. He proclaimed, "I sincerely wish that my post may not be again at the Lacy House. The house is haunted for me with the horrors of the previous battles. I would like a change of place." ¹

References:
¹Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 425-427, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Oliver's Story - Battle of Second Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville

Tuesday, May 5, 1863

Oliver Stanton Bates survived another battle during the three day campaign of Second Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He was not listed among the wounded on casualty lists or on his service record, and once again was very fortunate to escape injury.¹

References:
¹Compiled service record, Oliver S. Bates, Pvt., Co. A, 20th Massachusetts Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Retreat to Falmouth

Tuesday, May 5, 1863

Before dawn Colonel Norman Hall received orders to withdraw his brigade across the Rappahannock River into Falmouth. The Twentieth Massachusetts covered the retreat and was the last regiment to cross the river. They reached their camp in Falmouth by 9:00 P.M.

The Twentieth Massachusetts reported two killed and thirteen wounded as casualties. Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was among the casualties with a severe wound to his foot from an artillery shell. He would not see service again with the Twentieth Massachusetts for several months.¹

References:
¹Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 235-236, 240-41. George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 256.

Regimental Matters – Promotions for George Macy and Henry Abbott

Friday, May 1, 1863

Major George Macy was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the Twentieth Massachusetts, succeeding Frederick Dreyer, who died of his wounds on May 1. Captain Henry Abbott of Company I was promoted to Major.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 235.

Advancing toward Chancellorsville

Wednesday, April 29, 1863

Beginning their advance on Monday the Fifth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Corps crossed the Rappahannock River at Kelly's Ford twenty-seven miles from Fredericksburg this morning. The First and Third Divisions of the Second Corps reached the Rappahannock River at the United States Ford. The Twentieth Massachusetts, in the Second Division of the Second Corps under the command of General John Gibbon, remained in Falmouth as a diversion to the movements of the Union army. ¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 238. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 231.

Sumner Paine Commissioned as Second Lieutenant

Thursday, April 23, 1863

Eighteen-year old Sumner Paine, great-grandson of Declaration of Independence signer Robert Treat Paine and cousin of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., was commissioned as a second lieutenant from civilian life.¹

References:
¹Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 228. George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 235.

Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward

Sunday, April 19, 1863

In a letter to his father Doctor Nathan Hayward expressed the belief that the Army of the Potomac would be on the move again within a few days and that eight days rations were kept on hand in necessity of a quick movement. He relayed that they currently held a strong position along the Rappahannock River but was unsure if they would hold that position in favor of another. He mentioned that they may advance on Richmond by way of the Pamunkey River. He ended with high praise for General McClellan, whose popularity with the Army of the Potomac was still very strong. ¹

References:
¹Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 418-421, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Regimental Matters - Revere Assumes Command

Monday, April 13, 1863

Colonel Francis Palfrey, still suffering from severe wounds received at Antietam, resigned command of the Twentieth Massachusetts. Colonel Paul Revere, grandson of the famous midnight rider of April 18, 1775, was appointed by Massachusetts governor John Andrew as new commander. ¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 235.

Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward

Wednesday, April 1, 1863

In a letter to his father Doctor Nathan Hayward expressed his pleasure at finding Colonel Nathan Hall in charge of the brigade when he returned from furlough. He lauded Hall as “ a great favorite, by far the best commander of the brigade that we have ever had, and socially is like one of ourselves. “ Doctor Hayward reported that the Twentieth is in fine shape, with clean uniforms and shiny rifles. The Twentieth engaged in meticulous attention to cleanliness and bathing, with excellent results. He noted that “the 20th never looked as well as they do now.”¹

References:
¹Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 416, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward

Sunday, March 1, 1863

Doctor Nathan Hayward penned a letter to his father and expressed his concern that Colonel Norman Hall would not be returning to command of their brigade. He felt that Colonel Hall should have been promoted for his excellent service during the battle at Fredericksburg. He was concerned that the politics displayed in the appointment of generals caused many competent and experienced officers to be overlooked in favor of those of inferior qualities and abilities, and feared that this pattern of appointment would continue.¹

References:
¹Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 413-416, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward

Sunday, February 15, 1863

In a brief letter to his father Doctor Nathan Hayward related that the Twentieth was engaged in hard work in their provost duty in Falmouth. He noted that every department of the army had seen a change for the better since General Hooker had assumed command and noted that the removal of the grand divisions instituted by General Burnside had a positive effect. The quality and quantity of rations for the soldiers were improving, and he mentioned that all soldiers were to receive “three rations of potatoes, two of onions, and tea every week, and fresh bread at all times.”¹

References:
¹Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 410-412, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward

Sunday, February 8, 1863

In a letter to his father Doctor Nathan Hayward remarked on the mildness of the winter in Falmouth, noting that bluebirds had returned to the Falmouth area. He pondered the next campaign of the Army of the Potomac, postulating that General Hooker may repeat McClellan’s movement toward the Peninsula as in the previous year. Doctor Hayward also mentioned that General Hooker’s popularity with the Army of the Potomac was rising, partially due to the furloughs granted to officers and enlisted men alike. ¹

References:
¹Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 408-410, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward

Monday, February 2, 1863

Doctor Nathan Hayward penned a letter to his father from Falmouth, explaining that the Twentieth was encamped in the town of Falmouth as provost guard of the town. He mentioned that the conditions of the roadways were in terrible state due to recent weather. He also mentioned that despite the adverse weather conditions the regiment was healthy.

Doctor Hayward related that the appointment of General Joseph Hooker as the new commander of the Army of the Potomac has been received by the soldiers with indifference. He believed that Hooker was a fighter, but not a strategist. Hayward felt that the army lost its greatest remaining general when General William Franklin resigned his command as a direct result of Hooker's appointment.¹

References:
¹Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 412-413, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.

Holmes Designated as Provost Marshal of Falmouth

Sunday, January 25, 1863

The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment was assigned as provost guards of Falmouth in recognition of their splendid service during the battle of Fredericksburg. Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. received the honor of the role of Provost Marshal.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 227.

Burnside's "Mud March"

Tuesday, January 20, 1863

The Twentieth Massachusetts received orders to march toward Fredericksburg, as General Ambrose Burnside planned to advance upon the city and redeem the failure of the attack on December 13. Generals Joseph Hooker and William Franklin were ordered to march north six miles and cross the Rappahannock River at Banks' Ford in a flanking move on Fredericksburg and General Edwin Sumner was to cross at Falmouth to directly assault the city. As the army began their move rain ensued for several days, and the advance of the army was impeded by heavy rain and mud. After three days the campaign, known as the "Mud March," was halted permanently. General Burnside's fate as commander of the Union Army was likewise sealed.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 225-26.

Sumner's Division Arrives at Falmouth

Monday, November 17, 1862

After an all-day march on Sunday, General Edwin "Bull" Sumner's Right Grand Division resumed their march to Falmouth, arriving at 2:30 in the afternoon.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181, 183.

Progress of Sumner's Division

Saturday, November 15, 1862

General Edwin "Bull" Sumner's Right Grand Division began their march to Falmouth shortly after dawn this morning. The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment was one of the lead regiments in the march. Advancing several miles they made evening camp at Warrenton Junction.¹

References:
¹George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181, 183.