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32nd
Massachusetts Infantry
in the Civil War
| Regimental History |
| Thirty-second Infantry. — Cols., Francis J. Parker, George L.
Prescott, Joseph C. Edmands ; Lieut.-Cols., Francis J. Parker, Edward A. Wilde, George L.
Prescott, Luther Stevenson, Jr., Joseph C. Edmands, James A. Cunningham; Majs., Edward A.
Wilde, Luther Stevenson, Jr., Joseph C. Edmands, James A. Cunningham, Edward O. Shepard.
The 32nd, whose nucleus was the Fort Warren battalion, was organized for garrison duty at
that place, and was sent to the front in May, 1862, where it was subsequently reinforced
by the addition of four new companies. It was mustered out at Washington on June 28, 1865.
Its total number of members was 2,393, of whom 134 were killed or died of wounds and 117
died from accident or disease. It was first ordered to Washington, sailed for Fortress
Monroe in July, and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. The six weeks in camp at
Harrison's landing which followed was a time of great suffering from sickness, and in
August, on the first day of the march to Yorktown, only 30 were able to keep up.
Nevertheless, at the second Bull Run, the regiment was ready to do its share, but
fortunately its duties on that occasion and during the battle of Chantilly were
comparatively light. After participating in the battle of Fredericksburg, it went into
winter quarters at Stoneman's switch. It shared in the "Mud March" and on April
27, 1863, started for Chancellorsville. Here and at Gettysburg the regiment fought bravely
and then followed the fortunes of the Army of the Potomac through the Mine Run campaign,
closing the year in winter quarters near Bealeton, Va. Early in 1864 the reenlisted men
were furloughed and returned in February to camp, being the 1st Mass. veteran regiment.
The 32d had its part in the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, and suffered
heavy losses at Laurel hill. During this time the men had little rest and the engagements
at the North Anna river, Totopotomoy and Bethesda Church followed in rapid succession.
Next it was ordered to Petersburg and took part in the engagements there, on the Weldon
railroad and at Poplar Grove Church. It finally went into winter quarters near the
Jerusalem plank road, but was not destined to remain here long, for on Feb. 5, 1865, it
left camp under sealed orders, proceeded to Hatcher's run and on the 6th, fought the
battle of Dabney's mill. It was then stationed on the Vaughan road until March, and was
engaged at the battles of Gravelly run and the White Oak road. On April 9, while engaged
with the enemy at Ramplin's station on the Southside railroad, the news came of Lee's
surrender, which abruptly ended the fighting. On the 11th, the arms of the conquered were
received and after guarding them until the 13th, the homeward journey was commenced. |
Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 1
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