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12th
Massachusetts Infantry
in the Civil War
| Regimental History |
| Twelfth Infantry. — Cols., Fletcher Webster, James L. Bates; Lieut-
Cols., Timothy M. Bryan, Jr., David Allen, Jr., Benjamin F. Cook; Majs., Elisha M.
Burbank, Daniel G. Handy, Benjamin F. Cook, Edward P. Reed. The 12th, recruited at Boston,
was mustered in for three years from June 26 to July 11, 1861, at Fort Warren, and was
mustered out on Boston Common, July 8, 1864. Co. A was composed of the Felton Guards ; Co.
B, Dehon Guards ; Co. D, Latin School Guards ; Co. E, Emerson Guards ; and Co. K, Dale
Guards. The regiment numbered 1,575 men and its loss by death from wounds was 179. It
received its colors from the women of Boston and left the state July 23, arriving at Sandy
Hook, Md., on the 27th. In camp at Hyattstown and on guard duty along the Potomac, the
summer passed, and the regiment went into winter quarters at Camp Hicks, near Frederick,
Md. The first battle in which it took part was the battle of Cedar mountain. At Antietam
the killed, wounded and missing numbered 283, which, following on a loss of 138 at the
second Bull Run, where Col. Webster was fatally wounded, was well-nigh discouraging.
Shortly after Antietam, at a review, the 12th showed only 119 men. It was with the Army of
the Potomac at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville and its conduct was always brave and
reliable. Again in the thick of the fight at Gettysburg, the loss was heavy. It then moved
to Virginia with the Army of the Potomac, and was in the Mine Run campaign. During the
winter it was shifted about and obtained but little relief, yet it marched bravely into
the battle of the Wilderness. Through the remainder of its term of service, which expired
while it was before Petersburg, it was repeatedly engaged and its endurance was severely
tried. In July it was ordered home and mustered out, the recruits and reenlisted men being
transferred to the 39th infantry. |
Footnotes:
Regimental history taken from "The Union Army" by Federal Publishing
Company, 1908 - Volume 1
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