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CHAPTER XIV.
THE MILITIA. THE civil soldiery of Massachusetts has been its salvation and safeguard in many a trying hour, and was of the greatest service during the exciting scenes of the conflagration. They turned out promptly and in surprisingly large numbers at the call of the adjutant-general, and defended life and property with a resignation under annoyance worthy of all praise. There were no very
arduous duties, and no great danger either to life or limb; yet he who, in time
of peace, leaves his comfortable home and soft couch for barracks and hard
boards, for the good of others, deserves much credit. It is impossible to
over-estimate their services when the police-force was found to be so
inadequate, and the city was falling into the hands of marauders, and
sight-seers would have killed themselves in foolish, adventurous expeditions
into the ruins, and when the work of water and powder was much retarded by the
presence of cumbersome crowds. Ludicrous as some of the movements and orders
were, they have the thanks of a grateful public for performing their duty so
well. When the necessity
for “the strong arm of the military” became apparent, Adjutant-Gen. Cunningham,
by the advice of Gov. Washburn, issued the following order: SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 44.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, HEADQUARTERS, BOSTON, Nov. 10, 1872. 1. At the request
of his Honor William Gaston, mayor of the city of Boston, the following-named
organizations of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia are hereby ordered to
report without delay at the City Hall: The First Regiment of Infantry, Lieut.-Col.
Proctor commanding; Ninth Regiment of Infantry, Col. B. F. Finan; First
Battalion of Infantry, Major Douglas Frazar; Second Battalion of Infantry (one
company), Major Lewis Gaul; First Battalion of Cavalry, Lieut.-Col. Albert
Freeman; and the First Company of Cadets, Lieut.-Col. Francis W. Palfrey. 2. Brig.-Gen. Isaac
S. Burrill, First Brigade M. V. M., is hereby directed to take command of the
above-named troops, and of such other organizations as may be ordered to aid in
the care of the city in its great calamity; and he will consult with the chief
of police of the city in regard to the disposition of the same. By order of the
commander-in-chief.
JAMES A.
CUNNINGHAM, Adjt.-Gen.
It became
necessary, afterwards, to order out the Fifth Regiment of Infantry; but they
were kept on duty only one day and one night. The headquarters of the Fifth
Regiment were at the Parker House; First Regiment at 11 Pemberton Square; Ninth
Regiment at Horticultural Hall; First Battalion of Infantry at City Hall; First
Battalion of Light Artillery at the Sherman House; First Battalion of Cavalry
at the City Hall; Second Battalion of Infantry at the armory on Cambridge
Street; while one battalion was stationed in and about the huge Coliseum. There are many
hair-splitting points of law which are often discussed with regard to the
militia at the great fire, one of which concerns the authority of the troops to
guard the streets and ruins. Martial law was not declared in the city, and the
soldiers were not appointed special policemen. But, whether they had any lawful
authority or not, it is certain that the crowds believed they had, and acted
accordingly. The soldiers were everywhere respected by the law-fearing public;
and much trouble and property were saved to the people. There was often a
conflict of orders, which gave rise to considerable complaint; and at times
unwarrantable things were done through a misunderstanding, or because of the
ignorance of green soldiers. One robust guard refused to recognize any passes,
and told the writer that he “did not care a d — n for Gen. Burrill or any other
man:” and it is true that sometimes a gentleman would get a certain pass from
headquarters; and, before he reached the lines, the order to recognize those
passes would be countermanded; or so soon afterward, that he would be rudely
thrust outside the guard. We remember one sentry (bless him!), who, for “fifty
cents a trip,” let us through the lines without insignia, pass, or straps.
Doubtless such proceedings were unavoidable among troops more used to peace
than to war; and, while they would make the bravest troops in time of battle,
they could not successfully “play soldier” in time of peace. It can safely be
said, that many of the members of military organizations in Massachusetts are
among the most cultivated, educated, and refined citizens. They tried to do
their duty, and did work in harmony with police, people, and firemen, with the
exception of one instance, where the guards on State Street refused to let a
hook-and-ladder company pass their lines. A riot was only quelled by the
interference of prominent men, whose presence had more of authority than the
orders of the absent commander. One ludicrous exhibition of military rule
occurred in the City Hall itself, and is thus related by one of the members of
the Boston press:— “Quite a commotion occurred at the City Hall
in consequence either of a rigorous order of Gen. Burrill, or of a
misunderstanding on the part of Major Gaul of the Second Battalion; the first
according to Major Gaul, and the second according to Gen. Burrill. At about
noon, the colored troops, under the burly major, proceeded to clear the
corridor of the City Hall; and everybody was hustled out. Expostulation was in
vain. ‘But I am a member of the Common Council!’ — ‘Can’t help it, sah;
military orders, sah; must go out.’ And out the protesting and indignant member
would have to go, assisted gently but firmly by the inexorable soldier.
Officials of every class and position were hastened into the street with a
bayonet at their coat-tails; and, for a time, there was colored martial law in
the capital of the city. It was a most laughable scene, — the dignity of the
alderman vs. the obstinate African soldier. They gazed upon each other like
tigers; but the bright, sharp bayonets were more potent than words or
contracted brows. “Once out, nobody
could get in. Alderman Power was among the unfortunates; his statement of his
official position being unavailing against the ignorance and incredulity of the
guard. He was finally successful, however; and several other city officials
gained admission through the efforts of City Messenger Peters in their behalf.
A gentleman who had a check of ten thousand dollars to pay the treasurer for
taxes was intercepted, although he explained the nature of his business. On
hearing of this condition of affairs, Mayor Gaston expressed his indignation,
that, in such an emergency, the citizens should be prevented from entering
their own City Hall to transact business, and sent at once to Gen. Burrill for
an explanation. That officer was not at his headquarters, being at his dinner
at Parker’s; and thither the messenger was despatched. The general said he
would see about it when he had finished his dinner. The messenger gave this
answer to the mayor; but his Honor chose to see about it at once. He went to
the Parker House immediately, and asked Gen. Burrill (with rather less suavity
than is his habit) why he had issued the obnoxious order. On learning the
action of Major Gaul, the general said he had given him no such order. The
major says he did; and, as the order was given verbally, the question cannot be
decided. At all events, the military guard was dismissed, and the City Hall
rendered again accessible.” However, for two
weeks the militia was kept on duty, much to the advantage of all parties, and
much to their credit. A portion of the troops was quartered in the Old South
Church; and the tramp and drum-calls reminded the reader of history of his
Majesty’s soldiers, and the time when they occupied and nearly destroyed the
same structure, using it for barracks. For the benefit of future readers, we
give the roster of the field and staff officers who did military duty in Boston
at that critical time: Brig.-Gen. I. S. Burrill; Lieut.-Col. Hobart Moore,
assistant adjutant-general; Major S. A. Bolster, assistant inspector-general;
Capt. P. A. Collins, judge-advocate; Capt. E. R. Frost, aide-de-camp; Capt. F.
L. Gilman, assistant quartermaster-general; Benjamin H. Mann, acting medical
director; and Capt. Henry W. Wilson, engineer. The following order
was issued at the discharge of the troops from duty: — GENERAL ORDERS, No.
24.
HEADQUARTERS TROOPS FOR SPECIAL DUTY, BOYLSTON HALL, BOSTON, Nov. 22, 1872. The
brigadier-general commanding, in retiring from the duties to which he was
called by the calamity that recently befell the chief city of the Commonwealth,
desires to thank the officers and soldiers under his command for the faithful
and efficient manner in which their various and arduous duties have been
performed. Called into service
in the midst of a terrible conflagration, which appalled the community, and
concentrated the attention of the nation, while nearly every citizen was
fighting flames or saving property, and when apprehensions of violence and
disorder entered every mind, your promptness in answering the call, and your
subsequent conduct, have won golden opinions everywhere. Your prompt
response to the summons awed every form of violence threatened, dispelled the
fears of the community, established confidence and security, and made a resort
to martial law unnecessary. You became at once the armed auxiliaries of the
police-force of the city, subject to the civil authority; and these relations
you sustained to the end. It was a most
perplexing service to perform in the heart of a great city in such a crisis;
and it is a matter for the warmest congratulation, that all the delicate and
difficult duties of the occasion were so happily, promptly, and satisfactorily
discharged: at no time was there conflict of authority, or clashing between the
police and military. Throughout, the most perfect harmony and cordial good
feeling existed between or organization and the municipal authorities. Although, at times,
most stringent orders have been issued, let it be well understood that they
were dictated by duty, and demanded by the exigencies of the case; and that all
such orders have been executed in a manner calculated to give the least offence
and inconvenience to the citizens, while fully protecting life and property in
the guarded districts of our city. Your conduct
throughout this emergency puts at rest any doubt that may have existed touching
the value of a well-trained militia organization. The commanding
general renews his congratulations to the entire command upon this proof of
their good discipline, reliability, and efficiency. Commanders of
regiments and battalions are charged with the promulgation of this order
throughout their respective commands. By command of
Brig.-Gen. I. S. BURRILL.
HOBART MOORE, Lieut.-Col. and Asst. Adjt: Gen. |