Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-05-02


Fifty years ago today the movement
OF state troops toward Washington, in
response to President Lincoln's call for
1900 volunteers to enforce the federal
laws in the seeded states, began with the
departure from Boston of three 8Iassa-
chusetts regiments. the first armed and
equipped bodies OF men to be dispatched
BY any state for service in the war.
or the four regiments that had mus
tered in Boston the day before. the Sixth
Massachusetts was chosen to move first,
because its equipment was first com
plere. and its transportation first ready.
1t was to travel by rail, by way of New
York.
At IL In the forenoon it marched from
the hall in which 1t had spent the night
TO the state house. Here its smooth
bore guns were exchanged for new
rified muskets from the Springfield,
Mass, armory,. while ammunition, new
overcoats, blankets and general equipment
were also supplied each man, all at the
expense OF the commonwealth of Massa-
chustts.
The scene while the equipping Of these
volunteers was in progress was typical
Of many soon to be enacted in other
northern capitals. The state house was
their services TO the state. and scarcely
less excited militia officers rushing
about in fever of haste trying to get
orders. arms and equipment for their
men in the least possible time.
The floor Of the central hall of the
building was piled high with soldiers
equipment, over which a guard stood.
Outside a crowd packed the streets
AS the Sixth regiment came marching
up Beacon hill TO the state house with
colors flying and drums beating the
there could be seen a woman weeping
for some son or brother in the ranks.
AN OFFICIAL GODSPEED.
AS soon as the various companies had
been equipped and inspected, the regi-
ment was drawn up at the foot OF the
state house steps TO receive the official
godspeed OF Gov. John A Andrew.
Eloquent and observation-disclosures with
no rancor for the south-were the words
be addressed those men under arms. He
spoke OF their families, saying they
would be cared for. He expressed hts deep
sense of gratitude for the promptness
with which the regiment had responded
TO the presidents call
Then he presented Col. Edward T. Jones
with colors for the regiment. The volun-
teer officer could find but few words,
in the fullness OF emotion, with which to
reply. AS he received the. state ensign
he said: so help me God, I will never
desert it,
II was the spirit Of the race speaking,
as It was soon to speak thus a thou
sand times under the flag of the north
and Of the south, in the next few
months.
The regiment moved off with the
crowd cheering and sobong."
The long march had begun
The Fourth and the Third regiments,
destined for Fort Monroe. Va, in turn
now received their equipment. and the Of
fetal godspeed. To each the governor
addressed glowing words. For each the
crowd cheered as they marched away.
Staid old Puritan Boston was IN a
fever OF war excitement as the regiments
embarked. The Sixth boarded a special
train about p. m. The Fourth drew out
an hour later on a train for Fan River,
where a steamer was TO be boarded that
should take them south The Third went
TO sea in the evening on a steamer bound
direct to Fort Monroe.
Such were the movements Of the first
three regiments to start in the mighty
columns the north was to call into the