The 13th Massachusetts Volunteers was a three-year regiment of volunteer soldiers from Boston and several surrounding towns. They did hard service with the Army of the Potomac and were heavily engaged at the battles of 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Grant's Virginia Campaign.

Our speaker this month is our own member, Brad Forbush. His great-great grandfather was a soldier in the 13th Mass. Among Brad's family's artifacts are his diary of 1863 and pictures of the regiment. Brad has been researching his ancestor's regiment for three years. Brad has worked in the animation industry for 11 years, and lives in Burbank with his wife and two dogs.

With photographs, maps and personal accounts of the soldiers, he will present the history and character of this fighting regiment, including the following stories:
Charles E. Davis Jr. was badly wounded at the battle of 2nd Bull Run. He lay on the field for a week before the ambulances arrived. When he finally got to Carver Hospital in Washington, D.C. he thought his nightmare was over. He was wrong; it had just begun.

On April 30, 1862 a rebel shell struck in the midst of the regiment. It killed two men and severely wounded John S. Fay. Quick action by the orderly sergeant saved his life. But the hospital where he was recovering from the loss of his right hand and right leg was captured by the advancing rebel army and he was sent to Libby Prison. He lived to tell about it.

And what about General George Lucas Hartsuff? At first glance the military record of this brigade commander seems dry and dull. In reality his many narrow escapes from death read like a Hollywood screenplay.

Brad will also answer pressing questions like: How did the 13th Mass "put on the dog?;" Why is it a bad thing to outshine your comrades in battle?; and when is a butterfly more like a turkey?

Brad's debut presentation in September of last year gave us the first part of this regimental history. Come join us to hear how the boys of the 13th Mass. continued on through the war.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

Return to Home Page                              Return to Past Presentations