The 13th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment served in the Civil War for three years with 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.

With photographs, maps and personal accounts of the soldiers, this talk will focus on the history and character of this fighting regiment. This third installment of the regiment's history will pick up the narrative at Chancellorsville, and continue with the Gettysburg Campaign. The 13th Mass was deployed on Oak Ridge near Shead's Woods on July 1, 1863. We'll hear about the battle as they wrote of it, and as it was experienced by some of the wounded at the First Corps hospital in the town during July 2nd and 3rd.

This month's speaker, our own Brad Forbush, has the diary of his great great grandfather, who was a soldier in the 13th Mass. Volunteers for a year and a half before transferring to the 3rd US artillery. For the past several years he's been collecting materials on this regiment, and has obtained all 35 copies of the 13th Mass. Regt. Association circulars. Printed from 1888 through 1922, these newsletters contain articles, reminiscences and obituaries of its enlisted men and officers.. He's also corresponded with several descendants of soldiers of the regiment, and provided them with information regarding its history.

Following the battle at Gettysburg, his great great grandfather's artillery company went with the cavalry in pursuit of Lee's army. Brad will present to the audience the brief quotes taken from his ancestor's diary on July 4 - July 14, 1863. The narrative will continue through the Mine Run Campaign in November, 1863. There will also be an elaboration on Maryland pies. Sergeant Austin Stearn's wrote "To appreciate a Maryland pie, one must eat it."

Brad has worked in the animation industry for 13 years, and is currently working on the animated show "King of the Hill." He and his wife live in Burbank, and he's been a member of our Round Table for two and a half years.

Brad's previous installments of this regimental history have brought a personal note to our Civil War studies. Come join us as we continue in the story of one man's passage through history.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

Return to Main Menu

 

Return to Past Presentations