"The 13th Massachusetts -
Their Personal Stories, Part IV:
Their Final Year of Service"

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.

Local Round Table member Brad Forbush returns with the latest installment of the stories of his ancestor's regiment. With photographs, maps and personal accounts of the soldiers, he will present the history and character of this fighting regiment. We will pick up the narrative in August 1863 and continue through until their long awaited trip home.

Gettysburg had been fought and won, but the ranks of the regiment were depleted. In August the government sent 200 new 'recruits' to the regiment. These men were of a different sort, mostly the criminal kind. They were good fighters but only amongst themselves. This episode points out that not all the men were good soldiers. Brad will share the stories of a few such loafers including the regiment's favorite moocher, Bob Armstrong, who could loosen the purse strings of the stingiest man in the regiment. He will introduce Cuban freedom fighter John Parra, who fought in both armies; and regimental Chaplain Noah Gaylord, who preached a sermon on the evils of secession in front of the Winchester, Virginia Court House. In addition, we'll hear about Mine Run, Indian artifacts, and baseball.

For the past several years Brad has been collecting letters, diaries photographs and articles 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 has also corresponded with several descendants of soldiers of the regiment, and provided them with information regarding its history.

Brad has worked in the animation industry for 14 years, and is currently working on the animated show "King of the Hill." He and his wife live in Burbank; and Brad has been a member of the Round Table for three and a half years.

Please join us as we enjoy the next installment of our favorite regiment.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

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