=^ MEMORIAL DAY ADDRESS By FRANKLIN G. FESSENDEN ONE OF THE JUSTICES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS BEFORE EDWIN E. DAY POST, G. A. R. GREENFIELD, MASS., MAY 31, 1915 — studium reipublicce omnia superet — memoriam prceclaram reliqvire PUBLISHED BY EDWIN E. DAY POST, G. A. R. GREENFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 1915 MEMOEIAL DAY ADDRESS By FRANKLIN G. FESSENDEN ONE OF THE JUSTICES OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS BEFORE EDWIN E. DAY POST, G. A. R. GREENFIELD, MASS., MAY 31, 1915 studium reipublicoe omnia superet memoriam prceclaram reliquere PUBLISHED BY EDWIN E. DAY POST, G. A. R. GREENFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 1915 i-'K. Memorial Address We are come together to-day to pay our tribute to those who pre- served for us the integrity of our country. To them we owe what- ever measure of prosperity we enjoy and the advantage we have in the most beneficent form of government the world has seen. It is no perfunctory ceremony. It is rather the sincere expression of our appreciation of what they did and of our profound gratitude for what they have left us. We are in the full enjoyment of priv- ileges so highly prized by mankind that citizens of foreign nations have come to us in very large numbers to share with us what they could not have in the lands of their birth. They equally with us have prospered. It is then to them as well as to ourselves that we should point out why and how these inestimable privileges and opportunities were preserved. However it may be hereafter, noth- ing worth having in any nation has yet been obtained without the inevitable struggle which has come to all forms of government in all times. So let us mind the lesson and let us also make it plain to the young and to our adopted fellow citizens that they too may understand and appreciate its priceless value. The struggle was long and severe. The price paid in blood and treasure immense. Yet is the gain worth vastly more than the price. With profound appreciation of what they did we place these tokens of our love on the graves of those who are gone. We express our gratitude to those now living who participated in the war of 1861. We show our recognition of their enormous sufferings and sacrifices. And we cherish to-day also the memories of those who, unable to take part in battle, bore their griefs with patient fortitude. Resigned, uncomplaining, they have taken a warm place in the hearts of those who appreciate patriotic sacrifice. That individual instances were inexpressibly sad is shown by the well remembered letter from President Lincoln to Mrs. Bixby, an afflicted widow who had lost five sons in the war. Those who remember the war know that this was but a single instance among thousands. That we may properly pay the respect due to the memories of those who have placed us under such deep and lasting obligation, we should examine some at least of the contests which were so 2 MEMORIAL ADDRESS victoriously waged. They are fifty years behind us, yet the re- cital of them never fails to bring them fresh in our minds. When we met here two years ago we considered very briefly the battle of Chancellorsville and more especially the feelings of the North and South with reference to the result. The result was not so disastrous as is so often stated. Chancellorsville was not a defeat for the army. It was at the most a repulse. Perhaps it was all for the best. The army had found itself. It had acquired and was inspired by a feeling of confidence in its ability and capacity. It is this spirit which we must appreciate fully before we can understand the later movements and achieve- ments of the Army of the Potomac. This inspiration was born of the experience of the men in battle and in their corps and lesser commanders, whose names are in our minds to-day. After Chancellorsville there was a pause in hostilities between the two armies. Resuming their positions on opposite sides of the Rappahannock they availed themselves of the opportunity for rest and reorganization which both needed, the southern army much more than the northern. Hooker prepared his 115,000 for the struggle to come. Lee who received large additions to his army effected a complete reorganization, dividing it into three corps commanded by Longstreet, A. P. Hill and Ewell. It was placed in better condition than at any time since the beginning of the war. It numbered over 76,000. It is important to have in mind when speaking of the numbers of the armies, the way in which the numbers are made up. The United States counted all connected with the army and drawing pay, although many of them did not participate in the engagement. The Confederate States counted only "bayonets" as they were called, i. e., only those actually bearing arms in battle. The actual difference if the troops had been counted in the same way by both sides would be far less in number than it appeared. Lee was in sore need of clothing and supplies. The Confederacy was not able to furnish anything approaching an adequate supply. The southern finances were utterly bad. Their currency was hardly worth the paper on which it was printed. Better foreign credit was felt to be imperative. There was the situation at Vicksburg daily becoming more hopeless. Anxious and prolonged conferences were had by the officials and commanders. What course should be pursued? Should they undertake another inva- sion of the north across the Potomac? The army had been greatly FRANKLIN G. FESSENDEN 3 strengthened in numbers. Its spirit was high. The officers felt that the men could absolutely be depended upon. Clothing and supplies not to be obtained at home could be had in plenty in Pennsylvania. Washington and other cities would be threatened. A successful invasion would greatly harm the North and help the South in Europe. It was felt to be certain that some at least of the Federal army at Vicksburg would be recalled to assist the union forces in the East and thus that indispensable place would be relieved. Lee began his Gettysburg campaign — a campaign let us say full of mistakes. Hooker with the task imposed upon him by the authorities to keep in touch with Lee and at the same time to cover Washington from possible danger, was held in such constraint that he could not do as he desired. So he asked to be relieved from his com- mand. Meade was appointed to succeed him. This was the fifth commander of the Union army in the east appointed in ten months. Meade and Lee realized that a great battle was imminent. Each desired to fight on the defensive. Meade by quick move- ments of his corps forced Lee to attack. The first contest was between a part of Lee's forces which had gone toward Gettysburg in the hope that they might procure much needed shoes. It was between a body of the confederates and a much smaller number of Federals. The latter while delaying the enemy's advance was forced inevitably to fall back. They retired to Cemetery Hill, where the various corps of the United States army joined them. This is not the occasion to recall the controversy as to who was the one who selected this spot. It was fixed upon and the several corps commanders approved the choice, which the result of the battle abundantly justified. It was for Lee to decide whether he would give battle by a direct advance or whether he would attempt by a flank movement urged with great force by Longstreet, to get between Meade and Wash- ington. Longstreet's advice was not accepted. A frontal attack was decided upon, and the great battle was fought. Three days of sanguinary conflict left Meade master of the field. The Confederate army was compelled to retreat. The hopes of those who had favored the invasion were shattered. It will serve no useful pur- pose here to-day to discuss the much debated question whether Meade by counter attack could have destroyed Lee's army. The Confederate army was hopelessly repulsed, never again to invade 4 MEMORIAL ADDRESS the north. The abortive raid by Early in the next year only served to show the futility of another attempt. It would be a pleasure and a source of pride to consider some- what in detail the deeds of valor which were performed on both sides in that battle — the individual acts of heroism, the remem- brance of which causes both North and South to be most justly proud. You who had the rare fortune to participate and you who love to dwell on the achievments of these men who then showed themselves to be such courageous and mighty opponents^ — you I say have them in your minds to-day. The effect on the Army of the Potomac was electrifying. Fully conscious of its strength and skill from the fourth day of July, 1863, there was no doubt of its abundant ability to meet the adversary with every expectation of favorable result. The •southern army from this day on fought on the defensive. In the North a wave of enthusiasm swept over the United States when the news of Gettysburg and Vicksburg came. Many thought that the war would terminate speedily. While there were nearly two years more of fierce warfare, yet there were no misgivings as to what the end would be. We remember that two years ago when noting the general situa- tion, we found that Grant after a long series of efforts had suc- ceeded in establishing himself upon the eastern bank of the Missis- sippi River — that he had kept separate Pemberton's and Johns- ton's forces. The problem of the capture of Vicksburg had been attacked with vigor by Grant. In sixteen days he had marched over two hundred miles and had been victorious in eight battles, and had captured a large number of prisoners. His hopes were not disappointed. He beseiged the city until July 4, 1863, when the place and army of nearly 32,000 were surrendered, together with a large amount of cannon and military supplies. In addition there had been many desertions by men who gave up finally all hope for the South. As the inevitable consequence of this victory of Grant, Port Hudson yielded and the Mississippi River from that time remained in the possession and control of the union and never afterward was regained by the southern forces even for a short time. The con- federacy was split in twain. That part to the west thereafter gave no especial trouble. This victorious campaign of Grant has been the admiration of students of warfare. In the fall after Vicksburg there came to Grant the task of rescuing General Rosecrans from the trap, as it was called, into FRANKLIN G. FESSENDEN 5 which it was said he had got in Chattanooga. During the summer and early fall of 1863 he had by well planned and skilfully executed marches compelled General Bragg who commanded the con- federacy in the west to fall back to that place. This point was necessary to the confederates on account of the railroad communi- cations. It was most important to the interior line always so advantageous and coveted in warfare. It was a centre and the controlling position with reference to any movements against the northeasterly portion of Alabama and the northwesterly part of Georgia, as well as more than half of Tennessee. Possession of it meant ease of access to the westerly part of Virginia if held by the southern forces, impossibility of such access if held by the North. The armies of Rosecrans and Bragg came together in the battle of Chicamauga. The result was in Bragg's favor. Rosecrans' army was not captured. It moved into Chattanooga after the battle. And strange to say the forces which had taken possession of the coveted spot were unable to make use of it. From being the aggressors they were put on the defensive. They were closely confined and besieged in the position which had been deemed of such importance. With pride we recall the prowess of the great General George H. Thomas, who won that day the title of "The Rock of Chicamauga." Thus the hoped for advantage became a disadvantage. The situation was precarious. But the troops held true in spirit . They would not consider surrender. Grant was placed in command in the west. With prompt decision he set out for Chattanooga by the only way left open over the mountains back of the Tennessee River. Quickly he set to work to open ways so that supplies could be brought to the besieged, and soon he had plenty for their needs. Here again is an instance of the spirit of the soldiers of the union. W^est or East it was the same. When checked they sought the opportunity to retrieve their fortunes. They felt themselves un- conquered and unconquerable. Changes were made in the organi- zation. Additional troops from the east and from the west were added and preparations pushed for a final contest with the opposing army. Sherman came from Vicksburg, Hooker from Virginia, each bringing forces full of courage and determination. Grant, with Sherman on the left, Thomas in the centre and Hooker on the right, ordered an attack. Hooker stormed and captured the high Lookout Mountain in the "battle above the clouds." Sherman advanced and engaged but did not defeat his adversary. Then was given the order for the advance of the centre. These men, who 6 MEMORIAL ADDRESS had been engaged in the battle of Chicamauga, eager to avenge that day, charged up Missionary Ridge, captured the trenches even to the top of the mountains and drove back and completely routed the opposing army. The confederates finally retired twenty miles. The victory was complete. The advantages gained were enormous. Not only was Chattanooga saved but from that time it remained to the end of the war in the control of the victors. The loss to the confederates was irreparable. Now no rapid reinforcement from the east or the west could be made over that line. The con- federacy was again split in twain and all that now remained for the union armies to gain was the territory east of the Appalachian Mountains to Lee's army in Virginia. Knoxville was relieved. Loyal East Tennessee was permanently freed from attack and occupation by the southern troops. Thus President Lincoln's dream became a reality. After Chattanooga there was a comparative quiet in the respective armies. In the spring of 1864 Grant was placed at the head of all the United States forces east and west with the title Lieutenant General. Hitherto there had been no general plan which should include all the operations of the armies east and west. The Confederates had taken advantage of this. Now with a real, not a nominal com- mander in chief, plans of campaign could be made which would include all the armies of the United States, and thus keep the adversaries from shifting troops from an unnoccupied to an occu- pied force. This step was a hard blow to the confederates, and from the beginning of the operations after Grant assumed chief command their cause gradually sank to complete disaster and failure. The armies were now all ready for the accomplishment of a single object. This included in itself the several objects sought by the different officers commanding separate armies. They severally worked to destroy the armies which they confronted, but the whole worked harmoniously until the southern armies were overcome and the Confederate States of America ceased to exist. Grant's plan was this. Meade commanding the Army of the Potomac was to move against Lee's army. Butler was to go up the James River and threaten Richmond. Siegel to march out and destroy the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad. Sherman to proceed from Chattanooga southerly against Johnston. Other minor movements need not be mentioned here. Movements were to be as nearly simultaneous as practicable so that there could be no renewal by the Confederates of their former way of reinforcing FRANKLIN G. FESSENDEN 7 each other. Each of their armies was to be kept engaged. The campaigns were separated by long distances. But the end sought was to be the result of the united efforts of all. And so on May 4, 1864, the general movement was begun. Meade who commanded the Army of the Potomac, but who like all the other army com- manders was under the direction of Grant, moved from Culpeper across the Rapidan and marched against Lee. On May 5, Sherman started on his famous campaign against Johnston. It was con- fidently hoped that a victorious result would be had within a comparatively short time. The North was to be disappointed in the length of time, but not in the final victory, which was the culmination of the grand plan. In Virginia the advantage in position was decidedly in fa\'or of the Confederates. They were on the defensive. They knew the country, its roads, trails, ways, its topography. The union forces knew nothing of it. In fact at one time General Grant came very near riding into the confederate lines. The confederates could instantly decide how and where to go. The federals had to feel their way. Thus the advantage in numbers was well-nigh neu- tralized by the disadvantage of entire ignorance of the country. The United States forces crossed the river safely. It was hoped that the dense wilderness from which the first battle takes its name would be traversed and that the engagement would take place in open country. But Lee was too watchful to give up the advantages which he had, and moved on the flank o^ Grant's army. So the contest took place in the thick woods filled with underbrush which prevented any intelligent, coherent, well sustained movement of troops. Wlien it is understood that so close were the thickets and small growth trees the limit of sight was sometimes fifty feet and generally one hundred and fifty, one can appreciate the confusion and impossibility of recovering formations of brigade or of smaller units. Officers could not see their men. Regiments were lost from the sight of their officers. Yet the struggle was carried on with wonderful valor for two days. The losses were severe. Grant afterwards said that more desperate fighting had never been seen on this continent than that of those two days. No decisive result was gained by either side. But a change had come since the former battles in Virginia. When a severe struggle had been had the armies had retired to recuperate and reorganize. At the end of this battle the command to the United States army was "Forward." When the soldiers heard this they obeyed with tumultuous cheers. They felt that the time had come at last when their qualities were 8 MEMORIAL ADDRESS become known, and they marched onward with enthusiasm. From this day there was no retrograde. It was advance from one posi- tion to another until the climax in 1865. We can hardly realize the stimulating effect of this change. No longer could it be said that one southener was equal to three or five northeners. On the part of the confederates the old confidence of victory was disappearing, and in its place there was a grim determination to resist to the end and to delay the end as long as possible. And so with perfect confidence the Army of the Potomac pushed on toward Spottsyl- vania, a strategic point of great importance. Lee, as soon as he realized the purpose of his opponent, appreciated the necessity of gaining this position before Grant could reach it. He arrived there first, immediately posted his army and intrenched most carefully. Grant attacked. The story of the victory at the apex of the con- federate lines with the capture of generals and thousands of troops and the struggle at the "Bloody Angle" will never be forgotten by those brave men who participated, nor by those who although not in the contest were cheered by the triumph. It will be read with feelings of intense pride by the descendants of the contestants. North and South. For the deeds of that day were heroic. Still the confederates continued their magnificent resistance. Advance was again ordered by Grant. The response of his army was again quick and enthusiastic. For it was always forward, never backward. Marching and battling they reached Cold Harbor. liCe again had intrenched behind strong earthworks and blocked their progress. He now used his energies to protect Rich- mond from capture. This city was but a short distance away. He was only three miles from the earthworks of the confederate capital. The sound of the battle could be heard in that city. At Cold Harbor a most desperate attempt was made to destroy Lee's army. It was not successful. It was plain to Grant that no fur- ther attacks could be made against Lee in his strongly intrenched position without greatly disproportionate sacrifices. Therefore he decided to transfer his army to the James River. From there he could see a way to bring about the capture or destruction of the opposing army and the taking of Richmond. But such a movement of troops as this involved was difficult and extremely hazardous under any circumstances, especially so when the adversary was the able, skilful and ever-ready Lee. If there were time to-day it would be profitable for us all to go over the marvellous methods so wonderfully devised and executed in the front of the adversary only a few hundred yards away. A great army was moved more FRANKLIN G. FESSENDEN 9 than fifty miles over and across a bridge, the greatest the world had seen since the bridge of Xerxes. This bridge was especially con- structed for the passage of the army. And this was done without Lee's having the slightest suspicion. For three days he was in entire ignorance concerning it. When first reported to him he re- fused to believe it. It was impossible: but it had been accom- plished. It resulted in the Union army being finally established on the river and in good condition. The confederates were much shattered and depleted. They could not survive much further loss. As we have seen. Grant's plan required Sherman to break up Johnston's army. In addition he was to inflict all the damage he could on the war resources of the South. Atlanta, about ninety miles south from Dalton, was the base which supplied Johnston, and it contained many factories and places where war munitions were made and stored. Therefore Sherman's course was plain — to defeat his adversary and destroy war supplies and factories at Atlanta. Sherman promptly started on his famous Atlanta campaign, which began May 5 and ended September 1, 1864, when Atlanta was abandoned by the confederates. This campaign will always be studied by military students and writers of war history. It presents a fruitful field. A bold and able commander on the aggressive, a skilful and capable commander on the defensive. Moves, countermoves, followed in quick succession. Sherman advancing, Johnston retreating gradually. Great genius was shown by both. Each was ready to take advantage of any error by the other, and each was careful not to make such mistake. Johnston delayed although he could not stop Sherman, so that the latter went forward at the average rate of only a mile a day. At the same time he preserved his army practically intact until they had arrived in the vicinity of Atlanta. He might well be proud of this most difficult feat. It won for him the respect and admiration of Sherman who did not hesitate to give him credit for what he did. But the confederate government was not satisfied, Johnston was removed and Hood was appointed to succeed him. Immediately there was a change in the tactics of the southern army. Hood attacked Sherman, but was repulsed with severe loss. Atlanta was taken, the factories and supplies destroyed, and another rent made in the fabric of the Confederate States of America. Then ensued a series of movements — first one and then the other threatened. Sherman became restive and decided upon 10 MEMORIAL ADDRESS the spectacular march to the sea, a march made without much risk since there was no force worthy of the name to oppose him. He reached Savannah, took it with a large amount of cotton and supplies, and sent a despatch to the happy President of the United States, saying that he made him a Christmas present of the place and captured stores. Thus what was left of the confederacy was rent in twain. The greater part was cut off from effective com- munication with the struggling army in Virginia. After the Army of the Potomac had become established around Petersburg and Richmond, it was soon learned that the impregna- ble fortifications constructed with care and skill could not be car- ried without enormous loss of life. What had been a campaign of battles became the work of investment. It was necessary to cut off the means of supply from the army in and about the two cities. Gradually the lines of the union army were extended to its left. Serious engagements were had, and the losses were severe. Grant's qualities of watchful persistence and courage were never more sorely tried than during this time. But he did not know what it was to fail. So he moved carefully and surely and stretched out his lines until Lee, obliged to meet the ever extending army, was placed in such position that his own lines were weak in spots. He did not have the troops to man them. This was what Grant had hoped and anticipated. The news from Sherman stimulated the northern army, and its effect was depressing upon Lee's men. There were now no great battles between Grant and Lee. Grant's movements were continuous and aimed at cutting off the railroads by which Lee's forces and Richmond and Petersburg were fed and supplied. The winter came on with every chance favoring Grant, whose only fear now was lest Lee should slip away and unite with Johnston in command of some forces further south. Such an event which might prolong the war he was determined to prevent. And he reasoned rightly that the resistance would come to an end in the spring, for desertions from Lee's army showed plainly that the confederates were becoming demoralized. Early's attempt to reach Washington in the fall had proved so disastrous that no renewal of such a venture was possible. So although active opera- tions were suspended for the winter. Grant was alert and ready to move upon the slightest sign of an endeavor on the part of Lee to take such a step. His efforts henceforward were to confine Lee in Richmond and Petersburg. The confederates sent peace commissioners to interview the government authorities. The conference came to nothing, for Lincoln, determined from the FRANKLIN G. FESSENDEN 11 beginning to preserve the union intact, would listen to nothing which involved any separation from the United States. But it was an unmistakable sign that they saw the inevitable approach- ing. So both sides waited, one with confidence, the other with despair, the resumption of hostilities in the spring. When Sherman, satisfied that he could not bring on a battle with Hood, left Atlanta for Savannah, he left troops under Thomas to operate against that general. He hoped that Hood would follow him in his march to the sea. But that commander thought he had an opportunity to deal a harsh blow to the north. Thomas was placed in command of the United States army in the west. The different parts of his command were scattered, and long distances separated parts of them. Hood planned to attack some of these forces in detail before they could be united. The consequences of a successful movement on his part would have been serious. If he had carried his plans out he could not have been checked before he had done immense harm. The well conceived plans of Grant would have been thwarted, at least for some time. It would have been necessary to reinforce and reorganize the United States forces in the west and the ground would again have to be fought over. Hood moved against General Schofield, one of Thomas's subor- dinates, and barely missed achieving what he sought. The union forces fell back toward Nashville. Hood was close upon them. At one time victory seemed to be within his grasp. But Schofield after the engagements at Columbia and Spring Hill, by untiring effort was able to get to Franklin before Hood could attack with his main army. Here a desperate battle was fought. In no contest during the war was there more bravery shown by either North or South. The attack was repulsed, and Hood was compelled to see his adversary withdraw to Nashville in safety with what was left of his little army. Schofield had fought against great odds, and had achieved a success which justly gave him fame. Hood followed with his troops. Thomas got together the different portions of his forces and in addition armed the loyal civilians in Nashville. With exceeding care he prepared his army, made a most through plan and executed it. He attacked Hood and gained a decisive victory. Hood's army was practically destroyed. It was one of the most complete successes of. the whole war. There remained only remnants of Hood's army. Its confidence was gone. In- stead of his hoped for success he had only dismal failure. There was no longer any substantial army of the South in this part of the 12 MEMORIAL ADDRESS country. The end had come here. Nothing more could be done, and the flag of the United States was never disturbed seriously in the west after the great battle of Nashville. Thomas had been true to his fame. He had ruined the last hope of the Confederacy in the west. There remained to the Confederacy only the small eastern portion of its former vast extent of territory. Well might the North be supremely confident. In the early part of the winter of 1864-1865, the situation in general was this: The western armies of the Confederates had practically been destroyed. While there were some small scattered bodies no considerable force remained. Thomas's troops could easily care for them. It was plain that the struggles of importance must be in the states of South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. Sherman was at Savannah ready to march north and join Grant. Although Johnston through the efforts of Lee, who recognized his abilities, was placed in command of the remnants of Hood's army and some other forces hastily gathered, he had no army fit to dispute Sherman's advance when it should begin. Grant held Lee with a tight grip. There was one spot on the coast which had given the LTnited States much trouble during the war. It had been the guardian of the way by which imperatively needed military supplies coming from foreign countries had been brought to the southern armies. Fort Fisher on the sea coast guarded that way. It was a powerful fortification. Until this was reduced Lee would be given renewed supplies. A fruitless attempt to capture the fort had been made in December, 1864. In the following January another expedition was sent out against it. This last undertaking was crowned with success. In it a former member of this Post, a Greenfield young man, the late George T. Davis, a naval officer, rendered distin- guished services. Immediately after Fort Fisher fell Sherman set out on his march up through the Carolinas. His purpose was to join Grant and also to destroy thoroughly all military supplies and factories in which they were manufactured. He had done a great amount of this work after leaving Chattanooga. He continued it during this march north. The South was now^ in dire straits. He brushed aside all opposition and when Schofield who had come east from Nash- ville united with him, he was ready with an overwhelming army to overcome the comparatively small army under Johnston. The end was close at hand. It is impossible to describe the spirit of FRANKLIN G. FESSENDEN 13 the army as it moved on surely and inexorably to the final day. When the winter had passed sufficiently to permit operations, Grant was ready for what he felt was to be the last campaign of the war. Richmond and Petersburg were now surrounded except on the west. All communications were cut off save by the Danville and the Southside Railroads and the highways. The defences around Richmond and Petersburg were the strongest which had confronted the union troops. Direct assaults involved such great sacrifices of life that they could not be thought of. So portions of the army were again pushed to the west steadily. Lee of necessity was compelled to contest such union movement, which threatened to cut him off completely from sorely needed food. Capitulation of the cities and surrender of his army would then be inevitable; for starvation and exhaustion are merciless conquerors. Grant per- sisted in his plan incessantly. He attacked carefully in different places along the intrenchments and moved to his left until in the latter part of March his lines reached from the northerly side of Richmond around that city and Petersburg and far to the west. Thus Grant compelled Lee to so extend his defensive lines that they could no longer be defended, while he was sending detach- ments to cope with Grant's movements to the railroads. Lee's line was over thirty-five miles in length. The time came, as Grant had predicted, when he did not have sufficient troops to man his works. He had reached the breaking point. The inevitable had come. It was a mournful day to the Confederates when President Davis of the Confederate States of America received word from Lee that Richmond and Petersburg must be abandoned. Davis hurried away to the south. Lee now with superb courage and ability attempted to save his army from surrender. Then came a race between the two armies, Lee trying to unite with Johnston if possible, if impossible then to escape through Lynchburg so as to reorganize and prepare for a renewal of the struggle. He made superhuman efforts. So effective had been Grant's operations that it was impossible to unite with Johnston, and the bare necessaries of life were shut off. The Confederate army lived on a very limited supply of parched corn for the last few days of the war. Such heroic endurance and such patriotic willingness to suffer — we must remember that they were true to their cause — compelled the admiration of the soldiers of the union army. It is one of the most, if not the most beautiful episode of the war, that the vic- torious troops shared their rations with their defeated opponents, and could not find it in their hearts to celebrate the victory with 14 MEMORIAL ADDRESS the usual cheers and salvos of artillery. But we are anticipating somewhat. The last hope fled from Lee's heart when he found northern forces blocking his way. Behind him were others in eager pursuit. He yielded gravely, and with a dignity as ad- mirable as his generalship, he surrendered to an adversary so generous and high-minded, so considerate of his fallen foe that he and his generals acknowledged with gratitude the treatment ac- corded them. Sherman's help was not needed. Johnston sur- ^/^'rendered to him. The end had come. The union was saved. The soldiers of the respective armies returned to their homes and re- sumed their peaceful pursuits. Many times the almost fraternal attitude of the northern and southern combatants after the sur- render and the considerate forbearance to exult over the defeated foeman, have been commended. Why should it not have been so.'' All sorts of reasons have been given. There is but one true reason. The war was waged not to punish the South nor to conquer the North. On the one hand it was entered upon to create a new na- tion, on the other to preserve the old. In the end the United States of America was preserved intact. The soldiers were not personal enemies. If the South could not be a nation by itself then there was no country but the United States of which it could dream of being part. The North earnestly desired the South to re- main part of the nation. Both North and South took the same pride in the traditions of the colonies and the United States. They had fought side by side. Down in the depths of their hearts there was pride in their nation. It was this patriotism which is the ex- planation of the conduct of the soldiers toward one another. It has been shown on every occasion when such feelings are called for. It was shown in the Spanish War. It is shown to-day. There is nothing in the history of mankind which surpasses this Love of Country. I have trespassed upon your time so long that it is impossible for me to speak of the glorious achievments of the United States navy during the war. A consideration of them must necessarily be deferred. But we ought not to overlook the wonderful successes of the brave and loyal sailors who under the lead of Farragut, Foote, Porter, and the other famous naval captains, destroyed the Confederate navy, sealed up the sea coast from Virginia to Mexico, and thus made effective the work of the army on the land. Theirs was an uninterrupted succession of brilliant victories. Without their aid the North could not have succeeded. The Union could not have been saved. FRANKLIN G. FESSENDEN 15 I cannot refrain from mentioning although in sHght detail the story of one who exemphfied that patriotic spirit which inspired the Union forces. When the war broke out there was in Boston a young man just arrived at the age of twenty-one. He had been born and brought up in the high hills of Worcester County in this state. He was engaged in the employment of a prosperous business firm. Young as he was he had foreseen the coming contest. Animated by patriotism which was part of his teing, he by his own efforts and largely at his own expense, had raised a company of volunteers. He was made its captain by unanimous choice, and was given a commission accordingly. His company became part of the regiment (22nd Mass. Volunteers), whose colonel was Henry Wilson, then the famous Massachusetts senator and after- wards Vice-President of the United States. When the troops were to be mustered into the service of the United States his commission was recalled on account of his extreme youth, and he was made first lieutenant. He had been in the service only a short time when his military abilities were recognized by the quick eye of Colonel Francis C Barlow of the 61st New York Volunteers, who subse- quently became so renowned. Colonel Barlow procured his trans- fer to that regiment, and he was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel. Soon after when Barlow was given the command of a brigade this boy of twenty-two was made Colonel of the regiment. From this day on his progress was marked by brilliant achievments. The Official Records of the War contain many acknowledgments of his services by officers of the highest rank. He was a born soldier. Although he did not attend West Point, he made his mark along with its best known graduates. He served in the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war. He went through McClellan's Peninsular campaign; was wounded at Fair Oaks, but would not leave his men: served under Pope in that general's Virginia opera- tions in 1862; was at Fredericksburg, where severely wounded, he refused to leave the field, declaring that he must remain to di- rect his command, even though it should cost his life, and only yielded at last to the absolute directions of his superiors; was again wounded at Chancellorsville, where by a most daring move- ment of his troops he checked the Confederates, and saved a large part of the army. It is an interesting fact that a former member of this Post, the late Charles R. Lowell, assisted in carrying him from the field. While he was recovering from his wounds and before he was able to rejoin his command, he organized a volunteer brigade in Pennsylvania. As soon as permitted he again resumed 16 MEMORIAL ADDRESS his duties, and went through the Wilderness, Petersburg and Appomattox campaigns. He rose to be a brigade commander at the age of twenty-three, was a brigadier general and division com- mander at twenty-four, and at twenty -five was temporarily in command of Hancock's famous 2d Corps — a Brevet Major General — this youth who was too young to be a captain at twenty-one. The records and the traditions of the veterans abound in his exploits. After the war he rendered distinguished service on the plains of the West and elsewhere. In the Spanish W ar his military success was worthy of him. Although at Porto Rico a Spanish force was prepared and ready to meet him, by the skill of his operations he captured that island and the defending troops with the loss of three men killed and forty wounded. An eminent military authority has commended highly his sense of strategy. This New England man has placed our country under great obli- gations. There has been no over-estimate of his services. As time goes on and the true story of the war is told, we shall recognize Massachusetts' greatest soldier in Nelson A. Miles. While the North was in the midst of its rejoicing over the end of the war and the South was considering how it should adapt itself to its old place in the Republic now restored, there came a most cruel blow. Both were stunned by the unexpected and wicked murder of Lincoln. It was disheartening to the people of the North, for they were looking forward to his guidance in the coming reconstruction concerning which he had given deep thought. But its effect on the south was well-nigh disastrous. The loyal people were almost inflamed by feelings of passion and revenge. The late secessionists resented being blamed for some- thing with which they were in no way connected. Fortunately the North soon came to realize that those responsible for the ill advised act were few in number and that the Southern leaders had no part in it. All had lost a patriotic friend. He knew and under- stood as no one else the people north and south. Patient, con- siderate, a lover of both, he had pondered over the steps to be taken to reunite forever the late warring nations. His death postponed but did not prevent the complete reunion. Both mourned his loss. To-day his transcendent ability and statesman- ship are the theme of universal tribute. His memory is kept alive throughout this land and indeed the world. This nation preserved by him is his everlasting monument. As we look across the oceans to the east and to the west we see nations engaged in the most gigantic war yet waged in this world. FRANKLIN G. FESSENDEN 17 The adversaries accuse one another of barbarous, wanton, and cruel acts, contrary to well known rules of warfare. And it is the most civilized of all the countries which are involved in these struggles. What was the cause? Which is right.'' These questions continually arise. Who shall decide them.'' From each nation daily ascend to Heaven prayers for success. Denominations and faiths in the respective countries pray for the defeat of those of the same denominations and faiths in the ranks of their adversaries. They all seek divine help. Which shall be vouchsafed this assist- ance? Each seeks the sympathy, moral support and even the material aid of the United States. Shall this our country become involved? Individual opinions differ amongst us. But whatever may be the ultimate course adopted by the United States, let us keep in mind the motives and spirit which have guided and con- trolled our actions since our nation was established. They furnish a safe and sure guide. As we watch what is transpiring in Europe and Asia and seek to ascertain the real objects for which they are contending, let us compare them with what we have sought in the wars which we have carried on. W'ars waged for conquest, for wordly advantage, for mere material gain, may result in some temporary disposition of the subject of the controversy, but not in its permanent settlement. The questions spring up anew, and are fought over again and again. It is only when there is a real moral princ'ple involved that the armed contest brings a final disposi- tion. And well may we wonder why such principles cannot be settled without recourse to force. Force although perhaps seeming to do so does not decide them. They are determined by the thought and conscience of the peoples. We have not yet come to that advance in the world's progress when appeal to arms and recourse to war are abandoned. We earnestly hope such time will come, and that the civilized world will not permit slaughter of its citizens for material and territorial gain or even for the recognition of a moral right. But if war must come let it be our fixed deter- mination that it shall be waged only for the latter cause. To-day as we commemorate the deeds of the living and dead and pay our tribute of respect, let us remember that they fought not for lust of conquest or greed of trade, but for the life of our country, and to the end that freedom should forever be established in this land. ^Vhen our condition is compared with the conditions in foreign nations we see how fortunate we have been. Prosperity, liberty, and freedom have been our portion. And for these we are indebted to those men who in the war of 1861 went out and at such 18 MEMORIAL ADDRESS enormous sacrifices saved what at first it was feared would be lost. So long as we are actuated by the spirit of loyalty and by the high motives which spurred them on, we shall make no mistake in our relations to foreign states, and we shall continue to be to the world an example of what a nation should be. The blessings of an enlightened freedom in a united country will be ours. Let us then fittingly observe and perpetuate this day. Let us keep green the memory of those who by their lives and deeds are an example to the world for all time. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 013 785 256 1 ^