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  • CDV of James Savage Jr. Lieutenant Colonel 2nd Mass. Infantry / Sold

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    CDV of James Savage Jr. Lieutenant Colonel 2nd Mass. Infantry - Inventory Number: CDV 382 / Sold

    Died of Wounds as POW from Cedar Mountain, VA.

    Numeral “2” clearly visible on kepi

    Backmark: A. Sonrel Boston

    With pencil identification on reverse.  


    James Savage, Jr:

    Enlisted on 5/24/1861 as a Captain.

    On 5/25/1861 he was commissioned into "D" Co. MA 2nd Infantry

    He died wounds POW on 10/22/1862 at Charlottesville, VA

    He was listed as:

    * POW 8/9/1862 Cedar Mountain, VA

    * Wounded 8/9/1862 Cedar Mountain, VA (Severely wounded in leg, amputated)

    Promotions:

    * Major 7/1/1862

    * Lt Colonel 9/17/1862 (Not Mustered)

     

    SECOND REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY THREE YEARS (RE-ENLISTED)

         The 2d Regt. Mass. Vol. Inf. was recruited in April, 1861, by George H. Gordon, a West Point graduate, who became its first colonel.  It was the first regiment composed wholly of volunteers raised in Massachusetts for the war.  It was organized at Camp Andrew at Brook Farm in West Roxbury, and was mustered into the service May 25, 1861.

         Leaving Massachusetts July 8, it joined the force of Gen. Patterson at Martinsburg, Va., on the 12th.  The summer and fall were spent largely in picketing the line of the upper Potomac.  In the late fall it was in camp at Seneca Creek near Darnestown, Md., and early in December it went into winter quarters at Camp Hicks on the Baltimore pike about four miles east of Frederick, Md.

         Late in February it moved into the Shenandoah Valley, the troops there being now under the command of Gen. N. P. Banks.  On March 10, Col. Gordon was given command of the brigade, and the 2d now became a part of Gordon's (3d) Brigade, of Banks' Division.  On March 26, immediately after the battle of Kernstown, Gen. Banks was given command of the newly formed 5th Corps, and the 2d Mass. became a part of Gordon's (3d) Brigade, Williams' (1st) Division of that corps.  The 2d Division was commanded by Gen. Shields.  While Shields was fighting Jackson at Kernstown, March 23, the 2d Mass., with the exception of Co. G, was on an expedition toward Snicker's Gap.  Returning immediately to Winchester the regiment joined in the pursuit of Jackson through Strasburg, New Market, and on as far as Harrisonburg.   Here it remained until May 5, when it joined in the retrograde movement to Strasburg, which it reached May 13.  On May 24 and 25 it fell back with Banks' command through Newtown, Kernstown, and Winchester, distinguishing itself byexcellent rear guard fighting and reaching the ford of the Potomac at Williamsport on the night of the 25th.  While at Williamsport Col. Gordon was promoted to Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers.

         On June 10 the regiment again advanced, passing through Martinsburg and Winchester and on to a position near Front Royal, where it remained until July 6.  It then moved over Chester Gap to Little Washington, where on July 17 it became a part of Pope's Army of Virginia, Banks' command being now known as the 2d Corps.

         At Cedar Mountain, August 9, the 2d Regiment suffered severe loss.  At Antietam, September 17, it was again heavily engaged, losing its commander, Lieut. Col. Wilder Dwight.  Here it formed a part of Mansfield's (12th) Corps.

         After a winter spent in camp near Stafford Court House, the regiment participated in the battle of Chancellorsville, May 1 to 5, and in the battle of Gettysburg, July 1 to 3, suffering severely, especially at Gettysburg, where it lost another commander, Lieut. Col. Charles R. Mudge.

         In August it was sent to New York City to aid in the suppression of the draft riots which were still raging.  In September it was transferred to Stevenson, Ala., the 11th and 12th Corps being now attached to the Army of the Cumberland.  In December a sufficient number of members re-enlisted to preserve the identity of the regiment and it became known as the 2d Regt. Mass. Veteran Volunteers.

    Antietam after battle report:

    Report of Col. George L. Andrews, Second Massachusetts Infantry, of the battle of Antietam.

    HDQRS. SECOND REGIMENT MASSACHUSETTS VOLS.,

    Camp near Sandy Hook, Md., September 23 , 1862.

    SIR: I compliance with orders from division headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers in the battle of September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Md.:

    The evening preceding, the regiment was ordered forward to a place near the battle-field, to be in readiness, with other forces, to support Gen. Hooker.

    The men were here allowed a few hour's rest. At about 6 o'clock in the morning of the17th regiment moved with the rest of the Third Brigade, in column, to a point still nearer the scene of action, which had already commenced. From this point, after a short interval, a part of the brigade, including this regiment, which was on the right, was marched forward in column by battalion, with deploying intervals. Having reached the farther edge of a wood in front, the enemy, who occupied a wood opposite the elect of the brigade and a corn-field in front of the center and right. This regiment, with the rest of the brigade, advanced, passing through one of our batteries, by which its movements were necessarily much impeded, and was halted in an orchard, some 75 yards in advance of the position taken by the other regiments of the brigade. I formed the regiment in a broken line; the left perpendicular and the right parallel to the line of the other regiments. In front of the right, about 50 yards distant, were two regiments lying down. From my position a fire was opened so directed as to cross that of the rest of the brigade, and which was delivered with perfect coolness, and evidently with great effect. I here witnessed the gallant manner in which the Third Wisconsin, under Col. Ruger, sustained and replied to a destructive fire. The enemy was soon drive from his position, when our line was ordered to advance through the corn-field. The enemy fled from this part of the field, leaving it thickly strewn with his dead and wounded. The regiment was halted near one of our batteries, which was playing upon the enemy, receiving his fire in return. Up to this time the loss in this regiment had been very small.

    Soon after this the corps of Gen. Summer passed us, advancing to attack the enemy in his near position, which was in a thick wood--his line being nearly at right angles with that of the Third Brigade when advancing to the attack. The front of the brigade was then changed so as to take a position in the woods from which the enemy had been driven, and which was directly opposite the wood above mentioned. At about 12 o'clock (m.) this regiment, with the rest of the brigade, was ordered forward to the support of Gen. Sumner's corps. The regiment advanced in line, the Thirteenth New Jersey on its right, to a lane, fenced on both sides, which offered a partial cover, and which was about 100 yards from the wood held by the enemy. Here the regiment received a very heavy fire from a large body of the enemy posted in the woods. Our fire was opened in return; but the enemy having greatly the advantage, both in numbers and position his fire became very destructive.

    Being unsupported, it was impossible to advance and a useless sacrifice of life to keep my position. The regiment was accordingly marched back in perfect order to the position from which it had advanced. This position, with some unimportant changes, was retained until evening, when the regiment, with the rest of the brigade, was ordered forward opposite the left of the wood held by the enemy, to support our batteries. Here it remained until the next morning.

    Too much praise cannot be given to the officers and men of the regiment for their bravery and steadiness under the fire of the enemy, and for their general good conduct throughout the day. I would include in this commendation to this regiment; their only remaining officer was attendants and the detachment of recruits detailed to take care of the wounded, rendered most efficient service. Although there was little opportunity for individuals to distinguish themselves, yet several of the non-commissioned officers and privates were conspicuous for bravery, coolness, and good conduct in action. They will be properly noticed.

    I have to lament the loss of Lieut. Col. Wilder Dwight, who fell, mortally wounded, at the lane above mentioned, while displaying his usual coolness and courage under the fire of the enemy. The loss of but he has added another bright name to the glorious list of brave and noble men who have freely given their lives in the cause of their county. Capt. Francis and Lieuts. Crowninshield and Mills were wounded, the latter severely. Of non-commissioned officers and privates, 12 were killed, 51 wounded, and missing. Of the company of Zouaves d'Afrique, 3 were wounded, 1 of whom is missing.

    I inclose the list of killed, wounded, and missing, called for by orders from division headquarters.*

     

    Respectfully, your obedient servant,

    GEORGE L. ANDREWS, Col. Second Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers.

    Brig. Gen. GEORGE H. GORDON, Commanding First Division, Banks' Army Corps.


    Inventory Number: CDV 382 / Sold