28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry *BACK and KICKING*

[Northern Ranger]

 

Regimental History

1861 The 28th Massachusetts began it's recruitment on the 8th of October in Boston. Due to previous recruitment for other regiments such as the 15th and 19th Massachusetts the number of volunteers fell short of the predicted amount. Because of this the ranks of the 29th Massachusetts, who were also low in number, were filled into the 28th and by late fall the regiment was officially muster for federal service on December 13, 1861. The command of the 28th Massachusetts was handed to William Monteith. Because of the speed at which the 28th was mustered they were despatched to server under Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler and later on, the non-irish half was sent to join Thomas F Meagher's Irish Brigade in camp around Washington, D.C. The men of the 28th were not pleased with this, having previously been told that they would be the "4th Regiment" of the Irish Brigade. 1862 As the 28th concluded it's intial training at Camp Cameron in January, the regiment received it's regimental colours, the national and state flags. Later the regiment recieved a third flag, featuring partiotic and Irish slogans, this flag was ordered to be carried in place of the standard-issue state flag carried by other Massachusetts regiments. For the next few months, the 28th was assigned to Gen. T.W. Sherman's Expeditionary Corps on February 23rd. During this period the 28th was used as a work force to establish a series of artillery positions, during this at least 22 died of diseases and many others so weakened they would be later discharged from service in the coming months. On the 30th of May, the regiment came under hostile fire for the first time during skirmishes on June 1st and 2nd, losing five men wounded. More fighting happened for the 28th in June and the regiment lost another 67 men while fighting in a bogged down swamp, the Irish were commended for their poise and bravery in this engagment. After a change in command over the next coming months, Maj. George W. Cartwright took temporary command of the 28th and was ordered to take the 28th back to Virginia where the Irishmen were re-designated as part of the 9th Corps. The 28th the proceeded under orders to establish camp at Fredericksburg on the 6th of August. The 9th Corps was ordered to join up with the Army of Virginia and on the 29th of August, the 28th would be assigned to support a battery of artillery. The next day the regiment was placed in the line of battle on the federal's right flank, participating in the Battle of Second Bull Run. The 28th became heavily engaged on this day coming under heavy musket and artillery fire and by the end of the day with the Union army in retreat the 28th suffered 135 casualties. With Lt. Col. Cartwright wounded in this engagement, the command of the 28th fell under Capt. Andrew Carager of A Company, who would lead the regiment for many months and receive the promotion to Major. On September 2nd, the right flank of the Union army was facing imminent threat of being turned by Maj. Gen. Stonewall Jackson's forces, the 28th was ordered into the fight. Against enormous odds, the Irishmen joined the Cameron Highlanders of the 79th NY in a charge across the cornfield. Two-thirds of the way into the field, the charge was halted by Hay's and Field's concealed brigades. The Union attack carried on under a large opposing force and just as the rebel line began to give way, Gen. Stevens was shot in the head and fell from his mount. Disheartened by this and running low on ammunition, the 28th withdrew from the battle suffering 99 casualties that day. After the 9th Corp was absorbed into the Army of the Potomac, the 28thMA was put into reserver, supporting the 9th Corps assault at South Mountain. On September 17, the 28thMA crossed Burnside's Bridge and assaulted the strong points around Sherrick farm, driving the Confederate division back. But the left flank was soon to collapsing so Willcox's division, including the 28thMA, was ordered to fall back to a defensive position along the Creek. The regiment suffered 54 casualties in this fight and was the last engagement they participated at the battle of Antietam. Full History W.I.P [close] List Of Engagements 1862 Secessionville . Chantilly . South Mountain . Antietam . Fredricksburg 1863 Chancellorsville . Gettysburg . Bristow Station . Mine Run 1864 Wilderness . Po River . Spotsylvania . N. Anna/Cold Harbor . Cold Harbor . Petersburg . Jerusalem Plank Road . Deep Bottom . Charles City Crossroad . Reams' Station 1865 Hatcher's Run . South Side Railroad [close]

Company A         Company A was recruited during the autumn of 1861, and most of its initial membership mustered into service on December 13, 1861. Many of the men of this company were originally recruited from the shoe factories of Lynn, Massachusetts, with another large contingent being common laborers from East Cambridge, Cambridgeport, and Boston. The first commander of the company was Captain Andrew P. Caraher. Caraher was later promoted to Major on July 26, 1862, and later wounded at Chantilly and Fredericksburg before being discharged on account of his wounds on September 20, 1863. Two enlisted men rose through the ranks of Company to become commissioned officers in the 28th Massachusetts. William McCarty, a 25-year old West Roxbury carpenter; enlisted at the formation of the regiment as a private and served faithfully in the ranks until wounded in the Mule Shoe assault on May 12, 1864 at Spottsylvania. Upon his return to the regiment; he was promoted to Quarter Master Sergeant in July, 1864, and later was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant of Company C on March 13, 1865. James A McIntire, a 20 year-old morocco dresser from Lynn, enlisted as a Corporal at the formation of the regiment. He was wounded at Chantilly, Virginia as a Sergeant, and promoted to 2nd Lieutenant at the end of December 1862. On October 3, 1863, he was commissioned Captain of Company A, but was killed in battle on May 5, 1864 at the Wilderness. Altogether, a total of 226 men served in Company A between December 13, 1861 and June 30, 1865, including two who were commissioned as officers from the ranks. Of these, 27 enlisted men were killed or died of battle wounds, 10 enlisted men died by accident or disease, and 11 enlisted men died as prisoners, for a total loss of 54 men (24%).

Interested In Joining?                                                                                                                                                                       If you have an interest in joining the 28th Massachusetts A Company then please either contact Macliness on steam or apply on this thread with the form below. If you have any questions before applying, please don't hesitate to ask us. Application Steam Name (link include is preferable): In Game Name: Age: Nationality: Timezone: Do you have teamspeak: How good is your understanding of English: What is your reason for applying: Will you be willing to attend planned events: Are you willing to follow orders and the rules of the regiment: Do you have a microphone: [close] Credit for the thread layout goes towards Jamez All credit for the images and information of the 28thMA goes to the 28th Massachusetts Reenactment Regiment and their website, who kindly gave us permission to use it. 28thMA Reenactment Website

[Patriots90]

Good luck

[chimerra]

Good Luck Mate , Welcome Back.

[TheDoctor]

good luck

[Lt. Col. George A. Custer]

It is nice to see all of my old friends back in business. Welcome back and good luck to the 28th!

[Northern Ranger]

*Note* this is a roughly edited copy from the WoR forums because I couldn't be asked to create a new one.