44th Massachusetts at Camp Meigs: A Panorama of the training camp at Readville, The

Two new views of the 44th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia at Camp Meigs, near Readville, Massachusetts have come to light. It is thought that these are unpublished to date, and, with an image found in the regimental history, represent rare views of this immense regimental mustering and training facility. Both photographs are large albumens published by the prominent artist J.W. Black of Boston. They are dated June 17, 1863, one day prior to the regiment's mustering out. Many Bay State regiments mustered and trained at Camp Meigs prior to entering active service. The 54th Massachusetts regiment trained here, as dramatically portrayed in the film "Glory."

The first image, seen above, is a broad view of the main parade ground. A large number of civilians are present, including ladies, all mingled with many soldiers. We must presume that these are friends and families of the regiment greeting their loved ones who have returned from the North Carolina campaign. Several people are seated in carriages. No officer of rank greater than captain can be discerned. An armed sentry parades in the fore ground for the benefit of the camera operator. In the right background, one can see a building with the large sign reading "Army Boots" -- no doubt the office of the post sutler.

The 44th Massachusetts was a nine month regiment which mustered in early September of 1862, and was reviewed by Governor Andrew on October 15th before it was dispatched by steamer to Beaufort, N.C. to join Stevenson's Brigade of Foster's 18th Corps. A few days later, on November 1st, the unit suffered its first casualties in a skirmish at Rawle's Mill: two killed and six wounded. The 44th was again engaged during the Goldsboro expedition in December, losing eight killed and ten wounded at Whitehall.

In March of 1863, the 44th reinforced the garrison of Little Washington and remained there through the siege until April 14th, when it returned to Camp at New Bern, N.C. Company F was involved in the Gum Swamp affair in late April.

Returning to the Bay State, the regiment was furloughed until June 16th, when it reassembled at Camp Meigs for the joyous occasion of mustering out and the taking of these photographs.

The second large albumen, seen at right, appears to have been taken near the first -- perhaps behind one of the barracks. It depicts Company F of the 44th MVM. The company's Enfield rifles are stacked in tripods. The regimental flag is displayed with the words GUM SWAMP prominently lettered on one of the bars (enlargement below). This represents honors awarded Company F for the action on April 27 and 28, 1863 at Gum Swamp, North Carolina. That tale is told on the next page.

Another photograph of the 44th Mass. was recorded at this time in carte de visite format, again by Black of Boston. It is a group portrait of the captains and lieutenants of the regiment, and is dated June 22nd, 1863.

After the 44th Massachusetts had mustered out, not a few officers and men re-enlisted in other regiments. Thirteen served as officers in the 54th Massachusetts. Two of these were killed and five wounded during the assault on Fort Wagner in the summer of 1863. Of interest, Capt. William H. Simpkins, late of the 44th, had his presentation .32 Smith & Wesson revolver taken from his body at Fort Wagner. In 1875, a Major R. James, formerly of the 11th Tennessee, C.S.A., placed a letter in the Boston Globe and ultimately returned the revolver to Simpkins's father. James had removed the weapon from an unidentified Union officer at the battle of Kennesaw, Georgia. Apparently, that U.S. officer had taken the gun from the C.S. soldier who had originally claimed it from Simpkins at Fort Wagner.

The author is seeking an image of Surgeon Thomas Sims, Medical Director of the 3rd Corps, Army of the Potomac, 1863.

Copyright Military Images Nov/Dec 1999
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