At the 2013 Annual Membership Meeting on January 20, the 22nd Massachusetts membership voted on our official slate of events for the 2013 season. These events may be considered "maximum effort" for members of the 22nd MVI, and constitute a good spread of living histories, battle reenactments (both local and national), as well as a national-scale, authentic tactical for good measure.

Events marked with "NEB" are in conjunction with our regional parent organization, the New England Brigade.
Those marked with "MG" are in conjunction with our national parent organization, the Mifflin Guard.

Members: Please be advised of the below 'max effort' events; and take note of the event coordinator listed. Please also note that private events such as drills, are not noted below, but will appear to members on the event calendar.

For those wishing to consider joining the 22nd Massachusetts, please review the "Recruiting" section above; and contact our recruiter Doug Lyons (recruiter@22ndmass.org) for further information; and so that he might be prepared to meet with you at an event noted below.

For those wishing an appearance by the 22nd Massachusetts on an ersatz basis in 2013, or for inclusion in the official 2014 schedule-- Please review the "Request an Appearance" section here.

The off-season may be upon us, but the research of the members of the recreated 22nd MVI on our historical antecedents continues apace. John Patten in particular continues to dig up numerous amazing tidbits from his meanderings around the country and the web alike.

A recent discovery is some collected letters of Private Alvah Cotton, posted in our archives. These letters were condensed by his wife and shared for posterity-- and are now available thanks to John's research and transcription.



These letters, and many more transcriptions-- primarily by our own John Patten and Jeremy Fraine-- are available in our Writing of the Original 22nd MVI section.

On this day exactly 150 years ago -- June 27 1862-- the original 22nd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry were engaged at Gaines Mill. The 22nd MVI were kept in reserve through much of the fight. When having exhausted their 60 rounds of ammunition, the 2nd Maine and 13th New York collapsed in front of them to the rebel onslaught, the 22nd MVI was struck by superior numbers from three sides. In the brief moments of battle, the 22nd MVI lost half it's strength, including Colonel Jesse Gove and Captain John Dunning.

Regimental historian John Parker reflected that "It was a sad night for the Twenty-second. Not a man but had lost a comrade, for one half of those who marched in the morning were no longer in the ranks."

Drum-Major Marshall Pike penned the following verse to fallen Gove:



This day, in their honor.

Peake’s Crossing, Hanover, Virginia
(aka Templeton)

May 27, 1862

Dear Sir,

I have the honor to report on the actions of the 22nd Massachusetts, Company D, during the recent engagement near Hanover Court House, Virginia.

After a lengthy march, the company arrived in camp over the course of Friday night and Saturday morning, there being much straggling along the muddy roads from Gaines Mill. By morning our company reported 16 rifles prepared for duty. Together with two civilian representatives from the United States Sanitary Commission Boston Branch (attached) our numbers on the field on Saturday were 18 in aggregate. Our company, I am pleased to report, was designated 1st Company and held that position during the duration of the encampment.

After a brief dress parade on Saturday morning, the other companies of the battalion were deployed on patrol towards Hanover Court House to determine the position of the enemy. Company D, owing to the presence of a large number of new recruits, was held in camp for purposes of drill. And drill we did for nearly the entire morning, training the recruits on a great many maneuvers. Particular attention was given to loading and firing. I must say that the first volley (for several of our company, the first round they had fired in the ranks) was as crisp as any I have heard, much to my satisfaction and a testament to the quality of our fine recruits. I would here commend our newest privates, James O’Donnell, John Spears, Dan Blakie and Matthew Patten (the latter, while not new to the company, has recently been promoted from the ranks of the musicians).

At approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday, the battalion was deployed in the direction of Hanover Court House, the aim being to occupy and hold a position at Peake’s Crossing. We encountered a strong force of Confederates who checked our advance. Being 1st Company, we were deployed first and went into line to the right of a field gun, our right flank anchored on a sturdy stone wall. Here we fired for some time against rebel skirmishers in coordination with the gun. At length, additional companies were deployed in our support, and we advanced towards a barn, driving the rebels before us. To our great satisfaction, the majority of the left wing of our battalion, having navigated a treacherous path through a dense swamp, managed to gain the rear of the Confederate position and the engagement was soon ended. We had a number of wounded, but most were able to field in the action of the following day.

Our company was much comforted by the efforts of the ladies of the Sanitary Commission over the course of the encampment. Fortifying meals were in generous supply and for that we are most indebted to them.

Sunday morning saw our numbers reduced to 14 soldiers fit for duty, although the number of Sanitary Commission workers increased to 4, maintaining an aggregate of 18 present. Much of the morning was devoted to skirmish drill.

At approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday, the entire Corps being ordered to retire from Peake’s Crossing, our battalion was given the position of rear guard. Determined to hold off any rebel pursuit, our battalion formed a line of battle with our company deployed in advance as skirmishers. I would commend the company for their fine deployment, done with as much coolness as on the drill field, though the rebel cavalry was already in our front. Ordered to advance and hold the line, I moved our skirmishers ever closer to the enemy. We were repeatedly charged by cavalry and forced to rally by fours. Our battalion was calamitously flanked by Confederate infantry and I was notified by the General that our position, lately our front, was now the rear guard of a general retreat. I was ordered to hold the line. Desperate casualties prevented me from following these orders as most of my company was killed or captured, being enveloped by the enemy on three sides. Casualties were equally heavy throughout the battalion.

After a lengthy march back to Gaines Mill, what remained of our company was cheered to return to our canvas camp. Private Joseph Fraine, ever ready to lift the spirits of the men, conducted a good humored ritual to initiate our new recruits, now “fresh fish” no longer.

I would like to commend the efforts of First Sergeant Bradford Kendall who diligently saw to the needs of the company during this deployment, particularly while I was, due to ill health, a guest of the field hospital. The company is in good hands under Sgt. Kendall.

Your humble and obedient servant,

Capt. Patrick Browne
22nd Massachusetts, Company D

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Images courtesy Karen Purrone, 14th Connecticut, Company F here: ( LINK )

On April 28 2012, the 22nd Massachusetts led a living history on the lawn of the venerable Emily Dickinson Homestead & Museum. The 22nd MVI had a very busy day, opening with a well-attended drill at 11 AM sharp led by Sergeant Kendall and interpreted for the hale crowd by Captain Browne. At noon, Jen Eastman-Lawrence, Quartermaster Rob O'Bryan and Private James Lawrence entertained the spectators with sequence of songs underlining the effect of the Civil War on the populace. By 1:30 PM, the crowd was primed for a talk by Captain Browne on the 21st Massachusetts-- a focus of much of his own personal research-- its Colonel William Smith Clark, and his adjutant Frazar Stearns. Stearns was a student of nearby Amherst College and a friend to the Dickinson family. The day was closed out with the recitation of a number of poems that highlighted the personal experiences of common people during the war, as read by Jennifer Cotie, Jen Eastman-Lawrence, Captain Browne, Sergeant Kendall, Quartermaster O'Bryan, Corporal Peck, and Private Jeff Lawrence. Throughout the course of the day, Corporal Peck organized and led a number of musters for the younger spectators-- and had quite an extensive following. At one point, the writer noted a long line of mini-privates following Corporal Peck around like baby ducks. Equally mobbed over the course of the day was the United States Sanitary Commission - Boston display manned by Carolyn DiMeo and Jennifer Cotie. Many excellent reports were heard by this writer from the museum staff as to their doings; and the evidence of the huge crowds around the USSC tent speaks volumes in and of itself.

The 22nd MVI was well represented in both the civilian and military ranks. The civilian contingent consisted of Carolyn DiMeo, Jennifer Cotie and Jen Eastman-Lawrence. The military wing was led by Captain Patrick Browne, Sergeant Brad Kendall, Quartermaster Rob O'Bryan, Sergeant Ron Eaton of the Second Andrews Sharpshooters, Corporal David Peck, and Ordnance Sergeant Greg Lynes. The military was rounded out by Privates Doug Lyons, Dan Blakie, Mike Reimer, James Lawrence, James Barrett, Evan Liotta, Drew Mondry, and Jeff Lawrence.
(If the writer has forgotten anyone, his deepest apologies. He is working solely off his spotty memory.)

Pre-event press coverage may be found at Boston Events Insider (link) and MassLive (link).

Post-event coverage will be included here when available.

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Upcoming Event: The 22nd Massachusetts will next be engaged at a battle reenactment in Templeton, Massachusetts with our regional affiliation, the New England Brigade. This event will run May 18-20, with public events on the latter two days. 22nd MVI members who would like to sign up should contact Sgt. Kendall for further information.

On 9 April 2012, members of the 22nd Massachusetts and the USSC - Boston (part of our civilian element) joined with the Lawrence Civil War Memorial Guard, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry and 9th Massachusetts Battery in kicking off the 150th anniversary of the Civil War at an event hosted by Governor Deval Patrick at the state house in Boston.

A number of events are being planned throughout the Commonwealth, assisted in no small part by our own Patrick Browne, Captain of the 22nd MVI - Recreated and Executive Director of the Duxbury Historical Society. In addition to Captain Browne, the 22nd MVI was represented well by Brevet Lieutenant Mike Welch, Sergeants Rob O'Bryan and Rick Janhola, Corporal David Peck, Privates John Duprey and Patten, and Musician Matt Patten. The USSC was represented by Carolyn Dimeo, Deb Di Franco-Andrade and Ted Andrade.

Press coverage of the event via the Boston Globe may be found here.

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UPCOMING 22nd MVI EVENT

The next official 22nd Massachusetts event is a living history at the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts on Saturday, April 28. The event is free and open to the public. Come see us there!

On Saturday March 31, elements of the 22nd Massachusetts joined with the 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery and a group of Coast Guard cadets in a project led by fellow progressive unit the 14th Connecticut, Co. F to help clean up and restore Fort Trumbull in New London Connecticut. As part of the Civil War Trust 'Parks Day', the collected group cleaned and prepared some of the fort's rooms, and prepared and painted the casemates; all in anticipation of the visit by the tall ships this coming summer. According to Park Supervisor Lincoln, the work done by the volunteers in one day saved three weeks of labor by his small maintenance crew of two men, freeing them up for other projects at the three separate facilities they administer.

14th CVI President Irving Moy wished to extend his thanks to the 22nd MVI for supporting this project, and expressed his hope that we might continue to join with them in future ventures.

The 22nd MVI was represented by First Sergeant Brad Kendall, Privates James and Jeff Lawrence, and civilians Jen Eastman-Lawrence and Sarah Lawrence.

(Press clipping about the project here. Photo of Irving Moy courtesy of Tim Cook/The Day.)

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UPCOMING 22nd MVI EVENT

The next official 22nd Massachusetts event is a living history at the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts. The event is free and open to the public. Come see us there!

On the 18th of March, 2012, the 22nd MVI joined with the USSC - Boston to commemorate St. Patrick's Day in Boston Massachusetts. The South Boston St. Patrick's Day parade is listed as the second largest parade in the country, being viewed by nearly 600,000 to one million people every year. In addition, the parade was broadcast live overseas to the brave women and men of the Armed Forces.

The 22nd MVI was led admirably on the three mile march by Brevet Lieutenant Mike Welch and First Sergeant Brad Kendall. Sergeant Gus Gallagher, Corporal David Peck, Doug Lyons, Greg Lynes and Dan Blakie filled out the ranks; while musician Matthew Patten completed the military element. Civilians Sue Gallagher and Jennifer Cotie-DeOliveira represented the USSC Boston Branch.


A few images from the event are posted in our 2012 Photo Gallery .

The 22nd Massachusetts will next support the Civil War Trust in a preservation effort at Fort Trumbull, Trumbull CT. Look for us!

February 12 2012, the 22nd MVI and the USSC - Boston joined with our comrades in the Salem Guard to commemorate President Lincoln's birthday in Milton Massachusetts. The USSC set up their massive display inside the front parlor to entertain and educate the plentiful attendees about the works of the original Boston Branch of the relief organization, whilst the 22nd MVI and Salem Guard drilled and chatted with spectators outside about the contributions to the war effort by the troops at home.

The 22nd MVI was led admirably by Brevet Lieutenant Mike Welch and First Sergeant Brad Kendall. Privates Mike Reimer, John Duprey, James and Jeff Lawrence, and two new recruits filled out the ranks; while Quartermaster Rob O'Bryan, Ordnance specialist Greg Lynes, musicians Ted Andrade and Keigan DeOliveira completed the military element. Civilians Deb DiFranco, Carolyn Dimeo, Vanessa Dautruche and Jennifer Cotie- DeOliveira staffed the USSC Boston Branch display.

(My apologies to those who names the webmaster does not recall or missed.)

A few images from the event are posted in our 2012 Photo Gallery courtesy of 22nd MVI photo-historian Michelle Genereux Duprey.

Milton Patriot Ledger Coverage (link)

The 22nd Massachusetts will next take the field for the South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade. Look for us!

On Saturday the 4th of February, the 22nd Massachusetts participated in the annual celebration of Revolutionary War town hero Benjamin Lincoln and his descendant Abraham Lincoln. The 22nd MVI took part in a parade to the statue of President Lincoln at the town common and a commemoration at historic Old Ship Church. Following the ceremony, the 22nd MVI marched through the burial ground behind the church to the grave site of Governor John Albion Andrew where they fired a salute to the man responsible for seeing to Massachusetts' readiness for the coming unpleasantness of 1861.

The 22nd MVI was represented by Captain Patrick Browne, First Sergeant Brad Kendall, Quartermaster Sergeant Rob O'Bryan, Corporals Bill Collins and David Peck, Privates Doug Lyons, Dan Blakie, Mike Reimer, John Patten, and Peter Lee; and Musicians Matt Patten, Keigan DeOliveira and Teddy Andrade. Civilians in attendance included Deb DiFranco and Jennifer Cotie-DeOliveira.

(Apologies to any the author may have missed.)

A few images from the event are posted in our 2012 Photo Gallery.

Hingham Patch Coverage (link)
Patriot Ledger Coverage (link)