22ndMass / USSC Boston Branch
"Here's a yellow sash for six feet of Virginia soil..."
Captain John F. Dunning, 22nd MVI, Co. D
Proceeedings of the Gove Lyceum
The following is the transcribed record of the Gove Lyceum located in the Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Worcester.
Gove Lyceum
Organized August 26, 1863
Officers for 1st Q ending Sept 30, 1863
Calvin S. Mixter President
Walter Carter Secretary & Treasurer
William L. Emerson Executive Comittee
James O. Wood Executive Comittee
George H. Ackerman Executive Comittee
Sub Committees
Committee on Debate
C. S. Mixter
G. H. Ackerman
Committe on Declamation
Walter Carter
James O. Wood
Committe on Music
Wm L Emerson
Committee on Halls
Geo H Lovejoy
The Lyceum Casket
Editor George F Stone
Asst Editor E. L. Dickerman
First regular meeting held at
Camp near Beverly Ford, Virginia Augsut 29, 1863
Constitution
Framed Aug 26, 1863
Article I. Name This association shall be known as "The Gove Lyceum"
Article II. Objects The objects of this association are mutual improvement, instruction and recreation: and in order to accomplish these results, the meetings of the association shall be devoted to debates on such subjects as may be selected, declamation, the reading of a journal containing original contributions from the members, with such other exercises as a majority may determine.
Article III. Members Any Officer or enlisted man, belonging to the regiment may become a member of this association by signing the Constitution.
Article IV. Officers The offiers of this association shall be a President adn Secretary, who shall be chosen by ballot at the business meetings of the Association in March, June, September and December to server for three months.
There shall also be an Executive committee of five, two whom shall be the President and Secretary, who will be chosen in the same manner and for the same time.
Article V. Duties of Officers The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association if present. Should he be absent a President pro term will be chosen.The Secretary shall keep correct record of all the proceedings of the Association. He shall act as Treasurer should occasion require.
The Executive committee shall choose from their own number, sub committees on Debate, Declamation and for such other purpose as may be deemed necessary and shall prepare and present for the action of the association from time to time all needful rules and regulations.
Article VI. Meetings The meetings of the Association shall be held at least once a week, whenever practicable, and shall be open to all, whether members or not.Regular meetings for business shall be held on the last Thursday evening of each month. No one shall be allowed to participate in the transaction of business who is not a member of the Association. All proceedings of the association shall be conducted according to the rules contained in "Cushing’s Manual".
Article VII. Alterations and Amendments This Constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of two thirds of the members present at any meeting for business, provided, notice of the proposed alteration or amendment has been previously given.
Signatures
Calvin S Mixter
William Lyman
Walter Carter
Josiah K. Reynolds
William L. Emerson
Mark E. Hanson
George H. Ackerman
Dan E. Reagan
James O. Wood
William F. Webster
Andrew Wilson
Chas H. Haseltine
Erza L. Dickerman
David Nickerson
Wm H. Madden
George L. Stone
H. G. Newhall
Joseph H. Watson
A. O. Swett
John L. G. Williams
Benj F. Woodbury
Wm. H. Wood
B. Henry Walker
F. E. Sprague
Charles H. Neal
James W. Gardner
Lucius B. Adams
Daniel Wares
Joseph Knott
John H. Hone
Moses C. Noyes
Edw E. Nehall
George E. Lovejoy
James E. Donelly
James M. F. Little
Samuel Appleton
John E. Dodge
H. A. Royer
Henry Lavender
Isaac H. Stearns
Geo L. Smith
John Newmarch
Henry F. Tolmon
Nathan L. Meands
Edward L. Robinson
Marcus M. Davis
James M. Allen
William H. Steele
John R. Richardson
John Smith
James Williams
J. W. McKenzie
Patrick Landry
William H. Bolton
George W. G. Davis
Arthur J. Soden
Rev. C. M. Tyler
Charles Galacar
Wm H Johnson
T. Warren
James T Wittel
James McCue
George C Steele
Edgar Hall
Joseph H. Baxter
Richard F. Lyman
J. G. Kinsley
G. F. Wiley
Alexis C Dean
James K. Reynolds
D. Rankin
James Rankin
George Smith
D. L. Cheney
James H. Abbott
By Laws
1. Meetings. The meetings of the association shall be held twice a week, on Tuesday and Saturday evenings, commencing at 8 o'clock and closing at 10 precisely. The meetings on Tuesday evening shall be devoted to Debate and those of Saturday evening to Declamation, singing and reading of the paper.
All special business meetings shall be called by the Executive Committee upon the request of five members and one fourth of the members of the Association shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all the business meeting of the Association.
2. Rules of Order. No profanity or ungentlemanly conduct during the hours of a meeting shall be tolerated. No member shall be allowed to speak longer then ten minutes on any subject, nor shall he be allowed to speak more then once until all have had an opportunity of speaking. In no case will a subject be continued over to another meeting. All discussions must be decided the same night by a vote of the meeting.
3. Subject for Debate. All subjects for Debate must be handed in to the Secretary, who will pass them over to the Committee on Debate, who shall decide upon them and choose Disputants, both of which will be announced in the call for regular meeting.
4. Declamations. Members wishing to declaim will hand in to the Committee on Declamations their names and pieces which they wish to speak. Selections will be made from them and they will be arranged in proper order for that part of the Saturday evenings entertainment.
5. Music. Members having pieces to sing will refer them to the Committee on Music, who will arrange and prepare them for the evening set apart for declamation, paper and singing.
6. Paper. All communications for the paper must be original and will be handed to the Editor in season for publication at the stated meetings. The actual name of the writer must be subscribed and a fictitious name enclosed if desired. No ? shall be indulged in.
7. Obedience, Suspension, Alterations, etc. The above rules shall be strictly obeyed and adhered to by the members of the Lyceum. Suspension of the rules may be allowed by a two thirds vote of the members present and a majority shall cause alteration to take place and additions to be made in these By-Laws at a regular or special business meeting.
Amendments.
1. So much as paragraph 1st as reads "Tuesday and Saturday Evenings" to hereafter read thus "Tuesday and Friday Evenings".Records of the Meetings - Regular and Business of the Gove Lyceum
Records of the Meetings - Regular and Business of the Gove Lyceum
Camp of the 22 Mass Regt
Near Beverly Ford, Va.
Aug 24, 1863
A meeting was held this evening to consider the expediency of forming an association to engage in exercises that will improve and instruct, while at the same time, they will furnish recreation for the members of the regiment. About fifteen men were present.
The meeting was called to order by W. L. Emerson of Co. H. who stated briefly the object. On motion, C. S. Mixter, Co. B. was chosen Chairman and Sergt. Maj. W. Carter Secretary.
Voted that C. S. Mixter, Co. B., W. L. Emerson Co. H., and James. O. Wood Co. S.S. be appointed a committee to prepare a plan of organization.
Voted that Sergt. Wm. H. Madden Co. S.S. and Geo. H. Ackerman Co. A. be appointed to a committee to obtain the names of all members of the regiment who would like to belong to the proposed association.
After some remarks of a conversational nature, embracing suggestions for the guidance of the committee on organization, it was voted to adjourn until Wednesday Evening.
W. Carter
Secretary.
Camp Near Beverly Ford, Va.
Wednesday Evening
Aug 26, 1863
The adjourned meeting of the one assembled on the evening of Aug. 24, was called to order by the Chairman. The report of the last meeting was then called for and read by the Secretary. The constitution as prepared by the committee chosen at the previous meeting was read by the Chairmen embodying the general plan of organization and rules for guidance of the association.
A name was proposed in the 1st article - Gove Lyceum which met with the approval of all assembled and upon motion, the constitution was accepted. It was then moved and seconded to adopt the several articles separately, and in regular order they were unanimously agreed to.
The report of the committee appointed to obtain names of those willing to belong to the Association was read by the Chairman and accepted. A committee of those - Sergt. Wilson Co. K., Corpl. Hanson Co. I. and Corpl. Richardson Co. D. were appointed to prepare a list of nominations for permanent officers of the Association, as provided in the constitution. Having reported names for a President, Secretary and executive Committee it was voted to ballot for officers, and a committee was chosen to distribute, collect and count the votes. The meeting then proceeded to ballot, resulting in the following choice of officers for the first quarter:
Calvin S. Mixter President
Walter Carter Secretary
G. H. Ackerman Executive Committee
W.L. Emerson Executive Committee
James O. Wood Executive Committee
The President being elected unanimously.
An informal ballot was taken for Editor of a journal, provided for in the Constitution. The same committee on collecting and sorting votes acting as before.
The vote was as follows:
George F. Stone 12
E. L. Dickerman 6
Scattering (?) 4
The choice of the meeting being evident, a formal ballot was proceeded to, George F. Stone received a majority and was declared elected. He accepted the position assigned him in a brief speech acknowledging the honor conferred and thanking the members for the confidence expressed in him. He closed by assuring them of his best endeavors, etc.
E. L. Dickerman was elected Asst. Editor and accepted the office in a few words of thanks.
Upon motion, the Constitution was reread by the Chairman of the meeting and explanations made of several of the articles therein contained, by the Chairman of the committee who founded it.
Voted to place the Constitution in the hands of a committee of two, Sergts. Ackerman and Madden for the purpose of obtaining signatures.
It was then moved and seconded to choose a subject for debate at the next meeting, and it the following was selected by a vote of the meeting.
Is the abolition of slavery essential to the restoration and preservation of the Union?
It was voted that the Chair choose disputants, six in number - three on a side. After the motion to the effect that the Editor, Mr. Stone, should present a name for the paper subject to the approval of the next meeting, had been affirmatively considered, it was voted to adjourn until next Saturday Evening.
W. Carter
Secretary
Camp Near Beverly Ford, Va.
Saturday Evening
Aug 29, 1863
The adjourned meeting of “Gove Lyceum” met at 81/4 o’clock and was called to order by te President. All preliminary and unfinished business was immediately taken up. The records were read by the Secretary and accepted. The committee on signatures to the Constitution reported their success and asked for more time, which was granted them. The sub committee on Debate, Declamation and Music
<...2 missing pages...>
..new tent was well filled, and an unusual interest was manifested. The meeting was called to order by the President, and the Secretary took the chair at the request of the President. The program of songs and Declamation was then gone through with and the paper read by the editor. After voting thanks to those who erected and furnished our place of assembly, the meeting adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
Camp Near Beverly Ford, Va.
Sept 8, 1863
The meeting was called to order by the President, and a subject for debate at next regular meeting for that exercise was selected by the members present. The records were read by the Secretary and a slight alteration made in them upon motion of Dr. Stearns. The subject for the evening debate Were the Indians wrongfully treated by the early settlers of this Country? Was then taken up, and opened by Corporal Richardson in favor of the affirmative. He was followed by Corporal Wares after which, several made interesting remarks, the debate being closed by Lt Royce and Dr. Stearns for the affirmative and negative respectively. The debate was decided for the negative, by vote of the meeting. Voted to chose a subject for the next debate. The following selected Will the existing war prove benefical to the Country in its results? Voted that two principal disputants, be chosen by the chair and that they select their own colleagues. Sergeant Ackerman was selected to open for the affirmative and Sergeant Robinson for the negative. The meeting then adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
Camp Near Beverly Ford, Va.
Sept 8, 1863
The meeting was called to order by the President, and a subject for debate at next regular meeting for that exercise was selected by the members present. The records were read by the Secretary and a slight alteration made in them upon motion of Dr. Stearns. The subject for the evening debate Were the Indians wrongfully treated by the early settlers of this Country? Was then taken up, and opened by Corporal Richardson in favor of the affirmative. He was followed by Corporal Wares after which, several made interesting remarks, the debate being closed by Lt Royce and Dr. Stearns for the affirmative and negative respectively. The debate was decided for the negative, by vote of the meeting. Voted to chose a subject for the next debate. The following selected Will the existing war prove benefical to the Country in its results? Voted that two principal disputants, be chosen by the chair and that they select their own colleagues. Sergeant Ackerman was selected to open for the affirmative and Sergeant Robinson for the negative. The meeting then adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
Camp near Culpepper Court House
September 28, 1863
The regular meeting of the Lyceum was called to order by the Secretary, the President being absent. Upon motion, James O. Wood was chosen President pro tem. It was voted to choose a committee of three to make arrangements for a suitable place for the next meeting, and hereafter while remaining in the present camp. Emerson, Wiley and Wares were appointed to act as that committee. It was also voted to meet Wednesday night (Sept. 30th) for regular monthly business and to choose officers for the next quarter. No further business being before the meeting, the debate was commenced by Corporal Richardson, both disputants being absent. He spoke for the affirmative on the question -Will the existing war prove beneficial in its results to this Country? Wm. F. Webster followed for the negative, and W. L. Emerson made remarks on he affirmative side. He was replied to by Dr. Stearns, and James O. Wood closed the debate for the negative. No person volunteering to speak, the question was put to vote, upon the merits of the respective arguments and decided in favor of the affirmative. The subject of the next debate was acted upon and left to the Executive committee, to be presented by that committee in season for consideration. The meeting then adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
Camp near Culpepper Court House, Va.
Sept. 30th, 1863
Monthly Business Meeting
Meeting called to order by the Secretary. James O. Wood was chosen President pro tem. A committee of three was appointed to distribute, collect , sort and count votes. Sergeant Jewett, Madden and Corploral Richardson were chosen by a vote of the meeting to serve on that committee. The members at once proceeded to ballot for officers of the Lyceum for the next regular quarter, embeacing the months of October, November, December, with the following results –
William L. Emerson – elected President
Walter Carter – reelected Secretary
William H. Madden – elected Executive Committee
George H. Ackerman – elected Executive Committee
John R. Richardson – elected Executive Committee
George F. Stone – reelected Editor of Casket
George H. Ackerman – reelected Assistant Editor of Casket
A committee to consist of the Editor and Assistant Editor was appointed to inquire into the cost of printing the members of the “Lyceum Casket” and the outside expense attending it, with instructions to report at as early a day as possible. A contribution was then taken up to defray the current expenses of the Lyceum, after which the meeting adjourned.
At a meeting of the Executive Committee, Monday, October 5th, the following sub committees were selected –
Committee on Debate
George H. Ackerman
John R. Richardson
Committee on Declamation
William L. Emerson
Walter Carter
Committee on Music
William H. Madden
Committee on Halls
George H. Lovejoy
W. Carter
Secretary
Camp near Culpepper Court House, Va.
October 3, 1863
The meeting was called to order by the President, who in a few remarks, thanked the members for the present trust conferred upon him and expressed his intentions to perform the duties of his office to the best of his ability. The seconds were read by the Secretary, after which a vote of thanks were presented to those who put up the tent for our occupation. The following subject for next debate was presented by Corporal J. R. Richardson - Which is the stronger, a Monarchical or Republican form of Government? It was accepted by a vote of the meeting. No other business being before the meeting, the list of exercises was carried out and the meeting adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
Camp near Culpepper Court House, Va.
October 6, 1863
The meeting, Tuesday evening, was called to order by the President, and the records read by the Secretary. The list of subjects for next debate were presented by the Committee on Debate, for the consideration of those present, and two disputants named – Nathan L. Meands and Lucius B. Adams. The members present selected the following – Which is stronger Love or Hate? And accepeted the name of the disputants, the former, N. L. Meands to take the subject of Love, the latter, L. B. Adams, Hate. Report on the Cmmittee on Funding the Paper, was called for, and the Editor, G. F. Stone stated the labors of that committee. The meeting then proceeded to debate. The question – Is a Republican the strongest form of Government? was opened by Wm. F. Webster for the affirmative and followed by Dr. Stearns on the negative. Corporal Richardson spoke for the affirmative. E. L. Dickerman declared himself to be for the negative and H. A. Royce followed for the affirmative. No other person wishing to speak on either side. Dr. Stearns made a few additional remarks and was replied to by Lt Royce, who closed the debate. The question was decided in favor of the affirmative. The quartette last sung several fine pieces during the evening, and the meeting after joining with them in the song of “America”, adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
In Camp near Beverly Fords, Virginia
February 9, 1864
The first regular meeting of the Lyceum for a long period was called to order by the President, who made a few opening remarks. The exercise, consisting of declamation and singing, were then taken up and after being competed, it was announced that a business meeting for choices of officers 1st quarter 1864 would be held during the week sometime. The meeting was closed by singing America.
W. Carter
Secretary
February 11, 1864
At a business meeting was held this evening the following officers were chosen for the 1st Quarter, 1864.
William L. Emerson President
Walter Carter Secretary
George H. Ackerman Executive Committee
George H. Lovejoy Executive Committee
John R. Richardson Executive Committee
George F. Stone Editor of Casket
James O. Wood Assistant Editor of Casket
John L. G. Williams Committee on Halls
During the meeting it was voted by a majority of the members present, to change the 1st paragraph of the By Laws causing it to read “Tuesday and Friday Evenings” instead of “Tuesday and Saturday Evenings”. The meeting then adjourned.
At a meeting of the Executive Committee held Monday afternoon – February 15, 1864, the following sub committees were chosen from theor members, as provided in Article 5 of the Constitution.
Committee on Debate
William L. Emerson
Walter Carter
Committee on Declamation
John R. Richardson
George H. Lovejoy
Committee on Music
George H. Ackerman
Having fulfilled the purpose of the meeting, it was voted to adjourn.
W. Carter
Secretary
Tuesday Evening
February 16, 1864
The meeting was called to order by the President and the seconds read by the Secretary. Upon motion of Dr. Stearns a committee of three – Sergeants Haseltine and Madden and Private Gilligan were chosen judge to decide upon the merits of the debate. The question for the evening, discussion was then taken up. Which is the stronger Love or Hate? Reverend Tyler, the Chaplain of the Regiment opened the debate on the side of Love and was followed by Corporal Richardson on the side of hate. The debate was continued by James O. Wood for the affirmative and Dr. Stearns upon the negative. Mr. Tyler then made a few additional remarks and was replied to by Dr. Stearns. The question was given to the judges, who decided in the favor of Love, upon the merits of the debate. Upon motion, the meeting adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
Friday Evening
February 19, 1864
The regular meeting for declamation, singing and reading of the paper was called to order soon after ? and after the seconds had been read. The exercises were carried through and the meeting adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
Tuesday Evening
February 23, 1864
The meeting was called to order by the Secretary, the President being unavoidably absent. Corporal Richardson was appointed to the chair for the evening. The records having been read by the Secretary, a motion to suspend the By Laws in order to elect an Assistant Editor in the place of James O. Wood, resigned, was carried by a vote of the meeting, and Mr. Sprague of the Sharpshooters was selected for that position. The question for debate - Which exerts the more influence in Society: Intellect or Wealth? was then discussed by Corporal Richardson and Charles Galacar in favor of Intellect and by Dr. Stearns for Wealth. The merits of the debate were decided to be with Wealth by a vote of the meeting. Upon motion of Sargent Madden, a collection to defray current expenses of the Lyceum was taken up, after which the meeting adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
In Camp
February 26, 1864
The regular meeting for declamation, singing and reading of the paper, was called to order by the President, and the records read by the Secretary. After the exercises were completed, the meeting closed by singing America.
W. Carter
Secretary
In Camp
March 1, 1864
The meeting for debate was held as usual on Friday evening. It was called to order by the President, after which the records were read. The subject for debate – Resolved: That civilization is more indebted to Commerce for its progress then to the art of Printing - was opened for the affirmative by Charles Galacar, who was followed by James O. Wood for the negative. Corporal Richardson continued in favor of Commerce and Mt. Tyler spoke on the side of Printing. Dr. Stearns replied on the side of Commerce. Mr. Galacar, Mr. Richardson and Dr. Stearns all made additional remarks and the merits of the debate were then presented to the consideration of the meeting, who decided in favor of Printing. It was then voted to adjourn.
W. Carter
Secretary
In Camp
March 4, 1864
The meeting was called to order by the Secretary, and Corporal J. R. Richardson called to the chair – pro tem. The records where read, and the usual excerices of singing, declamation, and reading of the paper gone through with. After which the meeting adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
In Camp
Tuesday Evening
March 8, 1864
The meeting for debate was called to order by the President, and after the records had been read by the Secretary, the question of discussion - Is Novel reading detrimental to the advancements of morals in Society? - was opened by Mr. Cressey of Co. A, for the affirmative and followed by Dr. Stearns for the negative. The debate was participated in by Misters Gilligan and Wood, and additional remarks were made by Dr. Stearns, Cressey of Co. A, and Wood of Sharpshooters. The merits of the debate where decided to be with the negative by a vote of the meeting. The meeting then adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
In Camp
Friday Evening
March 11, 1864
The usual meeting for declamation, singing and reading of the paper, was devoted this evening to proceedings of a mock court. Sergeant Robinson of Co. I was tried before Dr. Stearns (Judge) upon several indictments of a criminal nature, He was defended by the Chaplain assisted by Mr. Gallacar of Co. A and Royce and Meands acted as Counsel for the prosecution. Lt. ? clerk of the court. The prisoner was proven guilty and sentenced to be hung. After the trial was over, the meeting adjourned. J. R. Richardson acted as Secretary pro tem and read the records of the meeting at opening.
W. Carter
Secretary
In Camp
Tuesday Evening
March 15, 1864
The meeting for debate was held at the usual hour. Adter the records had been read, the subject for discussion was taken up – Is it the duty of the Volunteer of 1861 to reenlist? Dr. Stearns and Chaplain Tyler spoke on the affirmative side of the question and Lt. Meands, Ackerman, Galacar, Sargent Robinson, Emerson, Madden, Gilligan on the negative. The question was decided by vote of the members present in favor of the negative, after which the meeting adjourned.
W. Carter
Secretary
In Camp
Tuesday Evening
March 18, 1864
The exercises of the meeting this evening consisted of declamation, and reading from the paper. Mr Adams of the 118th Pa. Vols. favored those present with readings form Shakespeare and two declamations in addition to the regular programme. The meeting adjourned, to meet again on Tuesday evening for debate.
W. Carter
Secretary
Friday Evening
April 8, 1864
The quarterly business meeting was held this evening. It was called to order by the Secretary, and James O. Wood was chosen President. The following officers for the 2nd quarter, 1864 were elected -
Dr. Stearns President
James O. Wood Secretary
Sergeant Madden Executive Committee
Sergeant Robinson Executive Committee
Sergeant Wilson Executive Committee
The election of Editor and Assistant was deferred to another meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
James O. Wood
Secretary
Tuesday Evening
April 12, 1864
The meeting was called to order by the President at the usual hour. After the reading of the records the following question was discussed – Ought Capital Punishment be Abolished? Sergeant Richardson opened the debate upon the affirmative. Mr Gallagher of Co. A, replied in the negative. After an animated debate the question was decided by a vote of the house – the merits of the debate being in favor of the negative. Sergeant W. Carter was chosen Editor for the present by acclamation. Adjourned to Friday evening, April 15th.
James O. Wood