It is now my province to recall the service rendered by those not in the organizations closely identified with this community, but who were counted on its quota, in most instances, and had been residents of the then town prior to the war. They were dispersed through over forty battalions and batteries, the largest number (twenty) being in the First Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry; over three-fourths of those who were killed or died of wounds from Somerville were in this class, and they were the sole representatives of the town upon the firing lines of the Army of the Potomac from August, 1861, to July 13, 1863. They also were conspicuous at Roanoke Island and Newbern; also in the navy during that period, and in the Department of the Gulf. Somerville was very liberal in its care of all who were dependent upon its soldiers, wherever serving; but its greetings and courtesies were wholly for the local companies associated with it in the public mind. This custom very generally prevailed throughout the state. I know of but one exception, when, in Virginia, at Camp Misery, just before the first battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, the Twenty-second Massachusetts was visited by an agent, representing, I believe, Dorchester, Mass. He had a list of all soldiers from his community, and extended kindly greetings to those he found, made careful notes regarding them, and took messages for friends and relatives. He had also visited the general hospitals in Washington and elsewhere. His mission was an agreeable surprise to those favored, and had an excellent effect upon all with whom he conversed. I note the above incident as a lesson for the future, if unhappily it should ever be necessary for the city to again send its sons to war.
