Named for Massachusetts governor John Albion Andrew--who prevented these two companies from joining the nationalized Berdan's sharp-shooters so that their families could continue to receive state aid--the Andrew Sharpshooters often transferred from unit to unit as the need for their unique, long-range shooting skills changed. This first chronicle of the Massachusetts Andrew Sharpshooters details their day-to-day activities and their courageous service at Seven Pines, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and numerous other Civil War battles. Thorough historical and genealogical information on every man who served in the unit completes this study of these significant but overlooked foot soldiers.

Firsthand accounts from civil war snipers

Marlborough/Hudson's Civil War history and service records were destroyed on December 25, 1902, when the Town Hall burned to the ground. Through research, they have been recreated and chronicled in this book.The pragmatic people of Marlborough/Hudson displayed their contempt for slavery 13 years before the Civil War. They held a "Free-Soil Meeting" in 1848 with over 800 attendees. In 1850, they voted, "not to aid; resist" the Fugitive Slave Law. In 1859, they invited abolitionist Reverend Henry Ward Beecher, to give a series of lectures in the Town Hall. They called for an "Indignation" meeting when John Brown was executed.On April 12, 1861, General P.G.T. Beauregard began three days of shelling Fort Sumter, at the tip of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. On April 19, 1861, Edward Ingraham and Patrick Kenna rushed from Marlborough to Worcester and enlisted in the 3rd Battalion of Rifles for three months. The earliest a legal town meeting could be held was April 29, 1861, and a war committee of ten men was established that day. Thus, began a process that Marlborough/Hudson would use for the duration of the war.A Biographical Roster lists 1,033 men whose service was accredited to Marlborough/Hudson. It delineates their military service, birth, death, parents' names (including mother's maiden), burial place and other notable accomplishments when information was available.Marlborough/Hudson served in almost 75% of all organizations organized by Massachusetts. 76 men were killed as a result of battle, 49 more died of disease, 68 became prisoners of war, 178 were wounded in battle, and 222 became disabled and were discharged for their disabilities.Every black organization formed by Massachusetts was served by Marlborough/Hudson men, as well as National U.S. Colored Regiments.The women of these towns formed Soldiers' Aid Societies. They organized sewing circles known as Ladies' Benevolent Societies. They did much more to comfort soldiers and their families.Marlborough/Hudson surpassed all duty required of her for the preservation of our Nation. It is this book's intention that her resolute service never be forgotten.

Hopkinton acted early in the defense of our nation. Fort Sumter was attacked April 12, 1861. On April 19, 1861, Massachusetts's troops were fired on in Baltimore, Maryland. It was the "Pearl Harbor" of that generation; the town's people were appalled. The earliest Hopkinton could hold a Town Meeting was April 29, 1861. They did, and formed a War Committee that acted to appropriate funds for soldiers and their families, as well as form a Militia Company.Hopkinton was there from the beginning to the end. The first soldier to enlist was Edward Dove, on May 13, 1861. He was a sergeant in the 3rd Battalion of Riflemen known as "Dodd's Riflemen". Ironically, he would be among the last as on April 14, 1865, he accepted an appointment as Captain in the 103rd U.S. Colored Infantry. The last soldier to enlist from Hopkinton was Emory Watkins, February 17, 1865, into the 17th Mass. Vol. Inf. Throughout the war, Hopkinton's quota was 409 men. After exemptions, the quota was reduced below that number. Hopkinton supplied 478 men, well above her obligation. Hopkinton men went on to serve in 55% of all military units sent out by the Commonwealth. Fortunately, no one battle destroyed a high number of Hopkinton men.Still, twenty-six men would be killed in action, thirteen would die from wounds they received in battle, twenty-seven would die of disease, seventy-nine were wounded, and seventy-seven would become disabled and discharged. The Commonwealth, throughout the war, would raise two black infantry and one black cavalry regiment. Hopkinton would provide black men to serve in the two Infantry units, and an officer for the cavalry unit. Hopkinton also provided white men as officers in National black regiments.On the home front, the women of Hopkinton would also exceed expectations. They created an Auxiliary Association of the United States Sanitary Commission, through which they provided much needed supplies for the comfort and survival of the soldiers in the field. Hopkinton's contributions to the Civil War should never be forgotten; it is this book's intention to ensure that never happens.