THE PUTNAM GUARDS OF DANVERS, MASS. (Inscribed by Author) (Co. I 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regimental History)

SUBTITLED: Story of the Company in the Early War Time of 1861, by Arthur A. Putnam. Republished from the Danver Mirror of July 2, 9, 16, & 23, 1887. BOOK DESCRIPTION: 8vo. Original printed wrappers. Presentation from author on front cover. CONDITION DESCRIPTION: Front cover loose, fragile and chipped on top and fore-edges. Interior is clean and tight. CONTENTS DESCRIPTION: The Putnam Guards made up Co. I of the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment. The 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment originated as the 14th Massachusetts Infantry and was organized at Fort Warren and mustered into federal service on July 5, 1861. The regiment was equipped as standard infantry with rifled muskets for potential field operations, though its early duties leaned toward garrison roles amid the rapid expansion of Union forces. Commanded initially by Colonel Edward W. Hinks, a West Point graduate with prior regular army experience, the 14th Infantry departed Massachusetts on August 7, 1861, arriving in Washington, D.C., shortly thereafter to bolster the capital's defenses, reflecting the Union's urgent need for reliable troops to protect against Confederate threats while larger armies organized. On January 1, 1862, the War Department redesignated the unit as the 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery Regiment, an administrative change reflecting its reassignment to man heavy guns in static fortifications amid the rapid expansion of Washington's defensive network. The redesignation did not immediately alter field equipment or tactics; the regiment continued infantry-style garrison duties at forts including Albany, Runyon, Scott, Richardson, Barnard, Craig, and Tillinghast, while some companies (B, C, H, and I) were detached to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, for similar defensive roles starting in late 1862. When the Union army abandoned its position at Winchester, VA in June 1863, Company I stayed behind to destroy the guns and ammunition, and 44 men were captured on 10 June. Very scarce original pamphlet detailing its early service in the Union Army; seldom offered for sale; here a decent, complete copy with author’s inscription. REFERENCES: DORNBUSCH MA 9. …