American Historical Ephemera and Photography

ANDREW, John Albion (1818-1867). Autograph letter signed ("John A Andrew"), as Governor of Massachusetts, to unknown recipient. [Boston], 22 December 1865. 1p, approx. 5 x 8 in. On verso of the 4th page of a patriotic speech related to the ceremonial Returning of the Flags to the Massachusetts State House following the close of the Civil War. Andrew writes with reference to flag of the 19th regiment which was delivered to him by Major General [Darius] Couch "he acting as commander for the day of the volunteer column." Andrew continues noting that "Adj Genl Schouler by whose happy thoughts 'Forefather's day' was named for the reception of the Battle Flags & whose industry & care helped largely to give a brilliant[?] success to the ceremonies of the Day."

It had long been customary for the governor to present Massachusetts units departing for war with their arms, ammunition, and regimental flags at the State House. 
In December 1865, with the war over and virtually all Massachusetts units mustered out, a great ceremony was held in Boston known as the Returning of the Flags. All available veterans of the many Massachusetts regiments paraded through Boston then presented their battered regimental battle flags to the Governor. The verso of Andrew's letter appears to be a portion (in a different hand) from Andrew's remarks delivered at the ceremony. Andrew addressed his remarks to “General” referring to Major-General Darius Couch (1822-1897), the state’s highest ranking military official and a veteran of the Battles of Seven Pines, Oak Grove, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg as well as the Carolinas Campaign. Verso reads in part, "General, I accept these relics in behalf of the People and the Government; They will be preserved and cherished...." Couch presented the 166 Massachusetts flags to the Governor.

[With:] Group of approx. 17 items containing signatures of other Massachusetts politicians including Henry DAWES, George BOUTWELL, Robert WINTRHOP, Sherman HOAR, Caleb CUSHING, Henry WILSON, Alexander BULLOCK, and Charles UPHAM.

[Also with:] Civil War letter from Dr. C.A. Burnham, of the 3rd New Hampshire Volunteers, to Dr. Edron B. Moore, Boston, MA, Pinckney Island, March 10 [1863].