Massachusetts Second Infantry.-Cols., George H. Gordon, George L. Andrews, Samuel M. Quincy, William Cogswell ; Lieut.-Cols., George L. Andrews, Wilder Dwight, Charles R. Mudge, Charles F. Morse ; Majs., Wilder Dwight, James Savage, Jr., James Francis.

The 2nd regiment, from the state at large, was mustered in for three years at Boston, the organization being completed May 25, 1861. It was mustered out at the same place, May 24, 1864, and the reenlisted men and recruits at Washington, July 11, 1865.

The Abbott Grays of Lowell formed Co. A, and the Andrew Light Guard of Salem, Co. C.

Before leaving the state, a battle-flag was presented to the regiment by the women of Boston and it also received its state flag. It joined Gen. Patterson’s army at Martinsburg, W. Va., July 12, and moved to Harper’s Ferry, which place it garrisoned till Aug. 2. Here it was honored with another flag by the women of Harper’s Ferry. Two months were spent in camp at Hyattstown and marches followed to Edwards’ ferry, by way of Conrad’s ferry, back to Edwards’ ferry and on to Darnestown.

After camping near Frederick from Dec. 4, 1861, to Feb. 27, 1862, it was ordered to Harper’s Ferry, then to Charlestown and to Berryville. On March 22, it moved to Snicker’s ferry, then back to Winchester ; pursued the enemy to Strasburg and Mount Jackson, where it was engaged ; then proceeded to near Harrisonburg and back to Newmarket and Strasburg. It formed the rear-guard on the retreat to Newtown and repelled several attacks.

As part of the Army of Virginia the 2nd took part in the battle of Cedar mountain, where it suffered heavy loss. It was present at the second battle of Bull Run, but was held in reserve. In the battles of Chantilly, Antietam and Chancellorsville its part was an honorable one, and at Gettysburg its charge was notable and its loss heavy. Advancing close up to the enemy’s works, the regiment held its ground until cut off by a force in the rear, when it turned and charged through the line in the rear, thus escaping capture. It then moved into Virginia, but was sent to New York during the draft riots and remained two weeks, or until Sept. 5, 1863.

It was next ordered to the Army of the Cumberland and guarded the railroad from Nashville for Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas. In the spring of 1864, the Army of the Cumberland joined Gen. Sherman, and from that time the 2nd formed a part of that army on the march to Atlanta and until it reached Washington, where the men were mustered out after over four years’ service.

Source: The Union Army: States and Regiments