Camp Street
From Worcester Activist wiki
Also CAMP SCOTT AND COL. CHARLES DEVENS, JR. Worcester had its own Fort Devens during the Civil War. The first of two encampments, it was established on the Brooks farm near South Worcester, about two miles from City Hall, after a survey on June 4, 1861, and named in honor of General Scott. Exactly 24 days later, the 15 th Regiment, mustering 801 men, swung into camp. Worcester’s own Co. D, Capt. A.H. Foster commanding, had worked like beavers setting up white pyramidal canvas tents. They were ready in time. The following order was posted in camp on arrival: Headquarters, Camp Scott, Worcester, June 28, 1861 Order No. 1 The selection of the above name for this camp has been determined by a just appreciation of the distinguished merit of one who has for more than half a century been identified with the military of our country. It is taken for granted that officers are neither ignorant of the first principles of military duty, nor destitute of ordinary judgment. A brief synopsis merely is here given of some important rules and regulations. These are to be regarded as a part of this order and all officers are hereby enjoined to enforce a strict compliance with them. Officers are presumed to have already gained some theoretical acquaintance with both their rights and their duties, as their position demands, and they are hereby reminded that they are expected not only to discharge with fidelity the latter, but to maintain with firmness and dignity the former. This order will be duly promulgated and copies distributed. By command of, Brigadier-General George H. Ward The regiment endured five hours of drill daily. Page 33 25 The routine was company drill from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., dress parade and guard mounting at 8 a.m., company drill from 10:30 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 3 p.m., regimental line at 4 p.m., battalion drill from 4 to 5:30 p.m., dress parade at 6:30 p.m. Reveille was at 5 a.m “Peas Upon a Trencher” at 7 a.m. was the signal for breakfast and “Roast Beef” at noon signaled dinner. Tattoo, later modernized to Retreat, was 10 p.m., and Taps at 10:30 p.m. It was hoped to retain the Regiment at Camp Scott another month or so to perfect soldiers in drill. But the Battle of Bull Run forced the Government to call its reserves into action. On Aug. 7 at the indoor ceremony in City Hall due to rain, a flag was presented to the Regiment by Worcester ladies. Col. Charles Devens, Jr., commanding the Regiment, said, in part, “Defeat, disaster and death may come to us, but dishonor, never!” Historians have recorded the parting scene: “As the band led off in Hail Columbia, the sergeant waved the flag from the platform, the ladies sprang to their feet and waved their handkerchiefs, while cheers loud and hearty went up for the colors of the 15 th Regt.” “Next day the Regt., 1046 officers and men, left at 6 p.m. by the Norwich train. Spectators lined streets to wave them on. Ahead were Ball’s Bluff, the Peninsula and other fields of strife”.
The core of this article comes from A History of Your City Streets.
