SUPERB BOXED MASSACHUSETTS MINUTEMAN CASUALTY MEDAL TO PTE 5th MA WHO WERE MA MINUTEMEN INFANTRY TO SERVE AT 1st BULL RUN. POW WITH 19ST MA AT GLENDALE AND DIED OF WOUNDS RECEIVED AT FREDERICKSBURG WHERE HIS REGIMENT ACTED AS A FORLORN HOPE CROSSING THE RIVER IN BOATS UNDER FIRE AND FOUGHT THEIR WAY THROUGH THE STREETS

MASSACHUSETTS MINUTEMAN ‘GEORGE A BROWN, PRVT.H,5TH REGT.’

Private George A Brown, a 25 year old Mariner from Salem, mustered into Company ‘H’ of the 5th Massachusetts (Militia) Infantry on 1st May 1861. He mustered out on 31st July 1861 after their 3 month service was over and mustered into Company ‘H’ 19th Massachusetts Infantry on 10th December 1861. He is noted on some sources as captured at the battle of Glendale on 30th June 1862, where his Regiment saw very heavy casualties but was presumably immediately exchanged. He deserted from 18th August 1862, returning on the 18th September.

The 5th MA was one of the three Massachusetts Regiments engaged in the battle of Bull Run (and only Minutemen entitled to a medal), July 21st 1861. Forming a part of Franklin's brigade, Heintzelman's division, of McDowell's army, it lost 34 men during this 1st battle large of the War. Noted for the colourful and varied uniforms worn by both sides, as many of the Regiments were Militia and neither had at this early time adopted fully the Blue and Grey later used to distinguish them.

The 19st MA were involved in many of the hardest fought battles of the earlier part of the War, including Fair Oaks, Glendale, where it lost 145 officers and men. At Antietam, it was again heavily engaged in the West Wood, suffering severe loss. At Fredericksburg, December 11th 1862, the 19th was one of two regiments of Hall's Brigade, that prior to the pontoons being finished, was sent as a Forlorn Hope for the Union Army, crossing the river in boats under fire and fought their way through the streets of the city. On the 13th, the 19th was in the assault on Marye's Heights, losing 104 officers and men including 8 colour bearers. Private Brown is noted as being wounded severely on the 13th December and dying of wounds four days later.

It must be remembered that although Regiments in the Civil War started at around a 1,000 men, after months and years of fighting their numbers got greatly reduced, the average in the 142,00 strong Army of the Potomac at Fredericksburg was down to around 400 men, many were even less, some ‘greener’ ones a bit more. The 19th MA started the battle with 355, so effectively lost a 3rd of its number at the battle. The 7th Michigan who were the other regiment in the Forlorn Hope started the battle with just 147 men!

Condition Mint, in box of issue with original tissue packaging. A very scarce casualty medal to a man with excellent early War service. With copy service/musters etc On CD.