Never Forget What They Did
The Story of Benjamin Franklin Falls and the 19th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
This is the story of the brave men of the 19th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the U.S. Civil War. It specifically focuses on the life and times of Benjamin Franklin Falls. Ben enlisted at 36, with a wife and two young daughters at home. He started his military career as a Private, but rose in rank up to Color Sergeant, after first turning down First Sergeant. Ben fought in major battles, including Gettysburg where he captured an enemy flag. Ben would not survive the war. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his action at the battle of Gettysburg.
Nineteenth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Organized at Camp Shouler in Lynnfield on August 28, 1861.
Left for Washington, D.C. on August 30.
Attached to Lander's Brigade, Division of the Potomac, until October 1861.
Lander's Brigade, Stone's (Sedgwick's) Division, Army of the Potomac, until March 1862.
3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, until March 1864.
1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps, until June 1865.
The regiment saw action in many of the battles of the eastern campaign, from their first action at Ball’s Bluff in October 1861 to General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.
The regiment lost 294 men. 14 officers and 147 enlisted men were killed or mortally wounded in battle and another 133 enlisted men died from disease.
“The next morning the men were called in the parade grounds. The men formed lines and waited while Colonel Hinks made a slow and deliberate walk up to the makeshift platform. At first, he said nothing. He simply glared at the men. It seemed to have the desired effect. The men were completely silent.
After a few moments, he began to speak. “Men, I know we are not exactly in friendly territory here. I know many of you fear rebel sympathizers or spies will poison us. Well, that may be. I for one don’t believe God brought us down here to be poisoned by some old woman selling pies. Last night I observed an unruly mob out here, not soldiers. The orders of the officers went unheeded. I promise you, by the grace of God, that will not happen again. When I, or one of my officers, issues a command to you. You will obey, or so help me I will strike you down myself. I am extremely disappointed in you men. Have you learned nothing? Drilling and instructions will now be increased, as it is obviously very much needed. If this were to happen on the battlefield, well let’s just say that the enemy would win the day and there would be a lot of crying wives, sweethearts, and mothers, back in old Massachusetts. Additionally, beginning on Sunday, and every Sunday thereafter, we will review the Articles of War. Hopefully, this will teach you what can happen to a soldier that does not follow orders. This will continue until I deem it appropriate to stop. I hope a speech like this never has to be made again.”
He paused and stared at the men, seemingly making eye contact with each and every one, then barked out, “Officers, form up your companies and begin the day’s drills.”
Ben, and the rest of Company A, drilled for the rest of the morning. They all felt like children who had disappointed a beloved mother. They all had a great respect for Colonel Hinks, and to a man, they were disappointed in themselves for failing him. The company, and the entire regiment for that matter, outdid themselves in the day’s drill. They had a point to prove. They were soldiers. They had made a mistake. They had disappointed their leader. They had to prove that they would learn from that mistake, that they were not only soldiers but also the best damn soldiers in the whole Union Army.”
— Excerpt from “Never Forget What They Did” by Roger Wellington Nason