2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
c. 1900, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia Honorary Medal, Gem Mint. Presented to Corporal Alfred J. Hall, Co. A, 6th Regt. On the front: Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Reverse: inscription around, "THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS APRIL 15, 1861.", enclosing, "TO THE MEMBERS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA WHO WERE MUSTERED INTO THE UNITED STATES SERVICE IN RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S FIRST CALL FOR TROOPS". Suspended by integral loop from ornamental hanger bearing the inscription, "MASSACHUSETTS MINUTE MEN 1861". Personalized on the edge. Superb, flawless example, with beautiful red patina. Copper, 38 x 62 mm. Comes in the original box. On April 15, 1861, President Lincoln issued an urgent call for 75,000 volunteers to defend the capitol. First to respond was the 6th Infantry (the "Minutemen") of the Massachusetts Militia. Departing Boston April 17, the regiment passed through New York and Philadelphia, arriving at Baltimore on April 19--the 86th anniversary of Lexington and Concord. Forced to march between train stations, the men were attacked at the depot by an angry mob. The melee that ensued became known as the Pratt Street Riot. The soldiers endured a barrage of bricks and cobblestones, but when shots came from the crowd, the Minutemen returned fire. Before they made it out, 16 people were dead, including four men of the 6th, the first casualties of the Civil War. Despite their losses, they continued to Washington.
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