2005-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2005
An historic war-date recruiting officer's1p. 4to., letter written in ink by Bernard S. Treanor, Boston, Ma., Nov. 4, 1861 to future colonel Francis J. Parker, organizer and colonel of the 32nd Mass. Vols., tendering him the position of colonel of the newly formed 29th Mass. Vols, reading, in part: "The gentleman first named as Colonel of the 29th Regt. M. V. has left the city and will not return. The Colonelcy of that Regt is vacant. I confess I had a strong desire to see that Regt go to the war as an exclusively Irish Regt. I find it impossible to get an Irish gentleman to take command and being desirous to have at all events a gentleman for colonel no matter what his nationality. I wish to know if you will accept that position if tendered to you?…P. S. I meet the officers tomorrow morning…". Massachusetts put more Irish regiments into the field than any other northern state. It is no doubt that Treanor, a native of Ireland, must have been a major catalyst behind this achievement. Francis J. Parker was a well-respected Boston businessman who had many powerful friends including Governor Andrews. Needless to say, Parker declined the offer and consequently helped raise the 32nd Massachusetts. He was mustered as its colonel on August 6, 1862 and served until just after the battle of Fredericksburg to look after his family finances. VG
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