This is an original 26-Page Patriotic Poem Read at the 4th of July 1868 Dedication of the Soldiers’ Monument at Westminster Massachusetts. It was Written and Published by Deacon Robert Peckham and the dedication is:

“Dedicated to the Friends of the Fallen Soldiers in the Late War by One Who Lost a Son”

Peckham mentions the soldiers by name that he knew who died in the War. They are listed in verse in the order that they died



Condition

This is a string-bound document and the interior pages are intact. The spine is very tight. It has a blue page cover that shows more wear with some edge chipping, fading and foxing. It's hard to see in the picture but the covers are light blue

Content



The cover says:

Historical Poem to be read at the Dedication of the Soldiers’ Monument Westminster Mass July 4th 1868”.



The poem is “founded on the history of the country from the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock in 1620 to present time (1868). It includes the highlights of the Civil War with mention of the key Generals, Lincoln, Davis, and major battles. Also mentioned is the assassination of Lincoln



Comment

This is a great tribute by a Father and Citizen to the men of Westminster Massachusetts who died in the Civil War.

1. "Born in Petersham, Massachusetts, Deacon Robert Peckham was an artist and abolitionist active in Bolton, Mass. and later Westminster, where his home, a stop on the underground railroad, still stands. Peckham was appointed Deacon of the Westminster First Congregation in 1828. Prior to that, he seems to have been active as a house and ornamental painter. After 1828, he concentrated on portraiture, which, in his use of outlining and decorative patterning, shows the strong influence of his early training in trade. His work is also characterized by precise attention to details of dress, artifacts, and setting. Among his portraits were many of children. Peckham may have studied with Ethan Allen Greenwood (1779-1856), of Hubbardston, Massachusetts." -- From skinnerinc.com



2. In 1860 the population of Westminster Massachusetts was 1840. 96 men enlisted or were commissioned. 12 were killed. 2 died as POWs. 7 died of disease. 18 were disabled. 14 were discharged. 36 mustered out. None deserted.
3. I found a Samuel H Peckham who was from Westminster Massachusetts. He survived the war but was discharged for disability at one point. So perhaps he died later of war-related injuries. Or he may have re-enlisted under a different name and been killed. Samuel Peckham was 28 when he enlisted on 10/12/1861 as a Musician. On 10/12/1861 he mustered into "F" Co. MA 25th Infantry He was discharged for disability on 5/31/1862 at New Berne. Also served in "B" Co. MA 42d Infantry (9 mos). "E" Co. MA 59th Infantry. He was listed as a painter when he enlisted on 10/27/1862 as a Private. On 10/27/1862 he mustered into "B" Co. MA 42nd Infantry He was Mustered Out on 8/20/1863 at Readville, MA
4. There is a hand correction of one word on the first page. It looks like it was done in period ink which has faded to light brown
5. Here’s just a small section of the poem that mentions the specific soldiers who died. The names of these men were inscribed on the Soldiers’ Monument in Westminster: