Massachusetts Minuteman Medal – 2nd Lt. Moses J. Emery, Co. “K” 6th Mass. Regiment

Description

Massachusetts Minuteman Medal – 2nd Lt. Moses J. Emery, Co. “K” 6th Mass. Regiment.

Moses J. Emery, from Boston, was a 28 year old Grocer who was commissioned into Co, K, 6th Mass, on April 22, 1861, and mustered out with this 3 month regiment at Boston on August 2, 1861.  Company K of Bostos was known prior to joining the 6th Mass. as The Washington Guard.  During his service, his company went through a riotous Baltimore.

(From the History of the Sixth Ma,)  “Major Watson, as he had been ordered, just before reaching Baltimore, repaired to the left, Company K, Captain Sampson, to see the rear of the battalion across the city. He took his position, and as he was about ordering those in the car, some fifty guns, to debark, standing on the ground himself for that purpose, the cars in advance were set in motion and whisked away as by magic, across the city, and in a moment his own car, started, which he thought was the last one, containing as it did, the left of the regiment. He of course could only spring aboard, follow the rest of the regiment. It was no sooner started, than it was attacked by clubs, paving-stones, and other missiles. The men were very anxious to fire on their assailants; but Maj. Watson forbade them, until they should be attacked by fire-arms. One or two soldiers were wounded by paving-stones and bricks; and at length one man’s thumb was shot, he asked leave to fire in return.  Orders were then giving to lie on the bottom of the car and load, and rising, to fire from the window at will. These orders were promptly obeyed.”

Along with the regiment, Co, K was quartered in the Capital building, and spent most of their service guarding the Relay House, and viaduct below the city,

Emery would later be mustered into Co, I, of the 28th Mass Vols. in late 1861, and resigned on September 25, 1862, due to wounds received at the 2nd Battle of Bull Run, Va.  He would rise to the rank of 1st Lieutenant during his service.  A copy of his letter of resignation is included.

The bronze medal is in fine condition.