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Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)Emily Cook, Student Assistant
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
The collection is open for research.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Gloucester Artillery Journal, Ms2008-076, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The Gloucester Artillery Journal was purchased by Special Collections.
The processing and description of the Gloucester Artillery Journal commenced and was completed in September 2008.
Following the American Revolution, the newly created Massachusetts Constitution asserted the need for a state militia. The Gloucester Artillery was organized in 1788 and held yearly "general training" sessions. These sessions involved great pomp and circumstance in which militiamen paraded through streets, visited neighboring towns, conducted public arms exercises, and enjoyed food and entertainment. The Gloucester Artillery disbanded in 1849, reformed in 1852, and eventually was renamed the American Guard in 1855.
In the nineteenth century, Lynn, Massachusetts, supported three militia companies: the Lynn Artillery, the Lynn Light Infantry, and the Lynn Mechanic's Rifle Company. As a result of partisan tensions, the local Republican Party formed the Lynn Artillery in 1808.
The Gloucester Artillery Journal is a handwritten record of a Massachusetts militia's four‐day tour of camp duty in 1845. Activities documented by assistant clerk Charles P. Presson include, but are not limited to: arms exercises, train rides, concerts, dress parades, and military inspections. Other noted Massachusetts militias are the Lynn Artillery, the Lynn Light Infantry, the Lynn Mechanic's Rifle Company, and the Marblehead Light Infantry. Mentioned geographic locations within Massachusetts consist of Gloucester, Lynn, Beverly, and Ipswich. Noted officers include: General Oliver, Brigadier General Sutton, Sergeant Elwell, Colonel Bowler, Captain Gale, Lieutenant Staten, and Lieutenant Center.
The guide to the Gloucester Artillery Journal by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).