The first Colonel of the 25th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, he was commissioned September 9th, 1861, being mustered into Federal service on October 27th, 1861 at the age of 45 years old. Colonel Upton organized the regiment and led the unit in its first series of battles at Roanoke Island, New Berne, and Trenton Bridge. This is a late war CDV photo showing a black mourning band on the upper sleeve to honor the memory of President Lincoln in April 1865.
Due to personal health reasons, Colonel Upton resigned from service on October 28th, 1862. Upon his retirement, the non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the regiment presented him with the high grade Tiffany NY sword, belt, and sash seen carried here. This set was purchased for one thousand dollars with regimental donations. The sword's scabbard is described as being "silver with gold plating," with "gold inlay and the initials EU set in diamonds." The blade was gold etched engraved, with a high relief cast silver hilt in the form of the Statue of Liberty. The belt is noted as being "gold plated."
Oct 27th 1862
At dress parade tonight acting Adj't McConville read an address from Col. Upton to the reg. stating that he no longer was Col. Upton nor in the service of the US owing to ill health. Had he remained he would not have been our Col. but our Brig Gen. The 25th is now at the bottom of the hill. It has been running down for some time and at last it has reached the bottom. The last virtue has gone from it. Not one of the original field officers now remains in the Reg't. It may in time grow to its former standing but we never shall have a Col. Upton to lead us again.