The 25th Massachusetts Infantry left the grounds of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, on January 6th, 1862. At this time, the unit, under the command of General A. E. Burnside, was forming into Burnside's Coast Division. Three brigades were formed, with the 25th being assigned into the First Brigade (23rd, 24th, 25th, 27th Massachusetts Infantry and 10th Connecticut Infantry) under Brigadier General John G. Foster. Upon departing Annapolis, the majority of the 25th Mass. Regiment was put onboard the steamer New York, while Companies D and H boarded the gunboat Zouave.
The regiment set sail on the Great Burnside Expedition. On the 12th of January, the regiment left Fort Monroe and proceeded to Hatteras Inlet with the remainder of the Division. The fleet attempted to bring over 100 vessels over the "Hatteras Sandbar" into Pamlico Sound during a severe southeast storm lasting from January 13th to the 19th. During this storm, numerous boats were wrecked, sunk, run ashore, or crashed as the fleet attempted to hold together prior to their invasion of Roanoke Island on February 7-8th, 1862. On January 14-15th, the Zouave sank.
Jan. 19. Witnessing boat collisions and wrecks is getting old, and the boys are amusing themselves by writing letters, making up their diaries, playing cards, reading old magazines, etc.
Theatricals. The boys are up to all sorts of inventions to kill time. In the amusement line the officers have started an exhibition or theatre up in the saloon (aboard the boat New York). The exercises consist of recitations, dialogues, singing and music, and make a good evening's entertainment. A limited number from each company are nightly admitted, and I can see no reason why it will not prove a success, as there seems to be no lack of talent, music or patronage.
This is a copy of the original broadside, dated January 16, 1862, commemorating that event, printed by "Lightning" Job Printing Press, Washington, N.C. (actual size is 9 x 27 inches). Washington, North Carolina is located on the Pamlico River, just off Pamlico Sound, due west of Hatteras Inlet. It is just north of New Bern, NC, which is on the Neuse River, and south of Roanoke Island. Even though this broadside is dated January 16th, it is unknown exactly when it was printed. On January 16th, the 25th Massachusetts Infantry was still on board various boats, having just come through Hatteras Inlet just prior to their secret invasion of Roanoke Island on February 7-8th, 1862. It is likely that this broadside was printed on the 16th of January or slightly later to remember the humorous event.
For a magnified view of the broadside, click here.
