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Franklin P. Harlow

Residence Abington MA; a 33 year-old Mechanic.

Enlisted on 6/15/1861 as a Captain.

On 6/15/1861 he was commissioned into "K" Co. MA 7th Infantry 
He was Mustered Out on 6/27/1864 at Taunton, MA


He was listed as:
* Wounded 5/3/1863 Fredericksburg, VA (Severely wounded)


Promotions:
* Major 8/1/1861 
* Lt Colonel 10/25/1862 


Intra Regimental Company Transfers:
* 8/1/1861 from company K to Field & Staff 


Other Information:
born 12/8/1827 in Springfield, VT
Member of GAR Post # 78 (David A. Russell) in Whitman, MA
Held GAR Offices:
* Post Commander # 78
died 11/28/1905

1890 Federal Census Information:
He was living in Whitman, Plymouth county, MA


Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.:

 - Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors and Marines in the Civil War
 - Census of Civil War Veterans and Widows of Veterans: 1890
 - GAR Post 78, Whitman, MA Roster
 - History of the Seventh Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
 - GAR Dept of Massachusetts 1866-1947 (Sargent)
(c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @ www.civilwardata.com

"Lieut.-Col. Franklin P. Harlow, commander of the 
Seventh Massachusetts Volunteers in many of its important battles 
and campaigns, was born in the town of Springfield, State 
of Vermont, Dec. 8, 1827.  In early manhood moved to the State of 
Massachusetts, where he served ten years in the Massachusetts 
militia previous to the war of the rebellion.  Here signed as 
captain of Company E, Fourth Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer 
Militia.  In 1859 he was commissioned captain of Company K.  
April 21, 1861, was ordered to Taunton and assigned to Company K, 
of the Seventh Massachusetts Volunteers, Col. Couch commander; 
was promoted Major Aug. 1 following; was promoted Lieutenant-
Colonel Oct. 25, 1862, in which capacity he served until the 
muster-out of the regiment at Taunton, 1864.  He bore a very 
honorable part in the Peninsula campaign, being the trusted and 
zealous helper of Col. Russell, who had perfect confidence in his 
military capacity and judgment.  He had command of the detachment 
that crossed the Chickahominy May 20, 1862; was in the engagement 
of Fair Oaks, Golden's Farm, Malvern Hill, Antietam, 
Fredericksburg, first and second, leading the charge after Col. 
Johns had fallen at Mayre's Heights, Gettysburg, in the 
Rappahannock campaigns, including Rappahannock Station and Mine 
Run, in the Wilderness campaign, from the Rapidan to Cold Harbor, 
was detailed to command the Thirty-seventh Regiment Volunteers 
after the battles at Spottsylvania Court House.  After Edwards 
took command of Eustis' brigade, and Lieutenant-Col. Montague of 
the Thirty-seventh had been very severely wounded in that hard 
and desperate struggle at the "Angle," he rejoined his regiment 
at Cold Harbor.  Here turned home with the regiment, and was 
mustered out of service June 27, 1864.  Col. Russell said of him, 
'He is the best volunteer officer I ever met with, and one of the 
best tacticians in the army.'

"The civil record of his life is as follows: Member of the House 
of Representatives in 1871 and 1872.  His ordinary occupation is 
superintendent of the finishing department of boots and shoes in 
one of our largest firms in the State of Massachusetts, which 
position requires great tact and address, and a thorough 
knowledge of men and mechanical means.  While lying at Brandy 
Station, Va., the officers of the Seventh Regiment presented Col. 
Harlow with a magnificent sword and belt.  An account of the 
presentation was published in the papers at home, furnished by 
others, as our worthy Colonel is a very modest man.  I hereby 
insert the account as a very pleasant part of our history.  It 
reads as follows:

A SURPRISE PRESENTATION.

On Saturday evening last, Lieut.-Col. Franklin P. Harlow, of the 
Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, was the happy recipient of a 
splendid sword, sash and belt, the gift being a slight 
testimonial of filial regard of the veteran officers of the 
regiment, all of whom were present at the surprise presentation.  
The late special orders of the army forbid the acceptance 
of donations of presents to superior officers, but in this 
instance the money was all subscribed before the order 
suppressing such testimonials was issued.  Col. Harlow came out 
in the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment as a Captain, and after 
remaining in this position a few months he received the 
appointment of Major, and a short time since again rose to the 
rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.  No officer has a stronger hold upon 
the sympathies of both subordinates and privates, and, without 
any desire to flatter, few officers are more deserving of this 
honor and respect, if undoubted bravery, pure patriotism, calm 
judgment and Christian fortitude are traits worthy of 
appreciation.  The past record of this soldier claims some such 
public acknowledgment as his comrades in arms have seen fit to 
bestow upon him.  In a neat speech Lieut. Nichols of Company I 
presented the souvenirs to the astonished colonel, who 
was suddenly called to the hospital tent of the regiment, as he 
supposed, to see one of his men, but where he was amazed to find 
every one of his officers in secret conclave assembled.  The 
surprise was too much for the gallant officer, who, with 
considerable emotion and great modesty, feelingly replied to 
the donors.  After a pleasant interchange of thought and a few 
witty speeches, a sumptuous repast was served in Capt. Bancroft's 
quarters.  The whole affair was an enjoyable one, and, although 
impromptu, it passed off to the entire satisfaction of all 
present.  The following is the presentation speech of Lieutenant 
Nichols of Company I: "Col. Harlow,-The officers of the 
Seventh Regiment have bid me bring you these as an expression of 
the high estimation in which they hold your character.  They bid 
me tell you that since you have been associated with them as an 
officer, your conduct has been such as to command their 
admiration and win their love, for many months we have been 
laboring for country and against rebellion.  The same great 
cause has inspired us all; we have all shared in common the 
exposures, the fatigues, and the dangers of a soldier's life.  We 
have stood side by side in the same line of battle; we have sat 
together around the same camp-fire.  It is fitting we present you 
some testimonial of our respect for you as an officer, of 
our gratitude to you as a leader, and of our friendship for you 
as a man.  What ever reputation for efficiency or bravery our 
regiment has obtained, either here or at home, is largely due to 
your efforts and example.  You have instructed us in camp, your 
fortitude has encouraged us amid hardship, and your heroism 
has inspired us upon the battle-field.  Take, then, these tokens; 
and to you, and to your children after you, let them speak of the 
esteem and friendship in which you are held by the officers of 
the Seventh Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers.

CAMP SEVENTH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS,

NEAR BRANDYSTATION, VA., DEC. 19, 1863."

Source:  "History of the 7th Mass. Infantry" p. 162


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