Learning About Acton During the Time of the Civil War

Most people in this area realize that Men from Acton risked their lives to resist British oppression at the start of the American Revolution in 1775. Less well know is the fact that Acton also played a role in the Civil War. The Acton Memorial Library has a permanent exhibit titled "Not Afraid To Go" illuminating these roles. You can view pictures of the exhibit in this brief slide show, or read about the exhibit in this article.

Years later, as the Civil War began in 1861, Acton men stood again to preserve this country from those who would divide it to oppress others. In response to President Lincoln's call to service, they left their homes and families not knowing if they would return. Some did and some did not. Some are buried close to where they fell. Other Acton veterans sought their future in distant corners of the nation they preserved.

Those soldiers who came back to Acton after the Civil War were joined by veterans from other towns and states. Together, as former comrades in arms, they lived out their days in this peaceful community. The soldiers' contributions are commemorated by the Acton Memorial Library, which was given to the town in their honor by William A. Wilde.

Below, on the left and right, are scanned images of a letter written by Mary Ann Hapgood of West Acton, to her son, Henry, who was away at war. The letter is dated March 6, 1861. Notice that every bit of the paper was used, as paper was rare in those times. The letter has been transcribed and you can read the text in the transcription if the handwriting is too difficult to decipher. In the letter, Mrs. Hapgood replies to a letter from her son, explaining that a package he had received from his mother containing paper and stamps and other items, had been opened and some of the items were missing..

Transcription of the Hapgood Letter:
West Acton March 5. /63.
My Dear Henry. Your father came home this [cross-out] evening bringing me a letter from you. I was very much pleased, but I felt sad after reading it, you was right in thinking that your box was opened, for I wrote you a long letter, and put in the letter twelve little stamps that must have been the reason you did not receive the letter I think I told you in the letter how many stamps I should put in I also put into the box, (do not remember exactly), but I believe it was between thirty and forty sheets of paper besides a pack of light yellow envelopes, and 3 or 4 white envelopes, enough I thought to last you untill your time was out, I also sent you some linen thread, and some patches to mend your clothes with also, two
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pens as your requested, your aunt Hall sent Eugene some linen thread there was a paper round his; with his name on it, and I requested you to give it to him. you said the pies were good but how many pies did you receive, I am afraid you did not get all I sent, there was four mince pies and one apple pie, I also sent you two kinds of round cakes some dried apple and a few pickles done up in a cloth and paper; part of the butter was put into a cloth and paper, for the pitcher did not hold as much as I wanted to send, there was five pounds of butter. I felt sorry the box was quite so small, for I could not get in all I meant to have sent you. David was here when I packed the box, he helped me do it, we filled every nook and corner when we could not get in a cake whole.