Waitt, Ernest Linden, History of the Nineteenth regiment, Massachusetts volunteer infantry , 1861-1865

The regiment remained in camp at Bailey's Cross Roads, on Munson's Hill, until June 29, when it was mustered out, at 9 o'clock in the evening, in obedience to General Orders No. 158, Headquarters Army of the Potomac, current series, and on the following morning began its return journey toward Readville, Mass.

The command left Washington at 10 A. M., Baltimore at 4.45 P. M. on the same day; arrived in Philadelphia at 6 A. M. on July 1st. It is needless to say that from the Philadelphians the regiment experienced a cordial and substantial welcome at the ‘Old Cooper Shop.’

Leaving Philadelphia at 2 P. M. on July 1, the men reached New York on the same night and there the regiment received from Colonel Howe, his associates and friends, a reception worthy of it and them. Leaving New York at 3 P. M., July 2, the regiment arrived at Readville at 9 A. M. on July 3, to await final discharge and payment.

The men were allowed to leave for their homes immediately and with only the delay necessary to dispose of guns and equipments, they took advantage of the opportunity.

Of the 37 commissioned officers who left Massachusetts with the regiment in 1861, only 1 returned,—Colonel Edmund Rice who went out as captain and returned as colonel commanding the regiment.

Fourteen officers and 250 men were either killed or died of wounds received in action, and 449 were discharged for disability occasioned by wounds or disease contracted in the service.

The colors, ordnance, camp and garrison equipage, regimental and company books and papers having been turned over to the proper officers of the United States, final disbandment was accomplished July 20, 1865, at Readville.

The regiment has become a thing of the past, but its history also become a part of the history of Massachusetts.

No regiment has had a more eventful history, fought better, or performed its duties with more promptness or alacrity. During its existence the regiment was engaged in 45 battles and skirmishes, in six of which it lost from one third to five