The roster book was received from the Martha G. Wheatland Bequest on October 27, 1911. The Chaplain Charles Babbidge papers were donated by Harold J Hayes on April 14, 1960 (acc. 15,059).

The 6th RegimentMassachusetts Volunteer Infantry is known predominantly for its service during the Civil War. The 6th Regiment was summoned to Boston by Special Order No. 14 on April 15, 1861, from the office of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts. The regiment left for Washington, D. C. on April 17, 1861 and is considered to be the first regiment to arrive, fully armed and equipped for service. On the way to the capital a detachment of four companies, C, D, I, and L, were set upon by a mob and four members were killed, thirty-six wounded. These men are considered the first soldiers to fall in the Civil War. The regiment was officially mustered into service on April 22, 1861 and after three months service, mustered out on August 1, 1861. The 6th Regiment again volunteered for duty in 1862, for nine months of service and again in 1864 for 100 days' of service. Company I was commanded by Captain Edward H. Staten, a resident of Salem.

This series includes company rosters for the 6th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia from 1810 and 1850 to 1855, orders and correspondence addressed to Chaplain Charles Babbidge, and a company roll notebook belonging to Sergeant Robert P. Clough of Company I, from 1864.