This material was donated by Mrs. A. R. Melody on December 21, 1934.

The 40th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry organized in Lynnfield, Massachusetts in August, 1862. Company D was commanded by Captain Henry F. Danforth of Salem, Massachusetts. The company was mustered out of service on June 16, 1865. John Pollock (1840-1920) of Salem enlisted as a sergeant in the 5th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company H. He was discharged upon completing his service on May 1, 1861 before he re-enlisted as a second lieutenant in the 40th Infantry, Company D on August 23, 1862. He was discharged as a lieutenant colonel of the 40th Regiment on June 16, 1865.

This series includes correspondence, monthly clothing, camp and garrison equipage returns, orders, and muster papers that once belonged to John Pollock of the 40th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company D.