WATSON, Benjamin Frank, lawyer, born in Warner, New Hampshire, 30 April, 1826. He lived in Lowell, Massachusetts, from 1835 until 1848, studied law there and in Lawrence and Boston, and was admitted to the bar in 1850. He was editor and proprietor of the Lawrence "Sentinel," postmaster of the city under Presidents Pierce, Buchanan, and Lincoln, was nominated for mayor, and subsequently elected city solicitor. He was major of the 6th regiment of Massachusetts militia, and on 19 January, 1861, at a meeting of its field and company officers, Colonel Edward F. Jones presiding, offered a resolution tendering the services of the regiment to the president of the United States, which was the first offer of any military organization. In April, 1861, the 6th Massachusetts regiment was the first to respond to the president's call for volunteers. The colonel with eight companies passed through Baltimore, on their way to Washington, with no interruption except insulting demonstrations, but as the car that contained Major Watson and part of his command was turning into Pratt street, it was derailed by the mob. He superintended its righting, and kept the driver of the horses to his duties at the muzzle of his revolver. The mob fired into the car repeatedly, and after one of his men had been wounded severely the order to fire was given by Major Watson. Afterward the detachment left the shattered car and marched to the depot. where the main body under the colonel had arrived in safety. Several soldiers were injured by stones an(i pistol-shots during the transit, and this was undoubtedly the first blood shed in the war. Shortly after this Major Watson was elected lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, and its command devolved upon him. In 1867 he removed to New York, where he has since practised law.