f. 499 
 
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 20lh 
 
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 Copy 1 
 
GEORGt: W. SHERMAN 
 
 (Al 25 ^ f nrs ot Ajie) 
 
 Li*^iit«Mwint ol Company C", Twenlirlli I^cj>imfi»I Connecticut N olurjlftr 
 lrit«nlr\ s\ hil«; in tlu- service ol tin- iidcrdi Go\<rtunrtit in its conliut 
 IroMi IKr>| Id IH<)5. Willi certain StatfS ol ilu I i.ion l^r tin- preservation 
 ol tlu; Re|)ul)li< . C oiiiniissiofied C(i|)tain. I rlmiarv Hi. 18(55. to rank 
 Irom February II, by Hon. W m \ Biu kini'.liam. War Govrrror" 
 ol tin- Stiitc ol Ci)ninTticiii. 
 
A NARRATIVE IN REMEMBRANCE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TWENTIETH REGIMENT CONNECTICUT 
 
 VOLUNTEERS 
 
 BY CAPTAIN GEORGE W. SHERMAN 
 
 *" When to the sessions of sweet silent tliouglit, 
 1 summon up remembrance of things past, 
 I sigh the kick of many things I sought." 
 
 In tlie following narrative it is not the purpose that it be 
 romantic ; but to record a few incidents and events of lesser 
 importance, out of the innumerable number connected with 
 the 20th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, while in the Fed- 
 eral Army during the eventful and most momentous days of 
 our Republic. Most momentous days indeed: For the 
 great and terrible conflict, was to decide wdiether the nation 
 was to perish from off the earth, or continue to live and 
 under (Jod, have a new b"rth of Freedom! 
 
 A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM FOR THE NATION 
 
 The contest was essentially a people's contest, said 
 Lincoln, " On one side of the Union," he said, "it is 
 a struggle for maintaining in the world, thai form 
 and substance of government whose leading object is 
 to elevate the condition of men, to lift artificial weights 
 from all shoulders, to clear tlie paths of laudable 
 pursuits for all, to afford all an unfettered start and 
 a fail- cliance in the race of life." And he further 
 
''olicvc.l, tliat \\w issue ojiihraced more than tlie fate of 
 tliese United States. " It presents," lie said, '• {„ tli- wli.U^ 
 fannly of man, tlie question wlietlier a Constitutional Hepub- 
 lieorDemoeraey— aoovernment of tlie i)eopie l)y the same 
 people— can oi- cannot maintain its teiwitorial integrity 
 ag'ainst its own domestic foes!" 
 
 In it< "new hirth of Fi-eedom" the nation now lives, and 
 lias heeoine iiioiv g-loi-ious! With it "Oh! (Jlory" tlie " Flai>- 
 of the Free," of red, white and blue! 
 
 "Your lla- and my flag! To every star and stiiue 
 The drums beat as hearts beat and fifes shrilly 
 
 jnpe! 
 Vour flag- and my flag— a blessing in the skies; 
 Voiir h()|)(' ami my ho})e — it ncvci' hid a lie! 
 Ib'inc land and I'ai- land and IialT the world 
 aroiiiKl, 
 
 Old (dory hears our glad salute and rij)|)l(>^ to 
 the sound I' 
 
 From "^■(.ll|• f^lag and .My Flag," 
 Willxir I). Xcsbit, Autlior. 
 
 '"rhcre are many (lags in many lands. 
 There are Hags of every hue; 
 I'lil there is no !lag, howcNcr -rand, 
 l-ihe our own red, white and hliic. 
 
 ■"I'"i'''\<'r (loal thai slandard sheet! 
 
 ^^''"■'■'' hivalh.- th,. \\u- hul fall. ncr..-.. us, 
 U nil l''re<.dom's soil henealh om- feet. 
 And l''ie('donrs hanners sti-eaming o'er us;" 
 
 '''•'"■ l"''M'l'''»l ''VcMv nalion Ihron-hont the worhi, arc 
 "Mger. to h.iv.. their naliv,. laml and >rrk a new liom- and 
 '''■"'••;;'''""""'"'"'<-"l''l.-'.^"r II,.. !■>,...•' that tlM.-lh.vsiM 
 I'l".-. I._\ ihrir valoi made more -lorioiis and revered! 
 
 -1 
 
THE ARMY OF BOYS IN BLUE! 
 
 "The war"— Civil AVar—" was fouglit to a finish by a 
 grand army of boys ' '—Boys in Blue. * ' Of 2,778,304 Union 
 soldiers enlisted, over two millions were not tAventy-two 
 years of age! — 1,151,438 were not even nineteen. There 
 Avere even one hun(h"ed thousand on the Union rolls who 
 Were no more than fifteen years of age!" Brave boys that 
 Avere in b,lue! 
 
 APPEAL OF PATRIOTIC GOVERNOR AND RESPONSE 
 
 The Twentieth Regiment Connecticut Voluteer Infantry 
 — " Buckingham Legion " — was recruited and oi'ganized 
 in response to the call of the inunortal Lincoln on July 1st, 
 1862, for 300,000 volunteers, and the patriotic appeal of 
 Cov. Buckingham of July 3d, 1862 to "Citiznes of Con- 
 necticut. ' ' 
 
 "Y^ou are again called upon, "he said" to rally to the 
 support of the government. The ct\cs( of civil liberty 
 must be advanced, the sLipi':macy of ll.e gov'^inment iiuist 
 be maintained. * * * * 
 
 The Rebellion, contending Avith the desperation of a hope- 
 less and Avicked cause, must be met Avitli equal energy. Close 
 your manufactories and Avork shops, turn aside from your 
 farms and business, leaA^e for a Avhile your families and your 
 liomes> meet face to face the enemies of your liberties 
 Haste * * * * ^jj^ speedily secure the blessings of 
 peace and good goA^ernment ! " 
 
 "Ah, Avell I mind me how they came, 
 From shop and furroAved fields. 
 With kindled eye and hearts aflame, 
 ' The patriot sword to wield!" 
 
 "Their country asked them for their lives 
 They did not ansAver nay, 
 ■ But from their homes and friends and kin 
 
 The}' braA'ely marched away. 
 5 
 
"Still iindaimted, still united 
 
 P,y the lircs our \'n\\\vv< li.ulited." 
 
 PAin IX(i OF PATRIOTIC^ MOTHKR AND i.OVAL SOX 
 
 Private Judsoii lA'wis, comiectcd with our nai'rative — 
 known among- his most intimate I'riends as "Jed " Lewis — 
 was the youngest son of Ja])ez and Mary M. Lewis. "He 
 was a line looking young man, of dark complexion; and of a 
 (juiet and licaeeful dis|)()siti()n." For the first time we will 
 meet hiui at home with his aged and loving mother in 
 Ansonia, C'onnecticul. lie had ('nlist(.l in tin; liOth Uegi- 
 ment Connecticut \'olunteei's I'oi- the defence of liis Country; 
 and til!' tiuic had come for his departure; and he ^^ as linger- 
 ing with sui)pressed emotion beside his anxious and loving 
 mother. Were they meeting for the last time on earth? 
 I)i<l they icalize Fully tliat it might be so ? Who knows ? Jf 
 they did, what hei'oism and loyalty of the son! What a 
 gi'cat sncrilice of the mothei'! What ])ain and anguish at 
 the linal |)arting foi' mother and son! 
 
 " When eyes are beaming what never tongue 
 
 mighl It'll, 
 When teal's ai'c sti'eaming from their crystal 
 
 eelL 
 When hands are linked lliat dread (o pai't. 
 \\ hen heart is met by 1 hiolibing heart; 
 < Ml billerl bitle!'! is llie vMiart of those who say 
 
 la re well. 
 
 1 1 is said in xcrse: 
 
 "The niothei' who conceals her grief. 
 While to her breast her son she pi'esses, 
 'I'lieii bri'atlie> ;i lew bra\'e words and brief' 
 W il li ni» one but her secret ( lod 
 To kno\\ the |i;iiii that wfigh- upon he)'. 
 
 Shed hoi \ blood ;i> e 'er I lie sod 
 lieecjxfd ()U [''icedom's lleld of lloUol! 
 
So it was M itli the tliousands of dear mothers, tljat parted 
 witli their sons, to he sacrificed for our country's salvation. 
 
 VVliat for the loyal sonsf 
 
 "Happy the land which thus can claim 
 Such loyal sons her own! 
 Within whose breast, that altar flame 
 Of Spartan love hath grown! 
 Which, e'en with life, defends the State, 
 Nor deems such sacrifice too great." 
 
 "Oh, rare and loyal w^as the sacrifice!" 
 
 "For you and me they put their armor on." 
 
 PAR^JlNCi FROM LOVED ONES 
 
 At an early hour of September lltli, 1862, the day of the 
 departure of the 20th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, its 
 camp at Oyster Point, New Haven, Connecticut, was full of 
 activity getting I'eady to take cars for the front. It was 
 thronged, with anxious and sad relatives of the "boys in 
 blue. ' ' Wives, sisters and daughters are parting from their 
 loved ones! "Some are parting with mothers, who hold 
 them and press them to their hearts, again and again, and 
 say nothing, nothing but kisses ad tears, tears and kisses — 
 the divine mingling of agony and love!" 
 
 Soon, in the midst of partings, of great excitement and 
 confusion, came the stern command "fall in;" then in great- 
 er excitement came the short but memorable march of the 
 ' ' boys ' * for the cars that awaited them. How they were fol- 
 lowed to the cars by dear ones; who kept in sight their own, 
 to give more encouragement and one more expression of 
 affection! 
 
 Up the sides, and into the open platform cars the "boys" 
 clambered. When done, how quickly, and anxiously some 
 scanned the faces in the crowd and found a dear one who 
 was recognized and given the last "good bye!" 
 
 7 
 
THP] DKPARTURE FOR THE WAR 
 
 Near 10 o'clock in the forenoon, amid the cheers of tlie 
 great crowd of patriotic peoi)l(" who had asseniMed to wit- 
 ness the departure, and mid tlie teari'ul farewell of the loved 
 ones left behind, the I'Oth lleo-iment Connecticut Volunteers 
 that had so i)romj)tly i-esponded to tlie call of Lincoln, start- 
 ed on its three yeai-s campaign to aid in the supjncssion of 
 the wicked rebellion. 
 
 The precious human freight <lej)art('d, and among the pre- 
 cious sons of loving mothers was Judson Lewis of Co. B. 
 .Judson Lewis just from his mother's embi-ace; so stionu' and 
 robust of health, was one of the thousands of precious sons 
 defending our country, that never returned alive; but laid 
 down their lives while in the midst of promising manhood! 
 For what? was it not that this glorious Republic might con 
 tinue to live, tluit the peace and plenty that now are ours, 
 might be enjoyed by the millions; and the million- vet to 
 be? 
 
 "We fought, not for ourselves alone," said (!en. Sium-- 
 man, "but I'oi- those who ai-e to come after us." 
 
 "For you an<I me they put tiieii- armor on!" 
 TIIF IJFCFFTIOX FX KOFTF 
 
 I will not attemj)t to narrate the numy {)leasant and un- 
 pl«'a-ant haj)))enings while on „nr way to* Xew Voik Citv on 
 ^'"' "!»<■" pl<-d form cars- use.l foi' t lanspoi tin- hnnbei" or 
 <<' l'<'rl Monmouth, Xew Jersey, by M.>amboat. and l.v cars 
 '" ''lMl<-"h-lpliia, the <'ity of n-reat hospitality. \\V miived 
 '" ""' '■■'"'•'■ i'l'"""<' in llie forenoon ..f Seplemh.'i- IJlh. very 
 <''''«l ••"Ml hungry. Th.- I... nevoh.nl and patriotic p^M.pIr ^^^^y.^. 
 wailing an. I wat.-hin- for all such lo ari-iv<.. r.-uardless of 
 ^''•' <'""■ "I' <l.-i.v ..r nighl. In fact, whrn a t.-...,p train h'ft 
 .l'-i>..y City a l.-h-rani u;,.. s.-nl to Ihc " Lni,,n " ..,nd the 
 ^''•"''"■' ^'"'1' \'<'liinI.Tr K'rftv.|,in..nt Saloons;" a -un was 
 '"•'"f. -•"i.i away the peoph- hurried to tl„. l^m ,he.l> -.uul 
 '"•'«l<' '•'•<-"ly to feed the huiiuiv ^oldirrs 
 
We were royally entertained with every arrangemet for 
 comfort. While the patriotic ladies were bountifully feed- 
 ing the hungry bodies, they supplied each of us with a 
 pocket New Testament. So, they provided food for the 
 soul as well as the body; and to every soldier of a regiment 
 that passed through the city during the war tliey done the 
 same. The smiles and the Avords of encouragement, given 
 by those dear women, long fingered in tlie memory of many 
 veterans. 
 
 May the loyal services, of the noble women who assisted 
 in the preservation of our Republic, be inscribed by a grate- 
 ful nation, on monuments of Bronze to be seen and read by 
 the coming generations! 
 
 I will delay long enough, to record something more of 
 the benevolent and patriotic work of the "Refreshment 
 Saloons." Seven barrels of coffee and 15,000 cooked rations 
 were often made in one day. 1,300,000 meals were served 
 by the two organizations from their opening to their dis- 
 continuance. 
 
 " Writing paper and envelopes were provided, enal'ling 
 the soldiers to write home. All letters were stamped free 
 of cost to the writers and mailed by the entertainers. ' ' 
 
 It was but a short distance from the place where we were 
 so royally entertained, to the cars for Baltimore at which 
 city we arrived on the 13tli of September, where we were 
 lunched by the "Union Relief Committee." Again we took 
 cars and speeded for Washington, where we were treated to 
 boiled salt pork, bread and coffee, a meal that no one who 
 partook of it wouhl ever forget. The tables we stood up to, 
 on which the meal M^as served, were saturated with pork 
 grease; the coffee cups so greasy the coffee tasted more of 
 pork. The floor was so slippery because of pork grease, 
 that it was difficult for one to walk without slipping down. 
 
 I will not attempt to record further the movements of our 
 regiment, until its ari'ival at Fairfax station, Virginia, in tlie 
 evening' after its hard march of 25 miles. 
 
A SEVERE EXPERIEKCE IX WINTER 
 
 While there was much, that transpired between our ar- 
 rival in Washington and our departure for our camp near 
 Fairfax station, that is interesting and most worthy of 
 mention, yet, such will be left for some future historian. 
 
 It serves the purpose of the writer better, to proceed from 
 the time of the depai-ture of our regiment from our camp 
 near Fairfax station January ITtli, 1863; but I will hi-ieHy 
 refer to some incidents occurring during- our stay at tii-* lat- 
 ter place, from November 17tli, 1862, to January 17th, 1863. 
 While camped here the reg'iment suffei-ed from hunger not 
 having- sufficient rations issued to them. The men had not 
 been paid in two months, and some lacked means to obtain 
 sufficient nourishment, so some were half starved. Besides, 
 they were enfeebled by tlie cold and wintry weather. Some 
 nights it was painful, as one lay upon the frozen ground — 
 on a few boughs For a bed — to hear many hacking and 
 coughing, from colds. It seemed to me most wonde'-fiil 
 that so many of Company B, were fit to march when called 
 upon to do so, for they were further enfeebled, from haviug- 
 no shelter, day oi- night, exce))t that afforded tliem in \n\<\] 
 huts, oj)en in IVdnl to the driving snow, and cold, and i)ierc- 
 ing- wItkIs. 
 
 Clieei riilly \\c -iifrei-ed and eiidui-ed together in hai'(l>hips 
 and |)i-i\a1ioiis, with hut one ))Ui|)ose, to save oui- coiintrv 
 I'l-oni ils ai-nied enemies 
 
 Thi- inimnrtal Lincoln, duiing the great sti-uggle for the 
 existence of oui- iJepublic, said: " We accejited this war foi- 
 <»ne object, a \voi-lli> object, and tlie war will end when that 
 object is attaine<l. I'ndei- (iod. I hope it will ncNcr end un- 
 til that time. " The '• jioys in r.lue" h.'Iiex cd in liiui. and 
 shai-eil with him in his determinaticui and hope. 
 
 .\ l)l'TII-'l L SOLDIKK' 
 
 Private . I iid>,,n Lew i>. after the nuircli of iT) miles with 
 his liegiment ainl com|)any. reached l-'airta-S station in goo<l 
 
condition. Here let nie record, comrade Lewis, gave me as 
 his Orderly Sergeant, no trouble. I do not recall his com- 
 plaining about his rations, or while being detailed for guard 
 or picket duty, even when called upon after a long and tedi- 
 ous march, and perhaps to be marched many miles more and 
 too, before he had an opportunity to make a can of coffee or 
 eat a few hardtack to satisfy his hunger. - I recall nothing 
 occurring during my experience with my comrade Lewis, 
 while Orderly Sergeant of Co. B, that mars the good im- 
 pression of him. It is equally true of others, of my com- 
 rades of Co. B, they too, have left in my memory, good and 
 lasting impressions tliat are and will be cherished as long a.s 
 I may live. 
 
 When orders were received on the morning of January 
 17tli, 1863, to be ready to march from Fairfax station, as 
 orderly sergeant T gathered such as I believed were unable 
 to withstand the fatigue of the march, and reported such to 
 the Surgeon. Comrade F.ewis connected with our narrative, 
 was not one of the number but ready and willing as usual to 
 perform his whole duty. 
 
 Our march from Fairfax station, to what proved to be 
 our (le'^tination for the winter, was mo.^t trying and arduous. 
 
 HUNCJRY SOLDIERS 
 
 We had but little to eat on the last day of the march, in 
 fact it was thirty six hours after our arrival before rations 
 could l»e obtained to issue to us. On the jiiarch some men 
 were so hungry, that passing where rebel calvary haa fed 
 their horses, they gathered up what few stray kernels of 
 coi-n, they could find, some of whicli were found soaking in 
 the water in the pi-ints — made in the mud — of the horses 
 hoofs, and ate them to satisfy their knawing hunger. 
 
 A NIGHT UNDER SNOW 
 
 On the night after our arrival fi'om Fairfax station, the 
 comrade^ tired and hunger none too well satisfied, lay with- 
 
 11 
 
out slieltor oil tlic cold ,i;i'()iui(I aiul sou.^'Iit rest mid sleep; 
 and while they slept, 
 
 "Silent, and soft, and slow 
 Descends the snow. 
 The snowfiakes fell, 
 
 And on the .uTound li(^ thickly dee])." 
 While underneath, are tired soldiers. 
 Asleep. 
 
 Before morning snoM' had fallen to tlie deptli of a foot or 
 more and covered us; and it was to those of tlie early ones 
 to arise from such a cover, a scene that few ever saw. The 
 cam]) ^^■as of mounds as in a l)ui\ving-gi"ound in winter time; 
 and where as well there was no ajopearance of life. There 
 was merriment as one after anotlier ai)i)eared out of his 
 grave of snow and shook himself. 
 
 COM.MF.XDATOKY ORDER 
 
 Some time after the estahlislnuent of our winter quarters 
 near Stafford Court IFouse, A'irgiuia. the following order 
 was issued hy our Division comuiauder, which i-ccilcs some 
 oi' the hardslii])s and juix at ioiis we e\])erieiice(l on our 
 march ffom l^'aiifax stalioii: — - 
 
 "Head(|uaii.'is Isl Div. r2th A. ('.. 
 ' Ueai- Staffoi-d Coui-t House, \'a. 
 
 January L\")tli, IStii). 
 ( leiieral ( )rders. No. 3. 
 ''The P>i"i.L;'. ( ii'ii. coiiiiii.-iiidiim l hi> Dixisioii (h-.-i ic- (o e\ • 
 ])ress to the trooi»> ol' 1 his c()iuiiiaii«l his highest a|ipi»'cial ion 
 of llieir soldiei-ly condiicl iji the rccciil nrtluon> iiiaicii I'loiii 
 l''aii'fa\' ,-latioii to lhi> ph'K-c. r,ii(h'i' x'xen' hardship- and 
 ])ri\atioii>. w Inch rc>nllcd fi-om I he >toi in connncncinu with 
 and accompanying us duilnu our march, and oxer road.- 
 seemini^iy imjiassahlc, ihcir palicnl endurance ami piom])! 
 Jieifoiiiiaiice i)\' cvrry (Inly merit- the liighe.-t prai-e. Sol- 
 
 12 
 
diers deprived hj unexpected obstacles of proper subsistence 
 and exposed to inclement weather without shelter, and yet 
 enduring all without a murmur,, deserve the warmest thanks 
 not only of their counnander but the nation they so faithful- 
 ly served. ^y (^'ommand of 
 
 Brig. (Jen. A. S. Williams, 
 W. D. Williams, Capt and 
 
 Assist. Adj. Gen." 
 
 WINTER QUARTERS 
 
 It was not long after the night we spent under the snow, 
 when we removed to the grounds chosen for our camp for 
 the winter. 
 
 " Make we here our camp for winter, 
 And, through sleet and snow, 
 Pitchy knot and heechen splinters 
 On our hearth shall glow." 
 
 Here we put up Jog huts, and to exclude the wind, rain 
 and snow, crevices M^ere filled with Virginia mud. The huts 
 had ridge roofs made of four pieces of canvas— two shelter, 
 or "dog tents"— that furnished much light in the hut mak- 
 ing it pleasant. Some made a door for their hut, out of 
 pieces of hardtack boxes; and with strips of leather from 
 old discarded army shoes, hinges were made, and fastened 
 in place with nails from cracker boxes. Many of the huts 
 had a chimney and fireplace, constructed of pieces of wood 
 embeded in an abundance of mud, and some of the chim- 
 neys were topped off with a barrel without heads. 
 
 The interior of some huts might have been thought 
 " homedike," being fitted up with some conveniences, and 
 to the taste of the occupant, out of what was obtainable. 
 
 By this time the comrades in their experience as soldiers, 
 had learned how, and were disposed to make themselves 
 comfortable. 
 
 As one passed a hut, on his wa\ down the company 
 street, sweet melodious voices could be heard from within, 
 
 13 
 
voices tliat had hccii listeiKMl to in cfimcli choii' at [loiiic; 
 rroiii another miglit be Iieard, the reaciing- of welcome let- 
 ters from home; and from anotlier, pleasant convei-sation; 
 discussions on tlie wai-; camj) gossip, or perhaps a lively 
 game of jK'nny-ante, or seven-iip. 
 
 As one peered througii cracks in the dooi- of a hut. one 
 might be seen making his coffee— the soldier's solace— over 
 thc lire on the liearth, and in a kettle made of a tomato can; 
 in another hut, one may be seen wiitinga letter home, by the 
 light of a piece of candle or by the bright and cheerful light 
 from the lii-eplace. As one comes to another, there miglit 
 be seen the face of one in deep thought; sitting befoi'e the 
 bright lire on the hearth. Are tliei-e tears on the uptr.i-ued 
 face? Doubtless, for his mind is nHeduith thoughts of 
 home, sweet home; and of some loved one there! 
 
 The deleterious effects, upon the health of many members 
 of the regiment resulting from the ,v reat fatigue experienced 
 on the ai-duous march; and from, the night spent under the 
 snow, an<l lying on the cold wet ground, soon became evi- 
 dj'iil. h l...caiiie my painful duly as orderly sergeant of Co. 
 B, to have to report many mem!,ers of that compauv for 
 tivatmcnt: and one of the number was the heretofore ro- 
 '"ist and healthy dudson Lewis. Disc-ase that luiks m 
 ''"'•.Iships, privations an. I huu.ucr. al ln<t <-laimed him as a 
 vu-tuii. Soon w.. IhKJ him in the hospital delii-.uis with 
 iNphoid fever. 
 
 Accor<lin.o- to m..di,.;d ant hoi it i..> thousau.ls ..f soldiers, 
 .-'■rvmg II,.. Ir c.Minlry in tl,.. arniv. .lurin- i|„. ..jvil wai- 
 Hdlered an.l lost th.-ir liv.-s, by tv,,|,..i.l fever ...u.t racte.l 
 ♦'•"""'""'l't'""slhey.-oul.l not hav.. avoi,h.d:.loubtlessour 
 •■*""|■'•|d.• Lewis was one of such. 
 
 Typh.H.l fever it iswritlen, may l,e.-aii>e.l without infec- 
 <"'>'"l '•M.Tnal.,ri-in. The .levelopnH-nt of tv,.l,.,i.| f.-vr 
 a.non;,- troops .luiin,. |,;,,,, eampaigni.m involvim; mu.-h 
 laligiie i> u,.|| known. 
 
 14 
 
THE DUTIFUL SOLDIER SUCCUMBS TO DISEASE. 
 
 On Saturday, February 21 st, 1863, near the dawn of day, 
 in a tent not liglited, perhaps not lieated, and during a cold 
 and driving snow storm, tlie mortal life of Judson Lewis, 
 peacefully ended! 
 
 '•Comrade, rest, thy warfare is o'er! 
 Spirit ! thy labor i s o 'er. 
 
 Thy term of probation is run. 
 Thy steps are now bound for the untrodden 
 shore, 
 And the race of immortals begun. 
 
 ''What is death 
 To him who meets it with an upright heart! 
 A quiet haven, where his shatter 'd bark 
 Harbours secure, till the rough storm is past, 
 Perhaps a passage overhung with clouds. 
 But at its entrance, a few leagues beyond 
 Opening to kinder skies and milder suns. 
 And seas pacific as the soul that seeks them." 
 
 A NOBLE SURGEON 
 
 Dr. James Wadsworth Terry, Surgeon of our regi- 
 ment, and two nurses were with our comrade when he suc- 
 cumbed to his deadly disease, and passed out of this life. 
 There is no doubt our comrade received perhaps more 
 consolation during his sickness, and better medical atten- 
 tion—which would have been a great comfort to his aged 
 mother and friends to have known— than many other sol- 
 diers tliat suffered and died in hospitals at the front. 
 
 Dr. Terry I know, from having associated with him 
 was a conscientious and I believe a skilled physician, and 
 as having a christian spirit, being very kindhearted and 
 sympathetic. It is written of his brother Gen. Alfred 
 Howe Terry— ''Hero of Fort Fislier^'— that he too was 
 
 15 
 
modest ; generous; of a kind hearted nature; and was apt 
 to bend down to little children and caress them; and was 
 an unflinching friend. This eulogy of (ien. Terry aceordr- 
 with the pleasant impression lingering in my mind of !iis 
 hi-othei', l)i-. Terry, oui- very kind hearted surgeon, and 
 unflinching friend. Dr. Terry's sympathetic nature, 
 was revealed when, after he had been many hours of the 
 cold nii:;]it ministering to relieve the suffering of our coni- 
 I'ade to the last, and lie tui'ns fi'om the dead, and so ten- 
 derly, hastens to the side of our sick comrade Johnson. 
 
 After the close of the great conflict, when one wa^ 
 seeking material for a Biography of J. Wadsworth Terry, 
 M. 1)., and sought of him something of himself to be used, 
 he refrained from saying aught of himself; but wrote m 
 pi-aise of comrades as follows: "There were many fine 
 officers and men in the regiment, among the latter 1 know 
 of none more worthy of mention than my orderly, Peleg 
 Brown, who, in every battle was by my side I'endering 
 assistance to the wounded, and in hospital gave most con- 
 scientious care to the sick and suffering. 
 
 '^riie above ])orii-ays the true chai-actcr of the two noble 
 men! 
 
 B()l)\' OK COMRADE LEWIS ORDEIJKI) SKXT TO 
 MIS MOTIIKK' 
 
 Thcr*' iiiiist ha\(' bccji a ))i('d('t('riirnif(| uii(h'f>taadiiig 
 oi- ;i (|uick decision, a> lo the di.-|)osal of the hody o! our 
 «'oiiira(h', a> (jnilc early on llie (L-iy ot his (h-alh a sjiecia! 
 oi-(h'r was signed and is>iied IVoiii the heathpiarters of the 
 i'egjnient hy Col. W'iHiaiii \l. W'oostei' coninianding. " lo 
 delivci- llie ho(i\ ofJiidson l.f\\i> llic deceased, lo the \\\- 
 )»ress (''»iii|ian\ at Washington, for transportation to his 
 family in ( 'oniieet lent. " Xo doiihl the sngi;-estion of 
 Si-ndim: the body ol' the ^on llolile to the lllotliel-, cailie 
 
 promptly Irom the kindhejnted. and thoiiglitriil coiniiian- 
 <h*r-. ( 'ol. Wno-l.T. 
 
 10 
 
INTERESTINCi LETTER FROM COMRADE 
 
 In the hot^pital tent where comrade Lewis died was 
 another comrade of Co. B, — " now^ with the great majori- 
 ty" — lying sick with the same deadly disease. In after 
 years I was moved by a desire to learn something more if 
 possible,, of the particulars relating to the last sickness 
 of Comrade Lewis and wrote comrade Johnson, with that 
 mind in view. Here follows, in ijart, the letter received: — 
 
 *'New Haven, Conn., 
 March 6th, 
 Mr. (Jeorge Sherman 
 
 Dear Comrade: 
 
 * "* * * You inquire about 'Jed' Lewis. I re- 
 member ' Jed ' well, he died while I was so very sick at 
 Stafford Court House. He lay on the opposite side of the 
 passage way from me in a wall tent, it was not ligJited, 
 the snow drifted through at the bottom, and we had some 
 very cold weather there as you well remember. I don't 
 think Med' froze to death, I think the fever that he had 
 would keep him from freezing. I had been delirious for 
 a long time, it seejus now as though it must have been two 
 or three weeks, when I regained consciousness. It was 
 along the latter part of the night and very cold. I realiz- 
 ed that sometliing Ujuisual was taking place, I managed 
 to raise myself on my arms and looked at where 'Jed's' 
 bunk was and saw three standing around it. Dr. Terry 
 was one of them, he looked around and saw me, and came 
 over to my bunk, 'well,' iie '^ays, 'Jolmson I am surprised, 
 how do you feel?' I answered by asking him if he 
 thought 1 would get well, he says, 'I hope so, as soon as 
 you are able to travel I shall discharge you, you never 
 will be able to do duty again.' I did not think so. I ask- 
 ed him what the trouble was over there, he said 'Jed' 
 Lewis was dead.' That took all my courage out of me. 
 We both had the same typhoid fever. 1 did nor get 
 
 17 
 
mi'oiiikI imuli iiiUil a few days bcl'oic we wcTit lo riianccl- 
 
 lorsvillc. 
 
 Your co]iii;ule. 
 
 Jerome Joliiison 
 
 I received a special ordci-, dated February 21st lioni 
 tlie lieadqna)-teis of my reg'iment and approved at lirad- 
 quarter>< of tlie Brigade, Division and 12tli Army Corps, 
 detailing me on special duty for three days. The oider 
 readied me early Sunday morning, February 22nd my 
 birthday. From the order ] learned for the first time oi 
 the death of comrade Lewis, ajid of my promotion. The 
 order follows: — 
 
 "Headquai'tcrs 20tli ( onn. \'ols., 
 
 Stafford C. H., Va.. Feby. 21st, 18G3. 
 Special Order. 
 
 2d Lieut George W. Sherman is hereby detailed to de- 
 liver tlie l)ody of Judson Lewis, deceased, to the F]x]U"ess 
 Company at Wash.ington, i'or transportation to \\\> family 
 in Connecticut. 
 
 JJeut. Sherman will ivturn within thi'ee davs, during 
 wliicli lime he will ]jrocure his proper uniform as a 2d 
 Lt., he having just been promoted from 1st Sergeant. 
 (Signed) Will. r>. W'oostcr. 
 
 Lieut. Cnl. •JOth CollU. \'(.Is.. 
 
 ( 'oiiiiiianding lu'gt. 
 
 The weather on ijie iiiorniiiL' of the 22<l, when 1 r.'cei\- 
 ed the ordd' ddailiiig iiie I'oi- special duty, was x'ery cold, 
 and niiieli ilcpth of -now on the ground and it wa^ still 
 snowing hard a> on llie |ire\iou> day; and a- the order ol 
 detail did not >peeil"y any particular day to |)rocee(l; an<l 
 only the time allow (mI in going aiu! coming- I used \\\y 
 jutigincnt and cho^e the 2.'lrd. a> the propei- timt to com- 
 mence the peri'(Uiiiance ol the diit'e.- assigned me. 
 
,^ Sergeant Edward Root of Co. B— a stalwart in deed— 
 wliom i sliall always remember for liis disinterested kind- 
 ness and generosity, and six other comrades of Co. B — 
 tliat I am sorry to say I am unable at this day to recall the 
 name of one of them — were the detail to accompany me 
 with the body of our comrade down Aquia Creek as far as 
 Aqaia Creek Landing. 
 
 Very early on the morning of February 23d, 1863, the 
 body of our comrade covered with a piece of shelter tent 
 for a shroud, was solemnly borne by comrades on a stretch- 
 er, from the tent where he closed his life, to near the foot of 
 our company street, from which place we were to depart 
 on our mission. No more, wall his response "here," at 
 t]ie Roll Call, be heard by his comrades! 
 
 To day the mortal clay, 
 Is tenderly borne away! 
 - For dearest kin of son, 
 
 A solemn duty is done! 
 
 START FOR KANE'S LANDING 
 
 It had stopped snowing but it had continued severely 
 cold and a piercing wind prevailed; but early in the morn- 
 ing we started through the deep snow, and facing the 
 cold and piercing wind for Kane's Landing about three 
 quarters of a mile from our camp and at the head of 
 Aquia Creek. 
 
 The weather was such that but few would be likely out 
 of their comfortable huts. I do not recall that any one 
 but the members of the detail were present at our start. 
 
 Our silent and very solemn march wdtli the dead, 
 through the deep snow^; and in the cold and piercing wind, 
 
 At "Kane's Landing," supplies were distributed to a part of the Army of the 
 Potomac, that were towed up the creek m canal boats by stern-wheelers. Kane's 
 Landing was so named for Brig. Gen. Thomas Leiper Kane, commanding at one 
 time, the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of the 12th Army Corps. He was a brother to 
 Dr. Elisha Kent Kane the American Arctic Explorer, who commanded the second 
 Arctic expedition sent out by Henry Grinnell in search of Sir John Franklin in 
 1850-1851. 
 
 19 
 
Ma)) of A((uia (/reck, \'a., sliowiiii;- location ol 
 l^Olh Conn. \'ols. camp in tlic ('i\il A\'ai-; ol 
 Ivanc's Landing; an<l Aciuia CrccU l.andiiii;-. 
 
 JO 
 
lias often since reminded nie of vrha^ a fimei-al procession 
 might be in tlie Arctic region! 
 
 Aqiiia Creek that we were to descend is an afihient of 
 the Potomac River; and Aqnia Creek Landing, is situated 
 at the junction of the creek with tlie Potomac; and in a 
 straight course, is about tive miles from Kane's Landing. 
 Aquia Creek Landing was th.e only place where a coffin 
 could be procured for the body of our comrade; and where 
 one could take i-teamboat for Washington with tlie body 
 from there to be transjjoited to the relatives in Connecti- 
 cut. 
 
 Neither the comrades that were to go to Aquia Creek 
 Landing nor myself, had before descended Aquia Creek. 
 We wei"e expected to reach the landing for a purpose; 
 doubtless none had a thought but we would be able to 
 overcome and remove ,every obstacle in the way. We had 
 the pluck of " Yankees " that we were. 
 
 At Kane's Landing we were very fortunate in iinding 
 at the landing a large flat-bottomed craft, that ha(i been 
 used on Aquia Creek, and doubtless by the Confederate 
 forces while in that vicinity. It was taken possession of 
 with the poles we found for pushing the craft along; also 
 some pieces of boards that proved to be of great service on 
 our way down the creek. 
 
 A VERY TRYINd TIINTE DOWN AQUTA CREEK 
 
 There was ample room on tlie craft for the stretcher 
 with the body; and space for all aboard to move about 
 freely. Thus we were equipped for our passage with the 
 dead down the creek; and soon we were ready to com- 
 mence what proved to be a task and an experience that is 
 yet, vivid in my mind. 
 
 On our way down the creek in the performance of our 
 mission in the presence of the dead, there was no sugges- 
 tion of levity, for we knew not how soon it might be with 
 one of us, as with our comrade who but a few weeks before 
 
 21 
 
was '^tiong and j-obiist in Iiealtli, l)iii now, lying still in 
 (leatli hol'ore u.'-. Tlio ])assage in tlie i)ri'sence of tlu' 
 (k-ad, iiuist have been to my comrades a most solenm and 
 oj)l)i-('s>-iv(' aifaii-; and as 1 recall, llic passage was iiu'de in 
 comparative silence. 
 
 The faithful "Uoys in lilue." lalsored inces.^antly the 
 entire distance down the ei'eek without one conii)la'nt or 
 iiiu)-mui-. They were unai-iiie(l, yet, they were so wiiolly 
 occnjtied in the service due their comrade that it was 
 evident that if they had been fired upon, from the hanks 
 of the creek ]»y guerrillas they wouhl not have hesitated 
 itiic moment to have contimied on oui' mission. 
 
 W'v were about nine houis getting to >\(iuia Creek 
 Landing owing to the arducus labor and the difficulties 
 experienced on our way. The creek, during the severe. 
 weather, had frozen over; and I'or al)out four miles of the 
 route, the ice had to ])e bi'oken up, by two or three coni- 
 j-ades at the Vow of the craft, with the pieces of boa'ds w' 
 so th()U'.'htriill\- bi'ought along; while others pushed witli 
 the })oles as a way was cleared admitting of further move- 
 ment toward our goal. 
 
 When my mind reverts to the pictmcd scene, of tlie in- 
 trepid Coiitiueiilals, I'.attling with the cakes of (loatiug ice 
 that cotifroiite(| and ()pj)ose(| them, wliih' ci'ossiiiL;' the 
 Deh-iware, it recalls to my mind, om- experience, while 
 liattliug as it weie. willi the hariier of ice, that conlVoiited 
 and opposed us on lliat, to us memorahh' day duiing 
 (»ur passage down .\(piia ("reek lifly foui- xcais ago. with 
 the body of ("()mi-a<le .ludson I.ewisI 
 
 To sail down Acpiia ('reek, in and (Mil of its num<'i'ou- 
 and plea>ani lillle coxes, wafted by refreshing winds 
 of Suiu'iier; when all along its banks ai-e green; all nature 
 smiling; when ;i|| aboard is snggesli\-e of naught but life 
 •'""d aniiiialion: and coinfocts pleiilx ; then il would be a 
 pleasnr". and wouhl Im' in after yeai-.- recalled along with 
 pleasanl ihoiighl-. i'.iil <.iii- passage down Acpiia Creelc 
 
on February 23d, 1863, when all along its banks were 
 clothed in the garb of Winter; midst cold and piercing- 
 winds; laboring too with might and main; with comforts 
 none; and while in the presence of grim death, was most 
 unpleasant and arduous; and our experience during our 
 passage down the creek while performing the duty due 
 our dead comrade, is recalled in after years only along; 
 with thoughts of unpleasantness! 
 
 It was nearly dark when we succeeded in reaching 
 Aquia Creek Landing and getting the body of our com- 
 rade ashore. We were all very tired, lame and hungry 
 too, after finishing our hard task. 
 
 Coffins (pine boxes) were furnished at the landing by 
 the government for hudreds of bodies of soldiers that 
 had been killed or died of wounds or disease in the Army 
 of the Potomac; and brought there to be taken to Wash- 
 ington by boat and from there sent to relatives, in differ- 
 ent parts of the Union. 
 
 As we were unavoidably delayed in reaching Aquia 
 Creek Landing on the 23d in time for a boat for Washing- 
 ton that day, I was somewhat doubtful about being able to 
 accomplish my part of the mission within the three days 
 allowed, and as I wished to avoid being reprimanded I 
 obtained the endorsement — on the order — of Dr. Wm. H. 
 White the kindhearted Post Surgeon at the landing, say- 
 ing that I was "unavoidably detained at this Post and 
 
 At an early period of the Civil War, the Confederates erected batteries on 
 Aquia Creek, near Aquia Creek Larding, which would command the entrance to 
 the creek, from the Potomac. 
 
 May 16th, 1861, Captain James Harmon Ward— a retired naval officer— or- 
 ganized the "Potomac Flotilla"— the first war fleet — consisting of four s'eam crafts; 
 and he was placed in command of it. With the flotilla he on Friday, May 31st, 
 1861 attacked the batteries on Aquia Creek and after a severe bombardment silen- 
 ced them; and on the following morning resumed the cannonading, burning and de- 
 stroying the depot with all its stores. 
 
 Aquia Creek Landing, was thus secured; occupied, and retained until the close 
 of the war. The position secured on the creek proved to be of great importance to 
 the Union forces, for the landing and distribution of supplies for the Army of the 
 Potomac. 
 
 23 
 
cannot proceed onwai'd until tomorrow morning.'" 
 
 After a wliilc a siiital)l(' place was found for the ho<l> 
 ov(M- niulit. af^o a ])lac(' undci- cover foi- luy couiiades. 
 
 A SLEKPLESS XKJHT OX A C'AXAL BOAT 
 
 "And welcome was the peep of day." 
 
 Sei-i>-eant IJoot, found that 1 could ])e acconnnodated 
 under cover for the nijj,lit in the cabin of a canal i)oat, used 
 in brino-ing supplies for the Army of the Potomac. 
 
 As I entered the cabin^ — that was not in those days V(M-y 
 s])acious in such crafts — T saw in the dim light the out- 
 lines of a small coal stove, and perha])s the warmth 
 coming froiu it was moi-e felt and app)'eeiate<l at the time, 
 than 1 can aftei' fifty four years remember. 1 could not 
 determine whethei- any one but myself occu])ied the cabin^ 
 it being so dai'k. Doubtless there were bunks in the 
 cabin, l)ut 1 was not a bit inclined to liud and occupy one; 
 ])ei"haps if 1 luid done so 1 would lunc learned that there 
 were others there besides myself, iuliabitiug it. 1 sat on a 
 stool— that I might in tlu^ darkness h;i\e stumbled oxer — 
 and i)assed the long and dreary niglM awake. As soon as 
 day light ajjjjeared 1 proui|)tl\ left the boat without know^ 
 ing whethei- any other human h-'ing jiassed the night in the 
 cabin with :ne. ( )iie wouhl uud'-i- the circumstances ha\e 
 easily imagine(l many unple;is;in| lliings during such a 
 night, that would nol be ;it all plensant to ;in> one, in fact, 
 I was -iftei- leaving the 1, oat impressed with the ihought 
 lli;il I would much ralliei' spend a niulit in the open on the 
 <'<ihl .::roniiil lli.in in n <lark and dicarx cabin of a canal 
 boat ana in. 
 
 I reioined my conu-ailes eaily in the nuuiiing and 
 lound they had leariie(| where sonic food c<mld be purchas- 
 ed to -atisfy our liunuer, having obtained such we wasted 
 no lime over oui- scanty icpa-t as we had lo <ibtain a collin 
 and gel everything read\ lor tiu" steamboat lor W ashini!- 
 
ton tliat would leave at 9 o'clock in the forenoon of that 
 day. 
 
 After some dehiy in ascertaining the place to hnd the 
 proper government officer to whom we should apply f(^r a 
 coffin we obtained one. We had no opportunity to gratify 
 our wisli tliat the l)ody of our dead comrade be sent home 
 in sucli a coffin as our regard for him prompted. The 
 coffins provided l^y the government were all of one quality 
 of pine wood. 
 
 We learned later, that the body of our comrade "was 
 dressed and rested enclosed in an elegant coffin" beforo 
 being seen by the bereaved mother. 
 
 •Every preparation was carefully made by the comrades 
 for the last resting place of the dead comrade they could 
 assist in providing for him; all of his belongings— that no 
 doubt his uiother would treasure— were enclosed in the 
 coffin. The body of our comrade who had suffered with 
 us hardships and privations was reverently borne by his 
 couirad.es to the boat, and feelingly placed along with 
 long rows of coffins of the dead. The faithful detail had 
 now finished their part of our solemn mission; wdien in 
 tears and silence, they withdrew, in sadness! 
 
 "We parted in silence; our cheeks were wet 
 With the tears that were past control." 
 
 The comrades who had so faithfully accompanied me, 
 bade me good bye at the boat and then proceeded to re- 
 turn; and 1 earnestly hoped it would be less arduous for 
 them while returning to camp. 
 
 I was very thankful, for the promjit and efficient ser-- 
 vice rendered by the faithful detail on our passage down 
 Aquia Creek. 
 
 I departed on the boat for Washington along with the 
 honored and heroic dead, that had been precious hus- 
 bands, sons or brothers, and had beou sacrificed for the 
 salvation of our Republic! 
 
 25 
 
After ail luicvciiiriil ])iit pleasant passage of fifty miles 
 or more, of the Potomac River tliat 1 liad passed up in a 
 ti-ansport in 1861 while a member of the Second Regiment 
 Connecticut Volunteers that answered the first call of 
 Lincoln, T reached my destination the same day of my de- 
 ])arture from Aquia Creek Landing. 
 
 Without delay I expressed the body of my comrade by 
 Adams Express, to the address of Judge P]dgar Bartlett 
 (a great friend of soldiers) in Ansonia, Connecticut; and 
 at once sent him a telegraphic message advising him of the 
 the fact, that he could take charge of the body on its arri- 
 val; and at his discretion inform the poor Mother of the 
 death of her son. The aged Mother had not yet been ad- 
 vised of her son's death, or even of his having been sick. 
 The Mother had been sj^ared two or tliree weeks of great 
 anxiety. 
 
 There was ample time and opportunity after attending 
 to the duty assigned me to purchase a uniform and sword, 
 proper for a commissioned officer of my rank in the in- 
 fantry. 
 
 One can imagine the ])leasure ex])erienced wliilc pui"- 
 cliasing my out (it, along with the thoughts of my liaviug 
 Ix'en promoted. I j-ealized thr.t I liad Ix'cu chosen from 
 many \voi-{|iy loyal and altic ones; and coiuinission'-d to 
 taUc c'uirgc if called upon, and coniinand noble men that 
 wei'e engage<l in a gi'eat conllict. battling for the pioei-va- 
 tion of oui- ii'epublicl I lind reason to feel liiglil\- honor- 
 ed as anv one would have been by the tl-Ust l-eposed in 
 nie. by the (iovei-nor of the gi-eat State of Connecticut. 
 
 I was conscious that I had earned a promotion, aftei* 
 orio year of faithful >ei-\ ice ;is i'^irst Sei'geant : under two 
 eHicienl ;ind wort hy olhcers. Cafttain Sanfoi'd 1%. Chaffee, 
 afid Caiitniii .John II. Doolittle; yet, I was none the less 
 ■^'''■'d<'liil to Ihc ,,ii,. whom I believed had secured my com- 
 mission Uy nie. 
 
 I ask the p;irdon of rendei's, foi- pi-(>senting here th<^ 
 
 26 
 
following testiiiionial from Surgeon J. Wadswortli Terry 
 of my regiment, given me many years after the close of the 
 the great conflict, which I oifer as corroboration of 
 the truthfulness of my statement that I had earned my 
 I^romotion: — " As orderly of Co. B, during the early part 
 of our regimental history," he says. "I looked upon you as 
 second to none of similar rank in the regiment, and when 
 3^ou received your promotion as 2d Lieutenant, I felt that 
 you had justl}^ earned it by the faithful discharge of your 
 duty. As an officer you always had a high character in 
 tlie regiment for personal worth and fidelity to duty." 
 
 I remained over night in Washington, at a good hotel 
 and rested in a bed, so comfortable; and thought it much 
 more comfortable than sleeping at the front, on tlie cold 
 gr()un<l in Winter time oi- even in a hut there in Smnmer 
 time. 
 
 I left Wasliington, l)y boat for Aquia Creek Landing — 
 to rejoin my i-egiment — on the forenoon of the 25th of Feb- 
 ruary, and 1 departed witliout the least regret. I was 
 eagei- to join my comrades that were so loyally banded 
 togethei- in a righteous cause. 
 
 I reached the landing at night, and after ascertaining 
 the direction leading towards our camp; and had walked 
 aliout four miles in much mud and in darkness; and over 
 a road made h\ army wagons, that I had never before trav- 
 eled I reached our camp; and with the feeling as though 
 I had " got home." I was very tired, and hungry, not 
 having eaten anything since my start from Washington. 
 
 T succeeded in getting back to the camp of my regiment 
 and rejoined my comrades within three days as command- 
 ed. 
 
 I find by a letter that I wrote to my dear mother— that 
 she had carefully preserved for many years — that after my 
 return to camp from Washington I was unw^ell, having 
 contracted a very severe cold when I went to Washington, 
 tliat settled all over me; that T had a very sore throat, and 
 
 27 
 
was llircateiu'd with a fever. How it was with my com- 
 i-adcs that accompanied ir.e down Ac^uia Creek, after get- 
 ting I ack, 1 am iinal)le to record. Tlieir i)art of the task 
 was much more severe than mine as in achlition to their 
 exposure to tlie cohl and piercing wind, tliey broke up the 
 ice and foi'ced the cral't ah)ng, which rcMiuii'ed much hard 
 hd)or. 
 
 At rejoining my regiment (which was done with in- 
 creased enthusiasm) tliere was the same increasing" efficien- 
 cy in the regiment that had l)een n()ticea])h^ soon after (len- 
 eral Hooker assumed connnand of the Army of tlu' Poto- 
 mac, January 26tli, 1863. It was evident tliere was a mas- 
 ter mind in control of the Ai-niy of the Potomac; and it was 
 an in;])erative necessity, as a consi<h'rable portion had l)een 
 hut 55 (hiys before, defeated in the hatlh' of f'riMhM-icks- 
 burg, and in a degree demoi-al'zcd and dis|)irit('d. 
 
 (iALLAXT KKJHTINd JOK HOOKER 
 
 " Pighting ' Joe ' Hooker," wlio became connuander 
 of the Ai-my of the Potomac; and commaiuh'd at the battU^ 
 of ChancellorsviUe, was graduated al West l\)int in lSo7, 
 an<l ])r('par('(l loi- wai'fare. 
 
 He sci\(m| in the " Fl()ri(hi War;" and llic " Mexican 
 War." hi tlic h-illcr war it is I'ecoi-ded lliat lie at once 
 made liiiiis<'lf conspicuous I'oi- gallant ry ; and was hi-evet- 
 tctf When (m'Ii. Scott a.-suiMcd command of the .\merican 
 foice- ('a|»tain Hool<ci- was made his assistant Adjt. (icn 
 ei-ah He w<iit thi-oiigli the cam|)aign IVom N'era Cru/ to 
 the ( it\ of Mexico and so di.'-t inguislicd hiniself as to win 
 
 tW(t blCNCts. 
 
 In IS,").") he resigned from the army jiavinu- served his 
 c<»iintry witli distinction. 
 
 At tlie outitreah of the " ('i\il War," Joseph ilookei' 
 |n-omptly olTere.l lii> ser\ice> to the Peijeral (l(»\-erniiient 
 and was at once cominissioned to commaml a brigade. 
 
From that time, lie was in active service; and made liimself 
 conspicuous in many engagements and battles. 
 
 Brig. General Hooker was of the regular army; and 49 
 years of age, when selected with great coniidence by 
 Lincoln, January 26, 1863, to command the Army of the 
 Potomac. 
 
 General Hooker won the title of '' Fighting ' Joe ' 
 Hooker " from his pronounced fighting qualities displayed 
 during his services on the "Peninsula" in the "Siege of 
 Yorktown," "Battle of Fairoaks," during the "Seven 
 Days Fight " and at " Malverne Hill." 
 
 Before its march on the Chancellors ville campaign, 
 April 27, 1863, the " Army of the Potomac " had been 
 marvellously transformed, within three months time, under 
 the superior ability of our commander. His skill in or- 
 ganizing equalled his bravery. 
 
 The superior skill and ability of our indefatigable com- 
 mander, was apparent in the great improvement he made 
 in the physical conditions, discipline and morale of the 
 troops under his command. 
 
 The " Army of the Potomac " was never in a better 
 condition. Gen. Hooker may not have been far from the 
 truth when he remarked to Lincoln after the grand review 
 April 8th, 1863, " I have the finest army on the planet! " 
 
 GRAND REVIEW OF THE 12th ARAfY CORPS, ARMY 
 OF THE POTO]\IAC, BEFORE THE CKANCELLORS- 
 VILLE CAMPAIGN:— 
 
 What a grand and memorable day was April 8th, 1863, 
 to the 20th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers! Froui early 
 dawn of the day we were elated and filled with lively 
 anticipations, for we were to be reviewed (along with the 
 12th Army Corps) by the now immortal Lincoln who many 
 of the boys had in I860 helped to elect ruler of the Nation, 
 and were banded together to aid him in his gigantic efforts 
 
 29 
 
to save the riiioii iVoiii disruplioii hy ai-nied domestic 
 foes. 
 
 On tliat iiuMnora])!^ day tlie rogiinents of Boys in Blue 
 with tlieir beautiful colors thrown to tiie breez(\ stej)])(Ml 
 liglitly to tho inspiring nuisic of tlie fife and drum and 
 proudly marcluMl to tlu^ reviewing grounds. There they 
 waited ])atiently in line for the transpiring of a niemoral)le 
 <n'ent. Finally, ap])i'oaching the right of the Vuu' of the 
 magnificent anay of " Boys in Blue," there appeared to 
 their view a grand scene, long renuMubered! 
 
 *' This is the place, stand still, my steed — 
 J.,et me review the scene! " 
 
 A gathering of consj)icuous horsemen in the <listance 
 now advancing rapidly upon their liery steeds, galloi)ing 
 and prancing with their brilliant tra])pings, first drew our 
 attention. Then came the sound of the rattling and clang 
 of scal)bai-ds, with the heavy tread and elatter of horses' 
 hoofs. 
 
 Kirst came neai-cr to vieAV on his steed, the tall and 
 impressi\'e figure of Lincoln, taller seemingl\- yet, and iuoi-e 
 inij)Osing and in.-piring to the " r>oys in Ulue." 
 
 NText to excite oui' a<lmiration was (Jen. Josej)li Hooker, 
 the eonnnander of the Aims ol' the l^)tomac (the liojie of 
 the liepublic), w ho accompanied llie now iiinnorlal Lincoln. 
 I'^itdit ing * Joe ' Hooker " came along so ei'ccl, (»n 
 liis while and noble steed; looking llie perl'ect Ideal ol' a 
 dashing, gallant and braxc >oldiei- thai he wa>. He truly 
 represented to the "Doys in Ldue," the i!a--liing clii\alrous 
 soldiei" of whom they had lead of in lii>tory. And how 
 h<' inspii-ed conlideiice and awakened enthusiasm! Then 
 came the ilhisliious, (len. Ileniy W. Slocum, the staunch 
 comiuander ol' the llMli Arm\ Cmps accoinjianied by his 
 staff and loyal Leiieials with 1 heir staffs. 
 
 ib)w proudl\ the " lioys in Lbh' " tainted Lincoln 
 a.- the iihisti-ious >tately gallojie-l pa>t along tlie line! 
 
 .>o 
 
How soldierly and proudly we marclied by column oi" 
 companies; and liow exalted we were as we passed before 
 Lincoln in tlie illustrious group, that assembled to review 
 us while on the march! 
 
 "Illustrious acts high raptures do infuse 
 And every conqueror creates a muse." 
 
 As I passed before the now immortal Lincoln and salut- 
 ed him, I was so exalted physically, and thrilled to every 
 part of my being, I marched past as though lifted up and 
 needed not the earth to walk upon! 
 
 I did not intend giving an extended and complete his- 
 tory of my regiment and have not done so. I will here 
 record in part, hoAvever, that which will be convincing 
 to one that the regiment contributed its full share of heroic 
 service towards saving our glorious Republic! The 20th 
 Connecticut Volunteers, served in the "Army of the 
 Potomac" and participated in the arduous campaigns and 
 battles of Chancellors ville and Gettysburg. The regiment 
 also served in the " Army of the West," participating in 
 the numerous and fierce battles to Atlanta, and its capture; 
 and was in Sherman's march to the sea; and served with 
 honor, in the great conflict to its triumphant ending! 
 
 THE VICTORY AND SURVIVAL OF OUR REPUBLIC 
 TO BLESS ALL ]\1ANKIND. 
 
 It was through the favor of God! and the wisdom of 
 Lincoln, the loyalty of the people, the valor of the Navy, 
 and the Army of the "Boys in Blue" that tlie Union was re- 
 stored and the glorious Republic saved to a united people; 
 and "That form and substance of government, whose 
 leading object is to elevate the condition of men, to lift the 
 artificial weights from all shoulders, to clear the paths of 
 laudable pursuits for all, to afford all an unfettered start 
 and a fair chance in the race of life," survives! and the 
 inalienable rights to Life, Liberty and the pursuits of 
 
 31 
 
Happineps *' is perpetuated; to the blessing of tlie people 
 of our <i,'lori()us rv('])ul)rK*; and as au ('xani])l(' for tlie whole 
 world ! 
 
 Oovernmcut of tlie People, by t!ie Peo])h'. and for the 
 People— tlms simply described by Abraliam Lincoln — is a 
 necessity of civilization, said Charles Sunnier, not only be- 
 cause of that republican equality without distinction of 
 birth which it establishes, but for its assurance of perma- 
 nient peace. * * * * To the people alone, he said, can 
 mankind look for the repose of nations; but the Republic 
 is the eml)odied jjeople. All hail, he proclaimed, to the 
 Republic, equal guardian of all and angel of peace! 
 
 INTERESTTNCl AND PATRIOTIC LETTER OF CIVIL 
 WAR TIME 
 
 Soon after the bui-ial — in Ansonia, Connecticut, on 
 Febi'uai-y 28 — of my comrade Judson Lewis, I received, 
 while at the front in Virginia, a most grateful letter from 
 liis aged and bereaved mother; and I regret being unal)le 
 to present here a copy. I lost it while at the front. I was 
 more fortunate, in ])i-escrving to this day — by sending it 
 lioiiic to my mother — a most interesting Icttci- I received 
 54 yeai-s ago, while in camp near Stafford Couit Houses 
 Va., from Judge liaitlett, of Ansonia, Comu^cticut, relating 
 to Ills j-eceiving; and taking cluu-ge of the body on it-- 
 ;irii\;il in Ansonia, of my <'oiiir;ide Lewis, I had e\pi'es".i 
 to liini from Washington; and his atlending lo the hurial. 
 
 I will hei'c give a copy of the h'tlei' in pail; and i \':w' 
 no douhl i1 will be rc;id with iiiueli intei-e>l hy any one o'' 
 Ihe laler .u-encr;it ion, as it shetls iiiueii liulit on the po'itieal 
 sitnation in the stale of Conneetient at the time the letter 
 was wrilleji. .Indu'e Uai'tlett \\a- elcai- in hi- di-cei'mm'id 
 (»f the |)oIitic;d >itnation, and I'lilly eompctcnt to w rite upon 
 it. 
 
 The h'ttei- shows the loy;dty of one of many stannch 
 eiti/ens of the country at a iiio>t eritieal jx'iiod of our 
 
national existence; as well as a most ardent friend of the 
 patriotic soldiers who were so valiantly battling for tlie 
 Union to save it from disruption! The letter of Judge 
 Bartlett here follows: 
 
 Ansonia, Ct., February 28, 1863 
 
 Lieut. Cieorge W. Sherman. 
 Dear Sir: 
 
 Your telegram relating to receiving the body of 
 Judson Lewis, was received at 6 P. M, same day of date, 
 Feb. 24th. 
 
 The telegram when it reached here, read, Judson Denis 
 or Dewis, and after some inquiry 1 was satisfied that it 
 meant Lewis, and I informed his friends accordingly, which 
 was the first intimation they had of either his sickness or 
 death. The body reached here Thursday evening, 26th, 
 and on examination proved to be in excellent condition, 
 and from appearance, one would hardly suppose that he 
 had been dead twenty-four hours. With the consent of 
 his friends I gave the body in charge of the Undertaker 
 who dressed it, and enclosed it in an elegant coffin, before 
 taking it to his Mother. Today I have seen his body car- 
 ried to his long resting place! Peace to his ashes! 
 
 So hardy and robust as he used to be, I should picked 
 him out as the last one of the company to have fallen under 
 the duties of the camp. 
 
 His friends have not yet, heard anything regarding his 
 last sickness, or cause of death. 
 
 They had not heard from him in about four weeks. At 
 that time he claimed being well and hearty. There has 
 been a rumoi*, that he froze to death on picket duty, but i 
 can find no authority for the report ***** i am 
 very sorry to hear of so many of Co, B on the sick list, and 
 earnestly hope that the opening of Spring and the return 
 of dry weather and ground will restore them all to health, 
 and encourage their hearts to go forward in the sacred 
 
 33 
 
yet glorious duly of ui)Ii(»l(lin,L;- Hu' " Flag of the Free " 
 and save the Union froui overthrow and ruin. 
 
 My dear Sir, we are almost strangers, and 1 do not 
 know vour political creed, but let me tell you, that the ene- 
 mies of the Union, are not all in the front of your army, wi- 
 have them here in old Connecticut, an<l fvt-n in ohl , 
 
 men who are utterly lost to every patriotic impulse, ami 
 1 verilv believe would sooner see the Union armies anndii- 
 lated, the nation broken up into a thousand fragments, 
 than anv injuiv should ha])pen to the so-called Democratic 
 Party, or that Slavery should in any way be interfered 
 with* Tliey had rather save Slavery, than the Union, and 
 if the question was, today, between Jeff Davis, or (ieorge 
 Washington for next Pivsident would vote for .Jeff Davis. 
 Have vou seen the doings of the Copperhead Convention 
 at Hartford? I will send you with this a ])aper containing 
 them. Head tliem and then realize if you can, that such 
 language was used anywhere this side of Uichimmd. it 
 makes me blush for my Native State. On account of so 
 many Union men in the army, the Copperheads think they 
 
 will elect the traitor . H i.- possihle. hut I do not 
 
 think prohahh'. for I cannot l)ut believe that theiv is hitent 
 lovaltv enough vet in the state to .h'feat sueh opm and 
 avowed treas(m as was proclaimed at the llartfonl (\.nven- 
 tion. if not th.'ii Cod save the Slate! For I li. mostly l.e- 
 lieve that if 'foiii Seymour is eleetc.l Covenior, he wdl 
 bring this State into .-onision with Uw I. S. ( i..vrrnment, 
 Nvhirh will result in .-ivil war heiv at home. What we want 
 al.ov.' evervlhing els.-, to utterly Mpieh-h the>e Copper- 
 l„.:i.l.. ,. ,,ne or two substantial vi<-torie> of our armies 
 over the Kel.el^. It Would infuse a IleNN life and spirit into 
 the peoi)le, and cheer niid .•iieourag.' their lu'arts and make 
 thr ('(.pperheml.^ .^liiik h;i<-k into tiieir dens. 
 
 1|.„1,, ,„,i l„M.,i for >ome of the^ame rei)1iles among 
 tl.r StMiivd aii.l >lioiilder >tr:.pped gentry 1 helieve tlie 
 Army of tlm Uotomac \\..uM not have lu'eii ^tuck all W inter 
 in \'iruini:i mud. 
 
I earnestly liope, yet to hear of a glorious and honored 
 name recorded on the pages of this war, by Co. B, 20th 
 Regt., C. Vols, and you may be assured you are not forgot- 
 ten, but that the prayers, and earnest wishes of hundreds 
 of anxious hearts daily ascend to the God of Battles in be- 
 half of Co. B, that lie will watch over and protect them, 
 give them courage in the hour of danger and victory in 
 battle ! 
 
 Remember me to the officers and members of Co. B, and 
 in the future as heretofore, they can command my services 
 in anything I can do for tliem, though I trust I may not 
 be called upon, to receive more of their bodies silent in 
 death, that I may be permitted ere long to welcome them 
 home from the field of victory, crowned by a glorious Peace 
 through treason and Rebellion subdued, and our loved 
 Union preserved in all its integrity. ***** 
 
 From the fact, that a large share of the boxes sent to 
 tlie soldiers from here, are brought to me to mark, and from 
 taking considerable interest in the affairs of Co. B, an im- 
 pression prevails with a great many that I am the regular 
 authorized agent for said Co. 1 claim no agency, but 
 what belongs to every citizen, that is, to do all that can 
 be done to cheer and encourage them and make their situa- 
 tion as comfortable as possible. 
 
 (lod bless Co. B, and when the hour comes may they 
 make their mark high on the records of fame! 
 
 Sincerely your friend, 
 
 E. BARTLETT. 
 
 P. S. Any time you are at a loss to know how to kill an 
 liour in camp life, write me, and I will assure a speedy 
 reply. 
 
 The " Copperheads " frequently referred to in the 
 letter of Judge Bartlett were men who during the Civil 
 war remained in the North and sympathized with and aid- 
 ed the Confederate and not the '' Union cause," and were 
 
 35 
 
so-callcMl JuH-aiisc tlicy were rogarded as attacking the 
 I'nion ti-cacliei'oiisly in tlic rcai', as Copperhead snakes 
 attack. 
 
 It \vill not he amiss to say, tliat .Judge I>artk'tt was not 
 alone in the fear that whik' so many Union men were ab- 
 sent at tlie front in the armies, that the Democi'atic party 
 wonhl secure control of tlie State of Connecticut and 
 thi'ough the uiachiiuitions of the (kish)yal part of that i)ai1y 
 use its ])()wei- to ein])ai-rass the Federal (iovernment, that 
 was at times so sorely pressed. 
 
 Appeals at one time in the Civil Wai- were sent iiouie 
 hotli hy ofliceis an<l men From nearly every regiment i'lom 
 Connecticut while at the IVont, urging the electoi's to elect 
 such officers to sei've the State that were known to lie loyal 
 to the I'nion cause. 
 
 One of the appeals read in ])ai-t as follows: " Men of 
 Connecticut! did you encourage us * * * * to leave home, 
 fi-iends, eveiything to figlit, * * * * only that we might 
 look hack, and see foes not less uialignaut, aud not less 
 daiigei'ous, assailiug us IVom hehiud.' We ])ray xou uot 
 to ciMisIi our i-esolution and ])alsy oui- ai-uis hy electing I'oi- 
 your govei'uor and oui's a man who hopes for oui- defeat 
 and humiliation! '' 
 
 The Slate of Comiect i'-ul (inally gi-ajd<'d to its soldiers 
 while al)sent at the frotil in the sei-vice of the I'nited 
 Sl;ile and Wei-e eligihh'. the right to vote. That, alhiNCtl 
 1 he fc;ir> (»f the loyal citizens. 
 
 TiiK i-'rxi;i;.\L axd i^d'ui \l oi-^ a s()i,i)ih:i;. 
 
 Tlie li(»dy of our comrade reached hi> I'elatixo in a re- 
 niarkahle >late of pr<'ser\ at ion : one I'elatixc remeiiil.ei's 
 1h;il the clicck> were a> H'il as in life. Mow forhinale was 
 the Mollicr lliat >lie could look for the la>t lime upon llie 
 \':\c(' of her soldier son. with the ah^ence of the appearance 
 of g|-ini death. It \\a> not m» with man\ otiiei- Mothers 
 <luriiig (he Ci\il War. hccau.-e many >oldier son> were 
 
 36 
 
brouglit back to tlieiii disfigurecl beyond recognition. 0, 
 how niucli longer will instigators and fiendish war makers 
 be allowed to escape their, just punishment! 
 
 The impressive funeral services for our comrade were 
 held on Saturday, P'ebruary 28th, at the house of his pa- 
 triotic m.otlier from whom the loyal son had but a few 
 months before, so affectionately parted. Rev. Mr. French 
 Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Ansonia, officiated at 
 the funeral, which was attended by dear relatives. With 
 Judge Edgar Bartlett, the staunch friend of the " Boys in 
 Blue, ^' were loyal and patriotic citizens to. pay respect due 
 to the memory of a Union soldier. 
 
 The burial was in what was known as upper Derby 
 Burying (.-I'ound; but now known as the Elm Street Ceme- 
 tery which is within the limits of the City of Ansonia. 
 
 A j)icture showing a portion of the Elm Street Ceme- 
 tery viewed from Elm Street, where the body of our Com- 
 rade peacefully lies with that of his Father, Mother ami 
 other r^datives. 
 
 JaIi f III 
 
 III i . f . 
 y 1 fl 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 H 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 1. i 
 
 
 K*S 
 
 This ancient and hallowed burial place in its serenity, 
 ever overlooks the silent, flowing Naugatuck. 
 
 37 
 
Beyond, loom up iinpicssivcly to view hetUuing and 
 ('\erlasting liills, reflecting o'er the dark valley, a scene 
 suggestive of peace and repose; and from above the hill- 
 tops a mellow light slieds its rays o'er the valley to mingle 
 with the fragrance of ])eautiful flowers over the mounds of 
 departed ones! 
 
 The headstone with a cross, sliown in the picture of the 
 Cemetery indicates the grave of Comrade Lewis. 
 
 Following is the inscription on our Comrade's head- 
 stone, and the appropriate e})ita])li tl)(M'(H)ii iuscrilied:- — 
 
 Judson Lewis 
 
 A meiulxT of Co. B, 2011, Regl. C. V. 
 
 Died 
 
 At Stafford Court House, Va. 
 
 February 21st, 1868 
 
 Aged 29 years. 
 
 His Country's hour of peril came 
 Thousands went forth he did the same. 
 Then let us when we tell llicii- fame, 
 
 Jn grateful iiicinoi-y hreatlie his name. 
 "No greater eai'llily lumor could the sons 
 of Freedom crave, 
 Tlian to sing the fame of soldiei^ al)()ve 
 a soldiei-'s gi"a\'e. 
 
 Foi- all oni- rallcu coiiu-adcs Ix- i1 villi reverence s;iid: — 
 "Do not roigel them — while tlley sleep. 
 
 With earth t'oi- a ))illow in sileiu'e so deepl 
 <ii\'e tlieiii reiiieiiihrniice as iiieii tliat were true. 
 This. ;it least, to the soldiers is due."' 
 
 38 
 
SOLDIERS ai()xu.mp:xt at derby, coxx. 
 
 'i his Ix^autiful moiiuuioiit, was eixv'ted on tlx' piihlir 
 t>-r*'(Mi of the city of Dei-hy. hv patriotic and uraloful peoplo 
 of tlie •'ity; and i-evt'rently d'^iieated i>y llieni to ^!'.e nitni- 
 ory of the no])le men from the city, viio h)st their lives in 
 the ser^'ice of tlieir country dnring the lieroic strugg-le for 
 tlie ])i-es(M-vati()n of oui- i^'lorioiis Republic! 
 
 Amon<>- the names, of the honored ones on tlie monrtmeni 
 so justly inscribed who unselfishly answered their voun- 
 ti-y's call, is found the name of .Judson Lewis of Co. B, 2()th 
 Re,L>;ini('nt Connecticut Volunteers! 
 
 "Down throuiA'h the coming ages let swelling 
 
 anthems ring, 
 1'he tribute to thei]- memories a nation's heart 
 
 should bring! 
 •"Tis well to honor thus our dead. 
 They Avent forth from peace to strife, 
 h^or vou their blood was freely shed!" 
 
 "AVe knov,- that iloAvers sliall lose their IjIooiu 
 And idle d.iH ams shall swiftly fade, 
 But 'n our hearts, in blood, is writ 
 The sacj-itices our heroes nuide.'"' 
 
 39 
 
A |il<-lilic of tlif Sc'ldiciv" Mdiii'.iiiciil ;it I )» lli\, (OlIlUC 
 licill. 
 
 40 
 
ill 
 
 4IW tuA pncrfB I.'