y E 511 .5 20ih .f13 Copy 1 REUNIONS OK THK iiventitth Paine llrgimcit ASSOCIATION, REUNIONS OF THE ®w«?tttktlt ^mt pejtmcnt AT PORTLAND. Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannoch Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Peebles Farm, Hatcher's Run, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, Appomattox. FROM THE PRESS OF SAMUEL L. MILLER, WALDOBORO, Me. 188L ,^/ iCZfr!^ c lo E ^1 1 .f ,M3 X>- MorrelTs division and a portion of Sykes' made an attempt to cross over and drive the enemy from their position. Sykes' division and the first and second brigades of our division, with a ])ortion of the third, inchiding the Twentieth, had crossed and pushed out a shoit distance, when the enemy developed such force that a retreat was ordered During the recrossing of the ford under a sharp and sevej'e fire from the rebels, who now lined the bank, the Twentieth was kept in excellent order and discipline, and the conduct of^the regiment, for the first time under fire, was noticed and much praised. As sooi: as the regiment recrossed it was formed along the canal bank, and kept up a hot fire with the enemy across the river. The Twentieth being a portion of the force left to guard the upper Potomac, remained near Shepherdstown three weeks. On the 7th of October the brigade moved to the Iron Works, near the mouth of Antietam Creek, where it remained till the 30th. Colonel Ames now found an opportunity to give the regiment a tast(- of discipline and drill which it so much needed. Company and battalion drill, dress parade and inspection kept the men from idleness, and the line officers were obliged to apply them- selves to the study of tactics until they become proKcient in the manual of arms and in all the evolutions of the company and battalion. Col. Ames was an educated soldier and a rigid disci- plinarian, and although at times his orders were severe in the extreme, yet the soldierly bearing of the regiment soon became conspicuous, and without question much of the fame which the Twentieth Maine afterwards achieved, was due to the sense of subordination and attention to duty, instilled by the teachings of its first commander. 14 8EC0XD REUNION OF THE The hardships to which the men had been exposed, the furccMl march, the change of climate and above all the failure to supply the regiment with shelter tents, now began to show its results in the long list of sick borne upon the rolls. It is almost incredible but nevertheless true, that, when the advance was made into Virginia from Antietam, the Twentieth sent away three hundred invalids, and many of those who remained on duty were reduced to a condition from which they did not recover for months. October 30th the regiment broke camp and marched in the direction of Harper's Ferry. The next day the Potomac and Shenandoah were crossed, and the column ha\ ing wound around the base of Loudon Heigh.ts, continued the luarch down Loudon Valley. While the army was moving south through this beautiful valley, the enemy was moving up tlie Shenandoah on the other side of the Blue Rid:>e. November 2d an advance corps had a fight with them at Snicker's Gap, and that night we camped near a village .vith the euphonious name of "Snickersville." On the 6th, marched throuiih Middleburg, where eight months latei- the Twentieth and the Third Brigade had a spirited brush with the enemy. The next day the march was interrupted l)y a snow storm, and the troops camped in the woods near White Plains. November 9th we went into camp at Warrenton and remained till the 17th, during which time Gen. McClellan was superceded by Burnside, and a general reorganization (^f the army followed. Continuing the march, the Acquia Cre-'k llailroad svas reached on the 24lh, at a point three miles from Fredericksburg, afterwards well-known to you as "Stoneman's Switch," where the regiment settled down to the monotony of camp and picket duty for three weeks. At daylight on the morninu- of December 1 1, we marched in the direction of Fredericksburg, but did not cross the river till 2 o'clock on the afternoon of the 13th. Passing through the tovvn under a terrible fire of shot, shell and railroad iron, the Twentieth formed and advanced across the field, while the enemy poured upon them a terrific fire of musketry and artillery. With Colonel Ames gallantly leading in advance of the colors, the Hue moved in admirable order over fences and obstructions, through the ranks of troops lying down, until the extreme front was reached. Relieving those already engaged. Colonel Ames placed his men as much under covei- as possible, and held his positi(ui for thirty- six hours, constantly under fii-e. During the night of the 14th TWENTIETH MAIJSfE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION. 15 the britiade was withdrawn from the front and bivouacked on tlie pavements of the city. The next night they were again moved to tlie front, and it soon became known that the movement was designed to cover the retreat of the ai-niy. The men were kept in position uniil the troDps wei'e all over, wlien they too approached the pontoons, and just at dawn of day reached the north bank in safety. Tlie small loss which the Twentieth suffered at Fredericksburg may be attributed largely to the skillful manner in which the regiment was handled by Colonel Ames. With weary steps and thankful hearts, the Twentieth Maine found its way through mud and rain to their old camp- ground and went into winter quarters. At Fredericksburg many of the men exchanged their Eiilield for Springfield rifles, and in a short time the whole regiment was supplied with those muskets. The duties of camp and ))icketing a few miles to the rear, were interrupted December 30th by a recounoissance to Richard's Ford, and the celebrated "Mad March" January 2-tth, 1863. Towards spring by an egregious blunder the men were iniioculated with small pox, and on that account the regiment was moved on the 22d of April to isolated cam;). On the 27th the Fifth Corps moved to Chancellorsville, and Colonel Ames volunteered as an aid on the staff of Gen. Meade. May 3d the Twentieth was ordered to Banks' Ford to uuard the telegraph, returning to its former camp after the battle. May 21st the regiment moved with the brigade three miles to the right, and went into a pleasant camp. Colonel Ames having been promoted to Brigadier General, the command of the Twen- tieth devolved upon Lieut. Col. Chamberlain, who was soon after commissioned Colonel. About this ti ue i^ol. Strong Vincent of the Eighty-Third replaced Col. Stockton in the command of the brigade. Lieut. J. M. Brown, the efficient adjutant of the Twen- tieth, was pri)moted to Captain and A. A. G. The Second Maine Regiment having been mustered out, one hundred and t veiity-five men, who had enlisted for three years, were transferred to the Twentieth, and joined the reu'iment at this camp on the 23d. Thes'd men expected to be discharged with their regiment and at first refused duty, but finally accepted the situation and became a valuable acquisition to the command. May 28th the brigade was ordered to guard the fords of the Rappahannock, the position of the Twentieth being at United States Ford. June 5th another move was made to Ellis Ford. 16 SECOND REUNION OF THE In a I'fw days it became known that the array of Lee Avas moving north, and the army of the Potomac entered upon those movements which culminated in the battle of Gettysburg. At dark on tlie ]3th the Twentieth broke camp and joined the brigade at Morris- ville, marching the next day to Catlett's Station. The day following, you will remember as one of the hottest days of your experience. The regiment marched to Manassas Junction. Sun- strokes were frequent, and the men were weary, thirsty and footsore when they bivouacked that night June 17th the column marched to Gum Springs, and on the 19th to Aldie, where the cavalry liad fought and driven back the rebels under Hampton and Stewart. The Third Brigade, having been selected to support the cavalry in a further advance, was put in motion at 3 o'clock on the morning of the 21st and marched to Middleburg, where tlie cavalry was already advancing. The force of the enemy was two brigades of cavalry supported artillei-y, which the Third i->rigade was raiinly instrumental in driving from one position to another, behind stone walls and creeks for some six miles. During this running fight o^" ten hours duration, the Tvventieth lost one man killed, and one officer and seven men wounded. The next day tlie brigade returned to its former camp at x\ldie. During this movement the Twentieth was commanded by Ljeut. Col. Connor of the Forty-Fourth New York, ('Olonel Chamberlain being sick from a partial sunstroke. The Twentieth reiiained at Aldie until June 25th, when it marched through Leesbuig to the Potomac and crossed at Edwards' Ferry. Continuing the march on the following day, it forded the Monocacy rivei- and camped within two miles of Frederick foi- two days. At this time Gen. IVFeade was made commander of the Arrny of the Potomac, and Gen. Sykes suc- ceeded to the command of the Fifth Corps. On the 29th the mar(di was resumed tlirough Frederick to LMiionville. On the last day of June a niovenient was made by a portion of the Fifth Corps to intercept the enemy or ascertain his position. The Third Brigade took the advance, and marcned with skirmishers in front during the afternoon, and camped tliat night about three miles from the Pennsylvania line. On the 1st of Jidy, having crossed the state liue amid great enthusiasm, the column [iressed on and late that afternoon reached Hanover. Halting two hours, the march was continued by moonlight, the music of the bands mingling with the cheers oi the soldiers. At midnight the TWENTIETH MAINE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION. 17 exhausted troops went into camp, after a march of thirty-two miles. At daylight on the morning of the 2d the troops were again in motion, and at an early hour arrived within supporting distance of ),he forces engaged at Gettysburg. At four o'clock in the afternoon the Third Brigade was hurried a mile or more to the left under a heavy artillery lire, and the Twentieth, moving "on the right by file into line," took position in the woods on the crest of ,a small hill, now known as "Little Round Top." The position held by the Twentieth was the extreme left of the Union line, and of great importance. Company B. was sent forwaid as skirmishei"s, but had not deployed when brisk firing commenced (m the right, and a large force of the enemy was soon seen marchinii; rapidly to the left through the ravine in our front. So rapid were their movements tliat the skirmishers were cut off, and were obliged to secrete themselves behind a stone wall. To avoid being flanked, C'olonel Chamberlain moved his left wing to the left and rear, making nearly a right angle at the colors. This disposition had scarcely been made when the enemy fell upon the left with great fury. The struggle was desperate, now one party and now tlie other holdiu'^' the ground. The ammunilion of the Twentieth was nearly expended when the enemy gave way. The men had scarcely time to collect cartridges from the boxes of the dead and wounded before the assault was renewed appar- ently by fresh troops. The Twentieth had now lost nearly half its number and began to waver. At this moment Col. Ch;imbe;-- lain ordered the charge. Advancing on the run the Twentieth completely routed the enemy and at the opportune moment the skirmishers arose from behind the stone wall and gave them a volley. Thinking .themselves surrounded large numbers threw down their arms and surrendered. After driving the enemy neai'ly half a mile the regiment returned to its old position. Having received a supply of ammunition the Twentieth support- ed by two )-egiments of Pennsylvania reserves, advanced up the steep and rocky sides of Big Round Top and secured a position which they held during the night with the aid of the Eighty- Third which came up later. The Twentieth went into the fight with 358 muskets and captured 308 prisoners. The regiment lost 32 killed, 97 wounded and 6 taken prisoners on the skirmish line in the night. Detatchments sent out to bury the dead counted in front of the position occupied by the Twentieth on Little Round Top fifty lebel dead and it is estimated that the regiment 18 SECOND EEUNION OF THE killed and wounded at least 300 of the enemy. The colors of the regiment were carried by Sergt. Tozier and although exposed on the angle of the line the sergeant and two of the four guards es- caped without even a scratch. The splendid fighting qualities developed by the Twentieth Maine on the 2d day of July, gave it a brilliant reputation throughout the army and gained for Joshua L. Chamberlain the well-deserved title of "Hero of Round Top." On the morning of the 3d the brigade was relieved and. moved to the rear of the left centre and lay in reserve during the day. At two o'clock in the aftei'noon the enemy open upon our lines the most terrific artillery fire ever heard in battle. For two hours the earth trembled and the air was filled with shot and sliell. "Then shook the hills, with thunder riven And louder than- the holts of heaven, Far flashed the red artillery." During the night of the 4th Lee's army retreated and towards the close of the next day we were aijain moving south. Nothing of importance occurred except hard marching through rain and mud till the 10th when Company E. had two men killed and six captured in a skirmish near Fair Play, Maryland. During the night of the 13th the enemy made its escape across the Potomac and the expected battle did not occur. The next day the Fifth corps moved to Williamsport and on the Iftth crossed the Poto- mac at Berlin and encamped at Lovettsville eight miles south of the river. The march was continued down the valley to the 28d when our division relieved the Third corps at Manassas Gap. The next niorning tlie whole di\isi()n was drawn up in line of battle and word was passed along the lines that the heights in front were to be taken at all hazards. Wapping Heights pro\ed to be the most dithcult place o\er which troops ever advanced in line of battle. Up the almost perpendicular hill, through woods and tangled underbrush, the men toiled — and picked blackberries — expecting the enemy to opi'u tire ai eveiy step. ''I'he summit was finally reached but the eiiumy had fled. The magnificent view of the Shenandoah valley obtained from the heights par- tially repaid the mm for the ascent. The "recall" was sounded and the line faced about and mai'ched two miles to the rear. On the '25th the march was resumed, and on the 7th of Ausfust the regiment arrived at Beverly Ford, which the brigade guarded till the 16th of September. The command of the brigade having devolved upon Col. Chamberlain by the promotion of Col. Kice, TWENTIETH MAINE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION. 19 Lieut. Col. Gil more assumed command of the Twentieth. September 16th the army advanced to Culpepper where it remained in camp till October loth, when the Fith Corps moved to Raccoon Ford on the Riipidan, out finding no enemy returned to camp at night. Tlie next day tlie enemy having threatened our right flank, the army began to fall back to preserve its line of communication. That night we camped at Beverly Ford. In the morning we retraced our steps, crossed the river, advanced nearly to Brandy Station and bivouached for the night. It was now ascei'tained that Lee was moving lapidly ai'ound our right and at one o'clock on the morning of the 13th the race for Cen- treville began. That night we camped at Catlett's Station having marched twenty-tive miles. The bugle sounded "revelie" at an early hour the next morning and the march was i-esumed. Near Bristoe Station the division halted an hour for coffee and "hard tack" which had hardly been disposed of when a rel)el bat- tery opened upon us from the woods. The division pulled out hurredly and the inarch from this point to Manassas was rapid and the Hies were well closed up. Arriving at Manassas, the corps was formed in line of battle with batteries in position and remained till late in the afternoon listening to the roar of battle some two miles south where the Second corps under Warren was engaged — and all the while we were wondering why we had hur_ ried away from them. About the time that Warren had whi[). })ed Hill the F^ifth corps was started on the double quick to his assistance. At nine o'clock the corps moved towards Bull Run wiiich we crossed at half past two the next morning, liaving been on foot twenty-four hours and uiarched thirty-two miles. From the 15th to the 20th the regiment oscillated between Centreville and Fairfax. The enemv in the meantime had destroyed the Orange and Alexandria Railroad and begun to fall l»auk to his old quarters across the Kapidan. As fast as the road could be repair^'d the army of the Potomac follo\ved. On the m')nrniii' of >fov. 7th the T .veutiet Ii, uoa' uudi'i- the couiniand of Major Ellis Spear, was in camp at Three Mile Station. The Rap- pahannock river at Rappahannock Station was held by the rebel briu'ades of Hoke and Hayes which it was now determined to attack. Eighty men under Capt. Morrill were detailed from the Twen- tieth for the skirmish fine wiiich in the advance had gained a position behind the railroad embankment, when the Sixth Corps moved to the attack on the right. Seeing the gallant advance of the line in that direction Capt. Morrill's party dashed forward 20 SECOND REUNION OF THE wltli the Sixth Maine Regiment and entered the works simulta- neously with them. The Twentieth lost in this brilliant aflfair one man killed and seven wounded. The next day the regiment crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Fold and emcamped two miles from the river where oc- curred the "liard tack" drill. Towards evening on the ninth we recrossed the river and passed a cold and uncomfortable night near the ford. About this time Col. Hayes of the 18th Massachusetts took command of the brigade. On the 10th Ave crossed the river again and at sunrise on the 26lh mai'ched to the Rapidan which was crossed and the march continued with frequent halts till eight o'clock at night. On the 29th our advance was made to Mine Run where the brigade took a position under a brisk fire from the enemy's lines which weie not more than three h.nndred yards distant. We remained before the works of the enemy until the night of Dec. 2d wlien we folded our tents like the Arabs and silently stole away, the Third Brigade forming the rear guard. Dec. 4th the Twentieth went into camp at Rappahannock Sta- tion for the purpose of guarding the railroad l)rid.;(! during the winter. The rifle pits which had been captured a month before and which had become the last ditch for many rebel dead, were graded oflf and comfortable quarters erected thereon. The offi- cers, lucky souls, sent to Maine for their wives and the rank and file contented themselves with an occasional furlough. Here was spent the gayest winter in the history of the Twentieth. This old battle flag in which we naturally feel so much pride, hud now become tattered and torn and a new set of colors were procured. The old flag was presented to General Ames and deliv- ered to him in Rockland while on leave of absence that winter. You remember, comiades, how you stood by that flag at Aiitie- tam and Shejjherdstown ; how you jilanted it on Little Round Top and defended it through the fierce assaults of that memora- ble day ; and you remember too how "In the brilliant glare of tlie summer air, With a brisk breeze around it creeping. Newly bright through the glistening light. The flag went grandly sweeping : Gleaming and bold were its braiils of gold. And flitsiied in the run-ray's kissing; Red, white, and blue were of deepest hue, And none of the stars were missing." TWElartlett took the Third Brigade. On the first day of May the winter quarters of the Twentieth at Rappahannock were broken up and the Brig- ade marched across the river to a camp east of Brandy Station, where the Fifth Corps, now composed of thirty thousand men, Avas concentrating. On the morning of the 4th tlie regiment with about three hundred rifles, under command of Maj'-r Spear, crossed the Rapidan at Germania Ford, and entered upon those movements known as the battles of the "Wilderness," the mem- ory of wl)ich appears to tliose who took part in those sanguinary conflicts, more like a dreadful nightmare than a reality. That night the brigade bivouacked on the Orange and Fredricksburg turnpike near the old Wilderness Tavern. On the moi'uing of the 5th, the army was extended along the roads in the densest portion of the Wilderness and the enemy were soon found to be rapidly advancing for the purpose of crushing our line before it could be concentrated. Upon our division devolved the duty of engaging the attention of the enemy until the rest of the army could get into positi(ui. The Third Brigade which occupied the centre, was formed in two lines, the Twentieth being in the second line. When the order was given to advance all tliree brigades started on the double-quick with a yell, di-iving the en- emy in confusion back upon his reserves. Finding tlie Sixth Corps had failed to connect on the right, tlie First Bi'igade fell back while the Third continued to advance. The enemy quickly took advantage of this and opened a murderous fire on our right from across the road. At the same time the Second Brigade on the left was being driven back by a heavy force. The Third Brigade was now alone with both flanks exposed. In the con- fusion each commander acted on his own judgment and a large part of the brigade broke for the rear on the run. At length the ordei' was given to retire. The Twentieth was the last to leave the field bringing off with them a large squad of prisoners and in the retreat was obliijed to make a detour to the left to avoid a force of the enemy which held the open field across which the line had first charged. The breast works built in the morning 22 SECOND REUNION OF THE were finally reached and the line re-established. The contest was short but the regiment lost about ninety men killed wounded aud missing, among them Capt. Morrill of Company B. severely wounded in the face. Nearly all the prisoners were wounded and taken by the skirmish line in our rear. At dawn of the 6th the reijijnent moved out to the open field where it fought the day before and on the right of the road, and established a skirmish line in the opening with the main part of the regiment in the edge of the woods, sheltered by the brow of a hill, where it. lay all day under fire, losing two men killed and ten wounded. Towards night an attack upon the Sixth Corps swept it back until the tiring appeared to be in the -rear and there begun to be quite a panic among the regiments of our division but the Twentieth stood firm until the fighting was over when the brig- ade was ordered back into breastworks. At nine o'clock the next mornino- the Twentieth and Hundred-and-ei«:hteenth were ordered to charge into the woods in front and develop the enemy's strength. The skirmishers were driven in at a run until the line came in sight of the enemy's old position when he opened with a battery which a larger force could have carried, but with two regiments it was impossible. It was evident, however, the main body of the enemy had withdrawn and our force retired a short distance where a skirmish line was deployed and the Twentieth placed in support. In this movement the regiment lost thirteen killed and wounded. All were brought off except Lieut. F. W. Lane, Company B. who was struck in the head by a piece of shell and taken prisoner. He died in a rebel hospital a few days later. Lieut. J. M. Sherwood was severely wounded and died that night. At dark the army began to move towards S|iotsylvania and the Twentieth and Hundred-and-eighteenth remained on the line where they had spent the day as a part of the rear guard of the corps. At midnight they sjlently withdrew and followed the corps. Towards noon of the 8th as they approached Spotsylva- nia there was cannonading at the front and they then heard of the morning's battle in which the Third Brigade had suffered so terribly. The regiment had halted for breakfast when they were ordered to the front and placed temporarily in Crawford's divi- sion, supi>orting a skirmish line in front of the enemy's position at Laurel Hill. The regiment changed positions several times and during the afternoon was subjected to a severe shelling but had only one man wounded. At four o'clock the Twentieth was allowed to go a short distance to the rear to Qook hard tack and TWENTIETH MAINE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION. 23 make coffee — the tirst coffee the men had had for three days. At half past six they went to the front again and were placed in the third line for an attack on the enemy's position. The third line advanceil up tlie hill and lay doivn until support should be needed. At dark the enemy charged. The lines in front of the Twentieth divided and fell back to right and left and the enemy came suddenly up:»n the third line, causing the regiment on the left to retreat in confusion and forcing the Twentieth back about two rods. Then ensued a desperate hand-to-hand tight in the darkness. Friend coidd hardly be distinguished from foe ; men fou^lit single combats ; revolvers came into play and officers found their swords for once useful. The rea-iment took about eighty prisoners and lost six killed, fifteen wounded and two miss- ing. Capt. W. W. Morrill was killed while cheering on his men and Lieutenants Melcher and Pi-ince were wounded. Fighting ceased about nine o'clock I)ut the regiment remained in the same position till morning when it rejoined the brigade. During the night troops in the reai' thrinv out pickets and refused to believe that any Union force was so far to the front. The conduct of the officers and men of the Twentieth on this occasion was worthy of all praise. During- the 9th the regiment obtained rest for the first time since crossing the Rapidan. About five o'clock in the afternoon the brigade supported an attack in which the enemy were driven back. Towards the evening of the 10th the First and Third Brigades went to the front and prepared to charge in three lines upon the enemy's works, but to the great relief of all conc-erned the movement was abandoned. This was a lucky day for the Twentieth. During the 1 1th the brigade lay in reserve, exposed to the fire of artillery and musketry from the front. On the 12th the command went to the left and prepared for another charge but Gen. Griffin revoked the order. The Twentieth moved to the left at ten o'clock on the evening of the 13th and arrived in front of the enemy at Spotsylvania Court House at five o'clock the next morning, having marched all night in mud, rain and darkness. The Twentieth remained in front of Spotsylvania from the 14th to the 20th, losing four men killed. On the 21st another left flank movement began and the next day the brigade was engaged in a skirmish with the enemy. On the 23d our division reached the North Anna river at Jericho Ford and at once commenced crossing. The Twentieth forded the stream with the briiiade and at six o'clock that afternoon assisted 24 SECOND KEUNION OF THE in the repulse of the sudden attack on Sweitzer's Brigade. In this action Major Spear, commanding the regiment, was slightly wounded. The night was spent in throwing up breast works behind which the regiment lay till five P. M. the next day when it moved to the right and frout about a mile and bivouached near the Virginia Central Kailroad. On the 25th the column moved down the railroad and found the enemy strongly posted at Noell's Station. Breast works were thrown up for self pro- tection and for two days a portion of the division was engaged in tearing up the railroad. During the heavy picket firing on tlie 26th the Twentieth had three men wounded. At dark the division withdrew from the iront and marched with short intervals of rest till six o'clock tlie next al'ternoon. It was a hard march throu<:h a finely cultivated country which had never before been visited by the desolation of war. That night for the first time in more than tliree weeks the men slept without an appre- hension of danger from any quarter. For twenty-two days the reuiment had been almost constantly under Kre, and the inen who had survived the terrible ordeal wondered how they escaped unscathed. The Pemunkey river was crossed at Hanover Ferry and the march continued without interruption until the 30th, vvhen still advancing heavy skirmishing occurred and the line oi entrench- ments covering the approaches to Richmond was reached. On the first day of June the enemy charged our line and was driven back. On the 3d the Twentieth participated in the fight at Bethesda church, losing two men killed, one officer. Adjutant Donnell, and twenty-three men wounded. The brigade remained in this position till the night of the 5th when it was relieved by the Ninth Corps and the Fifth Corps lay in reserve till the 1 2th. The regiment moved on the night of the r2th and crossed the Chickahominy early the next morning. At nine o'clock on the morning of the 16tli the Twentieth crossed the James river on a steam transport and halted a mile from the river, tlie Fifth Corps still being in reserve and the last to cross over. On the morn- ing of the 18th the Fifth Corps moved to the front and was received with a heavy fire. The Third Brigade being in the centre of the division was somewhat concealed by woods through which they advanced to an open field where they halted and coui- menced throwing up breast works. In the meantime the Second Brigade had gained a position close up to the enemy's lines and TWENTIETH MAINE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION. 25 the First Brigade lead by our Colonel Chamberlain had made a charge in which its commander fell severely wounded. For gallant conduct on th's occasion Colonel Chamberlain was made a Brigadier General on the field by Gen. Grant — the only instance of the kind in the history of the war. From this time till the 15th of August, the Twentieth occupied works in front of Petersburg in close proximity to the enemy and generally under fire. These works were gradually strengtliened and completed, bomb-proofs were constructed and vast covered passages were excavated in every direction. Fvery means were taken to provide protection from the mortar batteries and sharp- shooters of the enemy but without success. On the 22d of June Capt. Samuel T. Keene was killed by a sharpshooter, and the regiment lost three men killed and several wounded during their occupation of the works. July 30th the Twentieth from their position had a fine view of the grand explosion of the mine and the grand failure which followed. Early on the mcrning of Aug. l.lth the brigade was relieved by other troops and encamped in the rear. On the 18th marched to the Weldon Railroad which was str-uck about six miles from Petersburg and possession taken without opposition. That after- noon the enemy made an attack which was repulsed by the Second and Third Divisions. The next day another attack in full force was made and the Third Brigade went ui) to the right on the double-quick but were not needed. Sunday the 21st, in the morning while the regiment was packing up for a move, the picket line was driven in foUow^ed by the rebels charging in several lines, supported by vigorous shelling from their batteries. The assault extended some distance to the right but their whole line was reytulscd with heavy loss, our division capturing 38 tiffi- cers, 300 men and four battle Hags. The Twentieth held a splendid position, their fire enfilading the f^neniy completely. It was a smart fight and the victory though signal was a bloodless one for the Twentieth. Sept. 30th the Division moved from the Weldon Railroad with the Third Brigade in advance, and found the enemy entrenched b-titSi at Prebte^s Fai'm. The woi-ks consisted of a small square fort flanked by strong lines of breast works. After some skirmish- ing the brigade charged across the open field ni the face of a terrible fire of musketry and canister and captured the works with one piece of artillery and seventy-one prisoners. The gun, 26 SECOND REUNION OF THE limber, six horses and two prisoners were secured by Lieut. A. E. Fernald of tlie Twentieth and an officer of the 32d Massachusetts while the rebels were trying to run it off. A division of the Ninth Corps then took the advance and being attacked just before dark were driven back in confusion. Our division was ordered to the front to check the enemy and after one of the fiercest fights of the campaign they were repulsed and Griffin's Division, and in particular the old Third Brigade, again covered themselves with glory. The Twentieth lost during the day one officer, Capt. Weston H. Keene, and six men killed and Capt. H. F. Sidelinger, Lieut. Alden Miller and fifty men wounded. The brigade com- mander being injured just before the assault. Major Spear, the only field officer in the biigade, took command, and the Twen- tieth passed into the hands of Capt. A. W. Clark of Company E. On the 2d of October the Twentieth moved to the fi-ont and threw up earth works where they remained until the 2(Uh when the regiment took part in a reconiioisance to Hatcher's Run. The next day the troops returned to the works, tlie Twentieth acting as rear guard and losing one man killed and two wounded. Nov. Sth, Lieut. Col. Gilmoie returned and took command and on the 5th of December the corps was relieved and moved to tlie rear on the Jerusalem Plank Road. The next day the corps moved out for a raid on the Weldon Railroad which continued to be used by the rebels as far as Stony Creek Station. About twenty miles of the road was destroyed and the corps returned to camp on the Plank Road Dec. 12th. This expedition you will all remember as the time when the Fifth Corps got gloriously drunk on "apple jack." The regiment now supposed that winter quarters had been reached and both officers and men worked like beavers in the erec- tion of comfortable huts many of wiiich were quite elaborate. Major Spear and eight men went to Maine on recruiting service Jan. ]5th 1865. Feb. 5th the regiment moved with the corps to Hatcher's Run and participated the next day in a second liglit in the vicinity of that historic stream with slio-ht loss. After the engagement the Twentieth weiit into camp at that ])lace. March 13th, Lieut. Col. Gilmore having resigned. Major Ellis Spear was commissioned Colonel, Capt. Walter G. Morrill, Lieut, Colonel and Capt. Athertoii W. Clark, Major. About the same time a special order from the War Department made Charles D. Gilmore full Colonel and in consequence Maj. Spear could not be TWENTIETH MAINE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION. 27 mustered. Lieut. Col. Morrill assumed command of the regiment and Major Spear was ordered on duty at Corps Headquarters. The tiual campaign of the war was now about to open. On the 29th of March the Twentieth moved across the run and sup- portetl Chamberlain's brigade in the action on the Quaker Road. The skirmish the next day resulted in the possession of the Boyd- ton Road. On the 31st the regiment had a hand in the action at Gravelly Run having several wounded, among them Lieut J. H. .Stanwood, comuiandiug Company E. April 1st the Fifth Corps was ordered to report to Gen. Sheri- dan and acted as a sort of foot cavalry, if I may be permitted to use the expression, during the remainder of the campaign. On that day the Twentieth joined in the second attack on Five Forks and were among the first to gain the works, capturing one battle flag and a large number of prisoners. Then followed the evacuation of Richmond and the pursuit in which the cavalry and the Fifth Corps by their rapid movements sealed the fate of Lee's army and when, on the ^h of April, the white flag of truce came over the field it was to the division bear- insf the red Maltese cross that it came. When the terms of sur- render had been arranged Gen. J. L. Chamberlain, who received his first baptism of fire while an officer of the Twentieth Maine, was designated to command the parade before which the troops stacked their arras and colors and on the 12th the same grand old division was drawn up with our Third Brigade in the main line to witness the last movement of the confederate army of North- ern Virginia. The regiment arrived at Arlingion Heights May r2th and participated in the great review on the 23d. Col. Gilmore resigned on the 29th and Major Spear was mustered as Colonel and l^apt. A. W. Clark as Major. Col. Spear remained on detached duty. On the 4th of June ie65, the veterans of the Twentieth were mustered out of the survice and started for Maine the day following under the command of Lieut. Col. Morrill, arrivinsr in Portland on the Sth When the refjiment left Washington the recruits of the Twen- tieth were consolidated with those of the Sixteenth and First Sharpshooters. This organization was known as the Twentieth Maine and remained in the service till Julv 16th. ('omrades — How vividly these scenes rush before our minds to- night, and though they seem more like the fantasm of troubled 28 SECOND REUNION OF THE dreams, yet they can never, never be foi'gotten. Softened by the influence of time, tlie motley panoramma passes rapidly before us — the weary march, the fierce assault, the hospital and the dreadful prison appear upon the canvas stretching from Antietam to Appomattox. Along the whole line may be seen the graves of our fellow-comrades, the memory of whose deeds remain fresh in our own hearts to-night and will be cherished by generations yet to come. Their achievements and your achievements made the history of the old regiment gloritius, and as in the pride of your nationality you exclaim "I am an American citizen !" so in the light of your record as a regiment, you may exultantly add : "I, too, was a soldier of the Twentieth Maine !" While Lieut. Miller was speaking Gen. Chamberlain appeared upon the platform and was greeted with cheers. At tlie close of the address J. L. Shaw's quartette rendered the song, "All Honor to the Soldier Give," in fine style, receiving much applause. Gen. Chamberlain was then introduced and spoke briefly, touch- ingly and eloquently of the deeds of the Twentieth Maine. He complimented the graceful and modest manner in which the facts of the history of the Twentieth had been put together and said he was astonished to find how short a time he was directly with it. His experience with the Twentieth was the most honorable of his life. The red Maltese cross he was proud to wear above all the badges upon his breast. It was once crimsoned with blood but it was now blushing with undying love. No body c>f men who wore that badge was worthier than the Twentieth Maine, a regiment that, he had the words of generals, from brigade commanders up to Meade himself, was held of as great account as any legiment that served in the war of the rebellion. They all eagerly gave recognition to its heroism and valor, its fortitude and patience. For discipline and morals, it bore a character conspicuous in the army. In Jeff Davis' history he told one true thing when he said, in speaking of the battle of Gettysbui-g, that it was those fellows up there on Round Top that spoiled his plans. The manly vigor shown by the Twentieth Maine had gone into history. In conclusion he said : "But I cannot speak. God TWEMIKTH MAINE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION. 29 bless the old flag and (lod bless you all, again and forever." At the close of Gert. Chamberlain's remarks the band played a medley and then at the General's request the bugler sounded "tattoo." Shaw's quartette sang "Larboard Watch, Ahoy," and all united in si'iging "My Country 'tis of Thee" and "Auld l.ang Svne," when the audience was dismissed and the business meetinrj of the Twentieth Maine Resjiment Association besxan. The Association transacted the following business : Reading the records of last meeting. Reading letters from Gen. Ames, Col. Gilmore, Col. Morrill, Maj. .1. F Land, Maj. J. B. Fitch, Capt. Howard L. Prince. Lieut. E. R. Sanborn and Sergt. W. T. Livermoie. (A letter from Col. Ellis Spear was received too late for the leunion.) The following committee was nominated to sekct a board of officers for the Association : J. H. Stan wood, W. K. Bickford, Franklin True. The ccnnmittee subsequently reported the following : Fresicleiit, H. S. Melcher, Portland. Vice President, J. B. Wescott, Bath. Secretary, S. L. Miller, Waldoboro. The report was accepted and the nominations contirmed. Report of Secretary and Treasurer read and approved. A motion to pifcsent the colors to the State was not'carried. Voted, That trie Executive Committee confer with Gen. Ames in regard to keeping tlie old baitle flag in the posession of the association. Voted, That the Lincoln Colnty News be made the organ of the Association. Voted, That the Secretary be instructed to liave the historical address published in pamphlet form. A contribution of $10.73 was taken for associational purposes. Adjourned. Thursday forenoon the Twentieth, numbering sixty men, under the command («f Capt. R. H. Plummer, joined the parade and 30 SECOND REUNION OF THE were much cheered as they bore their old battle flag along the route of the procession. Thursday afternoon about forty members of the Twentieth, commanded by Capt. Plumraer, participated in the sham fight. Thursday evening a )>usiness meeting was held at regimental headquarters for the purpose of deciding upon a badge. At this meeting it was Voted, That the Executive Committee be authorized to pro- cure badges, worth one dollar each, for the use of the associa- tion. Voted, That the badges be procured in season for the next reunion. Voted, That the next reunion of the Twentieth Maine be held with the general reunion of the soldiers and sailors of Maine. After a general and affecting hand-shakiug the veterans of the Twentieth regiment separated. Letter from General Ames, The President of the Twentieth Maine Regiment Association has received the following letter from General Ames, which will be readily understood : New York, Oct. 3, 1881. Dear Sir : — Returning to the city after a long absence I find yours of the 10th ult. Out of respect for the wishes of the Association I withdraw my request to have the colors delivered over to the State authorities. The further request that they may be used on occasions of parade and assembly I also acquiesce in. .1 will leave thera with your association for the present, at least, knowing the respect and attention they will receive. Yours truly, A. Ames. H. S. Melcher, President Twentieth Maine Volunteers Association Portland, Maine. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS t