Head Quarters 16th Regt. Me. Vols.
Camp Near Belle Plain, Va.
Dec. 23 /62

Hon. Israel Washburn, Jr.

Dear Sir,

Your esteemed favor of the 10th inst. is at hand and contents read with pleasure. Allow me to tender you my thanks for the expressions therein made as to the course I have pursued since having charge of the Regiment.

Since my last communication, the condition of the Regiment has been very much changed as you are probably aware ere this, resulting from the desastrous Engagement near Fredericksburg.

On the morning of the 13th inst., we numbered some four hundred fifty Officers & men allof which went into the fight & performed their duty like true soldiers.

The result Sir, you will see by the list of casualties forwarded to Adjt. Genl. Hodgdon, foots up some two hundred & twenty-eight killed wounded & missing. More than fifty percent of the whole number engaged.

Among the number killed you will notice Capt. Hutchins of Company "B" & Lieut. Herrick of Company "D" who were shot as far as I can learn, in the early part of the action. The body of Capt. Hutchins was recover'd and buried the night of the 13th inst. on the Battle field. Lieut. Herrick's body was not recover'd.

I can truly say that I never witness'd troups perform their duty better & come up to the work more readily than did the 16th at this time. Every mans heart & soul seemd bent upon having a chance at the enemy.

We were the first Regiment to make the charge and the last to leave the field. The REgt. has certainly done credit to itself & the Old Pine Tree State altho' at a great Sacrifice.

I herewith hand you list of names for promotion to fill vacancies now in the Regt. which I trust will meet your approbation as they are well worthy the positions for which I respectfully recommend them.

You will notice Sr, that I recommend Lieut. Sewell of Co. "F" as Captain of Co. "D". This I do at the request of the members of Company "D".

Hoping to hear from you again soon.

Charles W. Tilden
Lt. Col. 16th Maine Regt.

 

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