element to insure a brilliant and honorable future had it

been permitted to go to the front. Its officers were men of more than ordinary ability and military experience, and its men were of the best material to be found in the Granite State.

When our men were taken to fill the ranks of the Second, which had come home to recruit, being badly

decimated, Doctor Bean

and I came home. Doctor Small was assigned surgeon of the Tenth Regiment and went to the front where he so distinguished himself in surgery that he was detailed as special operator, serving until the close of the war. On his return home he located in Portland, Maine, where he had a large and successful practice until his death in 1886. Dr. Bean returned to Lebanon, but after a time drifted west, and is now in successful practice in Waukegan, Ill.

As for myself, I returned to Lancaster, and a few years later removed to St. Johnsbury, Vt., where I have since resided in the practice of my profession.

CHAPTER XXIX.

REMINISCENCES.

BY REV. GEO. S. BARNES, CHAPLAIN.

I heartily approve of the effort to have some proper historic record of the Seventeenth New Hampshire Regiment. Its history was brief but patriotic. That it had no record at the front is no fault of officers or men; they all desired it were impatient to be there. Every new recruit was hailed with joy at Camp Ethan Colby because his coming increased the probability of active work. Through weary winter months we waited for the complement of numbers that we might be mustered into the service.

We were hungry, not for "tack and coffee," but for full companies and the field. Because the officers were young they were called "The Governor's Babies; but there was no want of manliness or soldierly qualities. The only reason why they did not signalize themselves in the field, was for the want of an opportunity. The quota of the state was full, and the old Second, greatly depleted in numbers, desired to have its ranks refilled, so the secretary of war ordered consolidation, and the Seventeenth ceased to be, that the old Second might achieve new honors.

The vacancies in the field and staff were to be filled by officers of the Seventeenth, quite a concession to "The Governor's Babies," especially as there was just one vacancy! So these brave officers "folded their tents like the Arab," and returned to civil life. Lieutenant-Colonel Charles H. Long, Adjutant Wainwright, and Chaplain

Barnes later entered the service, sharing the fortunes of war till its close.

But the Seventeenth was not without experience; it stood the siege of a northern winter in board barracks; but rations were plenty, and the routine of camp life was observed without complaint, and this, in connection with the uncertainties of active service, was a more serious test of soldierly qualities than active service would have been. There was one battle in which Colonel Kent exhibited rare courage. Doffing the eagle and the blue, he challenged the "boys" in unequal conflict, and the snowballs made the battle hot!

Colonel Kent was a leader with rare soldierly qualities, well equipped for the service, commanding the highest esteem of officers and men.

The honors of the regiment came to the enlisted men who yielded their preference for their own organization, and fought for the same flag under other leaders, for the cause dear to all.

It having been suggested that the design of the Regimental History will properly include reminiscent notes of those connected with it, I indulge in a few. Among the most interesting experiences of my life after the “consolidation," were some in connection with a six weeks' service in the Christian Commission in the general hospital at City Point, Va. On reporting for duty I was first sent as special messenger with supplies to Deep Bottom, up the James river. The battle of Deep Bottom was then in progress. As the steamer approached the scene of conflict, the most fearful thunderstorm I ever witnessed burst upon us, accompanied with heavy wind. The scene was terrific. The commingling of earthly and heavenly artillery was such that at times they could not be distinguished. The captain, fearing disaster, ran the steamer against the bank and waited till the storm had spent its fury.

Having transferred the supplies, I immediately provided myself with a pail of ice-water, brandy, a cup and sponge, pins and bandages, and entered upon the work of relief. The wounded were brought to the rear near the river, and laid in lines by division. It was my first experience, and one that words can never describe. I was overwhelmed with the terribleness of human slaughter. The remaining hours of the day were the most intense of my life. My soul was on fire! Forgetting that I was without authority, only an accident on the battlefield, citizen and soldier alike found himself subject to my orders.

Immediate attention would not only relieve suffering, but often save life. A few incidents will suggest the work and experiences of the day. At one point I found a soldier with a fearful wound in the shoulder, bare to the burning sun. Surprised at seeing a soldier standing idly by, I said, "What are you standing there for?" Why," said he, "what can I do?" "Do?" I re

plied, "get help, and get this poor fellow into the shade." Instantly he was at his best. I was 66 fresh," and did not realize that a trained soldier waits for orders. The thing most grateful to the wounded is cold water to drink and on the wound. Going from man to man, affording this relief, appalled by the scene, I was amazed that the wounded did not share this feeling with me. Wrought

up by the experience of the battle, they were less sensible of their condition and surroundings. One young man, himself facing death, exclaimed, "O!. I'd like to give the rebs another clip."

Another was very profane, and I gently rebuked him for such indulgence in the presence of dying comrades, but he swore all the more. I saw my mistake, and in a moment, passing by others, poured cold water on his wound; there was no more profanity.

Returning to City Point, Superintendent Williams assigned me to the Cavalry Corps hospital, the most difficult post in the service, several delegates having been driven out by the executive and imperious Scotch surgeon in charge. Going directly to him, I inquired how I could make myself most useful. "You take care of the souls,

and we will take care of the bodies," he replied. My work was plain and proved most interesting in character. Memory is crowded with incidents of profound interest to me. Perhaps I may indulge in one or two. One morning the surgeon sent for me, and, on entering his office, he introduced me to a lady who had come with a sister's heart and a trunk full of goodies for a brother, an officer who had died an hour before her arrival. She desired to know of his spiritual condition, a matter of deep interest to her. Some days before his death, it had been my privilege to put in his lips the words of prayer by which he turned to the Lord, and it was a great privilege to assure her that he died in great peace. The work of the Christian and Sanitary commissions were of untold value to our sick and wounded soldiers.

At the close of my labors in that field, I went to the front to see what could be done for our New Hampshire regiments. While there I was surprised at being informed that I had been elected chaplain of the 29th United States Colored Infantry.