’Tis but a memory.
VETERAN VOLUNTEERS.
A grave problem confronted the government in 1863 for within a few months it would lose the services of most of its tried and seasoned soldiers by reason of expiration of service. A proposition was made to the three years men that if they would re-enlist they would receive $402.00 bounty and a thirty day furlough. The proposition was accepted by a majority of the old soldiers and the old organizations were retained with their officers.
The most of our company and regiment re-enlisted. They sent us home in squads, and when it came my turn I was laid up with the mumps and could not go with my father.
While I was north on my furlough Gen. Grant assumed command of the army confronting Gen. Lee and preparations were made for active operations.
My father wrote me that our regiment had received orders to be ready to go to the front at an hour’s notice.
My furlough had several days to run but I took the first train for Washington and in twenty-four hours walked into camp.
I found our regiment all ready and awaiting orders. Field tents, rubber blankets and other things were issued to us which indicated that we were to take the field.