PREFACE.

AT

T the annual re-union of the survivors of the Twelfth (Webster) Regiment in August, 1879, it was voted to have a full and complete history of the regiment written. To that end an Historical Committee was chosen, consisting of five members of the Association; and the duty of selecting an historian was delegated to it. Subsequently the committee made choice of the undersigned. For the honor conferred upon me I heartily thank my comrades, although I think that their choice might have been better placed. There are many in the regiment more competent to perform the duty than myself; yet I can say, however, that I believe there is no one more earnestly desirous that the story of the great trials, hardships, and almost unexampled heroism of those three eventful years from 1861 to '64 shall be told to the public of to-day and succeeding generations. Neither is there one more anxious that justice be done to each and every member of the regiment.

In commencing my work, I issued a circular, asking the assistance of comrades, and also calling for diaries, memoranda, and material of any kind, from which to construct my story. To all who responded to these circulars, or who have in any manner rendered me assistance, I take this opportunity to express my hearty thanks. To comrades George Kimball, Charles C. Wehrum, George E. Muzzey, Joseph W. Thayer, Charles W. Hastings, George W. French, and others, who have assisted me, including

M123186

my wife, who has aided me in collecting data, as well as serving as amanuensis, I feel especially grateful.

The map showing the marches of the regiment, appearing in the history, was drawn by a comrade who refuses to have his name used, from a map issued by the government war-office; and it is believed to be substantially correct. He was much assisted, also, by a map showing the route of the wagon-trains, in the possession of Quartermaster George E. Muzzey.

That the work is deficient in many respects I am fully aware, but I have the assurance of knowing that I have performed my duty as well as I could. The reasons for any deficiencies that may appear will be apparent to all upon reflection, and it is unnecessary for me to enumerate them. I have endeavored to make the work impartial, and to abstain as much as possible from rendering praise in special cases. There is no need of praise from your historian. Your record as soldiers does not require it; and no language, however emphatic, can give an adequate idea of your sacrifices, your unselfish devotion, and the suffering and hardship attending your service.

My original plan was, to have prepared a full and correct roster of the regiment, showing who were killed and wounded, and other facts of interest: but company descriptive-books and muster-out rolls could not be obtained, and no persons were found who could supply such facts from memory; therefore the work had to be abandoned. A partial or an incorrect list would be

worse than none.

It may appear that some companies have received undue attention, being more frequently mentioned than others; but, if such is the case, it is because they have furnished me with more material. It certainly is not the result of preference. The men of Company H responded well to the call for data, five of them sending matter which has been of great assistance. The diary of Thaddeus Keith of Company F (killed at the battle of the Wilderness), forwarded to me by his brother, has been a great

help.

There were two responses to the circular from Company

K, and one each from Companies A and I.

The reader will please bear in mind that this little volume is not a history of the war, but the story of our campaigns. I have all the way through striven to avoid as much as possible irrelevant matters, believing that what was desired was a plain and true account of the movements and experiences of the Twelfth Regiment.

And now, resting in the hope that those most interested will approve my work, I present to the surviving members of the old Twelfth (Webster) Regiment this history of their service in the war of the Rebellion.

BENJAMIN F. COOK,

Late Lieut.-Col. 12th Regiment, Mass. Vol. Infantry.