Description: In this 1915 letter, Ambrose. E.  Beardsley of New Haven, CT, thanks his “dear old friend and comrade,” [John Green] for sending him, “after more than fifty years separation,” the Pennsylvania Commission’s Report of the Gettysburg Memorial Celebrations.  We learn that Beardsley served along with Green, “General Kane, Powell with his Bucktail and Mule” in the 12th Corps of Connecticut volunteers, later renamed the 20th Regiment, until 1865. In the letter, Beardsley briefly sums up his career for Green: he was taken prisoner at Chancellorsville, “exchanged in time to take part in the Gettysburg battle and being temporarily detailed on ‘Div. Staff’ was during three days many times brought into the thickest of the fight. Was afterwards taken prisoner down in Tennessee by a regiment of Guerrillas, robbed of sixteen hundred dollars in money, all my clothing  except my boots . . . and left by the cut throats to grope  my way back through the woods in the darkness of night guided only by the reflection of burning train on the sky”. . . .” He proudly claims how he was never “absent from command” except for the “ten days’ leave [he] had while with Kane.” Of the Commission Report he says, “Most assuredly the Gettysburg Memorial Celebration of 1913 will go down in history as one of the great and memorable event of the 20th century . . . reflecting lasting credit upon every member of the commission who in any degree contributed to its success.” He thanks Green for his “kind remembrance” and hopes that he “may yet be spared many days to enjoy the comforts and happiness which [his] successful life so justly merits.” The letter is signed “Most sincerely yours, A. E. Beardsley”

 

The letter is typed on three pages of 8” x 11” ivory paper. Item #A01030.

 

Capt. Ambrose E. Beardsley (1840-1916), son of physician and historian Dr. Ambrose Beardsley of Derby, enlisted as 2nd Lieut. of Company H, 20th Regiment. He served as an aide under Brig. General Kane, Brig. General Ruger, and Major General Butterfield. He was taken prisoner at Chancellorsville, but exchanged in time to participate in the Gettysburg battle. During the “March to the Sea,” Capt. Beardsley acted as Brigade Inspector. In 1865, he was recognized as “Major by brevet” for ability and good conduct in many campaigns.  

 

John Pugh Green (1839-1924) was a lawyer, who also served as Captain and Assistant Adjutant General under General Kane with the Bucktails. In 1865, he began a career with the Pennsylvania Railroad, eventually retiring as the vice-president of the company.

 

Condition: File punch holes at the upper blank margin of each page, perimeter toning, especially on page one, a few minor edges chips (not affecting any text). Generally good condition.