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16 Burnside's "Stuck in it's mud"

He came to Sargt. George W Buck of our company and ordered him out. and Buck told him that he was sick and could not go where-upon Litchfield knocked him down and kicked him and when the regt. returned Buck has reported and redused to the ranks without any chanse for defense. Buck was a good soldier and stuck to his duty untill we wer in the field at little round top at getisburg [Gettysburg]. Ever at the front Buck was among the first to fall. At the first favorable opportunity, his comrades stooped over him. His lifeblood was fast flowing from a fatal wound, his thin blue lips quivered in derision and muttered, They reduced me to the ranks, but I will show them that I am not afraid to die. Col. Chamberlain was sent for. That gallant officer came and knelt by his side. "I was disgraced," hoarsely whispered the dying hero. "You are now exonerated and promoted to a sargency." exclaimed chivalrous officer. A sweet smile played upon the worn features a look of satisfaction came to the hungry eyes and he was dead. In the national cemetery at Getysburg [Gettysburg]