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their courage helped to make a "field of Honor" & I regret to lose the services of 102 who were wounded there. Besides this, in our other fights we had a loss of three killed & sixteen wounded or missing. I fear I have written too freely but this is not an "official" letter & I know you desire to be informed reliably of the service rendered by your Regiments.

I am sorry to say that Lieut. Col. Gilmore was obliged to leave us on our march through Maryland, & is now in Baltimore not yet fit for duty. We all suffered for want of medical attendance. Our toilsome & hurried march broke down a great many, & I had to be Surgeon & father as well as Colonel, to such an extent that I fell sick myself & came near dying, but was providentially able to lead my gallant fellows into the fight. The surgeons recently appointed have reported, & we are highly gratified with their appearance.

I should be glad to have Rev. [?] Brown whom you recommended with Hon J. J. Perry & others, appointed Hospital Steward, ordered to report at once. I very much need a field officer. I had to go through the fight alone. Is there any objection to follow the suggestion of Col. Ames in the appointment of Major? I should heartily endorse that.

Very Respectfully your obdt. Servt. & friend, J. L. Chamberlain, Col. 20th

Col Chamberlain 20th Regt July 21st 1863