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Hd. Ins.[?] 20th Rgt:[?] Maine Vols 3 Bgd. 1st Div 5th Army Corps Army of the Potomac. Camp at Beverly Ford on The Rappahannock River Virginia September 3 1863. John L. Hodsdon Adjt. Gen. State of Maine General I wish to express to you in behalf of the regiment & for myself, our respect for the character and appreciation of the services of our late surgeon, Major John Benson of Newport. His kindness & discrimination & the unusual assiduity[?] with which he applied himself to the duties of his Office, [illegible] him Exceedingly useful and popular with the regiment, while his [illegible] ability gave him at once high reputation with other surgeons of the Army. It is a matter of unusual regret that failing health rendered it necessary for him to leave the service. I have the Honor Genl. to be very Respectfully your Obt. Servant. Charles D. Gilmore Lt. Col. Commanding 20th Mine Vols. over [underlined on right lower page]