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             Hd. Arsenal.] 20th Regt. 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, rendered him Exceedingly useful and popular with the regiment, while his marked 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]