The National tribune., 1885-07-23
AT GETTYSBURG.
The Goth Conn. Unvails Its Monument There July 8.


To THE EDITOR: July 3, 1855, will long be
remembered by the veterans of the Goth Conn.,,
their friends, and the good people of Gettys-
burg, the occasion being the unvailing of
memorial tablet, erected on the spot held by
the regiment on that memorable occasion.
The day of the month came upon the same
day of the week it did just 22 years ago.
The regimental organization left the State on
the morning of the 1st several members join
ing them at New York, Jersey City and other
places, and arriving at Gettysburg toward even
ing After selecting quarters, the boys laid
their plans for the next two days. The morn
ing and all day of the I'd was devoted to sight
seeing and visit to the old battlefields and in
spectiOn of the memorial tablet to be unvailed
on the morrow. In the evening the vets as
sembled at Eagle Hotel and arranged for the
dedication, Col. VIM. B. Wooster presiding.
The meeting adjourned at an early hour for the
purpose of attending Campfire of Corp. Sicily
Post GAR. The Post room being crowded,
but few obtained entrance, though the fortunate
ones spent a very enjoyable evening.
At O'Clock next morning the vets assembled
in front of headquarters, and, together with
the 29th Pa, marched to Culp's Hill to the
music of the GAR. Band of Gettysburg. As We
were passing one of the recognized landmarks
entrance to the old Cemetery-our drum
corps, Messrs. Black and Ward, here deserted
us, having been requested by the Goth (who
just then turned into lane through some mis-
understanding to give them some old-time
music, thus depriving us of the same but Col.
Wooster remarked, $50 long as we have our
little Drum Major (?) with his umbrella, we are
all o. K" The Goth kept on down the Balti-
more pike to the willow tree, turned to the left
Capt. Arthur BOardman in advance with the
colors) through the field, up to the woods, where
we halted, and when the precise spot where the
regiment formed early on the morning of July
3, 1863, was reached, Col. Wooster gave the
command, " Forward, guide right" Wee easily
kept in line until nearly up to that well-known
hot place, the old stone wall" and then with
mighty rush and a rousing cheer which made
the woods, rocks and valleys ring, the boys
made most brilliant charge. We found Black
and Ward near the monument playing Yankee
Doodle" in dOuble-guick time.
The hour of dedication having now arrived,
the large assemblage was called to order by Col.
Wooster, who, after cooling off," appeared to be
in tip-top good humor, and filled the position of
presiding officer in a very creditable manner.
After prayer by the Rev. Jas. McWhinnie a
member of the Goth, Capt. s. E. Chaffee pre-
sented the tablet to the regiment, the same be-
ing unvailed by Comrade Geo. w. Warner, Of
the Goth, who lost both arms on this field not
far from where the monument now stands. The
monument was then received by Col. Wooster
Chap. II. s. Stevens, of the old 18th regi-
ment, was here introduced and In very happy
and touching manner delivered the Grafton,
which was listened to with pleasure. Mr..
Stevens is pleasant speaker, one of the best
posted old soldiers, as regards the Gettysburg
battlefield, that it has ever been my good for
tune to meet. His happy allusion to the old
14th was responded to by the old vets of the
Goth with three good rousers. After beauti-
full poem by John w. Storrs, of Birmingham
the delivery of the custody of the tablet to the
Gettysburg Memorial Association by COL Woos-
ter, and the benediction pronounced by Rev.
James McWhinnie, the vets were dismissed,
breaking up into squads in search Of battlefield
relics.
The monument is of Connecticut granite
and was designed by W. H. Curtis, OF Stratford,
(who was presently and cost 81, 800. Its dimen-
siOns are seven feet six inches in hight and
four feet six inches in width. The front con-
tains the record Of the regiment in this battle,
viz:
"20th Conn. Vols; VIM. B. Wooster, Lt.-Col
commanding; 1st Brig, LIST Div, 18th A. G. The
brigade formed on this line on the morning of July
2 At eve it moved to support the left of the army
occupied by Johnson's Div, Ewelrs Corps. Con-
federates During the night it lay in line of battle
At dawn, July 3, the Goth advanced under cover of
artillery, and fought five hours, driving the enemy
and reoccupying the works. Was relieved by the
123d N. Y In the afternoon moved to support the
I'd Corps against LOngstreets assault. This regi-
ment went from Virginia with the 18th A. c., and
marched with Gen. Sherman to the sea-"
The reverse side has the coat-of- arms of Con.
necticut beautifully carved, and the end gives
the list of engagements and casualties.
1t is considered the prettiest monument on
the battlefield of Gettysburg.-L.M NJ. PENFIELD,
Drummer, K Co., Goth Conn.,, Washington, D. C..