Autograph letter signed by Captain Henry L. Patten, Acting Adjutant of the famed 20th Mass Infantry, dated May 31, 1863, just weeks before the regiment’s pivotal role at Gettysburg. This detailed and highly informative wartime letter addresses administrative and enlistment matters, including muster rolls, discharge procedures, and the strict regulations governing service status in the Union Army. Patten clarifies that the recipient has not been properly discharged and must return to be officially mustered, reflecting the bureaucratic realities faced by soldiers during the Civil War. The letter also references medical leave, muster dates, and the necessity of proper documentation—offering a valuable glimpse into the day-to-day administration of one of the Union Army’s most storied regiments. Historical significance: Written by an officer of the 20th Mass, commanded by Col. Joshua L. Chamberlain. Dated immediately prior to the Gettysburg Campaign. Demonstrates internal military procedures and discipline within a frontline regiment. Condition: Original manuscript on period paper, with expected fold lines, age toning, and light wear consistent with Civil War correspondence. Ink remains legible throughout.
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Hd. Qrs. 20th Mass May 31, 1863 Dear Sir, Your letter has been received. In reply I would state that by coming out, I am not before the end of June when the next muster rolls are made out, you can have your muster roll dated back to May 1st. If however I take you cannot have a date back further than that. If you do not come out until after June 30, your muster can not be dated back further than June 30. In short your muster can not date further back than the last muster roll of this Regt. You write that you have been mustered out. I think you must be mistaken. An enlisted man can only be discharged by order or by expiration of his term of service. You must therefore have a regular discharge before you are out of service. If any officer has mustered you out in any other way, I have no doubt he was ignorant of regulations. We have received no notification of your discharge and still have to account for you. You can only collect an advance on a surgeon’s certificate or in case such certificate expires as absent without leave. I advise you to come out at once and get mustered in. You will have no difficulty in obtaining a sick leave if you are still disabled. We are forbidden to report any man as on furlough or mustered out who has not been so mustered in. Write at once, or come yourself by all means. Truly yours, Henry L. Patten Capt. & Acting Adjutant 20th Mass
