American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

Group of 15 soldier's letters, 24 May 1861 - 27 Nov 1861, each from Lt. George S. Andrews and addressed to his sister Louise Andrews Hall of Foxborough, Massachusetts. Archive highlighted by a letter of 31 July 1861 written following the First Battle of Bull Run. Various locations including "Camp Harden," "Camp Morrill," "Clemont Place," "Camp Fessenden," and "Camp Howard." Letters accompanied by two CDVs, both standing portraits of Andrews in uniform, with autograph inscriptions to mount.

Andrews's first letter from "Camp Harden" in Augusta [Maine] announces to his sister that he "has become a 'soldier,'" and describes the camp layout and the activities of the newly enlisted soldiers. Included is a map which features the location of each company and "street names" associated with the encampment. Later letters describe his journey from Maine to D.C., which was awash in soldiers. Andrews boasts to his sister, perhaps prophetically given the future exploits of his regiment, that "The Gen in command at Washington says the Maine 3d is the best regiment he ever saw, and he has seen a great many." While still in D.C. Andrews makes a pilgrimage to Alexandria and "Marshall House" where Colonel Ellsworth was shot, noting that "the stairs are cut to pieces, the flag staff (a very large one) will soon be gone" and that he had enclosed for her a small piece of the flag staff [no longer with the archive]. Andrews notes in a letter of 6 June 1861 that Colonel [Isaac N.] Tucker has arrived in Washington, and is "the most popular staff officer in the regiment," while Col. [Oliver Otis] Howard is being talked of as Brigade General of the Maine Brigade.

Andrews writes on July 5th the regiment has been ordered to march, and his next letter he describes their entry into the Battle of First Bull Run: "You say 'I did feel worried until I found that the 3d Maine Regiments did not suffer in the last Sunday fight' - I can tell you the 3d Maine Regiment was in the fight - and I am proud to say the flag presented to the Maine 3d by the daughters Maine residing in New York was the last flag brought from the field - the 3d Brigade (consisting of the 3rd 4th 5th Maine and 2d Vermont regiments) was late at the fight. We marched through the woods over fences, fallen trees &c &c most of the way double quick - many of our own men fell out by the way unable to go further just before going on the field we were obliged to ford a small stream - we dashed in with a will - cheering for the Union & went on the field amidst a perfect shower of shot and shell...." Following the battle the 3rd Maine was assigned to duty in Defenses of Washington, as described in Andrews's later letters. He indicates on 7 November 1861 his intention to go to Washington, D.C. to have his picture taken, which he promises to send to Louise, and indicates that is was enclosed it to his sister in his letter of 23 November 1861.

HDS indicates that Andrews of Gardiner, Maine, enlisted as a private on 6/4/1861 at 22 years old. He mustered into "C" Co. Maine 3rd Infantry. He resigned on 2/8/1862. Promotions: 1st Lieut. 10/8/1861. Perhaps no regiment from the state saw more fighting or rendered more distinguished service than the 3rd Maine. From the First Battle of Bull Run, until the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864, the regiment participated in most of the important battles and movements of the Army of the Potomac. It's first commander, Col. Oliver Otis Howard, was one of the most prominent Union military figures who earned a Medal of Honor for action at Battle of Fair Oaks.