Item No. 1294121

A group of four documents related to Major Charles T. Plunkett of the 49th Massachusetts, including 1865 correspondence with the Massachusetts Quartermaster General’s Office regarding the whereabouts of his regiment’s colors, which the state hoped to ad to its collection of colors from its nine-month regiments.. In the three-page letter, Plunkett responds by recounting the deeds performed by the men under the flag. Noting that the regiment had been “composed, with very few exceptions, entirely of Berkshire men,” he states that “the honor and glory acquired by them while fighting under these Colors belongs more properly to the history of this County than to that of any other portion of the State.”

The colors, Plunkett writes, “were present with the Regiment at the Battle of Plains Store on the 21st of May 1863 when the gallant Lieut. Tucker lost a leg & when the ‘49th’ behaved with conspicuous steadiness and bravery.” He continues:

In the first assault upon Port Hudson, where the Regiment lost 85 killed and wounded, having more than one-third of the number engaged, and a larger proportion than any other Regiment participation in the Assault. Among the wounded were Col. W. F. Bartlett, commanding the Regiment, Lieut. Col. Samuel B. Sumner, and among the killed Lieut. Burton D. Deming and Isaac E. Judd.

In the second assault June 14th, in which the Regiment lost 18 killed and wounded.

And in the Battle of Donaldsville, July 13th, where the Regiment was sent after the surrender of Port Hudson, where being nearly surrounded by a large Rebel force, the Regiment lost twenty-one killed, wounded, and missing.

In all the engagements, these Colors were in the “front” and the Regiment was always fortunate enough to win numerous commendations from General Officers for good discipline and brave soldierly conduct.

Plunkett closes the letter stating, “I place these Colors in the keeping of the County of Berkshire, believing that in the future they will recall the brave and gallant deeds of Berkshire men.” His signature appears at the bottom, with rank.

The letter was written upon three pages of a legal-size letter sheet measuring about 8” x 12 1/2”. Creased at the original folds. Very light foxing. The full transcript appears below.

Also included are two Massachusetts commissions signed by Governor John Andrew for Plunkett’s promotions to captain and major. Each measures about 16” x 10”. Also included, the October 1865 quartermaster letter that prompted the major’s response.

Henry W. Loft, Esq.

Sir:
In accordance with the suggestions made by the Governor of this Commonwealth, a copy of whose letter I enclose, I transmit to you herewith the Colors of the 49th Massachusetts Regiment and ask you to give a receipt therefor, which shall comply with the conditions imposed by the Governor.

It seems peculiarly proper that these Colors should be retained in the County of Berkshire. The 49th Mass. Regiment was composed, with very few exceptions, entirely of Berkshire men, and the honor and glory acquired by them while fighting under these Colors belongs more properly to the history of this County than to that of any other portion of the State.

These Colors were carried by the Regiment during their active campaign in the Department of the Gulf.

They were present with the Regiment at the Battle of Plains Store on the 21st of May 1863 when the gallant Lieut. Tucker lost a leg & when the “49th” behaved with conspicuous steadiness and bravery.

In the first assault upon Port Hudson, where the Regiment lost 85 killed and wounded, having more than one-third of the number engaged, and a larger proportion than any other Regiment participation in the Assault. Among the wounded were Col. W. F. Bartlett, commanding the Regiment, Lieut. Col. Samuel B. Sumner, and among the killed Lieut. Burton D. Deming and Isaac E. Judd.

In the second assault June 14th, in which the Regiment lost 18 killed and wounded.

And in the Battle of Donaldsville, July 13th, where the Regiment was sent after the surrender of Port Hudson, where being nearly surrounded by a large Rebel force, the Regiment lost twenty-one killed, wounded, and missing.

In all the engagements, these Colors were in the “front” and the Regiment was always fortunate enough to win numerous commendations from General Officers for good discipline and brave soldierly conduct.

It is therefore with great pleasure that with the consent of the Governor of this State, I place these Colors in the keeping of the County of Berkshire, believing that in the future they will recall the brave and gallant deeds of Berkshire men.
With great respect
Very truly Yours
C. T. Plunkett, Major
49th Regiment M.V.M.