sions followed each other in rapid
succession. The earliest dawn revealed to us the deserted lines, with
their guns spiked and their tents standing. We were ordered to advance
at once, but cautiously. The troops jumped over the breastworks, and,
avoiding the torpedoes, filed through the rebel abbatis, and then began
the race for Richmond.

"No words can describe the enthusiasm of the troops as they found
themselves fairly within the rebel lines, and tramping along the bloody
roads leading to the 'capitol of secessia.' The honor of first entering
that city was most earnestly contested; many regiments threw away
everything but their arms, while this regiment 'double-quicked' in heavy
marching orders. Two companies of this regiment--G and C--had been sent
forward as skirmishers reaching the city close on the heels of our
cavalry, and were, without the slightest doubt, the first companies of
infantry to enter the city. Through the heat and dust the troops
struggled on, and at last, as we came in full view of the city, the air
was rent with such cheers as only the brave men, who had fought so long
and so nobly for that city could give. Since that time our history has
been blessedly unfruitful in stirring events. We remained in Richmond
for a few days, and were then ordered to Petersburg; from here we went
to Point Lookout, Md., where we remained until the 25th Corps was
ordered to Texas. We embarked for Texas on the 10th day of June 1865,
arriving at Brazos de Santiago July 3rd, 1865. From Brazos we marched to
Brownsville, on the Rio Grande, where we continued until ordered to
Hartford, Conn., to be mustered out. On the 26th day of October, 1865,
we left Brownsville for Hartford, where the regiment was discharged and
paid on the 25th day of November, 1865.

"The following is a report of changes and casualties in the 29th
Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, (colored), from date of organization to
date of discharge:

Gain by recruits 8 officers, 210 enlisted men.
Loss " discharge 5 " 121 "
" " dismissal 1 " -- "
" " desertion -- " 103 "
" died of disease 1 " 153 "
" " wounds 1 " 21 "
" by killed in battle -- " 24 "
Promotion into other organizations 5 " -- "
Total gain