erience of this group of towns and their sons
furnished but one small instance of what was borne, infinitely
magnified, throughout the nation.

It will readily appear that the subject might furnish material for a
notable volume. In the present case nothing is possible save a brief
sketch of the matter, made up chiefly, as will be seen, of citations
from the published history of the regiment, and from such other
sources of information as were easily accessible. Among the latter
must be noted the records of the Regimental Association, to which
access was had through the courtesy of its secretary, D. C. Kilbourn,
Esq., of Litchfield, and his assistance, as well as that of H. W.
Wessells, Esq., of Litchfield, to both of whom the securing of most of
the illustrations used is due, is gratefully acknowledged.

THE COUNTY REGIMENT

In spite of the labors of unnumbered chroniclers, it is not easy, if
indeed it is possible, for us of this later generation to realize
adequately the great patriotic uprising of the war times.

It began in the early days of 1861 with the assault on Fort Sumter,
which, following a long and trying season of uncertainty, furnished
the sudden shock that resolved the doubts of the wavering and changed
the opinions of the incredulous. Immediately there swept over all the
northern states a wave of intense national feeling, attended by scenes
of patriotic and confident enthusiasm more noisy than far-sighted,
and there was a resulting host of volunteers, who went forth for the
service of ninety days with the largest hopes, and proportionate
ignorance of the crisis which had come to the nation. Of these
Connecticut furnished more than her allotted share, and Litchfield
County a due proportion.

The climax of this excited period was supplied by the battle of Bull
Run. There was surprise, and almost consternation, at the first news
of this salutary event, but quickly following, a renewed rally of
patriotic feeling, less excited but more determined, and with a
clearer apprehension of the actual situation. The enlistment of
volunteers for a longer term had been begun, and now went forward
briskly for many months; regiment after regiment was enrolled,
equipped, and sent southward, until, in the spring of 1862, the force
of this movement began to spend itself. The national arms had met with
some important successes during the winter, and a feeling of
confidence had arisen in the invincibility of th