"We rather got used up on Friday near Coal Harbor...I got a knock with a grape shot near my left elbow...Col Pickett, bullet in left hip - Adj. McConville, throat, head & left breast dangerous. Cpt. O'Neil, Lt. Graham, & Lt. Mathews Killed. Col. Moulton missing & supposed killed. Lts Daly, Pelton probably mortal. Lt. Woodworth & Bessey hand & contusion of shoulder - Lt. Saul missing. All that are left are 7 officers & 138 men. We have our colors all right though one is completely riddled."
Dated: 5 June 1864, 18th Army Hospital White House Landing, Virginia, written by Major Neil (CG) Attwood, 25 MVM.
With their numbers greatly reduced, they were called upon by General Grant to charge the Confederate breastworks protecting the Gaines' Mill road. It is said that Major Attwood of the 25th Mass counted nine Confederate battle flags to their front. The 25th "charge" lasted less than 10 minutes, with most members caught stranded between lines for a period of 1-2 days. They entered this battle with 300 soldiers, losing a total of 75 killed and mortally wounded, 122 wounded and 32 captured. This totals 229 men, or 76% battle losses. For the record, this was the fourth highest percentage single battle loss of any Northern regiment during the war.
CDV Group Photo of Members Company A, 25th Mass. Infantry
Notice all members are smoking cigars. This CDV photo is backmarked T. R. Burnham, Boston, Mass. Inked on the back is "Please hand this to Reuben/Yours with much love Jimmy/Reuben H. DeLuce/Post Comminary Newbern, NC." Reuben DeLuce is not in the picture. DeLuce died of disease on September 20th, 1864 in New Berne, North Carolina.
The soldiers in the photo are (from left to right):