| RE .0:
Where you find history on any specific unit depends a lot on where
you are...
If you are anywhere near Maine, in this case, I'd suggest a call or
trip to a big city library. Ask if they have a copy of the regimental
history for the 20th Maine. (I suspect virtually all ACW regiments had
a history written by _somebody_; sometimes more than one.) You
probably won't be able to take it out, since modern reprints of such
histories are rare (the 54th Mass. is one exception, due to the movie
"Glory" and the regiment's participation at Ft. Wagner), but they'd
probably let you read it there.
Another source is the state historical society, who might be able
to point you at a source. If you live near Washington, D.C., you can
try the National Archives or the Library of Congress. I'm not sure
about access, but they certainly have material.
For brief bits of history of the 20th, since it was present at at
least one "turning point", you might look in "Battles and Leaders of
the Civil War", a four-volume extract/compilation of official reports.
As I recall, there is a section on the defense of Little Round Top at
Gettysburg - might even be Chamberlain's report, though it might be
Warren's. Also, if you can find a library with a copy of the "Official
Records", you can search the index for references to the 20th - that
will give you the official reports and correspondence which mention the
regiment. The O.R. is hard to find, and probably access is restricted,
but it is the most comprehensive detailed source short of the Archives.
Happy hunting!
MikeR
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| Many of the books mentioned can be purchased at the Joshua Chamberlain
house in Brunswick, Maine. It is under renovation but open for tour.
There are various artifacts - saber, saddle, boots, gautlets, MG
epaulets, a minie ball which almost killed him at Petersburg, and other
items from his days as governor. Across the street is Bowdoin College.
At the opposite end of the campus (about a 10 min. walk) is the
library. Upstairs on the third floor, in the special collections room,
is Chamberlain's Medal of Honor and an incredible bracelet which had
made by Tiffany's for his wife. Not far from the campus, heading toward
Cook's Corner in Brunswick, is Pinegrove Cemetery. If proceeding from
the Chamberlain house, turn into the first entrance (there are only
two) and Chamberlain's gravesite is on the right. The site is easily
located as it is directly across from a family plot enclosed by an iron
grillwork fence. I had a great time viewing all this. Never thought I
would see Chamberlain's Medal of Honor. Surprisingly, none of this is
too well publicized. The people working at the Chamberlain House did
admit that attendance has picked up since the movie "Gettysburg".
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