I’m going to share this letter with you and your readers about the wounding of Col Byrnes. It was written by John B. Noyes, an officer in the 28th – either captain or acting captain at this time. Gov. John Andrew appointed him to the 28th in late April, 1863. He joined the regiment in the field at the Battle of Chancellorsville, and immediately took command of one of the companys. Prior to this he had served honorably in the regiment I research – The 13th Mass. Noyes was a graduate of Harvard so he is very articulate. He was present when Col Byrnes was wounded.

Camp, 28th Mass Vols, near
Cole Harbor Va. June 5th 1864.
Dear Father
In my last letter I believe I had arrived at Cole Harbor where a fierce battle had been fought the day before in which the 6th & 18th

Corps had been engaged. [Perhaps a couple of hundred prisoners had been taken. [We charged on the 3d of June] We built works on the 2d {of}

June. Early A.M. on the 3d we formed as a support to a couple of brigades of the Corps who charged the enemy. Perhaps a couple of hundred

prisoners were taken. We charged over a first range of hills under a very severe fire, then over a lane [sunken road] where we were greatly

exposed, then over a second range of hills, under a severe cross fire from the right, and musketry from the front. Before us lay the enemy’s

works on a third range of hills at some 200 yards distance. Thrice the men essayed the charge over the crest of the hill, and thrice appalled

shrank back to escape utter annihilation. While lying beneath the crest of the hill we were subjected to a heavy fire from the left from one or

two rebel batteries. Shell and canister came swift dealing death and destruction.
Lieut. West was mortally wounded while lying beside me. He was hit in the groin by a rifle bullet which injured his intestines. I had

him taken out, but he died the next morning.
While lying on this hill I had quite a talk with Col. Byrnes. He said he had been very lucky so far, but expected soon to have his share

of wounds. He was somewhat nervous and very solicitous for the Brigade. He would not have them fire their pieces for fear of drawing the fire

of the enemy on the left and was expecting a charge from that direction at any moment. Finally when it was reported that the rebels were

charging us in our front he ordered the men to give them a good volley and fall back. We might have held the position, I think, though it would

have cost us dearly. Indeed I doubt if the rebels occupied the position after we retired. He was struck in the back while falling back, his

spine was injured and back paralyzed. I could not refrain from tears when I saw his body borne past me, albeit he has not befriended me, and I

was only on the polite terms with him customary between men of the world; thrown together by the force of circumstances. We lost a brave

officer, and one who, in spite of his peculiarities, his secretiveness, and his inability or want of desire to cultivate the acquaintance of his

best officers, ardently loved his regiment, and protected it by every means in his power. When he was in command of the Brigade the 28th had a

show. When he was away too much favoritism was displayed to the other regiments. He is succeeded by the Col. of the 88th who can think of

nothing but the 63d, 69th, & 88th Regiments.
No man loved Col. Byrnes, yet every one respected his fearlessness. The men believed in him and had confidence in him. With him they were

willing to endure all dangers, yet they feared him and had a wholesome dislike towards him. Byrnes made an excellent impression on casual

acquaintances. I had quite a spat with him only a day or two before he received his wound and used high words. Yet an hour or two after we

were conversing as though nothing had occurred.
Col. Byrnes never consulted his officers about promotions. I understand a list of names was sent in a few days ago in which I was

appointed Captain, but the list was withheld from the Commander of the 28th. I sent in a list to day, myself for Captain via Capt Fitzpatrick

resigned March 1st. Lieut West, poor fellow died before receiving his commission of Captain which he ardently desired.
Lieut. Treavor, a fine officer, and Lt. O’Brien were both severely wounded. O’Brien has lost a foot, and the Doctor thinks Treavor must

loose his also. This makes a loss of 16 officers out of the 28th. Four Captains and one Lieut. Killed, the Major Killed, & Col. mortally

wounded. The loss of the regiment thus far is 27 Killed, 178 wounded, 40 missing, total 251 enlisted men. Many of the wounded are dead, almost

none prisoners. Co. C. has lost 9 Killed or died of wounds, thus far 13 wounded, and 3 missing.
I had a very singular dream the morning of June 3d. I dreamed I was at home in my study. You were sitting in the rocking chair. All

that I can recollect now is that I looked in the glass at the beaureau & found myself grey headed & bald, my features much resembling yours at

40 years though appearing somewhat older. I remarked “how grey and bald I have got to be since leaving home, and how much I look like you.”
I am very glad to hear of Charles’ good fortune in obtaining the Chaplaincy he has been expecting, and hope he will be able to fill the

place & at the same time his health becomes better. I am sorry to hear of the death of Jack Read and Frank Stimpson. In the midst of life we

are in death, never more so than now. Many noble men have fallen. Col. McKeen 81th Penn, Col Mulholland 116th Penn, Col Morris & Lt. Col

Hamill 66th New York, Col. Morris of N.Y. Heavy Artillery and others.
Will you send me some note paper by mail? By the blessing of Providence I have been spared thus far. The heaviest fighting yet remains

for us. We were heavily shelled last night. The Rebs attack us every night now. Siege guns are up. We are now on the left of the line. The

Cavalry connect with us and picket to Bottom’s Bridge. Letters & papers received to day.
Your Aff. Son
John B. Noyes.