General Alexander Hays Assumes Command In The Second Corps

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War-date Union soldier's letter written by Sgt. James S. Stratton, 12th New Jersey Infantry, KIA at Ream's Station on August 25, 1864, 3p. quarto, Dixie's Land, March 1, 1863, and reads in part: "…I have been on duty once since I returned and then only for a very short time - during guard mounting and the posting of the 1st Relief. Lt. T was on as off[icer] of the day and Lt. [James T.] Lowe [DOW Bristoe Station, Oct. 20, 1863] as Officer of Guard. The relief had proceeded as far as the Colonel's tent when that greatly loved commander met them and remarking 'I believe I am yet in command of this regiment' ordered them back. So we were soon dismissed and again in our quarters. No guards have been stationed around camp since the snow storm when they were taken off…This morning the band went over to a hill on our left and rear in the neighborhood of the 108th, where Brigade Guard mounting is to [be] done. Orderly and I followed to see the performance. Guards were there from the three other regiments of our brigade. The whole thing appeared new to every one interested and indeed it would be difficult to determine whether the officers or men were the greener. Tomorrow the Connt. Band will play and I suppose our segt. [will] furnish guards. Yesterday we were mustered and inspected by our new Brig. Genl. [Alexander] Hays [KIA Wilderness] of the regular service - Major Genl. French's son accompanied him. He is a pleasant but firm and resolute man in appearance and won the hearts of all the men on the occasion. Capt. Chew had command of the regiment during the muster - no field officers being present. The Lt. Col. has not yet returned already having overstayed his time - by five days. The Major was off I know not where, and as you will now…learn, the Col has severed his connection with the 12th. We first heard on Friday that Col. Johnson had resigned and that his resignation had been accepted. This morning before I was up our Old Colonel with Hilly who has obtained a discharge and started for old Jersey…" VG.

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