Head Quarters 2nd Wis. Vol. Infy.

Camp Randall

                                                                                                            July 1st, 1864

His Excellency

James T. Lewis

Gov. Wisconsin: My Dear Sir; The 2nd Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers having been mustered out of the 
service, upon expiration of term of service, it becomes my duty to return to the state the Colors 
bourne in the engagements on the Rappahannock and Mine Run 1863, 1st and 2nd days Battle of the Wilderness, 
at Laural Hill and Spotsylvania, and to the 11th of June in the Present Virginia Campaign.

In leaving in your care these colors, let me point to the record of the Regiment for a 
detailed account of the marches, skirmishes, and battles in which the 2nd has participated. 
The record is our story and the colors the mementoes of our firm resolve of the right, and will 
to do and dare, when facing a common foe. I only regret that I cannot give the names of the 
color-bares that have fell in our three years service, -- yet I may assure you they were always 
in good hands and defiantly waved in the face of the enemy.

And let me add, to the state, and in particularly to the people of Madison I extend the 
gratitude of the 2nd for the noble and patriotic reception given on our arrival home. 
The expression of the countenance told volumes; and much assured all that each of the returned ones, 
were grateful to so good a people. The pleasure to the men to know that they were gratefully held in 
remembrance, and so kindly treated, was greater then could possibly be conceived.

                                                            Very Respectfully

                                                                        Your Obt. Servt.

                                                                                    Geo. H. Otis

                                                                                     Capt. Commanding Regt.

Jim & Sue;

Dr. Brett Barker shared this with me. He found it in the Correspondence of the 2nd Wis. Vol. Inf., 
Series 1200, Wis. State Historical Society.  

This correspondence, of 140 years ago, could apply directly to the men and women that are now serving in our nations 
military. Capt. Otis was very grateful that our state did not forget their valiant sacrifices. I can only hope we do 
not forget those that have served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and those who are now serving and those 
that will make that ultimate sacrifice for us, and our freedom.

                                                                                                Jim