Bio: John H. Chase : Pittsfield, Merrimack County, New Hampshire

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Submitted by: Rick Giirtman rickman@worldpath.net
Date: March 12, 2001
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From the Book
'History of Pittsfield, N. H. in the Rebellion'
by H. L. Robinson, published 1893



JOHN   H.   CHASE.

John H. Chase was a member of Company C, Fifth New Hampshire volunteers. He
was mustered into service October 12, 1861, at Concord. He served with his
regiment until his discharge, February 7, 1863. I have been unable to learn
much about his career. He was a son of Perley Chase, who owned a farm on the
Catamount road. His mother was Sophia Garland, who died when John was quite
small, and he ever after made his home with his grandmother Garland, on Main
street in the village. I have been unable to learn if this soldier is still
living.

A certain captain, whose name for obvious reasons I will not mention, was a
very rapid and very poor penman. One day he sent one of his men to the
quartermaster for something, telling the man what he wanted, in addition to
making out the requisition. He also took occasion to write a note to the
quartermaster on some private matter.


That evening the quartermaster appeared at the captain's tent, and after
chatting a few minutes, said, "Are you a good hand at deciphering
manuscript? The colonel said he believed you were."

"I can do something at it," replied the captain, evidently flattered by his
companion's remarks, " what have you got?"

"A letter," answered the quartermaster, handing out the one the captain had
sent him that morning.

The captain took it, looked it over, turned the paper first this way, then
that, and at last broke out, " I hope you don't call that writing. I should
say that a spider fell in the ink, then crawled over the paper." Looking at
it again, he continued, "If any man should send me such a scrawl, I should
feel like kicking him. Where did you get it?"

"One of your men brought it to me this morning, and said you sent it."

"Said I sent it?" inquired the captain with a puzzled look,--"Oh, yes," he
continued, "I know now what it is about, and I should think any blamed fool
might read that; it is as plain as the nose on your face."

There was a shout outside; several officers had been listening to the
conversation, and it cost the captain a box of cigars.