Bio: Jonathan James :Pittsfield, Merrimack Co, New Hampshire

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Submitted by: Rick Giirtman  rickman@worldpath.net
Date: March 17, 2001
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From the Book
'History of Pittsfield, N. H. in the Rebellion'
by H. L. Robinson, published 1893


JONATHAN JAMES,

a native of Pittsfield, born in 1836, son of Edward S. and Mary James, was a
shoemaker by trade. He enlisted September 5, 1862, as a recruit for Company
F, Fifth New Hampshire volunteers, and served with that regiment until his
discharge. Except for a short time he was on detached duty as an orderly for
General Ord.

One time while on this duty they made a raid into the enemy's lines.
Stopping at a hotel they ordered breakfast.

" Tea, or coffee, sar? " said the colored waiter standing behind James.

" Coffee," replied the soldier.

Soon a cup was placed before him containing a vile-looking compound.

"Do you call that coffee?" asked James, looking at the negro and pointing to
the cup.

" Oh, yes, sar, dat is coffee sure, sar, for I dug de roots and parched 'em
myself. "

Burnt carrots never made coffee good enough for a Union soldier, and James
called for a glass of water. He died in Lynn, Mass., several years ago.