5 ½” x 3” envelope, addressed in ink to “Dr. A.O. Shaw /  Asst. Surgeon 20^th Me Vols. / Washington D.C. “  C.D.S. (circular date stamp) Newport, Me, Sep. 10.  The cover has been addressed in the hand of Surgeon John Benson, formerly of the 20^th Maine Infantry. Shaw has docketed the side of the envelop by writing “John Benson / Sept 8^th 1863”. Very fine condition; just minor soiling, one corner chip at upper right.

Surgeon Abner O. Shaw is best remembered for his diligent night long work in a Petersburg, VA hospital when the 20^th Maine’s horribly wounded Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain was brought in by his brother, Captain Thomas D. Chamberlain. Dr. Shaw saved Chamberlain’s life that fateful night, and the skilled regimental surgeon would remain a close friend and the lifelong personal physician of Chamberlain.

Surgeon John Benson, a resident of Newport, ME, served with the 20^th Maine Infantry in July and August of 1863.  [ld]

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