647. WINNING THE M.O.H. FOR ADVANCING THE FLAG AT CEDAR MOUNTAIN A great postwar Medal of Honor letter written by 1st Lt. George W. Corliss, recently captain 5th Connecticut Vols., 4pp. 4to., in ink, on Headquarters Dept. of Mississippi, Office of Staff Quartermaster stationery, Vicksburg, Miss., June 28, 1866 addressed to Maj. Gen. Samuel W. Crawford outlining his gallant conduct at the battle of Cedar Mountain where his regiment faced the celebrated "Stonewall" Brigade. In small part: "...I am desirous of obtaining a brevet promotion for my conduct at the battle of 'Cedar Mountain', Va. August 9, '62...I was...unfortunate to be wounded & taken prisoner and afterwards...I became involved in a personal difficulty with Col. Geo. D. Chapman 5th C. V. which was the only reason why I was not reported to you...for personal bravery...during that fearful charge of your Brigade I commanded my company (C, color company) and as the line advanced I led my company in front of the line and when my color sergeant [Alexander Avery] was killed I seized the National Colors as it fell from his hands and bore it myself-still in front of the line-until wounded...when I fell on the field. I planted the staff...in the ground and held it up unfurled until taken from me by one of my company sergeants [Luzerne A. Palmer] who advanced with it and received three wounds...I am entitled to some recognition...which I have never before asked for...I entered the 5th C. V. as captain May 14, 1861, served in that capacity until...1863 when I resigned on account of my wound. I entered the V.R.C. April 23, 1864 and...[as] a 1st Lieut...I suppose there is one file against me...from Col. Chapman which has no doubt had some effect in keeping me from being restored to my original rank. If Lieut. Col. Stone and major Blake...had returned from that battle I should have...received all the honors their influence could bestow...in consequence of my efforts to support Lieut. Col. Stone...which I...consider justly belonged to him at that terrible battle that I was thus unfortunately involved in controversy...I...will only ask you...to give me such recommendation or other assistance as will help me to secure a promotion to brevet major...will you be kind enough to specify for personal bravery at Cedar Mountain...I am serving as aide-de-camp...on the staff of Major General Th. J. Wood Comdg. Dept. of Miss...". For all his heroic conduct in battle Corliss was awarded the Medal of Honor. Fine. 600 - 700