Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) _OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE,_ _Concord, N. H., March, 1869._ _This is to certify that the author has served the country faithfully; lost his arm at Petersburg; and is of good report by all who know him._ (Signed,) _J. D. Lyman_, _Secretary of State_. A HISTORY OF WILLIAM A. CANFIELD. Sold only by Himself. Price 25 cents. MANCHESTER, N. H.: PRINTED BY CHARLES F. LIVINGSTON. 1869. A HISTORY OF THE ARMY EXPERIENCE OF WILLIAM A. CANFIELD. BY HIMSELF. _PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS._ MANCHESTER, N. H.: C. F. LIVINGSTON, PRINTER. 1869. _PREFACE._ READERS: In writing this little book, I do not claim to issue a work of choice language, nor to present any new facts or startling developements concerning the general history of the war. My intention is simply to write a short narrative of my life as a soldier in the Army of the Potomac and South West, and in the Hospital. Having lost my left arm from a wound received in front of Petersburg, I have taken this method of procuring sufficient means to enable me to engage in some business by which I may gain an honest livelihood for myself and family. Craving your kind indulgence, I bring my claim before you, hoping you will grant it a favorable reception. Yours respectfully, WM. A. CANFIELD. HISTORY. I was born on the 10th of June, 1840, in Thornton, a small town in the northern part of New Hampshire. I was the youngest of six children. Our parents were poor in this world's goods, but rich in faith and in the knowledge of God as it is in Christ Jesus. My early instructions were limited to a common school, and I was deprived of this at the age of twelve years. Had I improved even these few years, I might have been much farther advanced than I now find myself. As it is, I have to regret many misspent opportunities of my childhood. My parents, as I have said before, were rich in faith, and it was first in their thoughts to instill into the hearts of their children principles of wisdom, virtue and love. Especially did our dear mother, both by precept and example, endeavor to lead us in the right way. The summer of 1853 I went to Franklin, N. H., to work in a hosiery mill. I liked my work, had a good boarding place, and in a short time felt quite at home. I had been there several weeks, and there had been an unusual interest in religious matters for some time; many had already sought and found God. One after another of my associates had found peace in God through the merits of Christ, yet I remained unmoved.