MASSACHUSETTS.

Enlisted September, 1862 in Company A, 46th Regiment. After expiration of service re-enlisted in Company E, 57th Massachusetts, 1865. He was wounded at the Battle of North Anna River (Wilderness), but rejoined his regiment after a short time, though unable to walk without the aid of a cane, and was finally disabled, totally, in December, 1864, at Petersburg.

Sergeant Karpeles received a medal of honor from Congress for distinguished services in the Battle of the Wilderness, May 8, 1864, he having saved a part of the army from being captured during a retreat in disorder by rallying troops around his colors, thereby checking the enemy's pursuit.

This is to certify that Leopold Karpeles was a soldier under my command during part of the late war. My estimation of his good qualities may be judged from the fact that I entrusted him the colors of the 57th Massachusetts Infantry.

He was always faithful in the discharge of his duties as a soldier, and if my certificate to that effect can assist him in getting employment in some position for which he is qualified, I very gladly give it.

This is to certify that Mr. Leopold Karpeles is a Corporal of Company A of this regiment. * * * * In the battles of Kingston, Whitehall and Goldsborough he bore the State colors. The promptness with which he came upon the line of battle, and the firmness with which he stood his ground, though his flag was several times pierced by the bullets of the enemy, were so conspicuous as to be the subject of remark and commendation.

I have no hesitation in endorsing him as a man who in any position would only have to know his duty, and he would discharge it to the best of his ability.

I very readily give my testimonial to the efficiency and soldierly qualities of L. Karpeles, within named, having frequently remarked and observed his alertness, promptness and faithfulness to duty.

I cheerfully concur in the above.

My Dear Old Comrade and Friend:

Your letter of the 13th of May just received, and I hasten to reply. I was glad to hear from you and glad to find you still on the shores of mortality, where our numbers are fast diminishing. Our duty now lies in planting the principles and memory of the great struggle in the hearts of generations to follow us, endear to them the old flag that you carried from the Wilderness to North Anna, so gallantly and faithfully, and teach them to love their country which was saved at such a sacrifice.

Yes, Karpeles, I well remember you at the Battle of North Anna; I remember that you carried the colors of the glorious old "57th," far beyond any other colors; your bravery was conspicuous. I remember that you fell, badly wounded; another Sergeant was sent to take the colors from you but you refused to give them up but carried them forward until loss of blood, or another wound, I have forgotten which, compelled you to give them into the hands of another. I remember all of this distinctly as I felt justly proud of you as a Sergeant of Company "E." * * * *.

Please write me and accept my very best wishes.

MICHIGAN.

MISSISSIPPI.