20th Massachusetts Infantry

The 20th Massachusetts Infantry followed the 15th Massachusetts across the Patomac River. Acting initially as rear guard, the 10th occupied this area throughout the day. Among the ranks of the 20th was Lieutenant Henry L. Abbott, who recalled a battle in which the field was kept under heavy fire of rifles and musketry, bullets crossed nearly every square inch of air within six feet of the ground, men were shot even while lying down, and repeated charges drove captains and their companies forward under tremendous fire before they were forced to fall back again and again during four hours of fighting.

Leesburg, Virginia · United States