USA > New York > Schoharie County > Military records of Schoharie County veterans of four wars > Part 15
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TWENTIETH NEW YORK CAVALRY.
Organized in September, 1863; served with the Army of the Potomac without regular assignment ; the total deaths of this regi- ment were one hundred and thirty-two, of which number but five were killed or died of wounds.
COMPANY C.
Cicero Canaday.
Schoharie -Blacksmith; married ; age 37; enlisted December 3, 1863 ; joined his company near Portsmouth, Va .; contracted rheu- matism and was detailed as company blacksmith, and served in that capacity until discharged by orders war department, August 11, 1865 ; Sloansville, N. Y .; citizen; widower. Children, David, Charles E., Cicero, Agnes, Giles, Dora, Ella.
COMPANY NOT GIVEN.
David Weed.
Conesville - Farmer; married ; age 30; enlisted September 7, 1864 ; served with his regiment on scout and patrol duty along the Mississippi near New Orleans, Bonnie Carre and other places ; dis- charged June 8, 1865; died August 22, 1886. Children, James L., Valdemar, Ida.
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SCHOHARIE COUNTY VETERANS.
INFANTRY.
As before stated, an infantry regiment comprised ten companies, each company being designated by a letter of the alphabet. In the other branches, the companies were designated in the same manner - all dropping the letter J, or passing it over as liable to be con- founded with the letter I. Each infantryman was armed with a rifle - the Springfield, Enfield or Austrian. A cross belt over the left shoulder held the cartridge box behind the right hip, and a waist belt held the bayonet scabbard at the left lip, and the cap box in front of the right hip. A haversack, or bag, containing his provisions, was slung from his right shoulder and hung at the left side, and his can- teen hung and rested in the same position. A tin cup, and plate, a knife and sometimes a spoon, with one-half of a discarded canteen for a frying pan and griddle, made up the kitchen utensils of the soldier in the field. A full wardrobe of the infantryman contained a cap, overcoat, dresscoat, blouse, pants, two shirts, two pair socks, one pair shoes, woolen blanket and rubber blanket or poncho. Each article was furnished at a fixed price, and the total amount allowed per year was fixed at $42. The amount in clothing received in excess was charged to the private or non-commissioned officer and deducted from his pay. During the first two or three years of the war, the soldier clung to his possessions with considerable perseverance, and "hung to his knapsack ; " but during the last campaigns, a full haversack was his first consideration, and with plenty of " grub, " a blanket and piece of " pup tent" rolled and slung from the shoulder, and forty rounds in the cartridge box and twenty in the pockets, he made war a business and put down armed rebellion. The dress coat or "sweat box " was discarded, and shoes, shirt, socks and cap, and blouse and pants were full dress for any entertainment. If he cared for cleanliness, and an opportunity offered, he scrubbed his clothes in a running stream, and sat in his skin while they were drying on a bush. The pants were light blue in color, and the blouse and dresscoat dark. The blouse was worn outside the shirt. and the same thing, deprived of its first letter, was worn inside, next to the skin. The shirt was of a charitable color and withal very hospitable, being not only a protection for the bas- tions and casemates of the brave volunteer, but an asylum for refu- gees from the conscription acts of Jefferson Davis.
When in garrison or permanent camp, the soldier slept and lived in comfortable barracks or tents, but when on a campaign, he but-
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toned his piece of " shelter tent" to the one carried by his ehum, and sometimes a third party was " taken in" when his piece closed the back end, when the tent was pitched. When stationed in winter quarters, the small straight pines or larger trees split were converted into log huts, having an area equal to the base of the " pup tent, " and of sufficient height for standing room. On top of this the tent was secured, and "joy was unconfined " when the fireplace and chimney worked well.
The veteran became a jaek of all trades in architecture - carpenter, mason, plumber and decorator. With an ax as his only assistant, he erected a house which met all the requirements of his profession. If he were permitted to ocenpy it for a week or more, he felt prond of his invested labor. If he received "marching orders" as soon as or before his "shanty " was finished, he was ready to begin another with his original amount of capital, at the next camping place. His ingenuity was exercised to bridge over the discomforts and incon- veniences of his life, to husband his health and strength, do the duties required of him, and take no thought of evil days to come. Under hardships which taxed his endurance to the utmost, like a wise philosopher, he possessed his soul with patience. When per- mitted to enjoy needed comforts or luxuries, he appreciated them as none but a veteran conld.
RED TAPE.
After military orders had been issued by the Commander-in-Chief, and percolated through numerous reservoirs, mains and branches until the poor private received each his dose, he sometimes wished in his heart that he might become an "ossifer " - but what would he be? If he was bossed by the corporal, the corporal was bossed by the sergeant, the sergeant by the orderly, the orderly by the captain and sergeant-major, the sergeant-major by the adjutant, and the adjutant by the colonel. If he was a wise private, he minded his own business, and by so doing escaped that terrible disease so com- mon in the army - " shoulder strap on the brain," and when he re- turned to civil life, the " big head."
Corporals and sergeants were armed and uniformed similar to the privates, but their official importance admitted of no farther compar- ison. The three parallel angles of blue worsted dress braid, called "stripes," on the arm of the sergeant, and the chevron of but two similar stripes on the arm of the corporal, made the rank between them as definite and distinctive as is the dignity between a justice
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SCHOHARIE COUNTY VETERANS.
of the peace and a game constable. It has been claimed that another title, below that of corporal, was created during the war, but as it has not been recognized in the Army Regulations, I cannot give it as authentic. The title referred to was " Lance Bazat," and the duties of such office were to care for the ninth corporal's dog. That such sinecure has existed, and does exist, I have no doubt, but not in the army service. From observation we can reasonably con- clude that the honor is worn by garret newspaper editors who throw their camp litter at veterans who have seen active service, and who take their cue from some " gineral " commanding the soft bread brigade.
Attached to each regiment of infantry was a drum and fife corps, or in some cases a brass band, composed of men who enlisted for sneh purpose. In the cavalry, one hand and a pair of lungs gave the troopers their inspiration, from a bugle. It is recorded of at least one brass band in the cavalry service. The service required of a regimental band were to play the reveille, the tattoo, and to " chasse" up and down the line behind that drum major at " dress parade." Each regiment was also afflicted with a bugler, whose life was protected by the patronage of the colonel, and who was appa- rently created for the express purpose of finishing the work left in- complete by bullets of the enemy, and disease. He was the regi- mental rooster who started the fool chickens of the band, cackling and scratching at daybreak. He usually finished his crowing and took refuge before the tired victims of his torture could fully realize that they had " awaked with the rich man." Although his first la- bor of the day was brief, it sufficed to transform a slumbering mul- titude into a tumultuous and angry mob. The fifers and sheep- skin whackers, under the plea of regulations, came tumbling out in frantic haste to arouse the latest sleeper. While they were laboring with might and main to create the greatest amount of noise within the time allotted them, an orderly sergeant appeared in each com- pany street with a pair of lungs seeking promotion, yelling, " Fall in for roll call !" Soon the brave boys in blue or something else were in line, confronting their last tormentor, and after a brief con- flict of wordy warfare with the man of the book and pencil, they found they were still there, and clapped their hands in joy over a present deliverance.
GUARD AND PICKET.
While a regiment was in the field and encamped, a certain num- ber of men were chosen or detailed in " turn " to guard the prop-
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erty of the regiment, maintain order, and arrest persons violat- ing the camp rules. Each post requiring a guard was numbered, and each guard or sentry was required to remain on watch for two hours at a time. While encamped in the enemy's country, another system of guard duty was employed in addition to the regular camp guard, called "picket." For this duty a regiment or part of regi- ment from each brigade was selected to form a portion of a line of ontposts, composed of detachments from other brigades and divis- ions, which was established far enough in advance of the encamped troops to afford timely warning for preparation to meet an enemy too strong for the picket line to oppose. The force detailed from a regiment for picket was commanded by a commissioned officer, and the head-quarters was called the "grand reserve." From this place a certain number, called the " reserve," were sent forward to a certain distance toward the picket line, and from this reserve, detachments of six men and a corporal were sent forward a certain distance far- ther, and to the right and left, and were called "outposts." From each outpost two men were stationed still farther in advance, and within sight and hail of each other, and with orders to arrest and de- tain any person approaching his line, and to fire his gun on the ap- proach of an armed body of the enemy, and to retreat to the ont- post - the outpost retreating to the reserve, and the reserve to the grand reserve.
The men composing the outpost were to remain out six hours, giving each private two hours on the picket line, when they were re- lieved by six others, and retired to the reserve. When the enemy were known to be in the immediate front, the system was less com- plicated. The pickets or "videttes " being posted direct from the grand reserve or regiment, and in case of an attack were to rally on the grand reserve. During the first years of the rebellion, picket duty at the front became a test of courage as well as of endurance. During the long lonely hours of watching, the vigilance of the picket could not be relaxed for a moment, and at such times the safety of an army depended upon the "eternal vigilance "of " a private or two." During the night-time, the officer commanding the whole picket line made a " tour of inspection " of all outposts and reserves. On such tours he was known as "Grand Rounds," and in the day-time by the title of "Officer of the Day."
REGIMENTAL COLORS.
Each regiment was provided with two flags, called the "colors."
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SCHOHARIE COUNTY VETERANS.
One the National flag, the other the " State flag," bearing the coat of arms of the State to which the regiment belonged, together with the name of the State and number of the regiment. The " colors " were carried and guarded by a " color guard," composed of two sergeants and six corporals. Division commanders were accompanied with an escort or staff, which included a bearer of the head-quarters' flag, which differed entirely from regimental flags, and bore only the de- sign of the corps badge, and the color of the division. As each corps was divided into three divisions, the number of the division was shown by the color of the badge of the corps to which it belonged. Red, First Division ; white, Second Division ; blne, Third Division. These division badges were attached to nearly every thing belonging to the army, except to the heels of the mules. The private wore it on the center of the crown of his cap, in addition to the letter of his com- pany, and the number of his regiment, and if he strayed from home or was caught killing sheep, his owner could be notified. The vet- eran reader will not suppose that I have submitted the foregoing for his enlightenment and instruction, but for the benefit of the young readers and those not initiated in army regulations.
Record Abbreviations.
M. R .- Record taken from the muster-rolls ; M .- Missing ; un- able to find the soldier or obtain further information; A .- Absent from roll call ; - record asked for and not furnished.
FIRST NEW YORK ENGINEERS.
The regiment was organized in September, 1861. The services of the regiments of engineers were more contributory to the movements of the army than aiding or supporting it in battle. The First New York Engineers was not attached to any particular corps or division, but like the Fifteenth, was called to service as builders and repairers wherever bridges were required or the skill of artificers was in de- mand. The regiment re-enlisted and served through the war, the men on record here being recruits.
COMPANY E.
William C. Brazee.
Middleburg -- Carpenter; married ; age 45 ; enlisted September 5, 1864; served regularly in line of duty until discharged with his regiment at Richmond, Va., June 30, 1865; Schenectady, N. Y. ; carpenter ; married. Son, Frank.
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Abram Brazee.
Broome -Carpenter ; single; age 25; enlisted September 22, 1864; did full service until discharged with his regiment at Rich- mond, Va., June 30, 1865; died of consumption, November, 1883, leaving a widow and children, Cora, Henry.
Ira Russell.
Middleburg - Carpenter ; single ; age 26 ; enlisted September 22, 1864, and served regularly until discharged with his regiment at Richmond, Va., June 30, 1865 ; Franklinton, N. Y .; farmer ; mar- ried.
FIRST BERDAN'S SHARPSHOOTERS.
COMPANY B.
Levi G. Phinkle.
Jefferson - Cooper ; married ; age 31 : enlisted August 13, 1862 ; served at the battle of Antietam and contracted disability ; treated at Hammond Hospital and Albany Barracks ; discharged at the close of the war ; he furnished his own rifle on entering the service ; died April 2, 1875, leaving a widow and children, Charles W., Carrie, Maria.
THIRD NEW YORK INFANTRY.
Organized in May, 1861, for two years' service ; re-enlisted and served through the war ; it belonged to Ames' Division of the Tenth Corps.
COMPANY A.
John A. West.
Wright - Citizen ; single; age - ; enlisted in Seventh Heavy Artillery, but transferred to Third New York Infantry for lighter service, in consideration of his youth. "After an unsuccessful charge by the enemy at Fort Darling, he mounted the breastworks, cheering for the Rebel defeat, and was struck in the left temple by a minnie ยท ball from a Rebel rifle and instantly killed."-Colonel Whipple and Captain Coach. He was buried between Proctor's Creek and Drew- ry's Bluff.
Henry Shafer.
Wright - Student ; single ; age 15; enlisted August 7, 1863 ; took part in the three months' siege of Charleston ; was with the Army of the James at Bermuda Hundred, Proctor Creek, Drewry's
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SCHOHARIE COUNTY VETERANS.
Bluff, Chapin's Farm, and Cold Harbor. Second Enlistment: Served at Heights of Petersburg, June 15, 16 and 17 ; back to Bermuda Hundred, Savage Station, Fort Fisher Village, Hilton Head, Cha- pin's Farm, Old White Oak Swamp ; under Terry at capture of Fort. Fisher ; joined Sherman at Bentonville, N. C .; remained at Raleigh, N. C., six months and was discharged September 10, 1865. Third Enlistment: Enlisted January 3, 1873, in Battery A, Third United States Heavy Artillery, and did regular service at Fortress Monroe until discharged at expiration of term. Fourth Enlistment: Enlisted in Battery I, Fourth United States Heavy Artillery, in 1878, and served full term at Fortress Monroe. Fifth Enlistment: En- listed in 1883 in Company E, Twenty-second United States Infan- try, and served at Fort Marey, New Mexico, until discharged for disability, May 1, 1885; Middleburg, N. Y. ; married ; citizen.
COMPANY I. Hector Cowley.
Jefferson - Farmer; single ; aged 27 ; enlisted -; re-enlisted ; killed May 22, 1864, at the passage of the North Anna river, Va.
FOURTEENTH NEW YORK INFANTRY.
Organized in May, 1861, for two years' service, and assigned to Griffin's Division of the Fifth Army Corps.
COMPANY A.
Amenzo Moyer.
Sharon - Student ; single ; age 18; enlisted November 9, 1861, at Utica ; transferred to Forty-fourth New York Infantry, June 24, 1863 ; wounded at North Auna river, Va., May 22, 1864, by gun- shot in right leg, four inches below the knee, and one in left leg four inches above the ankle joint ; treated at Finlay Hospital, Washington, D. C .; transferred to Albany, and discharged Jannary 5, 1865 ; 510 Dudley street, Syracuse, N. Y .; machinist ; married.
David A. Mereness.
Sharon - Farmer; single ; age 17 ; enlisted November 15, 1861, at Utica ; contracted diarrhea and rheumatic fever during the " Seven Days' Battles;" sent to Harrison's Landing, and to West Philadelphia ; rejoined his regiment at Stoneman's Switch near Falmouth ; detailed as artillerist at the battle of Chancellorsville ;
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during action his left ankle was caught under the wheel of the re- coiling gun, and severely injured ; treated by the regimental surgeon and remained with his battery until the expiration of term of ser- vice ; discharged from Whitehall Hospital in January, 1864 ; Sharon Spa, N. Y. ; porter ; married.
William H. Wormuth.
Sharon -- Harness-maker ; single ; age 20; enlisted November 9, 1862, at Utica ; accidentally wounded by gunshot in right hand while in target practice; discharged at Miners Hill, Va., January 13, 1862 ; Sharon Spa, N. Y .; farmer ; married. Son, William.
COMPANY C.
Henry Robertson, Sergeant.
Middleburg-Stonecntter ; married ; age 25 ; enlisted -; re-en- listed September, 1864; promoted to sergeant ; stationed at Fort Trumbull ; discharged .- Town Record. M.
FIFTEENTH ENGINEERS.
Like the First Engineers its services embraced those of mechanics and artificers ; although like its fellow engineers it was not expected to engage the enemy in fighting, it was on occasions compelled to re- ceive his fire under very trying circumstances, -- laying or repair- ing bridges without being able to return the fire.
COMPANY H.
Daniel Warner.
Schoharie - Mechanic ; married ; age 42; enlisted September 2, 1864 ; joined his regiment at City Point, Va., and did regular service until discharged at Fort Barry, June 3, 1865; Schoharie, N. Y .; carpenter; married. Children, Oscar, Liza.
Peter G. Bouck.
Middleburg - Blacksmith ; married ; age 35; enlisted September 2, 1864 ; contracted hemorrhage of the bowels at City Point, Va., where he died, November 27, 1864, leaving a widow, who has since died.
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SCHOHARIE COUNTY VETERANS.
COMPANY I.
Jerome Getter.
Fulton -Single ; mechanic ; age 26; enlisted September 19, 1864 ; joined his regiment at City Point, Va .; contracted typhoid fever at Hatcher's Run swamps ; treated at Field Hospital, and re- mained, as acting steward, after recovery ; discharged at Elmira, July 3, 1865 ; Fultonham, N. Y. ; salesman ; married.
COMPANY K.
Lineard Head.
Middleburg - Teamster ; single ; age 21 ; enlisted September 15, 1864; joined his regiment at City Point, Va., in October, and did regular service until discharged, June 13, 1865 ; Middleburg, N. Y .; laborer; married. Children, Naomi, Theodore, Lydia, George, Myrtle, Irene, Ray and May - twins, Charles.
Artemus Russel.
Middleburg - Farmer ; married ; age 27; enlisted 1864; served regularly until discharged, June 13, 1865 ; Middleburg, N. Y .; farmer ; married. Children, Addison, Henry, Mary, Charles, Wil- lard, George.
EIGHTEENTH NEW YORK INFANTRY.
Organized in May, 1861, and became a part of Slocum's Division of the Sixth Army Corps; mustered out of service at the expiration of its two years' term of enlistment.
COMPANY F.
Lewis Spawn.
Schoharie - Farmer ; single; age 16; enlisted May 17, 1861 ; taken prisoner at Second Bull Run ; paroled at Fairfax O. H., soon after, and exchanged in December, 1862; discharged at expiration of term, May 28, 1863 ; enlisted again in Company H, Second New York Veteran Cavalry ; discharged. Sioux Falls, South Dakota ; farmer; married. Children, Mabel, Lewis, Lena, Albert, Earl.
Thomas H. Snyder.
Schoharie - Laborer; single; age 22; enlisted May 17, 1861; killed by grape or canister shot at Gaines Mill, Va., June 27, 1862.
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He was of African and American descent and very nearly white, and accounted a brave soldier.
Leonard Cooper, Corporal.
Schoharie -- Farmer; single; age 21; enlisted May 17, 1861; did full service in line of duty until expiration of term ; discharged May 28, 1863; 12 White street, Gloversville, N. Y .; engineer ; married. Children, May J., Edith, Louisa.
Wesley Cooper.
Schoharie - Farmer ; single ; age 22; enlisted May 17, 1861; discharged "end of war."-M. R. A.
Francis Kline, Corporal, Son of 1812.
Schoharie - Age 23; enlisted May 17, 1861 ; discharged May 28, 1863 .- A.
Isaac B. Walden, Great-grandson of 1776.
Wright-Single; age 19; enlisted May 17, 1861 ; died at Fort King, Alexandria, Va., February 2, 1862 .- M. R.
COMPANY H.
Ebenezer Kimball.
Schoharie - Age 23; enlisted May 17, 1861; discharged for ex- piration of term, May 28, 1863 .- Town Record. M.
Elija L. Chatterton.
Schoharie - Age 24; enlisted May 6, 1861 ; discharged for ex- piration of term, May 28, 1863 .-- M. R. M.
The foregoing-named veterans were of the first to enlist from Schoharie county, and I am sorry to be unable to find dates of dis- charge on the muster-rolls, which appear to not have been carefully kept.
THIRTY-FOURTH NEW YORK INFANTRY.
Organized for a two years' term of service in June, 1861, and as- signed to Sedgwick's Division of the Second Corps. Did not re- enlist as an organization. It suffered its heaviest loss at Fair Oaks and Antietam.
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SCHOHARIE COUNTY VETERANS.
COMPANY C.
John Conrad.
Carlisle - Farmer ; single ; age 22; enlisted May 1, 1861 ; con- tracted measles, resulting in pneumonia, and died Angust 7, 1862 .- M. R. Buried in Cypress Hill Cemetery, L. I.
COMPANY K.
Henry M. Eckerson.
Middleburg - Single ; age 23; enlisted June 16, 1861 ; did full service until discharged for expiration of term, July 3, 1863 ; took part in the engagements at West Point, Va., Fair Oaks, Seven Days before Richmond, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg ; enlisted again in Company G, Third New York Cavalry, January 8, 1864 ; discharged December 10, 1865; took part in the Wilson raid, before Petersburg and Stony Creek ; New Hampton, Orange county, N. Y .; carpenter ; married. Children, Elmer, Ralph, Channcy, Henry, Lizzie.
David W. Dey.
Sharon - Mechanic; married ; age 28; enlisted May 14, 1861 ; contracted typhoid fever during the Seven Days before Richmond ; died on board the steamer " Enterpa " while on his way to hospital, July 20, 1862 ; buried at Hampton National Cemetery, Row 8, Sec- tion F, Grave 5; widow surviving. - M. R. says, " Died at Shippen Point, of disease, May 6, 1862."
THIRTY-SEVENTH NEW YORK INFANTRY.
Organized in June, 1861 for two years' service and assigned to Birney's Division of the Third Corps. Did not re-enlist as an or- ganization.
COMPANY E.
Bernard P. Mallen.
Schoharie - Student; single; age 18; enlisted June 15, 1861, at New York city ; did full service during his entire term and was dis- charged June 21, 1863 ; re-enlisted at Trenton, in Company E, Third New Jersey Cavalry, December 19, 1863, and served in line of regu- lar duty until the close of the war; Cobleskill, N. Y. ; stone-cutter ; married. Children, Jennie, Lana, Katie, Ida.
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THIRTY-EIGHTH NEW YORK INFANTRY.
Organized in June, 1861, for two years' service and assigned to Birney's Division of the Third Corps. Did not re-enlist.
COMPANY E.
John Henry.
Jefferson - Farmer ; single ; age 35; enlisted May 9, 1861 ; de- tailed as teamster for a short time; participated in battle of First Bull Run; discharged at end of term, June 15, 1863; re-enlisted September 2, 1864 in Company B, Ninety-first New York Infantry, and served regularly until discharged, June 10, 1865 ; Clams Falls, Wis .; farmer; married. Children, John, Edward, Mary.
FORTY-FIRST NEW YORK INFANTRY.
Organized in June, 1861, for two years' service, and assigned to Barlow's Division of the Eleventh Corps. Re-enlisted and served until the end of the war.
COMPANY C.
Harmon Wilsie.
Schoharie -Single ; age -; enlisted October -, 1863 ; killed, -
-. - M. R.
FORTY-THIRD NEW YORK INFANTRY.
Organized September, 1861; became a part of Getty's Division, Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac. It first came under fire at Yorktown and Williamsburg, and subsequently met the enemy at the "Seven Days" fight, Antietam, Md., Fredericksburg, where it stormed Maryes Heights, Salem Church, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Fort Stevens, D. C., Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Siege of Peters- burg, Petersburg. At one time it was one of the five select regi- ments which formed the Light Division of the Sixth Corps. At Spottsylvania it made the famous charge with Upton and his twelve battalions. At the time of Early's invasion of Washington, it bore the brunt of the fight at Fort Stevens. - Fox.
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