Worcester Massachusetts Spy, Aug. 20, 1862
On Aug. 7, 1862 Stephen Williams of Worcester enlisted in the 21st Regiment. On signing he received $139.00 bounty and sent to Camp Cameron. He deserted the first night and went home. On Monday the 18th he attempted to wound his hand to get out of service & almost cut off three fingers. With proper care it was believed his fingers could be saved. At this point he was arrested & sent back to Camp Cameron. On Wednesday he deserted again. The very same night he was arrested again in Worcester. Officer Sawtelle found him hiding under his bed. The next day Sawtelle & his prisoner boarded a train for Boston with the promise he would cooperate if he was not handcuffed. When they reached West Needham he jumped off the train at 20 MPH. The train was stopped and Sawtelle recaptured his prisoner. On arrival in Boston Williams was delivered to Col. Day who put him in a cell to await orders.
Dan Sullivan
On Aug. 7, 1862 Stephen Williams of Worcester enlisted in the 21st Regiment. On signing he received $139.00 bounty and sent to Camp Cameron. He deserted the first night and went home. On Monday the 18th he attempted to wound his hand to get out of service & almost cut off three fingers. With proper care it was believed his fingers could be saved. At this point he was arrested & sent back to Camp Cameron. On Wednesday he deserted again. The very same night he was arrested again in Worcester. Officer Sawtelle found him hiding under his bed. The next day Sawtelle & his prisoner boarded a train for Boston with the promise he would cooperate if he was not handcuffed. When they reached West Needham he jumped off the train at 20 MPH. The train was stopped and Sawtelle recaptured his prisoner. On arrival in Boston Williams was delivered to Col. Day who put him in a cell to await orders.
Dan Sullivan
