William A. Allen of Sanford was 20 years old when he enlisted as a corporal in Co. E of the 27th Maine Infantry on September 30, 1862.
The 27th Maine was one of the nine-month regiments formed in the fall of 1862. Members of the regiment received medals of honor for staying briefly past their enlistment to guard Washington against expected attack during the Battle of Gettysburg. The medals were later rescinded.
Allen mustered out with the rest of his regiment on July 17, 1863.
Several of his letters, to Benton Emery of Sanford, survive.
Orin Allen, who was 18 when he enlisted in Co. K of the 14th Maine Infantry, also wrote to Benton Emery of Sanford. Allen served until January 13, 1865.