Major Henry Tillinghast Sisson served with the Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery from April thru August 1862 and took part in the Union attempt to take Charleston, South Carolina on James Island June 16th (Secessionville). Major Sisson had Command of Companies "B" "F" and "K" that acted as Skirmishers. Though the Union troops lost this battle, Major Sisson and his three companies performed with great courage and steadiness and for this Sisson was honored with being chosen "Bearer of the Flag of Truce". During Sisson's three hour ordeal as flag bearer he met Colonel Goodlett a Confederate officer and fellow Mason they became good friends. Colonel Goodlett even offered to take Major Sisson's broken watch into Charleston to have it fixed for him.
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