William H. Breed's Civil War discharge certicicate contains the following quote "To all whom it may concern: Know ye, that William H. Breed, a 1st Sergeant of Captain Daniel E. Burretts Company, (G,) 5th Regiment of Vermont Veteran Volunteers, who was enrolled on the 15th day of December1863 to serve three years or during the war, is hereby Discharged from the services of the United States to date the the 29th day of June, 1865, at Washington, D.C. by reason of mustering out of Company.
(No objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist.)
Said William H. Breed was born in Pittsfield in the state of Vermont, is 24 years of age, 5 feet 11 3/4 inches high, light complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, and bty occupation, when enrolled, a farmer.
Given at Washington, D.C. this sixth (6) day of March, 1879, Signature, Ass't Adjt Gen.
Form A.G.O., No. 99
An "H" is written in script in the lower left hand corner of the document."

When he was 64, in 1905, he applied for membership in the GAR. He first enlisted Aug 21, 1861 as a Private. On the 15th of Dec, 1863 he was discharged as a Corporal to re-enlist. On the 29th of June, 1865 he was discharged honorably by reason of "War closed, no Enemy to Conquer, Sick of War & home Sick."