One original member of F must not be forgotten, for surely our story would be incomplete should we fail to mention Curly, Commissary Chapple's dog. She attracted much attention as covered by her red blanket; she marched demurely by her master's side on the way through Boston and New York. Twelve pups born to her on the night before the battle of Roanoke Island were named respectively after the twelve months of the year. Captain Whipple's secured one which he took home with him in ‘63, calling him "Roanoke”
At Batchelder's Creek, N. C., Curly strayed away into the rebel lines and was gone several weeks. One day word came in from the rebels that a dog with the name of chapple on the collar was in. their possession, and they were willing to exchange her for some tobacco. The barter was made to the mutual satisfaction of commissary and rebel.
Once, in front of Petersburg in 1864, Curly suddenly dashed over the breastworks on to the debatable ground between the lines, much to Chapple's disgust. He followed, however, and finally secured her, both coming in safely from their hazardous venture.
Curly followed the fortunes of F for three years and lived some time after the war, enjoying well-earned rest, and doubtless the envy of all her canine friends in the neighborhood on account of her army record.

Taken from: Story of CO, F, 23d Massachusetts Volunteers in the War For The Union 1861-1865By Herbert E Valentine 1896