Company B, 4th Maine Regiment (Europe), wishes to thank Talbot Hackett for this contribution to the 4th Maine web page.

Company B, First Rockland Company Commissioned Officers

Elijah Walker: June 14, 1861; Rockland; age 42; commander of Company B; promoted to major on December 20, 1861; promoted to colonel on March 20, 1862 and assumed command of the regiment; wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg; mustered out with the regiment on July 19,1864.

Orrin P. Mitchell: June 14, 1861; Rockland; age 35; first lieutenant; promoted to captain on December 20, 1861, assumed command of the company; resigned commisssion on July 31, 1862.

Julius H. Litchfield: June 14, 1861; Rockland; age 22; second lieutenant; promoted to first lieutenant on December 10, 1861; received a slight arm wound at Malvern Hill; commanded the company at Second Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Chantilly; promoted to captain on October 21, 1862; assumed command of the company; wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg; taken prisoner at the Battle of Gettysburg, remained captive when the regiment mustered out of service;escaped from Libby Prison in 1864; discharged in 1865.

Eben Harding: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 29; corporal; promoted to 4th Sergeant September 15, 1861; slight elbow wound at Battle of Chantilley; promoted to second lieutenant on October 21, 1862; wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg; discharged April 27, 1863.

Henry O. Ripley: June 15, 1861; Rockland;age 20; private; promoted to corporal on October 1, 1861; promoted to sergeant; promoted to second lieutenant on October 2, 1863; promoted to first lieutenant on December 1, 1863; died of wounds received at Cold Harbor on June 7, 1864.

Sergeants

Herman H. Burpee: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 35; corporal; promoted to 3rd sergeant on September 15, 1861; captured at the Second Battle of Bull Run; discharged for disability on December 19, 1862.

John Butler: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 29; corporal; promoted to 5th sergeant on October 1, 1861; promoted to First Sergeant July 31, 1862; discharged for disability on November 15, 1863.

Harrison U. Cowing: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 27; promoted to 2d sergeant on August 25, 1861; killed at the Battle of Malvern Hill.

Charles W. Hopkins: June 15, 1861; Jefferson; age 21; private; promoted to corporal on November 1, 1862; reported missing following the Battle of Fredericksburg; reenlisted on January 1, 1864; promoted to sergeant; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; discharged on May 25, 1865.

Edgar L. Mowry: June 15, 1861: Rockland; age 18; private; promoted to sergeant on November 1, 1862; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Havillah Pease: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 36; corporal; promoted to sergeant on July 31, 1862; promoted to First Sergeant on November 15, 1862; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Thaddeus S. Pillsbury: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 21; private; promoted to sergeant on August 31, 1863; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Otis G. Spear: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 24; private; promoted to corporal on August 25, 1861; received slight head wound the Battle of Chantilly; promoted to sergeant on August 31, 1863; reenlisted on January 1, 1864; transferred to 19th Maine Infantry. Unaccounted for in the 19th Maine muster out rolls.

George E. Wall: June 15, 1861; Rockland; private; age 19; slight arm wound at Battle of Chantilly; promoted to corporal on August 31, 1863; promoted to sergeant; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Corporals

Robert Christy: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 18; private; promoted to corporal; wounded at Battle of Fredericksburg, transferred to invalid corps on September 16, 1863.

Robert Grant: June 15, 1861; Bangor; age 31; private; wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg; promoted to corporal on August 31, 1863; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

James B. Longy: June 15, 1861; Bangor; age 27; private; promoted to corporal on August 31, 1862; reported missing following the Battle of Fredericksburg; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Henry T. Mitchell: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 22; private; promoted to corporal on October 1, 1861; wounded and taken prisoner at the Battle of Gettysburg; died in Richmond, Virginia on December 17, 1863; buried in the Oakland Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia.

Daniel C. Norris: June 15, 1861; New Haven, CT; age 24; private; received a minor chest wound at Second Battle of Bull Run; reported missing following the Battle of Fredericksburg; promoted to corporal on August 31, 1863; reenlisted on January 1, 1864; transferred to the ranks of Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; promoted to corporal; transferred to the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery regiment.

Madison Stevens: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 32; killed at the Battle of Chantilly.

John W. Titus: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 18; private; promoted to corporal in 1863; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Franklin M. Tower: June 15, 1861; Lincolnville; age 21; private; promoted to corporal; wounded at Battle of Chantilly; returned to the ranks; transferred to the invalid corps on September 1, 1863.

Wyman W. Ulmer: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 22; private; promoted to corporal on December 31, 1861; slightly wounded (side) at the Battle of Chantilly; wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Charles F. Wood: June 15, 1861; Rockland; private; age 19; wounded and taken prisoner at Malvern Hill; promoted to corporal; discharged for disability September 11, 1862.

Musicians

John Knowles, Jr: June 15, 1861; Hampden; age 44; discharged for disability January 10, 1863.

Charles E. Gove: June 15, 1861; Union; age 21; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Wagoner

Gorman Butler: June 15, 1861; Union; age 23; discharged on September 17, 1861.

Privates

Anderson, Robert, Jr.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 18; transferred to the invalid corps on July 1, 1863.

Baker, Charles: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 19; discharged for disability December 7, 1862.

Bigdoll, Ellis: June 15, 1861; Dedham; age 23; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Black, Patrick: June 15, 1862; Waldoboro; age 28; received a slight hand wound at Second Battle of Bull Run; transferred to the invalid corps on March 15, 1864.

Blackington, Edwin R.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 27; discharged for diability in 1862 [no date].

Blackington, Morton A.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 23; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Boynton, Arthur L.: June 15, 1861; Bangor; age 18; wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg; discharged on May 14, 1863.

Bramhall, George A.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 26; discharged for disability on December 7, 1862.

Brown, Edwin E.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 21; wounded (lost finger) at the Battle of Chantilly; discharged for disability December 30, 1862.

Burns, Alvin D. : June 15, 1861; Washington; age 23; corporal; reduced to the ranks [no date]; discharged for disability on December 8, 1862.

Burpee, John R.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 29; discharged for disability on September 5, 1862.

Chamberlain, Nathan: June 15, 1861; Corinth; age 18; killed at the Battle of Chantilly.

Chase, Ashel: June 15, 1861; Winterport; age 21; deserted on July 27, 1861.

Clark, James W.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 29; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Conely, Frederic: June15, 1861; Salem, Mass; age 18; discharged for disability in August 1862.

Cowing, Edmund.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 20; severly wounded (chest) at Second Battle of Bull Run, transferred to the invalid corps on August 1, 1863.

Crockett, William E.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 27; sergeant; reduced to the ranks on August 16, 1861; deserted August 20, 1861.

Cunningham, Thomas J.: June 15, 1861; Veazie; age 30; discharged for disability on August 31, 1862.

Cushing, Eben: June 15, 1861; Bangor; age 24; deserted September 12, 1862.

Doe, John M.: June 15, 1861; Bangor; age 31; sergeant; reduced to ranks on October 1, 1861; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Dow, Dana Y.: June 15, 1861; Thomaston; age 20; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Dow, Herbert J.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 23; severely wounded (arm) at Second Battle of Bull Run; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Dunbar, George W.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 19; severely wounded in the leg at Battle of Chantilley; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Dunton, Andrew J.: June 15, 1861; Montville; age 18; severely wounded (side) at Battle of Chantilley; discharged for disability October 28, 1862.

Farnsworth, Theodore H.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 44; discharged for disability in March 1862.

Fernald, Charles O.: June 15, 1861; Winterport; wounded at the First Battle of Bull Run, captured, and held in Richmond; right arm was amputated; released and discharged from service on October 27, 1861.

Flanagan, William J.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 19; died of disease October 1, 1863; buried in the Military Asylum Cemetery at Washington, D.C..

Fletcher, Brian W.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 32; wounded by artillery at First Bull Run, arm was amputated below the elbow, died of wounds.

Foreman, George: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 19; deserted on November 22, 1862.

Galland, William: June 15, 1861; New York City; age 24; detatched to gunboat service on February 17, 1862.

Gardner, Andrew J.: June 15, 1861; Lincoln; age 28; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Goodwin, Albert: June 15, 1861; Monson; age 19; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Haskell, John W.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 44; discharged for disability on December 2, 1861.

Heal, Artemus: July 8, 1861; Rockland; age 20; deserted September 12, 1862.

Hodgman, Augustus: June 15, 1861; Hampden; age 20; died on October 9, 1862.

Hussey, William F.: June 15, 1861; Alton; age 26; discharged for disability on March 1, 1862.

Ingraham, Rufus C.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 42; discharged for disability on March 1, 1862.

Keith, Zypha S.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 20; drowned on November 15, 1862; buried in the Military Asylum Cemetary at Washington, D.C [ Listed as T.S. Keith in Maine AG report for 1864 and 1865.]

Kellock, John L.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 24; corporal; reduced to the ranks on November 11, 1861; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Lamb, Samuel B.: June 15, 1861; Calais; age 22; transferred to 4th U.S. Artillery.

Louderback, David H.: June 15, 1861; Phildelphia, Pa.; age 20; detached to gunboat service on February 17, 1862.

Megguier, Edward C.: June 15, 1861; Glenburn;age 21; killed in action on May 5, 1864. (Maguire)

McKean, John: June 15, 1861; Philadelphia, PA; age 34; detatched to gunboat service on February 17, 1862.

Merrick, Alfred P.: June 15, 1861; Bangor; age 43; discharged on September 17, 1861.

Moore, Adoniram J.: June 15, 1861, Veazie; age 18; discharged December 2, 1862.

Moulton, George D.: June 15, 1861; Freedom; age 18; deserted on August 26, 1862.

Murray, Charles O.: June 15, 1861; Palmero; age 18; deserted on August 26, 1862.

Murray, John: June 15, 1861; Bangor; age 20; discharged on September 1, 1861.

Philbrick, William: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 18; died from fever in Alexandria, Virginia on December 7, 1861.

Philbrook, Levi A. : September 14, 1861; Thomaston; age 20; received a severe face wound at Battle of Chantilly; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment.

Pitcher, Harrison A.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 18; deserted July 27, 1861.

Pomroy, Josiah H.: June 15, 1861; Hampden; age 18; deserted July 26, 1861.

Potter, Franklin W.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 19; discharged for disability on November 17, 1862.

Pratt, Joseph R.: June 15, 1861; Portland; age 25; deserted August 2, 1861.

Prentiss, Albion K.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 32; corporal; reduced to the ranks [no date]; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Prescott, Royal: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 42; discharged for disability on July 1, 1862.

Quimby, James: June 15, 1861; Bangor; age 21; killed at Battle of Fredericksburg.

Read, Joseph C.: June 15, 1861; Orono; age 21; discharged for disability in 1862 [no specific date recorded].

Redlon, George M.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 22; received severe arm wound at the Battle of Chantilly; died of wounds on October 19, 1862.

Richardson, Alfred W.: June 15, 1861; Freedom; age 18; died from measles in Washington, D.C. on July 16, 1861.

Salsbury, Robert D.: June 15, 1861; Tremont; age 25; deserted July 1861.

Simmons, Hanson B.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 18; wounded in the face at the Battle of Gettysburg; transferred to the invalid corps on February 15, 1864.

Snowdeal, George, Jr.: September 19, 1861; Thomaston; age 29; deserted May 1, 1862.

Snowdeal, Thomas H.: June 15, 1861; Thomaston; age 24; mortally wounded near Yorktown by Confederate artillery on April 6, 1862. Listed in the deceased report as Private Thomas H. Snowdale.

Spaulding, George H.: June 15, 1861; Deer Isle; age 20; deserted August 27, 1861.

Spear, Josiah C.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 21; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Spear, Thomas B.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 20; discharged for disability in October 1862.

Stetson, George F.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 23; wounded in the shoulder at the Battle of Gettysburg; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Stevens, Elery G.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 22; severely wounded (leg) at Battle of Chantilly; transferred to the invalid corps on September 7, 1863.

Taylor, George F.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 26; reenlisted on January 1, 1864; transferred to the 19th Maine Infantry regiment. [Possibly George F. Tyler, listed on the Company B, 19th Maine report for 1864-65. George F. Tyler is not accounted for on the 4th's rolls, however is carried as being tranferred from the 4th on Company B, 19th Maine's roster. Tyler was wounded [no date given] and transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps.]

Thayer, Howard A.: June 15, 1861; Brewer; age 21; severely wounded in the shoulder at Battle of Chantilly; transferred to the invalid corps on November 13, 1863.

Tighe, George H.: August 8, 1861; Rockland; age 28; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Totman, Samuel S.: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 37; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Towne, Ashael: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 41; killed at the Battle of First Bull Run.

Ulmer, Alonzo N.: September 17, 1862; Rockland; age 21; wounded in the face at the Battle of Gettysburg; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; discharged on September 2, 1864.

Whitney, Francis N.: September 14, 1861; age 23; Machias; detatched to gunboat service in 1862; presumed to have died [no date given].

Willis, Aruna: June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 19; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Wooster, Alden F. : June 15, 1861; Rockland; age 18; mustered out of service with the regiment on July 19, 1864.

Joined company after December 1, 1861

Carver, Edwin W.: August 18, 1862; North Haven; age 27; wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment.

Farwell, William S.: February 28, 1862; Rockland; age 18; discharged for disability in August 1862.

Thomas, Winslow W.: August 15, 1862; North Haven; age 21; discharged due to illness in November 1862 at Leesburg, Virginia.

[Lt. Libby’s 1863 report indicates Private Winslow W. Thomas, age 21, of North Haven joined the company on August 15, 1862 and was left sick and believed to be discharged from service. The final report of 1864 reflects a Private Winslow W. Thomas, age 21, of Rockland joined the company on August 25, 1862 and was transferred to the 19th Maine Infantry when the 4th mustered out of service. This is the first mention of a Private Winslow Thomas of Rockland. The 1864-65 report for Company B, 19th indicates Private Winslow W. Thomas, age 21, of Rockland joined the company with a disposition of being “absent, sick.”]

Turner, Charles A.: August 15, 1862; North Haven; age 21; reported missing following the Battle of Fredericksburg; wounded in the hand at the Battle of Gettysburg; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment.

Waterman, Edward K.: August 15, 1862; North Haven; age 23; died in the hospital on February 5, 1864; buried in the Military Asylum Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Joined company after November 1, 1862

Call, Benjamin F.: August 18, 1863; Bangor; conscript; transferred to Comapny B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; transferred to the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery regiment.

Chase, William P.: August 8, 1863; Lincolnville; conscript; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps.

Calkin, Charles: September 1, 1863; Milton; conscript; died of fever at Culpepper, Virginia on September 30, 1863.

Clay, Abijah N.: August 24, 1863; Enfield; conscript; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; killed on August 25, 1864.

Day, John A.: August 31, 1863; Sarsfield Plantation; conscript; deserted September 17, 1863.

Drake, George: September 1, 1863; Springfield; conscript; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; discharged on March 20, 1865.

Davis, Henry: August 28, 1863; New Brunswick; conscript; discharged on April 11, 1864.

Dexter, Judson W.: August 25, 1863; Corinth; conscript; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; transferred to the 1st Maine Artillery regiment.

Dana, Daniel: August 26, 1863; Londonderry, N.H.; conscript; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; died on November 3, 1864.

Elden, John: August 29, 1863; Bradford; conscript; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; transferred to the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery regiment.

Estis, David: August 22, 1863; Orono; conscript; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; transferred to the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery regiment.

Fields, George W.: August 12, 1863; Amherst; conscript; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; discharged on February 8, 1865.

Groves, Francis: September 1, 1863; Ireland; conscript; deserted September 17, 1863.

Knights, Mahlon: August 31, 1863, Dayton; conscript; killed in action on May 5, 1864.

Robinson, Ezbelon: August 25, 1863; conscript; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; discharged on March 20, 1865.

Joined company after November 1, 1863

Chase, Edward L.: December 30, 1863; Portland; age 33; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; died of wounds on July 16, 1864.

Grover, Navard: January 2, 1864; Brooks; age 44; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment.

Metcalf, Frederick H.: December 7, 1863; Belfast; age 21; transferred to Company B, 19th Maine Infantry regiment; deserted on May 4, 1864.

Provided by Talbot Hackett

Regimental Dedication of the 4th Maine Infantry Monument October 10, 1888

Speech of Colonel Elijah Walker

Comrades, Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am not here to deliver an oration of such rhetorical finish as that which characterizes the efforts of my learned comrades at the exercises around the Seventeenth Maine regiment’s monument to-day at the wheatfield, but as the representative of the Fourth Maine, to accept this granite shaft and turn it over to the protecting care of the Battlefield Memorial Association, pending a formal and more befitting dedication. You will pardon me if, as one speaking from personal knowledge and experience, I take this opportunity to briefly review the Fourth Maine regiment’s history, and tell of a few of the movements in which the command participated in the course of its long term of service in the field.

In the latter part of April, 1861, four companies were enlisted and organized in Rockland, two in Belfast, one in Brooks, one in Searsport, one in Wiscassett, and one in Damariscotta. Mat 8th the officers of these companies met in Rockland, in obedience to orders, and elected Hiram G. Berry as their colonel. The regiment went into camp in Rockland on May 17th, was mustered into the United States service June 15th, left the state on the 17th, arrived in Washington the 21st, crossed the Potomac to Alexandria July 8th, and encamped at Bush Hill.

On the 12th a reconnaissance was made by companies B and C, and three Confederate soldiers were captured with loaded muskets in their hands. On the 16th we marched in pursuit of the rebels. On the 21st we came upon and engaged them at Bull Run, where our army was defeated, with a loss to our regiment of 23 men killed, 3 officers and 24 enlisted men wounded, and 3 officers and 38 men missing. Few are the regiments that suffered more fatalities than, on that hard-fought field. We returned to Alexandria and the camp we left, on the 16th From that time until March 17th, 1862, the regiment was employed in drill, picket duty, felling trees and building fortifications. We also made several reconnaissances, and were the first to report the retreat of the enemy at Manassas. On the 18th we were board a steamer enroute to Fortress Monroe, whence we went to Hampton, Va.

March 25th Colonel Berry, who had been promoted and assigned the command of a brigade, took leave of the regiment and I assumed command. April 4th we left Hampton, and arrived near Yorktown the next day. Here we remained until May 4th, when we followed the retreating enemy to Williamsburg, where we found them , strongly fortified, on the 5th. Here we escaped without a loss of men, although we were the first to occupy Fort Magruder on the morning of the 6th. The enemy were defeated and we followed to Fair Oaks, where the left of our army was attacked on the 31st. here, for two day’s, our (Kearny’s) division had severe fighting. On June 15th, 22d, and 25th the regiment had skirmishing on the picket line. On the 27th, a retreat having been ordered by the army commander, our regiment was assigned to prepare two roads across White Oak Swamp, and we were the last infantry troops to cross the swamp on the morning of the 30th. We held the advanced position in the battle of Glendale during that day, and when the retreat began at night were the last to leave the field.

At Malvern Hill, July 1st, with our food supply exhausted, we held the front line of our division, and were the last infantry to leave that famous battlefield. At Harrison’s Landing we were obliged to endure miasma and bog water until Aug. 15th, when we marched to Yorktown, took a steamer for Alexandria, going thence by rail to Warrenton Junction, where we arrived on the 21st. We were sent five miles in advance, to Rappahannock Station, where on the 27th we left, without rations, to serve as a “blind” and be captured by the enemy, if need be; but we succeeded in extricating ourselves, by hard marching, with the loss of a few who became exhausted and fell into the hands of the rebels. These unfortunates were stripped of their outer garments, paroled and permitted to rejoin us. On the morning of the 29th we arrived on the Bull Run battlefield, where we had severe fighting nearly all day, losing 10 men killed, 2 officers, the sergeant-major, and 33 men wounded, and 8 missing. I escaped without injury, but thereafter my horse carried Confederate lead in his flesh. On the 30th our division was on the reserve, but late in the day we had a lively time, and the Fourth Maine and the 40th N.Y. were the last to leave the field.

September 1st, at Chantilly, we were sent by General Kearny to open an attack on the enemy, and had desperate fighting, losing 12 men killed, and 2 officers and 52 men wounded. My horse was shot and killed. We then fell back to Alexandria, moving thence up the Potomac to Point of Rocks, Md. October 12th we had a skirmish with Stuart’s cavalry near the mouth of the Monocacy. The Third and Fourth Maine were under my command, and we were successful in turning the cavalry into a road leading to an ambush at the ford; our troops, however, that were to spring the trap, hastily left on the approach of the horsemen, who crossed the Potomac in safety. On the 28th we left the upper Potomac and marched to Falmouth, arriving on the 20th of November. The first duty assigned us was to load 300 wagons with logs. We then moved twelve miles down the river and built a corduroy bridge across a swamp. This work accomplished, we joined our division, by a forced march, and crossed below Fredericksburg, where, on December 13, I led 211 men and officers in a charge upon the enemy’s fortified position, having three officers and 19 men killed, and 7 officers and 59 men wounded; 36 men were reported missing, of whom 8 have never been heard from. Our army retreated on the morning of the 16th, when I withdrew and followed the last pickets across the river.

At Chancellorsville, May 2d and 3d, we had our share of the fighting, taking the lead in the moonlight charge and being the last to cross the pontoon bridge on the retreat. Here we lost 1 officer and 2 men killed, 3 officers and 15 men wounded, and 7 men missing. Things remained quiet until June 11th, when we marched from camp to Bealton Station, thence successively, to Catlett’s Station, Manassas junction and Blackburn’s Ford, and on the 17th arrived in Centreville. on the 19th our Third corps bivouacked at Gum Springs, where we remained until the 25th, when we again moved and bivouacked at the mouth of the Monocacy. On the 26th we marched to Point of Rocks, Md.; on the 27th to Middletown; on the 29th to Taneytown, and on the 30th to near Emmitsburg, occupying the village the next morning, July 1st, at 11 o’clock. at 1 P.M. our corps commander, General Sickles, led the larger part of his command to Gettysburg, arriving at 7 o’clock that evening. We heard there had been a severe engagement in which our troops encountered a force much superior in point of numbers, and were driven back past Seminary Ridge, through the village of Gettysburg, and having made a stand on Cemetery Hill, were there reforming their lines. This was unwelcome news to us who had been so often defeated, but every soldier knew we were on the free soil of a free people, and all were determined to defend it or die in the attempt.

The sun disappeared, and presently the stars became dimly visible through a vaporous and smoky atmosphere. The soldiers were seeking rest for their wearied limbs, and the officers were engaged in readjusting the lines and forming new ones, and in seeing that their men were supplied with ammunition. With my regiment of about 300 men and 18 officers I made a bed of that soil destined to become the Union veterans’ Mecca, and be immortalized in song and story; and we were trying to get a little sleep in preparation for the morrow when I heard a familiar voice inquiring for Colonel Walker, and I answered, “I am here, Captain. Is it our turn to establish a picket line?” “Yes, it is the order of General Sickles that you regiment establish a picket line, the right to connect with the First corps pickets and the left with those of the Second corps.”

I reluctantly obeyed, moved to the front about half a mile and established a line by a rail fence, some 30 or 40 rods west of the Emmitsburg road, making connection with the First corps pickets, as directed, but I failed to find any troops on my left, except a few cavalry scouts. The enemy’s pickets, at this time, occupied the woods directly in our front, 30 and 50 rods from our line, in which woods the enemy were assembling throughout the night. All was quiet until daybreak, when they opened fire upon us and several times advanced into the opening, but were as often glad to regain the shelter of the woods. Early that morning I reported a large force in the woods in front of me, but the report was disregard by my superiors, and I was twice ordered to advance and drive the enemy’s pickets out of the woods. These orders I did not attempt to execute. At 9 o’clock Colonel Berdan reported to me with 250 of his Sharpshooters with orders to join me in dislodging the rebels. I soon convinced Colonel Berdan that it would be foolhardy to make the attempt, and he agreed with me that an attack on the rebels’ flank was the only practicable move that could be made, if our superiors could not be otherwise convinced of the strength of the concealed Confederates. He left, saying he would report the result of his observations, and at about 9.30 the Third Maine and the Sharpshooters did attack the rebels’ flank, as I had suggested, by which movement the correctness of my conclusions was soon demonstrated. From that time until 2.30 P.M. it was quiet on our front, but there was some sharp fighting on our left, and we were then relieved by the 1st Mass. We at once joined our brigade, which we found packing up to move, advanced with it to the front and were assigned a position on the high ground to the left of the corps and, at that time, the left of the army, connecting with the 124th N.Y. At my front and centre was the 4th N.Y. battery, Captain Smith.

It was now 3 o’clock and my men were hungry, having drank water for supper, breakfast and dinner. fires were kindled, a heifer was found near by and slaughtered, coffee was steeped and beef impaled on sticks was warmed over the blaze. We drank our coffee and ate the very rare and thoroughly smoked meat, sprinkling it with salt, of which condiment every soldier carried a little in his pocket.

At 3.45 the enemy came out of the woods half a mile from us and opened with their artillery, Smith’s battery responding. Their infantry appeared in large numbers. They first met the 2d U.S. Sharpshooters, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Stoughton, who checked the advance, but fell back as the strong rebel force came on. I was ordered to the left, leaving Smith’s guns without support and creating a space of about two hundred yards without infantry. To this move I objected, but was assured by the adjutant-general of the brigade, who brought the order, that other troops would take my place to protect the battery. I unwillingly moved to the low ground, - the valley now memorable in history, - sending a few skirmishers, commanded by Capt. Arthur Libby, into the woods between the two mountains, and also a strong line of skirmishers to my front. I soon withdrew the men from the woods, as troops were coming down Little Round Top in the rear of Libby’s line. The line in front had a severe time with the advance of the enemy, but was not dislodged.

The troops of the Fifth corps had occupied Little Round Top and were advancing down its southern slope, being 40 or 50 rods to my rear and left, when they met the enemy. Musketry fire commenced with severity. At this time I had not been engaged, except with my skirmish line in the valley, but in a moment the 44th Ala. regiment appeared at the edge of a wood of small pines on our left flank. The colonel of that regiment says that while he was getting his men into position, and before they fired a shot, one-fourth of them had been killed or disabled; but when he did open fire upon us we soon found, to our sorrow, that we had no mean foe to contend with. They soon gave up and retired into the woods, where they were completely concealed.

Smith, on the high ground, abandoned his guns, and the rebels came over my right flank and in the rear of my skirmish line, many of the latter surrendering. I moved back about 100 yards, fixed bayonets, and charged forward by the right oblique, driving the enemy from Smith’s guns and connecting with the 124th N.Y. We had a sharp encounter on our left, at the brow of the hill, a little to the right of Devil’s Den. It was at close quarters. I was on foot and wounded, my horse having been killed. My sword was wrenched from my hand, but my men saved me and I recovered my sword. At this critical moment the 99th Penn. came to our assistance, forming on our left along the brow of the hill, and the enemy fell back, taking cover behind the rocks and bowlders [sic.] and in Devil’s Den. The 6th N.J. regiment soon arrived, taking position to the left of the 99th Penn. and the 40th N.Y., extending the line further to the left, swinging their right and advancing into the low ground. The low, wet ground, which we had been obliged to abandon, was occupied by large numbers of the advancing enemy, but that valley, which we had christened, had received its name for all time,- the “Valley of Death.”

We held our position until about sunset, when our brigade fell back and the troops of the Second and Fifth corps had a line in our rear. When I gave the order to fall back I was unable to walk, but was saved from prison, and possibly from death, by Sergeant Mowry of company B and Corporal Roberts of company F, who wrested me from the foe and assisted me to the rear. Our flag was pierced by thirty-two bullets and two pieces of shell, and its staff was shot off, but Sergt. Henry O. Ripley, its bearer, did not allow the color to touch the ground, nor did he receive a scratch, though all the others of the color-guard were killed or wounded.

I turned the regiment over to Capt. Edwin Libby, a tried, brave and faithful officer, and took my first ride in an ambulance. July 3d the regiment was with the brigade, in reserve, and with the Third Maine, 99th Penn. and 20th Ind., under Colonel Lakeman, moved to support the Second corps when the enemy was assaulting it. On the 4th it was on picket.

The Fourth Maine was with the troops that followed the defeated enemy into Virginia, our division meeting and engaging the rebels at Wapping Heights on the 23d. I was absent, but I rejoined the regiment in time to be with it in the manoeuvres from Culpepper to Centreville, in October.

At Kelly’s Ford, November 7th, I commanded the second attacking brigade, composed of 99th Penn., 86th and 124th N.Y., Third Fourth, and Seventeenth Maine. I had the Fourth Maine in support of Randolph’s Rhode Island battery, but it escaped without casualties. At Orange Grove, November 27th, seeing the supports leaving Randolph’s battery, I took my regiment to his assistance, dragging his guns out of the mud, placed them on high ground, and the enemy were repulsed with great slaughter. At Mine Run, November 29th and 30th, the Fourth Maine and 20th Ind. had special orders to charge the rebel batteries, at a signal gun announcing general Warren’s attack on the left; had the signal gun been fired we would have been given over to destruction, but Warren refrained from assaulting.

During the winter of 1864 I was recommended by my superior officers and a long list of Maine officials, including the governor, for promotion; having, in an unguarded moment, expressed my favoritism for George B. McClellan, our representative, who had been intrusted with my cause, failed to present the recommendations.

May 5th we were the first of the Second (Hancock’s) corps to meet and attack the enemy, losing 1 officer killed and 3 mortally wounded; 4 other officers were wounded, 1 of whom being disabled; 17 men were killed, 104 wounded and 2 missing. Myself and horse were wounded, but I remained on duty.

May 6th I was in command of the brigade. We had severe fighting all day, the Fourth losing 1 officer killed, and myself and another slightly wounded but not disabled; also 4 men killed, 26 men wounded and 6 missing. On the 7th, 4 men were wounded and 1 missing, probably killed, as he was never heard from.

Small engagements often afforded as critical situations as great battles. One such occasion befell me on May 10th, when I was ordered to cross the Po River and, using the Fourth and part of the Seventeenth Maine and the picket men, to force the enemy’s outposts and learn what force he had. The stream was some 10 or 12 feet broad, bordered with swamps, and varied in depth up to six feet. With Captain Briscoe, of General Birney’s staff, I crossed and reconnoitered; decided to advance the Seventeenth and pickets on the road nearest the river, while I led the Fourth by another road farther out, running nearly parallel. The enemy’s mounted videttes retired as we approached them. During our advance of about two miles we wounded and took two of them with their horses. While scouting in advance of my men, I suddenly came within 150 yards of a gray-appareled line of battle which a scrub growth had concealed from view. We retraced our steps to the road on which Briscoe had advanced and was now skirmishing with the “graybacks,” as I wanted to recall him and cross the stream, for I knew they would be after us in large numbers. But an order came from division headquarters to go in and assist Briscoe’s force to drive back the enemy’s pickets. I protested but could not disobey the order. Sending my colorguard and prisoners across the river, and leaving Lieut. Henry O. Ripley with a squad of men to guard the road, I attempted to carry out my instructions. Captain Briscoe was then a mile away. Advancing about half a mile I received an order to rejoin the division on the other side of the river. Sending out Capt. Arthur Libby with a few men to learn whether our road was open, he found that the “woods were full of them,” and commanding the road. This was one of the situations that tests a man’s nerves. I formed my men under the brow of a hill, where they bravely held the enemy in check while I got word to Briscoe to retreat across the river. We then dashed through the swamp and into the water, which with the mud was up to our armpits; this was our only chance, as the enemy had gained the river on our right and left. My horse followed the men, and both he and his rider were safely landed on the other side with the assistance of two gallant boys.

Here my beloved and reliable Lieutenant Ripley was brought in a blanket, fatally wounded. On the enemy’s approach to the point where he had been stationed, he rallied his men to check their advance, and the next instant a bullet had passed through his neck. His men retreated and crossed the road. In this spirited affair two enlisted men of the regiment were also wounded, - one mortally, - and four were missing. Ripley was the sixth officer of the regiment killed or mortally wounded since this short campaign began, the others being Captain Amos B. Wooster and Edwin Libby, killed; Major Robert H. Gray and Lieutenants C.C. Gray and J.R. Conant, mortally wounded; four others besides myself had been wounded, but only one disabled from duty.

On the 12th, at Spotsylvania, we were exempt from casualties. On the 15th one man was wounded. On the 23d, at North Anna, in a successful charge upon the enemy’s works, which, on the north side of the river, defended a bridge, we has 5 men killed and 19 wounded. I was again hit by a rebel bullet, adjutant Sawyer was also wounded, - both continued on duty. On the 24th one man was killed, private Juam Millano, the last on our long “roll of honor.” June 2d, at Cold Harbor, two men were wounded. June 14th we crossed the James River, and on the 15th I turned over to the Nineteenth Maine the 217 re-enlisted men and later recruits, and with the balance of my command, including 4 staff and 9 line officers and 113 men, proceeded to Maine, where we mustered out of the service July 19, 1864.

When General Berry was called to a more exalted position, he recommended me for the colonelcy of the regiment he so dearly loved. I accepted the honor reluctantly, conscious of my inability to adequately fill his place; but I am satisfied that while under my command the name and fame of the regiment were bravely upheld, and that fresh laurels were added to those it has already won.

[ I desire to say here, that the 99th Pennsylvania monument stands on ground from which that regiment did not fire a shot July 2, 1863. Their right was where their left marker is now placed, and extended along the brow of the hill. The Fourth Maine are entitled to the ground from the 124th N.Y. to the base of Little Round Top, except that occupied for a time by Smith’s battery.]

The number of wounded recorded on our regimental shaft includes only such as were seriously disabled.

In conclusion, I desire to say that, as a Commissioner appointed by the governor, I accept this monument (which is of my own design) from the granite and lime district of Maine in which the regiment whose heroism it commemorates was raised, and to you, Major Krauth, representative of the Battlefield Memorial Association, I entrust it, with the fervent hope that when the stone shall have yielded to the disintegrating hand of time, our flag will still be floating over an undivided country and a free people.

Biography provided by Talbot Hackett

From the Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Maine for the years 1864 and 1865, published in 1866:

Major General Hiram Berry was born in East Thomaston, now Rockland, Aug.27, 1824. On reaching manhood, he was regarded as one of the most useful and enterprising citizens in that section, and was honored by being sent to the Legislature to represent his native place. After Rockland became a city, he was elected its second Mayor. While engaged in the peaceful callings of civil life, his attention was turned to matters of a military nature, in which he displayed an ability of a higher order from the onset. His efforts originated the Rockland Guards, which he commanded for several years.

On the breaking out of the rebellion, he was among the first to offer his services in his country’s defence [sic.]. Enlisting with his company in the 4th Regiment, he was commissioned Colonel of that corps, which, while under his command, was considered one of the best disciplined and most efficient regiments in the army; a reputation it has ever since maintained.

At the First Battle of Bull Run, he developed a military genius which gave evidence of a brilliant military career and made him a marked man. He was the first to discover the retreat of the enemy, which fact he immediately caused to be telegraphed to President Lincoln.

I March, 1862, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General, and assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 3d Corps. He entered at once upon a discharge of his duties with his characteristic energy, and at the Siege of Yorktown, which shortly followed, he distinguished himself both in the trenches and in the field. At the battle of Williamsburg, he was awarded the honor of having saved the day. By a rapid movement on that occasion he hastened to Hooker’s relief in the front, during a pelting rainstorm, and by his skillful maneuvering drove the foe to his rifle pits, and ended the fight by driving him thence, capturing, a large number of prisoners and re-taking all our artillery that had been lost. By his timely arrival with his command, Gen. Heintzleman acknowledged that Hooker’s division was saved from defeat, and the battle turned in our favor.

At the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31st, he hurled back the enemy who had repulsed Casy’s and Couch’s divisions, retaking all the ground that had been lost, and holding his positions until reinforced. When moving to support the front, pressing on with his brigade through the mass of defeated Federal troops who were flying in all directions, he was met by Gen. Kearny, who asked him if he was not afraid to take his men through such rabble, when he quickly replied: “No, sir, not if I march at the head.” This gallant reply was characteristic of the man. He never demanded of his men the performance of a duty he was not willing to undertake, even at the hazard of his life. The next day when the enemy was routed, one of the regiments in his brigade, 3d Michigan, drove four rebel brigades in succession from the woods. Gen, Berry was foremost in the fight, having three of his staff killed, and his own hat and clothes pierced with shot. In a report of the battle, Prince de Joinville, who was an eye-witness, states: “ As at Williamsburg, Kearny arrives in good time to re-establish the fight. Berry’s brigade of this division, composed of Michigan regiments and an Irish battalion, advances as firm as a wall into the midst of the discordant mass which wander over the battle-field, and does more by its example than the most powerful reinforcements.” Gen.’s McClellan, Hooker, Kearny and Heintzleman, also complimented him for his skill and undaunted bravery. The latter officer in his report, speaking of his troops, says they “most gallantly kept their position on the rebels’ right flank, and kept up such a deadly fire that no effort the enemy made could dislodge them. They remained till dark, firing away sixty rounds of ammunition to each man, and then supplying themselves cartridges from the dead and wounded. Their fire completely commanded the open space at their front, and not a mounted man succeeded in passing under their fire.”

After this battle he was ordered to erect fortifications and to establish a picket line, the right resting on Hooker’s left and running below White Oak Swamp, connecting with the 2d corps [sic.], a distance of about five miles. The portion of this picket line, being in the advance, was an exposed one. For nearly a month there was picket fighting almost everyday, besides three severe engagements which occurred. The line was, however, maintained at all hazards, according to his orders, his men immediately under his eye. Faithful to his trust, notwithstanding his life was at one time briefly threatened by disease occasioned by his arduous labors, care and exposure, he remained at his post.

The battle of Gaines’ Mills resulted in our army being driven, and all communications with White House Landing, our base of operations, cut. A new base having been decided upon, Gen. Berry, after having consulted in regard to the crossing of White Oak Swamp, was ordered to build roads immediately for the passage of the army, which work he accomplished in 24 hours. The army then commenced its movement toward James river, Gen. Berry covering the retreat, skirmishing with the enemy on the way.

Two days afterward was fought the battle of Glen Dale. While the battle was raging, Gen. Kearny being unwell, the command of his division was turned over to Gen. Berry, his brigade remaining in the reserve. The attack of the enemy in full force caused a portion of the reserve to abandon his position, whereupon Gen. Berry immediately filled the gap by placing his brigade in the opening, and sending for reinforcements. For three hours the battle raged fearfully, we losing heavily. But every assault of the enemy was repulsed. During the battle, Gen. Berry was slightly wounded by a musket ball which cut into his sword belt.

The battle of Malvern Hill followed, which was fought on our side mostly by artillery. His brigade was on the right of the line engaged in supporting batteries in an exposed position until the enemy was repulsed, and left us at night masters of the field.

Upon the arrival of the army at Harrison’s Landing, his brigade was assigned a position on the center of the front line. In consequence of its great loss in men and officers, and the large amount of service it had performed during the retrograde movement, it was excused from performing any fatigue duty.

The hardships and privations of the Peninsula campaign, together with a severe cold caught on his arrival at Harrison’s Landing, so affected Gen. Berry’s health that he returned for the first time since his departure, to his home. During the brief period he remained at Rockland, the most lavish ovations were paid him by his fellow-townsmen, as a token of their appreciation of his noble and gallant conduct. Notwithstanding his health was not fully restored. His convictions of duty were such, that he felt he could be absent no longer, and before three weeks had expired he returned to his command.

During the Maryland campaign he was assigned to duty in the fortifications at Upton’s Hill.

At the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th, after crossing the Rappahannock and moving down the plain under a terrible fire, he supported with his brigade four batteries of artillery. On the repulse of Gen. Franklin, the enemy pursued that officer’s command through Gen. Berry’s lines, when the latter opened on the enemy with grape and musketry, driving him back with heavy loss. It is related that Gen. A.P. Hill, the Confederate General commanding the division opposed to Gen. Berry, took occasion, under a flag of truce, to compliment him for his generalship; the only instance of the kind, it is believed, that occurred during the war.

In March, 1863, the rank of Major-General was conferred on Gen. Berry, and he was assigned to the command of the 2d division, 3d corps, [sic.] which had been so long under the command of Gen. Hooker, and was acknowledged to be one of the best in the army of the Potomac [sic.].

At the battle of Chancellorsville, the heroic Berry gave his life to his country and to mankind. When Gen. Hooker commenced operations, Gen. Berry was ordered with his division down the river, as a feint to cover the real move intended upon the right. As soon, however, as Gen. Hooker had got well across the river above Fredericksburg, Gen. Berry was ordered to rejoin his corps at Chancellorsville, which he did with his usual promptness. A correspondent states that when the 11th corps [sic.] commenced coming, panic-stricken, down the road toward headquarters, it was a critical situation, and brought out the superb resources of Gen. Hooker. Whom, of all others, should he send in at this fearfully critical moment but the daring child of his own creation -- his own corps, now commanded by Gen. Berry? “General!” shouted the commander, “throw your men into the breech -- receive the enemy on your bayonets--don’t fire a shot ---they can’t see you!” At the double-quick that glorious band rushed to the rescue. Pressing up in their array of glittering steel, the enemy’s advance was quickly checked, and he had to withdraw to the line of breastworks just vacated by the 11th corps [sic.]. In an account of this last and greatest success of Gen. Berry’s, Gen. Howard, in a letter to me, states that he met him (Gen. Berry) close by his line of battle on Saturday, May 2d, near the plank road south of Chancellorsville. He had drawn up his division of veteran troops perpendicular to and on both sides of the road to cover the retreat of the 12 corps [sic.], and check any further advance of the enemy in that direction. “He met me with great cordiality, consulted as to where the line would be hardest pressed, and in answer to my suggestion that the chief difficulty would be on his right, said ‘ Well, General, if you will take care of the left here, I will go to the right,’ and he went in that direction.” Upon this he put himself at the head of his brave men, and with an irresistible charge they drove back the rebels, and retook the ground which the latter had won.

The next morning Gen. Berry fell. The circumstances attending his death are related by Capt. J.B. Greenhalgh, a member of his staff, as follows: Turning to Capt G., Gen. Berry directed him to ride to gen. Hooker’s headquarters and inquire for orders as to whether he should hold his position or not. Capt G. At once started, and Gen. Berry and the remainder of his staff dismounted, Gen. Berry saying that he would walk across the plank road -- only a few rods, -- and communicate with Gen. Mott, the senior officer of his division. One of his aids remonstrated against his going, and offered to go in his stead, but the General replied he would go himself. He started, went across the road, saw Gen. Mott, gave him his orders, turned, and was coming back, when but a short distance from the spot where the members of his staff stood, a Minie rifle ball struck him in the arm close to the shoulder, passing downward through his vitals, and lodged in his hip, killing him almost immediately. His aids saw him fall, and instantly started for him. Lieut. Freeman knelt by his side; “I am dying,” said the General, “carry me to the rear.” The Lieutenant asked if he had any wish to express. By a feeble shake of the head he indicated that he had none, and the next moment his spirit was gone forever. The body was at once raised and carried to the Chancellor House, where Gen. Hooker stood. When it was laid before him, he burst into tears, and kneeling down kissed the cold forehead, and then exclaimed, “My God, Berry, why was this to happen? Why was this man on whom I relied so much, to be taken in this manner?”

After Gen. Hooker had paid this tribute to the lifeless form of Gen. Berry, he ordered it to be carried to the rear at once, where it rested Sunday night in the same room which the General had occupied previous to the late move of the army. While on the way, a squad of the 4th Maine Regiment, learning that the body of their former commander was being carried by, desired to have it laid down, and each one of the brave fellows came forward, kissed the cold brow of the man they loved, and had just followed into the battle-field, and then silently and tearfully took their places in the ranks.

Upon the arrival of the remains of Gen. Berry in Washington, the wish was expressed by President Lincoln and Gen. Halleck that funeral services should be performed in that city; but his friends determined that his obsequies should be held in Rockland.

On Monday, the day following his death, the citizens of Rockland received intelligence of the lamented event, and in the evening the city authorities met and chose a committee of arrangements to make preparations for the reception of the body, and take the necessary measures for giving the honored dead such a burial as his rank, distinguished services, and heroic end merited. On the ensuing Saturday, the body --accompanied by a detachment of the Maine 7th Regiment, as a Guard of Honor, and a delegation of Rockland citizens appointed to receive it from Portland and escort it to Rockland -- arrived at the latter place by steamer. Minute guns were fired on the shore, from the time the steamer rounded Owl’s Head, until it touched the wharf in Rockland Harbor. All the bells in the city were tolled, places of business and public buildings were closed, and the Supreme Court, which was in session, adjourned. The buildings generally were draped in mourning, and flags placed at half-mast. The remains were committed to the city authorities, in the presence of an immense concourse of people who had come forth to honor the sad occasion, with appropriate ceremonies, after which they were removed to the late residence of the deceased, where they lay in state until the following Thursday, when the funeral ceremonies took place. The religious exercises were held at the residence, where an eloquent discourse -- a just tribute to Gen. Berry, and a fair summary of his glorious career, was pronounced by Rev. Nathaniel Butler. The body was then escorted to the cemetery, where it was buried with Masonic honors, after which three volleys were fired over the grave by the military. Among those present to do honor to his memory and bear testimony to his distinguished military services, were Hon. Hannibal Hamlin, Vice-President of the United States, Governor Coburn and Staff, Ex-Gov. Washburn, Hon. Lot M. Morrill, U.S. Senator, Hon. S.C. Fressenden, Judge Rice, Maj. Gen. J.H. Butler and Staff, Maj. Gen. William H. Titcomb and Aids, Capt. J.B. Greenhalgh, member of the lamented General’s staff, and many others.

In making a record of Gen. Berry’s character, one who had been an intimate friend during the last two years of his life says:

“Gen. Berry was a man of marked ability, which distinguished him in every position he filed. Under the guidance of a benignant Providence, he was the architect of his own fortune. His own ability and industry raised him from the more humble condition of his early life, to the eminence he reached. In all the important efforts of his life, it may be truly said he never failed. He surprised men by what he accomplished -- he never disappointed them by his failure. Although he enjoyed no advantages for literary culture beyond those possessed by nearly every young man in the State, yet he acquired a degree of culture that could fairly characterize him as an educated man; and those who have a right to judge him, affirm that his official reports and his correspondence, were rarely excelled in perspicuity and accuracy, by any of our public men. He never spent a day in a military school, and yet he was thoroughly versed in the art of war. He knew his own strength, and was confident in it, and knew how to use it. He quietly formed his own plans, and depending upon himself, entered upon their performance; but men knew little of them till their completion announced them.

He was a man of untiring energy. During the latter years of his life he maintained an almost ceaseless struggle with disease, and yet his record is what could be expected only of a man of iron frame and perfect health. While in the army he often issued orders from a sick bed, or rose from that sick bed to lead his soldiers. When his friends and superior officers urged him to suspend his active labors he remained at his post, performing the duties of camp and field, when he seemed more properly a subject for the surgeon’s care. * * * His whole military career attests to the great resources, the strength of will, and the power of execution, which were never measured by what other men could do.

He was faithful to the trust committed to him by his country. He held the performance of his duty a most sacred obligation. He never refused to do all that his duty demanded, --- even those details which are sometimes felt to be irksome or repulsive. While other officers sought the comforts and luxuries of the metropolis, from the day he left the State with his regiment, till his last was fought, he shared the camp, the watch, the painful march, the deadly struggle, with his men. His life was a sacrifice to his fidelity. To those who knew him little, his conduct in the battle in which he lost his life, may seem like rashness. But he would not commit another to what he felt could be done better by himself. His soldiers fought immediately under his eye and by his side. By personal presence he held his men to their position. ****

He was a leader and favorite in the political party which opposed the Administration that governed the country, at the beginning of the War; but when he girded on his sword in his country’s cause, he buried all party prejudices and sectional ties and political preferences, and knew his country first and only his country. * * * He loved the flag of his country. He followed all who loved it, wherever it led. Hr fought beneath it, and though it were tattered and rent by storms of a hundred battles, he clung to it still ---clung to it until death.

He was a brave and noble officer. We know not but his daring courage amounted to an utter disregard for hi own life. He was never more calm than when the storm of battle raged around him. He served in some of the bloodiest battles of the war, and more than once his command was the last to quit the field. Men fell around him like autumn leaves, and officers of his staff fell dead by his side, and iron hail pierced the uniform he wore. For two years he was familiar with death as an associate, and he met him ofttimes face to face, but never trembled or grew pale in his presence. Nor was his animal courage, that was fearless because insensible. With the lion’s heart he joined the utmost gentleness and considerateness. He would never ask a soldier to go where he feared himself to go. He could weep over a fallen comrade, but his eagle eye never quailed before a foe. And thus it was at the closing scene. A weaker nature might have been living to-day [sic.]. But his was one that would not accept life at the price of falling back one step from his post. His brave and gentle nature made him an object not only of admiration, but of the warm affection of his associates in arms. His soldiers loved him, and therefore followed unhesitatingly wherever he led, and stood in their position so long as his commanding form was with them. **** Blessings shall be upon his memory, and the nation’s song shall perpetuate his fame.