January 2022 Maine at War blog posts

In January 2022, my Maine at War blog examined topics ranging from soldiers and their pets to the infantry captain who suddenly discovered two recruits now listed on the company rolls.

January 5, 2022: Soldier’s pet

A young combat veteran noticed the positive effects that pets of all types had on his comrades, including a “hard, rough, and unapproachable” soldier had “a beautiful little kitten.” And then there was Major, the 10th Maine Infantry’s mascot . . .

January 12, 2022: Gorham sailor went back to rescue trapped comrades

Realizing that captivity awaited Union sailors suddenly tossed onto a South Carolina beach on a cold, rainy, and wind-driven January day, a Maine sailor stepped across a cutter’s gunnel and went to the rescue.

January 19, 2022: Belfast builds better batteries

After Confederate sailors captured a Revenue Service cutter in Portland, Maine in late June 1863, people living in Belfast on Penobscot Bay hollered for protection. The state then constructed earthen batteries to provide overlapping fire against any Southern “pirate” approaching the port.

January 26, 2022: The girls of Company A

With his Coast Guards Infantry company ordered to report to Washington, D.C. in late April 1864, Capt. Charles Baker formed his command and counted noses. He discovered two extra recruits: the girls of Company A!