January 2024 Maine at War blog posts
In January 2024 my Maine at War blog explored the battle of Fredericksburg from a father’s viewpoint, introduced one of several horses shot while bearing Joshua L. Chamberlain, and listened as Maine officers discussed the Army of the Potomac’s disintegration in winter 1862-63.
January 3, 2024: Fathers from Gardiner sought the 16th Maine’s dead at Fredericksburg
When bad news reached Gardiner, Maine after the battle of Fredericksburg, two fathers journeyed to Virginia to find their sons. The trip became every parent’s nightmare.
January 10, 2024: Gardiner teen-ager in the 2nd Maine Battery exemplified Maine’s best
Evidence suggests that Charles T. Sprague of Gardiner was not quite 17 when he enlisted in the 16th Maine Infantry Regiment in summer 1862. He was among 38 men transferred to the 2nd Maine Battery shortly before Fredericksburg. On December 13 Charlie exemplified the best that Maine could send to help save the Union.
January 17, 2024: A Prince for Joshua Chamberlain
Several Brunswick residents described as “energetic friends” of Joshua L. Chamberlain transported a special gift to Portland on Monday, September 1, 1862. Arriving at the camp occupied by the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment, the men presented to Chamberlain a magnificent stallion named “Prince.”
January 24, 2024: Maine soldiers watch the army disintegrate in winter 1863, part 1
Ambrose Burnside’s well-intentioned, yet ill-timed “Mud March” all but shattered what morale remained in the Army of the Potomac, badly damaged at Fredericksburg in December 1862. “A bright flame of enthusiasm was fast dwindling into a flickering torch,” said Capt. Charles P. Mattocks, 17th Maine Infantry Regiment.
January 31, 2024:” Maine soldiers watch the army disintegrate in winter 1863, part 2
President Abraham Lincoln likely knew he was gambling by appointing Joseph Hooker commander of the Army of the Potomac. Maine officers concerned about their men’s welfare quickly noticed a change when Hooker showed up in the Stafford County camps.
Good articles as usual on Maine’s experience in the war. The first article has a minor error in that Reynolds commanded the I Corps and Butterfield the V Corps.