Civil War Blog

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

October 16, 1863

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10-16 Hamlin to PresBangor

To the President

My Dear Sir

I learn that Genls. Mead, Sykes, Howard, Rice Griffin and others have recommended Col. J. L. Chamberlain of the 20th Reg Me. Vol. for promotion to a Brig Genl.

Col. C is a well educated man and when he entered the Army he left a Professorship in Bowdoin College.

He is a superior man who has proved himself an efficient brave and gallant officer – I take pleasure in recommending him to you favorable consideration for promotion.

You may be sure he will do honor to himself and the service.

Yours truly, H. Hamlin

Hannibal Hamlin to “the President” [Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain Collection]

August 3, 1863

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Rockville

To J.L. Chamberlain, Dear Sir

Your very kind and gentlemanly letter was received to night and on behalf of all our family, friends, we deem it a very great kindness, that you, a total stranger, should send us tidings, of so precious and yet so sad a moment.

We have never heard from my brother, since that terrible batter at G–g. and have long since mourned him as dead, and it will be a kindness the memory of which death only can efface, if you will forward the book to C.H. Towne Esq. Rockville, Ct.

Very Respectfully, M.S.Morse.

M.S. Morse to Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain [Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain Collection]

May 1, 1863

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5-1My dear little Daisy, I begun a letter to you before the battle, but in the hurry of our moving it was lost. It was night too, so that we could not see much. I am sorry I lost the letter, for it was almost done. There has been a big battle, and we had a great many men killed or wounded. We shall try it again soon, and see if we cannot make those Rebels behave better, and stop their wicked works in trying to spoil our Country, and making us all so unhappy.

[…]

I am suddenly ordered to got to the front to take command of our pickets. Mamma will tell you what they are, so good bye once more. Papa

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain to his daughter [Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain Collection]