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{{Infobox Governor
{{Infobox Governor
|birth_name = Holman Staples Melcher|image = HolmanMelcher.jpg{{!}}border|imagesize = 250px|caption = Brevet Major General Holman S. Melcher|order = 34th|office = Mayor of Portland|term_start = January 2, 1867|term_end = January 4, 1871|predecessor = Charles J. Chapman|successor = George W. True|birth_date = {{birth date|1841|6|30}}|birth_place = [[Topsham, Maine|Topsham]], [[Maine]]|death_date = {{death date and age|1905|06|25|1841|02|07}}|death_place = [[Portland, Maine|Portland]], [[Maine]]|resting_place = Riverside Cemetery<br />[[Lewiston, Maine]]|nationality = |party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]|otherparty = |spouse = Alice E. Hart {{small|(1874{{spaced ndash}}1905; his death)}}|partner = |relations = |children = Georgiana Hill|residence = Portland, Maine|alma_mater = [[Bates College]]|occupation = |profession = [[United States Army|Brevet Major General]]|religion = [[Baptist]]|signature = |website = |footnotes = |nickname = "Fearless Holman"|allegiance = {{Flagicon|USA}} [[United States|United States of America]]<br/>[[Union (American Civil War)|Union]]|branch = {{army|USA}}<br/>[[Union Army]]|serviceyears = 1862 - 1865|rank = [[File:Union army maj gen rank insignia.jpg|border|35px]] [[Brevet (military)|Brevet]] [[Major general (United States)|Brevet Major Generall]]|commands = [[20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment|20th Maine Infantry]]|unit = {{Flagicon|Maine}} [[20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment]]|battles = [[American Civil War]]
|birth_name = Holman Staples Melcher|image = |imagesize = 250px|caption = Brevet Major Holman S. Melcher|order = 34th|office = Mayor of Portland|term_start = January 2, 1867|term_end = January 4, 1871|predecessor = Charles J. Chapman|successor = George W. True|birth_date = {{birth date|1841|6|30}}|birth_place = [[Topsham, Maine|Topsham]], [[Maine]]|death_date = {{death date and age|1905|06|25|1841|02|07}}|death_place = [[Portland, Maine|Portland]], [[Maine]]|resting_place = Evergreen Cemetery<br />[[Portland, Maine]]|nationality = |party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]|otherparty = |spouse = Alice E. Hart {{small|(1874{{spaced ndash}}1905; his death)}}|partner = |relations = |children = Georgiana Hill|residence = Portland, Maine|alma_mater = [[Maine State Seminary]]|occupation = |profession = [[United States Army|Brevet Major]]|religion = [[Baptist]]|signature = |website = |footnotes = |nickname = |allegiance = {{Flagicon|USA}} [[United States|United States of America]]<br/>[[Union (American Civil War)|Union]]|branch = {{army|USA}}<br/>[[Union Army]]|serviceyears = 1862 - 1865|rank = [[Brevet (military)|Brevet]] [[Major (United States)|Brevet Major]]|commands = [[20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment|20th Maine Infantry]]|unit = {{Flagicon|Maine}} [[20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment]]|battles = [[American Civil War]]
*[[Battle of Shepherdstown]]
*[[Battle of Shepherdstown]]
*[[Battle of Fredericksburg]]
*[[Battle of Fredericksburg]]
Line 8: Line 8:
*[[Battle of Petersburg]]}}
*[[Battle of Petersburg]]}}


<!-- Do note remove content from the lead. If there is further citation needed, add citation template and discuss on talk page. Unexplained deletions will be reverted. -->'''Holman Staples Melcher''' ({{respell|MEL|cher}}; born June 30, 1841 &ndash; June 25, 1905)<ref name=":6">Styple, William B. (Ed.), ''With a Flash of his Sword: The Writings of. Maj. Holman S. Melcher, 20th Maine Infantry,'' pp. xiii</ref> was an [[Citizenship in the United States|American]] [[Union Army|Union Army officer]], [[politician]], and [[Businessperson|businessman]]. He served as the Mayor of [[Portland, Maine]] from 1867 to 1871. He served as a highly respected [[Union Army|Union officer]], reaching the ranks of [[Lieutenant]], [[Captain (armed forces)|Captain]], [[Major]], and eventually was appointed as [[Major general|Brevet Major General]]. His known as the first person to rush the counter-attack down [[Little Round Top]] at the [[Battle of Gettysburg]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title = 1st Lieut. Holman S. Melcher, Co. B, 20th Maine Wearing Unique Maltese Cross, CDV|url = http://www.bidsquare.com/l/94/1st-lieut-holman-s-melcher-co-b-20th-maine-wearing-unique-maltese-cross-cdv|website = Bidsquare|access-date = 2016-02-21}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":06">{{Cite book|title = With a Flash of His Sword: The Writings of Major Holman S. Melcher 20th Maine Infantry|last = Melcher|first = Holman|publisher = Belle Grove Pub Co; First Edition edition|year = 1994|isbn = |location = Ladd Library, Bates College|pages = multi-source}}</ref><ref name=":2">Eicher, pp. 527&#x2013;30; Clark, pp. 81&#x2013;85.</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title = Diary Leads War Buff To Discovery Of An Unsung Gettysburg Hero Holman S. Melcher Was The One Who Really Led The Bayonet Charge, A Publisher Says.|url = http://articles.philly.com/1994-07-20/news/25846129_1_joshua-lawrence-chamberlain-gettysburg-union-troops|website = philly-archives|access-date = 2016-02-21}}</ref>
<!-- Do note remove content from the lead. If there is further citation needed, add citation template and discuss on talk page. Unexplained deletions will be reverted. -->'''Holman Staples Melcher''' ({{respell|MEL|cher}}; born June 30, 1841 &ndash; June 25, 1905)<ref name=":6">Styple, William B. (Ed.), ''With a Flash of his Sword: The Writings of. Maj. Holman S. Melcher, 20th Maine Infantry,'' pp. xiii</ref> was an [[Citizenship in the United States|American]] [[Union Army|Union Army officer]], [[politician]], and [[Businessperson|businessman]]. He served as the Mayor of [[Portland, Maine]] from 1867 to 1871. He served as a highly respected [[Union Army|Union officer]], reaching the ranks of [[Lieutenant]], [[Captain (armed forces)|Captain]], [[Major]], and eventually was appointed as [[Major|Brevet Major]]. His known as the first person to rush the counter-attack down [[Little Round Top]] at the [[Battle of Gettysburg]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title = 1st Lieut. Holman S. Melcher, Co. B, 20th Maine Wearing Unique Maltese Cross, CDV|url = http://www.bidsquare.com/l/94/1st-lieut-holman-s-melcher-co-b-20th-maine-wearing-unique-maltese-cross-cdv|website = Bidsquare|access-date = 2016-02-21}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":06">{{Cite book|title = With a Flash of His Sword: The Writings of Major Holman S. Melcher 20th Maine Infantry|last = Melcher|first = Holman|publisher = Belle Grove Pub Co; First Edition edition|year = 1994|isbn = |location = Ladd Library, Bates College|pages = multi-source}}</ref><ref name=":2">Eicher, pp. 527&#x2013;30; Clark, pp. 81&#x2013;85.</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title = Diary Leads War Buff To Discovery Of An Unsung Gettysburg Hero Holman S. Melcher Was The One Who Really Led The Bayonet Charge, A Publisher Says.|url = http://articles.philly.com/1994-07-20/news/25846129_1_joshua-lawrence-chamberlain-gettysburg-union-troops|website = philly-archives|access-date = 2016-02-21}}</ref>


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Melcher became the Union Army Lieutenant of the 20th Maine Infantry, which charged down [[Little Round Top]] at the [[Battle of Gettysburg]]. He was the first person to initiate counter-attack against the [[Confederate States of America|Confederates]] and alter the course of the Gettysburg Battle. While Colonial [[Joshua Chamberlain]] was tending to strategy talks with officials, Melcher noted shot comrades and yelled for his fellow officers to initiate, as Chamberlain ordered their advance. He rushed the Confederate opposition with soldiers flanking his sides and began the battle over Little Round Top. This marked the second unsuccessful assault by Confederate troops against the Union's left flank on July 2, 1863, the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Most of Melcher's recollections of the battles have been carefully persevered by his younger brother, Nathaniel, and remain among the most prominent primary sources of this charge of Little Round Top. During the [[Battle of the Wilderness]], in the [[Confederate States of America|Confederate capital]] of [[Richmond, Virginia]], Lt. Melcher lead a small company of seventeen men through a forest needed for strategic alignment with the adjoining company. After bering complexity surrounded, he ordered his men to lay on the ground and start shooting, they captured thirty confederates and sustained minor injuries.<ref name=":8">Styple, x</ref>
Melcher became the Union Army Lieutenant of the 20th Maine Infantry, which charged down [[Little Round Top]] at the [[Battle of Gettysburg]]. He was the first person to initiate counter-attack against the [[Confederate States of America|Confederates]] and alter the course of the Gettysburg Battle. While Colonial [[Joshua Chamberlain]] was tending to strategy talks with officials, Melcher noted shot comrades and yelled for his fellow officers to initiate, as Chamberlain ordered their advance. He rushed the Confederate opposition with soldiers flanking his sides and began the battle over Little Round Top. This marked the second unsuccessful assault by Confederate troops against the Union's left flank on July 2, 1863, the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Most of Melcher's recollections of the battles have been carefully persevered by his younger brother, Nathaniel, and remain among the most prominent primary sources of this charge of Little Round Top. During the [[Battle of the Wilderness]], in the [[Confederate States of America|Confederate capital]] of [[Richmond, Virginia]], Lt. Melcher lead a small company of seventeen men through a forest needed for strategic alignment with the adjoining company. After bering complexity surrounded, he ordered his men to lay on the ground and start shooting, they captured thirty confederates and sustained minor injuries.<ref name=":8">Styple, x</ref>


His involvement in the [[Battle of Spotsylvania Court House]] in [[Virginia]], resulted in him being promoted and serious injury. While engaging in the battle, he was promoted three different times, starting with [[First Lieutenant#United States|First Lieutenant]], at the beginning of strategic talks, [[Captain (United States)|Captain]] in 1864, while actively fighting, and near the conclusion of the battle, [[Major general|Brevet Major General]]. He also went on to serve in three different companies during that battle, resulting in him being mustered out on July 16, 1865.<ref name=":1"/><ref name=":06"/>
His involvement in the [[Battle of Spotsylvania Court House]] in [[Virginia]], resulted in him being promoted and serious injury. While engaging in the battle, he was promoted three different times, starting with [[First Lieutenant#United States|First Lieutenant]], at the beginning of strategic talks, [[Captain (United States)|Captain]] in 1864, while actively fighting, and near the conclusion of the battle, [[Major|Brevet Major]]. He also went on to serve in three different companies during that battle, resulting in him being mustered out on July 16, 1865.<ref name=":1"/><ref name=":06"/>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
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==== Charging Little Round Top dispute<!-- Any removal of content from this section without explanation or discussion on talk page will be reverted. --> ====
==== Charging Little Round Top dispute<!-- Any removal of content from this section without explanation or discussion on talk page will be reverted. --> ====
There has been some controversy tied to the charging of the rooftop with historians challenging who exactly lead the charge. Historians widely agree that it was Col [[Joshua Chamberlain]], ordered the charge but Melcher who physically engaged first. This was later confirmed by [[Brigadier general|Brigadier General]], [[Ellis Spear]],<ref name=":7">Style pp. viii</ref> as he stated that Melcher initiated the charge by spontaneously running down the hill and calling the men to follow and to protect fallen comrades.<ref>Desjardin, p. 69.</ref> Historians have concluded prior to the order of Chamberlain to fix the bayonets, Melcher "led the impulsive charge, responding to the cries of wounded comrades between the lines."<ref name=":4"/><blockquote>"With a cheer and a flash of his sword that sent an inspiration along the line, full ten paces to the front he sprang - ten paces - more than half the distance between the hostile lines... 'Come on! Come on! Come on boys!' [Melcher] shouts. The color sergeant and the brave color guard follow, and with one wild yell of anguish wrung from its tortured heart the regiment charged."<ref name=":4"/> - Pvt. Theodore Gerrish of the 20th Maine</blockquote>Personal letters of this account were held privately by [[Bowdoin College]].<ref name=":4"/>
There has been some controversy tied to the charging of the rooftop with historians challenging who exactly lead the charge. Historians widely agree that it was Col [[Joshua Chamberlain]], ordered the charge but Melcher who physically engaged first. This was later confirmed by [[Brigadier general|Brigadier General]], [[Ellis Spear]],<ref name=":7">Style pp. viii</ref> as he stated that Melcher initiated the charge by spontaneously running down the hill and calling the men to follow and to protect fallen comrades.<ref>Desjardin, p. 69.</ref> Historians have concluded prior to the order of Chamberlain to fix the bayonets, Melcher "led the impulsive charge, responding to the cries of wounded comrades between the lines."<ref name=":4"/><blockquote>"With a cheer and a flash of his sword that sent an inspiration along the line, full ten paces to the front he sprang - ten paces - more than half the distance between the hostile lines... 'Come on! Come on! Come on boys!' [Melcher] shouts. The color sergeant and the brave color guard follow, and with one wild yell of anguish wrung from its tortured heart the regiment charged."<ref name=":4"/> - Pvt. Theodore Gerrish of the 20th Maine</blockquote>Personal letters of this account are held privately by [[Bowdoin College]].<ref name=":4"/>


=== Battle of the Wilderness ===
=== Battle of the Wilderness ===
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=== Battle of Spotsylvania Court House ===
=== Battle of Spotsylvania Court House ===
His involvement in the [[Battle of Spotsylvania Court House]] in [[Virginia]], resulted in him being promoted and serious injury. While engaging in the battle, he was promoted three different times. He was promoted to the rank of [[First Lieutenant#United States|first lieutenant]] in 1863, and Captain a year later; and near the conclusion of the battle, [[Major general|Brevet Major General]]. His commanding officers, impressed by him, promoted him to acting [[adjutant]] to Colonel [[Joshua Chamberlain]].<ref name=":06"/> Serving under [[Ulysses S. Grant]], and [[George Meade|George G. Meade]], he and his company were tasked with the advancement of soldiers to Laurel Hill, a position that was blocking them from Spotsylvania Court House. Confederate soldiers returned heavy fire and the initial program was unsuccessful in dislodging the Confederates. Melcher ordered a clearing of the Brock Road for the infantry, but the troopers soon bogged down, and provided a weak defense against the confederates at that point.<ref name=":06"/> <blockquote>"Our whole Division of over 10,000 strong is camped in a beautiful green field . . . The thousands of white tents dotting this green surface, and the many wagons, and ambulances, which go with the marching column makes a really grand sight. And the bands have been playing all evening, making music sweet and soul-stirring, which floats forth in the pleasant evening air . . . But I am moved when I think that before another evening, this beautiful scene will be stained in the blood of thousands who are to-night happy actors in it."<ref name=":4"/> - Holeman S. Melcher</blockquote>Eventually, Melcher was [[brevet (military)|brevetted]] to the rank of [[Major general|Major General]] by the end of the battle. He was badly wounded in the [[Battle of Spotsylvania Court House]] in [[Virginia]], but survived.<ref name=":06"/>
His involvement in the [[Battle of Spotsylvania Court House]] in [[Virginia]], resulted in him being promoted and serious injury. While engaging in the battle, he was promoted three different times. He was promoted to the rank of [[First Lieutenant#United States|first lieutenant]] in 1863, and Captain a year later; and near the conclusion of the battle, [[Major|Brevet Major]]. His commanding officers, impressed by him, promoted him to acting [[adjutant]] to Colonel [[Joshua Chamberlain]].<ref name=":06"/> Serving under [[Ulysses S. Grant]], and [[George Meade|George G. Meade]], he and his company were tasked with the advancement of soldiers to Laurel Hill, a position that was blocking them from Spotsylvania Court House. Confederate soldiers returned heavy fire and the initial program was unsuccessful in dislodging the Confederates. Melcher ordered a clearing of the Brock Road for the infantry, but the troopers soon bogged down, and provided a weak defense against the confederates at that point.<ref name=":06"/> <blockquote>"Our whole Division of over 10,000 strong is camped in a beautiful green field . . . The thousands of white tents dotting this green surface, and the many wagons, and ambulances, which go with the marching column makes a really grand sight. And the bands have been playing all evening, making music sweet and soul-stirring, which floats forth in the pleasant evening air . . . But I am moved when I think that before another evening, this beautiful scene will be stained in the blood of thousands who are to-night happy actors in it."<ref name=":4"/> - Holeman S. Melcher</blockquote>Eventually, Melcher was [[brevet (military)|brevetted]] to the rank of [[Major (United States)|Major]] by the end of the battle. He was badly wounded in the [[Battle of Spotsylvania Court House]] in [[Virginia]], but survived.<ref name=":06"/>


=== Battle of Petersburg ===
=== Battle of Petersburg ===
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=== Mayor of Portland ===
=== Mayor of Portland ===
After the war, Melcher moved back to [[Portland, Maine]], where he engaged in multiple business partnerships, and [[mercantilism]]. His widespread business endeavors garnered him wide support and respect. His old commanding officer, Col. Chamberlain, wrote to the advertisement board of the city and published the following: <blockquote>"I want to propose a name for the Republican nomination for mayor-- a name that needs no recommendation; a man with a record of splendid courage and endurance in the late war, from the beginning to the end since the war an honorable, high-minded citizen and energetic businessman, enjoying the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens in both parties. From this man no pledges need or will be asked. All these years of his well-regarded life are pledges for his good conduct in any situation. And his name is Holman S. Melcher."<ref name=":9" /> - [[Joshua Chamberlain]] </blockquote>Melcher was elected to Mayor of Portland on 1867, and a year later married Ellen M. McLellan who was the daughter of George McLellan, a prominent Portland lawyer. He was elected as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] and advocated for progressive values and the establishment of a central-city government. His first wife, Ellen died from [[Tuberculosis|consumption]], and he later remarried with Alice Hart.
After the war, Melcher moved back to [[Portland, Maine]], where he engaged in multiple business partnerships, and [[mercantilism]]. His widespread business endeavors garnered him wide support and respect. His old commanding officer, Col. Chamberlain, wrote to the advertisement board of the city and published the following: <blockquote>"I want to propose a name for the Republican nomination for mayor-- a name that needs no recommendation; a man with a record of splendid courage and endurance in the late war, from the beginning to the end since the war an honorable, high-minded citizen and energetic businessman, enjoying the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens in both parties. From this man no pledges need or will be asked. All these years of his well-regarded life are pledges for his good conduct in any situation. And his name is Holman S. Melcher."<ref name=":9" /> - [[Joshua Chamberlain]] </blockquote>Melcher was elected to Mayor of Portland on 1867, and a year later married Ellen M. McClbowdoinellan who was the daughter of George McClellan, a prominent Portland lawyer. He was elected as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] and advocated for progressive values and the establishment of a central-city government. His first wife, Ellen died from [[Tuberculosis|consumption]], and he later remarried with Alice Hart.


He was elected again and served for a second term ending in 1871.<ref name=":06"/>
He was elected again and served for a second term ending in 1871.<ref name=":06"/>

Revision as of 16:26, 23 February 2016

Holman Melcher
34th Mayor of Portland
In office
January 2, 1867 – January 4, 1871
Preceded byCharles J. Chapman
Succeeded byGeorge W. True
Personal details
Born
Holman Staples Melcher

(1841-06-30)June 30, 1841
Topsham, Maine
DiedJune 25, 1905(1905-06-25) (aged 64)
Portland, Maine
Resting placeEvergreen Cemetery
Portland, Maine
Political partyRepublican
SpouseAlice E. Hart (1874 – 1905; his death)
ChildrenGeorgiana Hill
Residence(s)Portland, Maine
Alma materMaine State Seminary
ProfessionBrevet Major
Military service
AllegianceUnited States United States of America
Union
Branch/service United States Army
Union Army
Years of service1862 - 1865
RankBrevet Brevet Major
UnitMaine 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Commands20th Maine Infantry
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War

Holman Staples Melcher (MEL-cher; born June 30, 1841 – June 25, 1905)[1] was an American Union Army officer, politician, and businessman. He served as the Mayor of Portland, Maine from 1867 to 1871. He served as a highly respected Union officer, reaching the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Major, and eventually was appointed as Brevet Major. His known as the first person to rush the counter-attack down Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg.[2][2][3][4][5]

He first began his formal military career in the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was mustered in and equipped at Camp Mason near Portland, Maine, in August 1862. He and his regiment were assigned to the 5th Corps Division, and first engaged in military combat at the Battle of Shepherdstown Ford. During the Battle of Antietam, the 20th Maine was held in reserve on a hill near the Pry Farm.

Melcher became the Union Army Lieutenant of the 20th Maine Infantry, which charged down Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was the first person to initiate counter-attack against the Confederates and alter the course of the Gettysburg Battle. While Colonial Joshua Chamberlain was tending to strategy talks with officials, Melcher noted shot comrades and yelled for his fellow officers to initiate, as Chamberlain ordered their advance. He rushed the Confederate opposition with soldiers flanking his sides and began the battle over Little Round Top. This marked the second unsuccessful assault by Confederate troops against the Union's left flank on July 2, 1863, the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Most of Melcher's recollections of the battles have been carefully persevered by his younger brother, Nathaniel, and remain among the most prominent primary sources of this charge of Little Round Top. During the Battle of the Wilderness, in the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, Lt. Melcher lead a small company of seventeen men through a forest needed for strategic alignment with the adjoining company. After bering complexity surrounded, he ordered his men to lay on the ground and start shooting, they captured thirty confederates and sustained minor injuries.[6]

His involvement in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia, resulted in him being promoted and serious injury. While engaging in the battle, he was promoted three different times, starting with First Lieutenant, at the beginning of strategic talks, Captain in 1864, while actively fighting, and near the conclusion of the battle, Brevet Major. He also went on to serve in three different companies during that battle, resulting in him being mustered out on July 16, 1865.[2][3]

Early life and education

Melcher was born in the small town of Topsham, Maine, on June 30, 1841. He was born to James and Nancy Melcher. His father was a native of Brunswick, Maine and his mother was the daughter of Captain Nehemiah Curtis of Harpswell, Maine, who traces his linage to colonizing New Englanders.[7] As a young boy Holman Melcher worked on his family farm with his brother, Nathaniel, and his sister, Mary. He initially began schooling in towns near Topsham, in a small school district. After graduating from secondary school he enrolled at Bates College (then known as Maine State Seminary), at age fifteen. He was enrolled at the institution from 1858 to 1862, in Lewiston, Maine.[3]

In the spring of 1861, there was an attack on Fort Sumpter, which took the nation into the Civil War. During this time Melcher was completing his studies at Bates, and holding a small teaching job in Harpswell.[3] He became engrossed with the patriotism involved with the war and upon concluding his studies he quit his teaching job, and enlisted formally on August 19, 1862 as a private in Company B, 20th Regiment Maine Volunteer Infantry.[7] His younger brother became interested in following his footsteps but Holman advised him to avoid enlisting and pursue education at Bowdoin College, promising to write each other weekly. A week after enlisting, he was mustered into the United States service at the rank of Corporal.[3]

American Civil War

Melcher in the 20th Maine Infantry

After completing his studies at Bates, he enlisted as a Corporal in the Union Army. Melcher was assigned to the 20th Maine infantry which was organized in and equipped at Camp Mason near Portland, Maine, in August 29, 1862 and was immediately assigned to the 5th Corps serving in that organization for the duration.[3]

Battle of Shepherdstown Ford

He and his regiment were assigned the 5th Corps Division, and first engaged in military combat in the Battle of Shepherdstown Ford, the end of the Maryland Campaign of the American Civil War.[2]

Battle of Fredericksburg

During the Battle of Fredericksburg, Melcher was promoted to Sergeant-Major for "meritorious conduct", by Col. Adelbert Ames. One year later he was promoted to First Lieutenant of Company F.[1]

Battle of Gettysburg

On April 2, 1863, Colonial Joshua Chamberlain, appointed him acting Adjutant of the regiment. He served in this position until army restructuring by the incoming General Ulysses S. Grant, in March.[6]

On July 2, 1863, Melcher was a Lieutenant and initiated the bayonet charge at Little Round Top, and lead a charge that helped defeat the Confederate attack, which subsequently turned the course of the war.[2][2][3][4][5] On the second day of Battle of Gettysburg, military forces moved to Little Round Top, where Col. Chamberlain began preparing strategic options, as Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker was recently replaced by George G. Meade. As fighting raged in the Wheatfield and Devil's Den, Col. Strong Vincent of V Corps had a precarious hold on Little Round Top, an important hill at the extreme left of the Union line. His brigade of four relatively small regiments was able to resist repeated assaults by Brig. Gen. Evander M. Law's brigade of Hood's division. The defense of Little Round Top with a bayonet charge by the 20th Maine was one of the most fabled episodes in the Civil War.[4]

Charging Little Round Top dispute

There has been some controversy tied to the charging of the rooftop with historians challenging who exactly lead the charge. Historians widely agree that it was Col Joshua Chamberlain, ordered the charge but Melcher who physically engaged first. This was later confirmed by Brigadier General, Ellis Spear,[7] as he stated that Melcher initiated the charge by spontaneously running down the hill and calling the men to follow and to protect fallen comrades.[8] Historians have concluded prior to the order of Chamberlain to fix the bayonets, Melcher "led the impulsive charge, responding to the cries of wounded comrades between the lines."[5]

"With a cheer and a flash of his sword that sent an inspiration along the line, full ten paces to the front he sprang - ten paces - more than half the distance between the hostile lines... 'Come on! Come on! Come on boys!' [Melcher] shouts. The color sergeant and the brave color guard follow, and with one wild yell of anguish wrung from its tortured heart the regiment charged."[5] - Pvt. Theodore Gerrish of the 20th Maine

Personal letters of this account are held privately by Bowdoin College.[5]

Battle of the Wilderness

During the Battle of the Wilderness, in the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, Lt. Melcher lead a small company of seventeen men through a forest needed for strategic alignment with the adjoining company. Due to the heavy fog and subsequent lack of vision, they failed to notice Confederate soldiers move up incognito to their left flank and were complexity surrounded. He ordered his men to lay on the ground and start shooting, they captured thirty confederates and sustained minor injuries.[6]

Battle of Laurel Hill

Three days alter he was shot in the right leg following a counter-insurgency, during the Battle of Laurel Hill, in West Virginia. He was rushed to a make-shift hospital in the Mary Washington house. Due to the level of injury sustained he was escorted by military personnel to Armory Square hospital in Washington, and returned to Maine for recuperation. He returned to active duty in the fall of 1864.[9]

The Battle of Spotsylvania, where Melcher was severely injured

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

His involvement in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia, resulted in him being promoted and serious injury. While engaging in the battle, he was promoted three different times. He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in 1863, and Captain a year later; and near the conclusion of the battle, Brevet Major. His commanding officers, impressed by him, promoted him to acting adjutant to Colonel Joshua Chamberlain.[3] Serving under Ulysses S. Grant, and George G. Meade, he and his company were tasked with the advancement of soldiers to Laurel Hill, a position that was blocking them from Spotsylvania Court House. Confederate soldiers returned heavy fire and the initial program was unsuccessful in dislodging the Confederates. Melcher ordered a clearing of the Brock Road for the infantry, but the troopers soon bogged down, and provided a weak defense against the confederates at that point.[3]

"Our whole Division of over 10,000 strong is camped in a beautiful green field . . . The thousands of white tents dotting this green surface, and the many wagons, and ambulances, which go with the marching column makes a really grand sight. And the bands have been playing all evening, making music sweet and soul-stirring, which floats forth in the pleasant evening air . . . But I am moved when I think that before another evening, this beautiful scene will be stained in the blood of thousands who are to-night happy actors in it."[5] - Holeman S. Melcher

Eventually, Melcher was brevetted to the rank of Major by the end of the battle. He was badly wounded in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia, but survived.[3]

Battle of Petersburg

He went on to serve in three different companies during that battle, he served as Inspector-General to the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment until he was mustered out on July 16, 1865.[2][3]

Post-war service

Mayor of Portland

After the war, Melcher moved back to Portland, Maine, where he engaged in multiple business partnerships, and mercantilism. His widespread business endeavors garnered him wide support and respect. His old commanding officer, Col. Chamberlain, wrote to the advertisement board of the city and published the following:

"I want to propose a name for the Republican nomination for mayor-- a name that needs no recommendation; a man with a record of splendid courage and endurance in the late war, from the beginning to the end since the war an honorable, high-minded citizen and energetic businessman, enjoying the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens in both parties. From this man no pledges need or will be asked. All these years of his well-regarded life are pledges for his good conduct in any situation. And his name is Holman S. Melcher."[9] - Joshua Chamberlain

Melcher was elected to Mayor of Portland on 1867, and a year later married Ellen M. McClbowdoinellan who was the daughter of George McClellan, a prominent Portland lawyer. He was elected as a Republican and advocated for progressive values and the establishment of a central-city government. His first wife, Ellen died from consumption, and he later remarried with Alice Hart.

He was elected again and served for a second term ending in 1871.[3]

Maine Regiment Association

As Mayor, he remained committed to the progression of Veteran Affairs and founded the 20th Maine Regiment Association (1876 – 1905), where he served as president. He published an article titled An Experience in the Battle of the Wilderness in the Maine MOLLUS's War Papers Vol. 1 (1898), based on his own experiences in that battle.[3]

Death and legacy

Regimental monument on Little Round Top for the 20th Maine.

Melcher suffered from poor health toward the end of his life due to the pain from his old war wounds. He eventually passed away after a long fight wth Bright's Disease, and died on June 25, 1905, at age 64. His brother, Nathaniel died in 1902.[1]

His family have largely survived him. Melcher and Alice Hart had one daughter, Georgiana Hill, who married Harry Tukey Johnson.[10] Hart outlived Melcher by 18 years, and

Most of Melcher's papers are currently stored at the Maine Historical Society, Bates College, and Bowdoin College.

Melcher's writings, along with correspondence from other members of the 20th Maine were published in With a Flash of His Sword: The Writings of. Maj. Holman S. Melcher, 20th Maine Infantry.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Styple, William B. (Ed.), With a Flash of his Sword: The Writings of. Maj. Holman S. Melcher, 20th Maine Infantry, pp. xiii
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "1st Lieut. Holman S. Melcher, Co. B, 20th Maine Wearing Unique Maltese Cross, CDV". Bidsquare. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Melcher, Holman (1994). With a Flash of His Sword: The Writings of Major Holman S. Melcher 20th Maine Infantry. Ladd Library, Bates College: Belle Grove Pub Co; First Edition edition. pp. multi–source.
  4. ^ a b c Eicher, pp. 527–30; Clark, pp. 81–85.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Diary Leads War Buff To Discovery Of An Unsung Gettysburg Hero Holman S. Melcher Was The One Who Really Led The Bayonet Charge, A Publisher Says". philly-archives. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
  6. ^ a b c Styple, x
  7. ^ a b c Style pp. viii
  8. ^ Desjardin, p. 69.
  9. ^ a b Styple, pp. x
  10. ^ Genealogical and Family History of the STATE OF MAINE, Compiled under the editorial supervision of George Thomas Little, A. M., Litt. D., LEWIS HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, New York, 1909. http://dunhamwilcox.net/me/me_bio_melcher.htm

Bibliography

  • Styple, William B. (Ed.), With a Flash of his Sword: The Writings of. Maj. Holman S. Melcher, 20th Maine Infantry, Belle Grove Publishing, 1994, ISBN 1-883926-00-9.
  • Desjardin, Thomas A., Stand Firm Ye Boys from Maine: The 20th Maine and the Gettysburg Campaign, Thomas Publications, 1995, ISBN 1-57747-034-6.
  • Donald, David Herbert (1996) [1995]. Lincoln. Simon and Schuster.

Notes

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