2.75" X 3" CLIPPED SIGNATURE ~ APRIL 11, 1863

 

 

Berry, Hiram G., major-general, was born in Thomaston 
(now Rockland), Me., Aug. 27, 1824, learned the carpenter 
trade as a boy, and afterwards became a navigator.  He 
represented his native town for several terms in the state 
legislature and was mayor of the city of Rockland.  At 
Rockland he organized and for several years commanded a 
company called the Rockland Guard, which was well known for 
its excellent discipline.  At the beginning of the Civil war, 
Gen.  Berry entered the service as colonel of the 4th Maine 
infantry, took part in the battle of Bull Run, the siege of 
Yorktown, and on April 4, 1862, was made a brigadier-general. 
He was present at the battles of Fair Oaks and Williamsburg at 
the Seven Days, fight, the second Bull Run campaign, and 
Chantilly.  In Jan., 1863, he was nominated by the president 
as major-general of volunteers, the nomination was confirmed, 
and he was placed in command of the 2nd division of the 3rd 
army corps, succeeding Gen. Sickles.  Berry lost his life at a 
critical juncture in the battle of Chancellorsville, when, at 
the head of his division, he was leading a bayonet charge 
against the enemy.