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Holman Melcher papers

 Collection
Identifier: M127

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Scope and Content

The collection contains correspondence (1860-1865), Civil War records, clippings, and other material (1863-1865). Correspondence includes letters to his brother Nathaniel, then a student at Bowdoin, and to his parents, written from the front lines at Fredericksburg, Antietam and other battle sites. Also included are general orders of the Army of the Potomac, and a consolidated morning report of the 20th Maine Regiment for March 21, 1863.

Dates

  • Creation: 1860 - 1865

Creator

Biographical/Historical Note

Holman Melcher (1841-1905), a native of Topsham, Maine, was the brother of Nathaniel Melcher (Bowdoin 1864). During the Civil War, he served with the 20th Maine Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg. His journals, published with his letters as With a Flash of His Sword, suggest that it was he, and not Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who led the impulsive charge that helped to rescue the Union forces. Melcher served to brevet major and was wounded in the Battle of Spotsylvania in Virginia, but survived the war.

He served as president of the 20th Maine Regiment Association (1876-1905). He was a successful wholesale grocer in Portland, Maine, and was twice elected mayor of the city (1889-1890). He married Alice Hart and had one daughter.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Correspondence (1860-1865), Civil War records, clippings, and other material (1863-1865). Correspondence includes letters to Holman's brother Nathaniel, then a student at Bowdoin, and to his parents, written from the front lines at Fredericksburg, Antietam and other battle sites.

Related Names

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Holman Melcher Papers
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.