That’s true. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain did not become a Brigadier General until almost a year later. At the end of the war, he was a Brevet Major General.
chamberlain was selected by grant to take the confederate surrender at appomatax. he annoyed many dc pols (yes they were vile creatures back then too) by having his troops salute the rebs as they marched in and stacked arms. confederate general john b. gordon, on horsebsck, responded with a salute of his own to chamberlain and the yanks.
most southern soldiers never held a grudge against federal soldiers, just the carpetbaggers and northern scum that came south after the war to loot and blunder. of course, in the current posos we have a southern carbetbagger going north,
Bvt. Maj. Gen. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
32nd Governor of Maine
In office
January 2, 1867 – January 4, 1871
Preceded by Samuel Cony
Succeeded by Sidney Perham
Personal details
Born Lawrence Joshua Chamberlain
(1828-09-08)September 8, 1828
Brewer, Maine
Died February 24, 1914(1914-02-24) (aged 85)
Portland, Maine
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Fanny Chamberlain
Children Grace Dupee (Chamberlain) Allen (b. 1856), Infant Son (unnamed) (d. 1857), Harold Wyllys Chamberlain (b. 1858), Emily Stelle Chamberlain (d. 1860), Gertrude Loraine Chamberlain (d. 1865)
Residence Brunswick, Maine (His house is preserved as a historical landmark to this day.)
Alma mater Bowdoin College
Profession Educator, Military
Religion Congregationalist
Military service
Nickname(s) Lion of the Round Top
Allegiance United States of America
Union
Service/branch United States Army
Union Army
Years of service 1862–66
Rank Brevet Major General
Brigadier General
Commands 20th Maine Infantry
3rd Brigade, 1st Division, V Corps
1st Brigade, 1st Division, V Corps
1st Division, V Corps
Battles/wars American Civil War
Battle of Fredericksburg
Battle of Gettysburg
Second Battle of Petersburg
Battle of White Oak Road
Battle of Five Forks
Appomattox Campaign
Awards Congressional Medal of Honor
Son of Maine