Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain spent less than four of his eighty-five years in the service of the Army of the Potomac during the War Between the States. However, it is this short period of his life for which he is best known.
Little is said of his pre- and post-war accomplishments. But his contributions in civilian life were typically as important as those he spent in the war. He attended Bowdoin College and graduated in 1852 with honors in all departments. He continued his studies at the Theological Seminary at Bangor and served as supervisor of the Brewer Schools. Later he was appointed Professor of rhetoric, oratory and modern language at Bowdoin College. After the war, he launched his political career with a stunning landslide victory that catapulted him into four terms as governor of Maine. Following his profession in government, Chamberlain was named president of Bowdoin College. Still later, the President of the United States appointed him as Commissioner of Education to the World’s Exposition in Paris. In this capacity, he was awarded the French Medal of Honor. Returning home, he rose to become the president of a railroad construction company and was later appointed by President McKinley as surveyor of customs for the port of Portland. This was the position he held until his death in 1914. It is interesting to note that General Chamberlain has been and will undoubtedly continue to be venerated by writers and journalists.
After the war, his stirring orations were in great demand. He was often called upon to deliver the keynote address for a variety of occasions, but especially for gatherings of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. At these affairs, General Chamberlain reminisced about his most memorable and poignant experiences in the war …. They reveal his intense, often passionate feelings for his country, the stirring accounts of his wartime experiences, and the love he shared for the men under him. He also showed compassion and sensitivity to the Confederate soldiers who had opposed him. The qualities and values he held were esteemed far above many of his contemporaries. These same virtues commanded tremendous respect from his men, making Chamberlain one of the finest officers ever to serve in the Army of the Potomac.
The general served in over twenty-eight engagements, representing battles considered to embrace the most ferocious fighting of the war, including: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Five Forks. He was wounded six times, and two of these were nearly fatal. He entered the war in August, 1862 as Lieutenant Colonel of the Twentieth Regiment of Maine Volunteers. By May, 1863, he had been promoted to full Colonel. Two months later, he led his regiment to fame and glory with his epic struggle to defend Little Round Top at Gettysburg. His heroic actions at this battle resulted in his being awarded the coveted Medal of Honor.
After becoming seriously ill at Rappahannock Station, he was forced to convalesce, yet returned to fight again, in May, 1864, in time to participate in the Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg campaigns. It was at Petersburg, in June, 1864, after being severely wounded, that Ulysses S. Grant promoted him, in the field, to Brigadier General. General Grant did not expect Chamberlain to live and wanted to pay homage to this subordinate and allow him to die at that rank. But, to everyone’s surprise, the tenacious fighter cheated death and returned to fight with General Sheridan on the battle for Quaker Road, where he was again wounded.
On March 29, 1865, Chamberlain was brevetted Major General, in time to take part in the bitter struggle on the White Oak Road. Here he received additional wounds on the battlefield, but stubbornly chose to remain with his beloved Fifth Corps to fight at Five Forks, where he distinguished himself once again.
Grant, in his admiration for Chamberlain, designated him to receive the first flag of surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, April 12, 1865. He was chosen to receive the formal surrender of arms and colors of the Confederate Army. At that time, he rendered one of the most memorable and gallant acts of the war by giving a final salute to the soldiers of the Confederacy as they laid down their arms. General Chamberlain closed the war in a most fitting manner, by leading the Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington.
It is not surprising so many people are attracted to the great strength in the personality that made up this magnificent man. Nor is it any wonder that he is fast becoming one of America’s greatest loved folk heroes. There have been few men who have captured the hearts and imagination of America as has Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. It is to his memory that this compilation is dedicated, in the hopes that it will inspire in this and generations to come, a sense of patriotism and love of country that was ever present and exemplified in the life of this beloved General.
One of Chamberlain’s most passionate accounts (offered during his speech at the dedication of the Monument to his 20th Maine Regiment, October 3rd, 1889):
In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field to ponder and dream; and lo! The shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls …. This is the great reward of service. To live, far out and on in the lives of others …. To give life’s best for such high stake that it shall be found again unto life eternal.