Biography

"Civil War Union Major General. Entered Civil War service by being commissioned directly into the Regular Army as a Captain in the 19th United States Regular Infantry (which was a new regiment raised specifically for the War). Served with his regiment in Tennessee, and was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh. In September 1862 he was commissioned Colonel and commander of the 25th Maine Volunteer Infantry. He led his unit, then a brigade, in the defenses of Washington, DC, seeing no action until his discharge from volunteer service in July 1863. He returned to his Captaincy in the 19th US Infantry until January 1864, when he was appointed Colonel and commander of the 30th Maine Volunteer Infantry. Led his new unit in the Gulf region during the Red River Campaign. He assumed command of his brigade at the Battle of Pleasant Hill when its commander, Colonel Lewis Benedict, was killed. At an engagement at Monett's Bluff, he led a charge that held of attacking Confederate forces, and caused him to lose his right leg. Promoted to Brigadier General, US Volunteers in May 1864 while recovering. Upon his return to field service he was assigned to various supply trains and garrison commands, and saw no further combat. During the trail of Andersonville Prison commandant Henry Wirz, he served as one of the nine military judges. Promoted to Major General, US Volunteers in November 1865. He turned down a Regular Army commission of Lieutenant Colonel, and retired from the Army in January 1866. Served as Mayor of Portland in 1876. His father was Civil War Maine Senator William P. Fessenden, and his brothers were Brig. Gen. James D. Fessenden, and Lieutenant Samuel Fessenden (who was mortally wounded at 2nd Bull Run)."
Mentioned by Will in 18641026WSJ_JWS1.