Brevet Colonel Hall has risen from a private to his present rank and office by his excellent military talent, energy, intelligence and gentlemanliness, and by his great gallantry in all the engagements in which he has participated. These have been the hand-maids of his success. He is a patriot who has accomplished a good work for his country, and who also carries the empty sleeve—the same unmistakable mark of superior devotion and valor.
MAJOR HORACE BUMSTEAD.
Major Horace Bumstead of this Regiment is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and a regular graduate of Yale College, having completed his course in that institution in 1863. He was a member of the Massachusetts Rifle Club, which has contributed quite a number of Field and Officers of other grades to our army during this war, who are known as worthy commanders, distinguished for their ability and bravery. In connection with this military organization he held the position of Sergeant, and was afterwards promoted to Major. Promotion could be secured only upon very creditable examination. N. Willis Bumstead, Captain of the 45th Massachusetts Volunteers, a brother of the Major's, is another representative of this patriotic family.
Horace Bumstead was appointed by the President Major of this Regiment, April 8th, 1864. After reporting under order at Camp William Penn, Philadelphia, he there completed the organization of the remaining Companies, "H," "I" and "K," of the Regiment. He proceeded with these in a Provisional Battalion to Havre-de-grace, Maryland, and thence to the Defences of Baltimore and Washington, to assist in checking the advance of the enemy, then threatening those cities. Afterwards in command of these Companies, with detachments also belonging to other Regiments, he proceeded to the front, joining his own command August 3d, 1864, then on the line before Petersburg, Va. In the absence of Colonel Yeoman, (now Brevet Brigadier General) doing duty at Camp Casey, Va., and Brevet Colonel Hall, severely wounded in the battle of July 30th, the command devolved upon him. He was commanding officer of the Regiment in all the actions in which it participated and other duties until Nov. 29th, ensuing—the date of Colonel Yeoman's reporting. He has in fact been commanding officer embracing a considerable period of its service, and was such at the time of its muster-out at Brownsville, Texas, during its perilous Gulf and Ocean voyage thence to New York, and up to its final discharge at Phila.
Major Bumstead has participated in the following actions, viz.: Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on the Bermuda Front, in Dec. 1864; Farra's Island at Dutch Gap Canal, January 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.
He is an officer of fine ability, intelligence and bravery, and whose very exemplary moral character made his connection with the service an honor to the country.
SURGEON AI. WATERHOUSE.
Surgeon Ai. Waterhouse of this command is a native of Scarborough, Me., whose great-uncles, George, Nathaniel and Joseph Waterhouse were soldiers of the war of the Revolution, and another ancestor a soldier of the war of 1812. At the commencement of this struggle he decided to abandon the practice of his profession at Buxton, Me., and give his services to the country. The Medical Board convened at Portland, by which he was examined, unanimously recommended him for the position of Surgeon. July 24th, 1862, when he joined the army at Harrison's Landing, Va., he was assigned to the 7th Maine Infantry, 2d Div., 6th Corps. There was no vacancy for full Surgeon at that time in the command, although his services were much needed. On this account, and by the urgent request also of the Governor of his State, he consented to accept temporarily the position of Assistant Surgeon. However in the event of a vacancy he was to obtain the position according to the examination he had passed. Owing to circumstances, to say the least, very discreditable to the parties in the case, and who possessed such plasticity of principle and low estimate of honor, this vacancy was bestowed on another, whose subsequent history proved him incapable of discharging its duties. Surgeon Waterhouse suffered this wrong, uncomplainingly, and continued at his post. His services in connection with his Regt., and also the 6th Me. Infantry, to which he had been temporarily assigned, are spoken of with great satisfaction.
After an examination before the Surgeon's Examining Board of the Army of the Potomac, he received the appointment of Surgeon of the 43d Regt. U.S. Colored Troops, March 8th 1864. He continued for a time as Surgeon in charge of Camp William Penn, Phila., and then joined this Regiment in the field, Aug. 3d, 1864. In connection with this command, on Operating Staff, in charge of Field Hospitals and Acting Senior Medical Officer of Brigades and Departments, he has been frequently complimented for his proficiency and skill in difficult cases of surgery, and for his sobriety and correct principles. Chief Medical Officer Hall, of the 6th Corps, says: "I esteem Surgeon Waterhouse well qualified, in regard to moral character, learning and ability, to discharge the responsible duties of the position with honor to himself and the service." Brigadier General Bates, commanding 1st Brig., 4th Div., 9th Corps, testifies of him: "For strict and unswerving fidelity to duty, for sobriety and high toned morals, for firm loyalty he has ever won the respect of those who knew him." Major General Ferrero, commander of the Department of Bermuda Hundred, Va., compliments him after this manner: "In parting with this officer the General Commanding desires to express his regret at parting with an officer so long associated with him, and his appreciation of the services he has rendered." Chief Medical Officer Surgeon Prince, says: "I take pleasure in recommending Surgeon Ai. Waterhouse as a good Physician and Surgeon. The Doctor served as Brigade Surgeon in my Div. during the greater part of 1864, and, as such, displayed professional and executive ability of a very high order; he was always noted for his promptness and energy in the discharge of his duty."
The following are actions in which he has participated in the duty of his Department, viz.: Second Bull Run, Aug. 30th, 1862; South Mountain, Sept. 14th, 1862; Antietam, Sept. 17th, 1862; Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th and 14th, 1862; Salem Heights, May 3d and 4th, 1863; Gettysburg, July 1st, 2d and 3d, 1863; heavy skirmish at Fairfield, Pa., July 7th, 1863; heavy skirmish at Monterey House and Waynesboro', July 5th, 1863; Locust Grove, Nov. 24th, 1863; Mine Run, Nov. 27th, 1863; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on the Bermuda Front, Dec. 1864; capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.