Charles Hamlin (general)

Charles Hamlin (general)

Charles Hamlin (September 13, 1837 - May 15, 1911) was a Union Army major during the American Civil War ("Civil War") who was awarded the honorary grade of brevet brigadier general United States Volunteers, to rank from March 13, 1865, by U.S. Senate confirmation on March 12, 1866. He was also the son of Vice President Hannibal Hamlin and brother to Cyrus Hamlin, a Union Army brigadier general.

Charles Hamlin began his military career as a major in the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery Regiment and then gained a staff position as major and assistant adjutant general in the Army of the Potomac. He fought in the Battle of Gettysburg among other engagements. Hamlin served as assistant adjutant general on the staffs of Generals Hiram G. Berry and Albion P. Howe. Hamlin was mustered out of the U.S. Volunteers on September 14, 1865. On January 13, 1866, Hamlin was nominated by President Andrew Johnson for the award of the honorary grade of brevet brigadier general United States Volunteers, to rank from March 13, 1865 for faithful and meritorious services The U.S. Senate confirmed the award on March 12, 1866.

Along with his sister Sarah, Hamlin was at Ford's Theater on the night of the Lincoln assassination.

A lawyer in civilian life, Hamlin returned to his home in Bangor, Maine after the war and became City Solicitor in 1867. In 1883 and 1885 he served terms in the Maine House of Representatives, becoming its Speaker in his second term. He also served as president of the Eastern Maine General Hospital (now the Eastern Maine Medical Center)