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James M Nichols
PERRY'S SAINTS
OR
THE FIGHTING PARSON'S REGIMENT IN THEWAR OF THE REBELLION
BY
JAMES M. NICHOLS
BOSTON
D. LOTHROP AND COMPANY
32 Franklin Street
Copyright, 1885, by
D. Lothrop and Company.
Electrotyped by
C.J. Peters & Son, Boston.
MEMORIAL SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR.
To the rising generation the war of the rebellion already seems morelike a romance than a reality. One by one the active participants inthat momentous period of the nation's history are passing away. In afew years there will not be a veteran left to tell the story of his ownexperience on field and in camp. Hardly had the writer of the followingpages completed and revised his work, and placed the copy in the handsof the publishers, when he, too, was summoned to join the great armybeyond. That he had a touch of the rare quality which we call heroism,as well as fervent patriotism, is sufficient reason why the readershould know something more about him than is disclosed in the faithfuland comprehensive record of his army life contained in this volume.
James M. Nichols was born in Haverhill, Mass., in 1835. His earlyeducation was received in the public schools of his native town,and he prepared for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. Hegraduated at Williams College in 1857, having been a fellow-studentwith President James A. Garfield. The storming of Fort Sumter firedhis heart with patriotism, and he was soon among his own townsmenactively engaged in enlisting a company which was at once consolidatedin another organization. He then went to New York, and was commissionedas a lieutenant in the 48th regiment, but afterwards rose to the rankof captain. During his three years of service Colonel Nichols wassecond to none in that famous regiment in thorough devotion to duty andin the display of soldierly qualities. On several occasions he was incommand of the regiment, and led it through many a fiery ordeal withcourage and ability. In recognition of these services he was brevettedsuccessively major, lieutenant-colonel, and colonel. In private lifeMr. Nichols was frank, manly, impulsive, sympathetic, and an earnestChristian. To these qualities were added musical gifts and a rare pow