Charles P. Mattocks

“Mattocks' speech to the Maine Historical Society (Page 162)”

“Charles Mattocks on VC Online”

“The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major Charles Porter Mattocks, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 6 April 1865, while serving with 17th Maine Infantry, in action at Deatonsville (Sailor's Creek), Virginia. Major Mattocks displayed extraordinary gallantry in leading a charge of his regiment which resulted in the capture of a large number of prisoners and a stand of colors.”

“General Mattocks was a sound lawyer; careful and conscientious as a counsellor, able and forcible at the Bar, brilliant as a public speaker. His personality always made a strong impression. Genuine and generous as a man; faithful and warm-hearted; broad-minded and judicious as a citizen, frank and fearless for the right as he saw it, he was an example of true manhood”

“Judge Mattocks has been very successful since he became the head of the Probate Court, largely owing to his disposition of impartiality, and earnest desire to promote the best interests of all parties concerned. As a public speaker, General Mattocks stands in the front rank.”

“I am very sure that next to Mr. [Nathan] Webb in all pints that you would regard most essential Genl. Charles P. Mattocks of Portland is the man fittest and worthiest for the place. His character, ability, and professional standing, political honesty and manly support of the principles you are endeavoring to establish for the well-being of the Country, would render his appointment a tonic for public opinion and sentiment in political affairs.”

“[Command] is one of the easiest things in the world if a man only is lavish of the immense power which is by the military code granted to a Regimental commander.”

“When the two Regts. were panic-stricken they [his command] stood by me like heroes … Would I abandon men who showed themselves willing to give their own lives to save mine?”

“Considering the fact that the armies of the Northern and Southern States participated in the hardest fought battles of the nineteenth century, and the additional fact that Maine is the only State which has placed two regiments of different arms of the service at the head of the list in each of these aims, it seems but fitting that, as we proudly look back upon Maine's record in the great struggle for national life, we should be reminded of the career of a Maine soldier, who did much to render famous in the war the name of his native State.”