SCARCE MASSACHUSETTS MINUTEMAN CASUALTY MEDAL TO 4TH REGIMENT, LATER WITH THE 18TH MA, HE WAS SEVERLEY WOUNDED AT THE ASSAULT ON MARYE'S HEIGHTS DURING THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG

MASSACHUSETTS MINUTEMAN ‘NICHOLAS H. F. RICHARDSON, PRVT.F.4th.REG’.

Private Nicholas H. F. Richardson aged 20, a Hostler from Walpole MA, mustered into Company ‘F’ of the 4th Massachusetts (Militia) Infantry on 22nd April 1861. He mustered out on 22nd July 1861 after their 3 month service was over. On 24th August 1861 he further mustered into Company ‘F’ 18th Massachusetts Infantry and was severely wounded in the thigh at the battle of Fredericksburg on 13th December 1862. Richardson finally mustered out on 2nd September 1864. A member of GAR Post # 47 (Major Howe) in Haverhill MA, he died on 24th January 1920.

The 4th MA Vol. Mill "Minute Men," had the honour of being the first regiment to leave the State and formed a part of the garrison of Fort Monroe. It took part in the battle of Big Bethel.

The 18th MA Infantry was present at the siege of Yorktown, 2nd Bull Run, when it participated in the attack of Porter's Corps on Jackson's position at the railroad embankment, where it lost 169 officers and men and its States Colours. It was in reserve at Antietam but after the battle it crossed the Potomac in pursuit of the retreating Confederates and was driven back with loss. At Fredericksburg on December 13th 1862, the 18th took part in the assault on Marye's Heights, losing another 134 officers and men. Although Richardson is noted as still in the Regiment until mustering out in September 1864, his wounds kept him in hospital the entire time!

Interestingly his rank on his casualty papers is given as; ‘Col Corp or Col Sergt’ colour Corporal or Colour Sergeant.

Condition EF, a scarce casualty medal to a man with excellent War service. With copy service/musters etc On CD.