A Civil War Biography

Charles Porter Mattocks

Mattocks was born 11 October 1840 in Danville, Vermont. Little is known of his early life.

Mattocks joined the 17th Maine Infantry regiment when it formed at Portland, Maine during the summer of 1862. He was named 1st lieutenant on 2 August. The 17th was officially mustered into service on 18 August and joined the Army of the Potomac. The 17th, and presumably Mattocks, served with the Army of the Potomac throughout the war. Mattocks was promoted to captain on 4 December 1862 and major on 22 December 1863. He was brevetted brigadier general of volunteers on 13 March 1865 for "faithful and meritorious service". Mattocks was promoted to colonel on 15 May 1865 and commanded the 17th until it mustered out of service on 4 June 1865.

Following the war Mattocks had a long career as a lawyer and a judge. He again went into the service of his country during the Spanish-American War being named a brigadier general of volunteers on 8 June 1898. He served until discharged on 30 October 1898. On 29 March 1899 Mattocks was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Sailors Creek on 6 April 1865. His citation reads "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". He died 16 May 1910.

Return to Biography Index