by Joanne Hulbert
1/23/2009

Holliston saw its worst day of casualties in battle along a lonely road in Virginia. The day was the most costly in lives of any day of war in Holliston history.

News from the battlefield was sporadic and sketchy. Letters written by soldiers were read and re-read to family and friends. The Boston newspapers were attentively scanned for bits of information about Holliston's Company B, inquiring how the men were faring. A letter was received from a "trustworthy quartermaster from New Hampshire", who requested that the letter be shown to Mr. Cutler and to Henry Chamberlain.

(Above) Holliston's Civil War Monument lists those killed at the Battle of Fair Oaks: Caleb Waite, killed in skirmish at Fair Oaks, VA on June 25th, 1862. James Speakman, killed at Fair Oaks, VA on June 25th 1862. Albert Hunting, killed in skirmish at Fair Oaks, VA on June 25th 1862. John H. Burr discharged on February 3rd 1863, on account of wounds received in a skirmish near Fair Oaks, VA on June 18th, 1862. Henry Chamberlain discharged October 20th 1862, on account of wounds received in a battle at Fair Oaks, June 25th 1862. George F. Hutchins, discharged August 22, 1862, on account of wounds received in the battle of Fair Oaks, June 25th, 1862. Charles F. Wilder, discharged October 10th, 1862, on account of wounds received in the battle of Fair Oaks. James M. Mann, taken prisoner at Woodland skirmish, near Fair Oaks, June 18, 1862. Died in General Hospital at Fort Monroe. Joseph Eldridge, enlisted August 12, 1861. Wounded at battle of Fair Oaks, June 25th, 1862. Mustered out July 27th 1864.