Image shows Captain William R. Currier of the 2^nd and 31^st Maine posed leaning against a high-backed chair. He has one leg crossed over the other and rests one hand on his hip. He wears a dark frock coat with matching dark trousers. Around his waist he wears a sash and a waist belt with a two piece tongue and wreath buckle.

The reverse has a photographer’s imprint for R. W. ADDIS…. WASHINGTON, D.C. Also on the reverse is some collector information in pencil. One note on the reverse states that the ID on the image is confirmed by an identified image in the Maine State Archives

Image is clear and clean with great contrast.

William R. Currier was 24 years old when he enlisted for the first time in Company C, 2^nd Maine Infantry. He enlisted as 1^st Sergeant on May 28, 1861 and was mustered in the same day. He went with his regiment to Washington and took part in the 1^st Battle of Bull Run. About a month after the battle he was promoted to 1^st Lieutenant on August 30, 1861. He saw further action at Yorktown, Bottoms Bridge and Hanover Court House. On June 21, 1862 Currier was promoted to Captain. He served in this position at Gaines’ Mill, Malvern Hill, 2^nd Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. A short biography of Currier states that he was wounded but no date or place is given. He was finally mustered out at Portland, Maine on June 9, 1863.

Currier’s next service was with the 31^st Maine. He was commissioned Captain of Company F on March 15, 1864. The 31^st took part in Grant’s Overland Campaign as part of the 9^th Corps. It was engaged at Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Bethesda Church and Petersburg. During the second battle of Reams Station Captain Currier was wounded. He died the same day. Before his death Currier had been promoted Major but he was never mustered in at that rank. It was said of Currier “He bore the reputation of having been an excellent officer, a strict disciplinarian, and fearless and brave in all the numerous engagements in which he took part.”  [ad]

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