eminently successful merchant, with a reputation of the most unsullied character, an energy which knew how to overcome obstacles, and a noted capacity for affairs of import, he was elected to fill the gubernatorial chair in the year 1859, and as a result of his excellent administration, was re-elected in the following year.

But it was the crisis of '61 that brought to light his real merit and showed of what metal he was made. While peace and peaceful pursuits were his natural attributes, he loved his country first of all, and when its entirety was menaced, gave himself wholly to the task of defending its honor and preserving its boundaries. He found the state without an organized militia, without a dollar in the treasury which could be used for war purposes, and without arms or equipments of a proper kind. But he was fully equal to the emergency. Troops were raised, and, on the strength of Governor Goodwin's personal repute as the only security, the banking institutions and citizens of the state. offered him as a loan $680,000, to be used for military purposes. The offer was accepted, but with his usual business sagacity and that of his immediate staff, the disbursements were so managed that less than one sixth of the amount tendered was actually expended. For this sum he was afterwards reimbursed by the legislature. "But," says one of his biographers, "the fact remains, that to his patriotism, firmness, responsibility, and executive energy, New Hampshire is indebted, both for her prompt and creditable response to the call of the president, and the inauguration of the system which raised, equipped, and forwarded the succeeding commands, all of which earned the gratitude of the state and reflected honor upon it."

With the expiration of his second term in office, Governor Goodwin retired to private life, and was succeeded by Nathaniel S. Berry, a devoted public servant and a faithful administrator of public affairs.

CHAPTER V.

GOVERNOR BERRY AND THE SEVENTEENTH INFANTRY.

"We are coming, we are coming,

Our Union to restore.

We are coming, Father Abraham,
Three hundred thousand more."

In July, 1862, President Lincoln issued a proclamation for 300,000 volunteers. Up to this time New Hampshire had raised, equipped, and sent to the front fourteen full regiments of infantry, a battery of light artillery, and four companies of cavalry. The state had so far exceeded its quota that but three regiments were now required. It was deemed advisable that these should be raised with as little delay as possible. Upon the governor and his council. devolved the task of accomplishing this work in a way that should be most creditable to the state, and helpful at the earliest moment to our armies in the field. The percentage of the enrolled militia already under arms was so large that some difficulty was feared in filling the quota.

Nathaniel S. Berry then occupied the chair of state. He had been elected governor in March, 1861, and was reelected for another year in March, 1862. Under his administration all regiments from the Third to the Eighteenth inclusive were enlisted; and but two, the First and Second, were organized before his accession to office. Governor Berry was a man whose experience might well have prepared him for the emergency which now existed. He was well acquainted with the still remaining resources of the state; knew the will and disposition of the people, and the faith they placed in him as a sturdy, honored, and