A scarce Massachusetts Minuteman casualty medal awarded to Private Nicholas H. F. Richardson...

A scarce Massachusetts Minuteman casualty medal awarded to Private Nicholas H. F. Richardson, 18th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, late 4th Regiment, who took part in the 2nd Battle of Bull Run where his Regiment sustained heavy casualties and lost its Colours; he was later severely wounded at the assault on Marye’s Heights during the battle of Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862, the 18th loosing a further 134 officers and men Massachusetts Minuteman Medal (Nicholas H. F. Richardson, Prvt. F. 4th. Reg.) extremely fine £340-£400 --- Nicholas H. F. Richardson, aged 20, a Hostler from Walpole, Massachusetts, mustered into Company ‘F’ of the 4th Massachusetts (Militia) Infantry on 22 April 1861. He mustered out on 22 July 1861 after their 3 months’ service was over. On 24 August 1861 he further mustered into Company ‘F’ 18th Massachusetts Infantry and was severely wounded in the thigh at the battle of Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862. Richardson finally mustered out on 2 September 1864. A member of GAR Post # 47 (Major Howe) in Haverhill Massachusetts, he died on 24 January 1920. The 4th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia “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 first battle of the Civil War. The 18th Massachusetts Infantry was present at the siege of Yorktown, and the 2nd Battle of 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 13 December 1862, the 18th took part in the assault on Marye’s Heights, losing another 134 officers and men. Every member of the Colour Guard was wounded during the battle, so severe was the fire upon the Colours; but it is worthy of note that not a member of the regiment was missing from his place save the killed and wounded. 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, despite his musters showing him as a Private his rank on his casualty papers is given as Colour Corporal or Colour Sergeant.