Veterans who had re-enlisted and those recruits still liable to serve were transferred to 17th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

It was rendezvoused on the state house grounds at Augusta and was composed mainly of Kennebec lumbermen.

The regiment was most fortunate in having for its colonel Oliver O. Howard, who rose rapidly to the rank of major-general and gained for himself a name distinguished among the nation's heroes.

Of the original companies of the regiment Co. A (Bath City Greys) had existed under former militia laws and the others were new organizations.

While encamped at Flag Hill, Va., they employed the ruse of mounting a stove-pipe on wheels, and drew 12 shots from the enemy at their cannon.

The loss of the 3rd in killed and wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks was nearly one-third of the men engaged.

It was in this engagement that Sergt.-Maj. F. W. Haskell of Waterville so greatly distinguished himself as to win the commendation of his colonel and of the entire regiment.