Charles Hamlin (September 13, 1837 – May 15, 1911), from Bangor, Maine, was an attorney and a Union Army officer during the American Civil War, attaining the rank of major.

[1] During the American Civil War, Hamlin served in the Union Army as a major,[2][3] and was awarded the honorary rank of brevet brigadier general United States Volunteers, to rank from March 13, 1865, by U.S. Senate confirmation on March 12, 1866.

While serving under Gen. Howe in Washington, Hamlin was in the audience at Ford's Theatre when President Lincoln was assassinated.

[3] On January 13, 1866, Hamlin was nominated by President Andrew Johnson for the award of the honorary grade of brevet brigadier general United States Volunteers, to rank from March 13, 1865[5] for faithful and meritorious services[2] The U.S. Senate confirmed the award on March 12, 1866.

[citation needed] After the war, Hamlin became a companion of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.