Stevens became a lawyer, practicing in Belgrade and Augusta after being admitted to the local bar in 1860, and also attended Harvard Law School, graduating in July 1861.

[8]) Stevens succeeded to command of the 5th Maine Battery after Chancellorsville, being promoted to the rank of captain on June 21.

BG James S. Wadsworth ordered the battery to withdraw as the Union line on Seminary Ridge began to collapse from its left flank rightward.

Col Wainwright ordered Stevens to remove fence rails behind his position in case the battery had to retreat.

Cpt Stevens was wounded in the legs by a Confederate sharpshooter on July 2, and Lt Edward N. Whittier commanded for the remainder of the battle.

[13] When two brigades from the division of MG Jubal Early attacked East Cemetery Hill late on July 2, the battery fired into the advancing Confederate formation.

However, the brigade of Col Isaac E. Avery lacked sufficient punch in all of its attack, partly because of this fire, which hit the left flank of the Confederate advance.

[15] Stevens returned to command in time for the Bristoe Campaign and the Battle of Mine Run, remaining in the artillery brigade of I Corps.

When the Army of the Potomac was reorganized before the Overland Campaign of 1864, the 5th Maine Battery was assigned to the Reserve Artillery.

The battery was assigned to the artillery brigade of VI Corps under MG Horatio G. Wright on May 17, during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.

[16] At the Battle of Cold Harbor, Stevens was able to place his guns in earthworks near the Gaines Mill Road to support the VI Corps line.

[20] At Cedar Creek, Stevens' battery covered the right flank of second division VI Corps when it made its final stand against the Confederate assault.

[21] The 5th Maine Battery remained in the Army of the Shenandoah, in the artillery brigade commanded by Maj Albert W. Bradbury, to the end of the war.

Beginning in 1888, Maj Stevens served two terms as sheriff of Kennebec County before becoming probate judge in 1892.