He was an active abolitionist and, along with Seth P. Remington, published the newspaper St. Lawrence Plain Dealer on August 7, 1856, to spread knowledge on the evils of slavery and promoting the new Republican Party.

[1][3][2] When presented with the flag of the regiment, Goodrich made the following address: My social position and pecuniary circumstances are such that I could stay home and enjoy the society of my family, who are dearer than life to me.

[3]The 60th New York would spend most of their early service guarding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad before being sent to the Shenandoah Valley where they faced off against some of Stonewall Jackson's forces.

[3] In May 1862, Goodrich was promoted to Colonel and a few days before the Battle of Antietam, he was temporarily given command of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, XII Corps.

[1][3][4] During this time, Goodrich felt troubled and made a personal request to his friend, Acting Sergeant Major Wilson to make sure his body was sent home if he got killed.

Following Miller farm, his Brigade made their way to the West Woods, where Goodrich was shot in the chest and fell off his horse with a severed artery.

[1][3][2] his men came to his aide and he was carried back to a field hospital in a nearby barn, he soon regained consciousness after arrival and, as soon as he saw Sergeant Wilson, he showed great comfort in seeing him.