General Richard N. Batchelder (1832 - 1901)
Born at Meredith (now Laconia, NH); died at Washington, D.C.
Portrait by E. Wyatt Kimball, 1941. At State Library.

Batchelder was educated in Manchester schools and started in business with his father, but in 1861 he volunteered for military service and his career path was permanently altered. Batchelder served as quartermaster in the First New Hampshire volunteers, and his skills were so apparent that in a short time he became Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac. Reverend Stephen G. Abbott, author of The First Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers (1890) writes: "It was as Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac, when he [Batchelder] was but thirty-one years of age, that his great powers were the fullest displayed.....he handled the great train of 5,000 wagons and 27,000 horses and mules...with a magical control that will pass him down to posterity as one of the most commanding intellects developed in the great conflict between the States." (Abbott, op cit., pp. 342-3.)

Batchelder was breveted major, lieutenant colonel, and brigadier general of volunteers; and major, lieutenant colonel and colonel in the Regular Army for faithful and meritorious service during the War. Following the War he served as either assistant or chief quartermaster at various depots, posts and departments (1865 - 1889). In 1890 President Harrison appointed Batchelder Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army. He retired in 1896. ["New Hampshire Necrology", Granite Monthly, vol. 30 (1901), pp. 118-119.]

Location: State Library, Second Floor