Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-09-16
and Ashore.

Charles E. Tallman of Richmond, Me-
the subject of this sketch, was a recent
caller at the Journal office. on his way
home from the reunion of his old regi-
ment. the 10Th Maine, at East Vassalboro
and the Journal had an interesting chat
with him. Born on March IA. 1872 in
Richmond, Mr.. Tallman deceives almost
everyone as to his age, appearing much
younger and as youthful in demeanor In
action and speech as the writer remem-
bers him 40 years and more ago.
| Mr. Tallman has had life full of ex-
| periences in all parts of the world, hav-
| ine been a sailor practically all his life
and having seen service in both the army
and navy in the Civil War and in the
navy during the Spanish war.
One incident in which he is always in
terested and ready to talk, is the circum-
stances surrounding the present arrange
ment of the stars in the American flag.
| Oklahoma was admitted to the Union on
Nov. 16, 1907 and soon after that date he
sent to the state department at Wash
ington an arrangement of the stars. tax
,re care of the new state The state de-
partment acknowledged the receipt of his
design and referred it to the navy oe-
partment, which has jurisdiction over the
matter and he was later notihed that MS
| ARRANGEMENT had been chosen from INC
numerous designs sent IN.
Mr.. Tallman was thoughtful or MS
home people and after the adoption Oh
h;s ARRANGEMENT of the stars secured ana
nresented one Of the new flags TO each
!; schoolhouse in Richmond, giving 10 the
teachers and students mucn appre-
i o;.+es address concerning the honor anu
treatment due the flag at all times ana
on all occasions.
M Ts,,man was born in and has al
,u.vs made Richmond his home. He was
q Young man when the Civil war broke
out and his first taste OF war was "n.n
he enlisted on Janas, 1864 as private TOP
three years in Co. A. 18th Name oap'
7. w. spaulding of Richmond company
commander and Col. Isaac n. Staroiro VI
Iitchfield colonel commanding the resi
r,ert The. 18th Maine was part OF the
Cd Corps, Army Of the Potomac
ue had but short service in the infan-
! +rv branch, being discharged on April
Ok 1854 and entering the navy, joining the
1rsS North Carolina at the Brooklyn
navy ward. He was in May, 1854 assigned
| to the Bienville which was soon sent 10
the West Gulf blockading squadron. lot
| service under Rear Admiral Davlo ".
! Farraeut. The Biervile saw blockade
and patrol duty in the gulf OF Mexico ana
was in the famous battle of Mobile, wnen
Farraeut electrified the whole North with
his entry into Mobile bay. She also took
mart in the bombardment of the Calves
! ton forts. She was on guard Off mobile
and Pensacola until April OF 1861
Mr. Tallman was then transferred 10
tho Richmond. where he felt much at
home. Acting Rear Admiral Henry H..
Thatcher was in command and also con-
manded the Gulf squadron. He CTallman)
was transferred after rev mohths 10
the Estrella, at Pensacola ana she was
soon made the flagship OF Rear Admirai
Thatcher Tallman was here promoteo
and made a sailmaker's mate, and IN
those DAYS a sailor had to and did know
how to make anything that could De
made with canvas and Irvine. About
wear was passed in cruising about the
gulf with frequent visits at the various
ports. and he was then honorably diss
charged from the service.
The next few years were passed IN FOL
lowing the sea and with various occupa-
tons at home, until on June a. 1s7e-Cen-
tennial year-Mr. Tallman again enhsteo
in Uncle Sans navy, and six months
later he was promoted to sailmakef
From that time his life was busy one
and he saw many parts Of the worid
Many of the officers and men with whom
he sailed have passed beyond. yet ne
often meets an old shipmate whom ne
well knew and also an old officer, VINO
was but a MILDLY when they sailed TO-
gether. Curious too. they invariably
make some remark to the effect that Tall
man was the best weather forecaster II
the navy, reputation which he to this
day holds, some of his forecasts having
been nothing short Of remarkable.
He was in January. 1878. assigned to thu
Ossipee and for some time cruised in thu
ICaribbeau sea. In November, 1879. 1t thu