オリバー・O・ハワード
In 1861 Nickerson joined the 4th Maine Volunteer Regiment as a major. He fought at the first Battle of Bull Run where he was commended by Oliver O. Howard. He became lieutenant colonel, then colonel of the 14th Maine Volunteer Regiment and was sent to Louisiana. He fought in the Battle of Baton Rouge and was subsequently promoted to brigadier general of volunteers on November 29, 1862.