SURGEON AI. WATERHOUSE of this command is a native of
Scarborough, Me., whose great-uncles, George, Nathaniel and Joseph
Waterhouse were soldiers of the war of the Revolution, and another
ancestor a soldier of the war of 1812. At the commencement of this
struggle he decided to abandon the practice of his profession at
Buxton, Me., and give his services to the country. The Medical Board
convened at Portland, by which he was examined, unanimously
recommended him for the position of SURGEON. July 24th, 1862,
when he joined the army at Harrison's Landing, Va., he was assigned to
the 7th Maine Infantry, 2d Div., 6th Corps. There was no vacancy for
full Surgeon at that time in the command, although his services were
much needed. On this account, and by the urgent request also of the
Governor of his State, he consented to accept temporarily the position
of Assistant Surgeon. However in the event of a vacancy he was to
obtain the position according to the examination he had passed. Owing
to circumstances, to say the least, very discreditable to the parties
in the case, and who possessed such plasticity of principle and low
estimate of honor, this vacancy was bestowed on another, whose
subsequent history proved him incapable of discharging its duties.
Surgeon Waterhouse suffered this wrong, uncomplainingly, and continued
at his post. His services in connection with his Regt., and also the
6th Me. Infantry, to which he had been temporarily assigned, are
spoken of with great satisfaction.
After an examination before the Surgeon's Examining Board of the Army
of the Potomac, he received the appointment of SURGEON of the
43d Regt. U.S. Colored Troops, March 8th 1864. He continued for a time
as Surgeon in charge of Camp William Penn, Phila., and then joined
this Regiment in the field, Aug. 3d, 1864. In connection with this
command, on _Operating Staff_, in charge of Field Hospitals and
Acting Senior Medical Officer of Brigades and Departments, he has been
frequently complimented for his proficiency and skill in difficult
cases of surgery, and for his sobriety and correct principles. Chief
Medical Officer Hall, of the 6th Corps, says: "I esteem Surgeon
Waterhouse well qualified, in regard to moral character, learning and
ability, to discharge the responsible duties of the position with
honor to himself and the service." Brigadier General Bates, commanding
1st Brig., 4th Div., 9th Corps, testifies of him: "For strict and
unswerving fidelity to duty, for sobriety and high toned morals, for
firm loyalty he has ever won the respect of those who knew him." Major
General Ferrero, commander of the Department of Bermuda Hundred, Va.,
compliments him after this manner: "In parting with this officer the
General Commanding desires to express his regret at parting with an
officer so long associated with him, and his appreciation of the
services he has rendered." Chief Medical Officer Surgeon Prince, says:
"I take pleasure in recommending Surgeon Ai. Waterhouse as a good
Physician and Surgeon. The Doctor served as Brigade Surgeon in my Div.
during the greater part of 1864, and, as such, displayed professional
and executive ability of a very high order; he was always noted for
his promptness and energy in the discharge of his duty."
The following are actions in which he has participated in the duty of
his Department, viz.: Second Bull Run, Aug. 30th, 1862; South
Mountain, Sept. 14th, 1862; Antietam, Sept. 17th, 1862;
Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th and 14th, 1862; Salem Heights, May 3d and
4th, 1863; Gettysburg, July 1st, 2d and 3d, 1863; heavy skirmish at
Fairfield, Pa., July 7th, 1863; heavy skirmish at Monterey House and
Waynesboro', July 5th, 1863; Locust Grove, Nov. 24th, 1863; Mine Run,
Nov. 27th, 1863; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar
Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and
28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on the Bermuda Front, Dec. 1864; capture of
Richmond, April 3d, 1865.