[85]
a duly commissioned chaplain in the Sixteenth Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers, and had followed its flag faithfully, patriotically, religiously, through all the perils of the Peninsula and wherever else it had been borne.
The petition having been referred to the
Committee on Pensions, they reported,
That it appears that Arthur B. Fuller was the chaplain of the Sixteenth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers; that his health was much impaired by the hardships and exposures of the Peninsular campaign; that after repeated efforts to renew his labors in the camp of his regiment, which were foiled by his sickness returning upon every such attempt, it was finally determined, by the advice of army surgeons, that his malady was such that he could not bear exposure in the field.
He was accordingly honorably discharged, on surgeon's certificate of disability, on the 10th day of December, 1862.
On the 11th day of December, on the call for volunteers to cross the Rappahannock at the battle of Fredericksburg, he volunteered, and was killed in the service soon after entering Fredericksburg.
The committee think that, though Chaplain Fuller was technically out of the service of the United States, still he was really in the service of his country and in the line of duty while bravely leading on the soldiers, and dying on the field of battle.
They therefore think the petitioner entitled to the relief for which she prays, and accordingly report a bill.
The body of the slain soldier was sent home to
Massachusetts, as soon as the incidents of war permitted.
A private funeral took place at the house of his brother, and a public one at the
First Church on Chauncey Street, in
Boston, on December 24, 1862.
The church was crowded with the friends of the deceased, who wished some opportunity to express their sense of loss, their respect for his memory, and their estimation of his character and services.
Governor Andrew and staff,
General Andrews and staff,
Chief Justice Bigelow, and other prominent public men, were present.
The escort was performed by the Cadets.
The coffin was placed in front of the pulpit, and was profusely
