[13] as ‘H. M.,’ simple-hearted, diffident of himself, generous, cheery, impulsive; but those who knew him best saw under his lighter qualities a sound judgment, a strong will, a conscientious regard of duty.
He had a wholesome and intelligent enjoyment of books, but he was not by nature a student, and his eyes moreover would not bear hard study. He had a strong love of music, and made it a source of enjoyment to himself and others, while to himself it seemed something more and higher. He was not witty, but full of off-hand gayety and contagious good spirits. There was a charming cordiality and heartiness about his manner. He was very fond of society, especially that of ladies, and was a great favorite wherever he went.
With a keen susceptibility to all the pleasures of the senses, he was perfectly pure and temperate. General Macy says of him, ‘He was the purest man I ever knew.’ He knew where to turn for strength. In his Junior year he joined the Church; his father's pastor and warm friend, James Freeman Clarke, becoming his also. He carried into his relations with the Church the same frank kindliness, the same hearty earnestness, that he showed in the other relations of life. His religion, like all else in him, was practical. Mr. Clarke summed it up in a few words, as ‘a simple honest purpose to do right and be right.’
He was a thorough man, fresh and natural, made for the innocent enjoyment of this life and to make others enjoy it. He loved to do, and knew how to do, little kindnesses. He lived in the life around him, and not in the clouds. He had strong dislikes as well as affections, and was not above a good honest prejudice.
After graduating in 1859, he became partner in the house of Walker, Wise, & Co., booksellers and publishers in Boston. When war threatened, he with his brother William joined the ‘Cadets,’ in order to prepare themselves to do their part, and were with them when they garrisoned Fort Warren in the spring of 1862. He felt the disasters on the Peninsula as a call to battle, and he helped to raise Company B of the Fortyfifth,
