Corp. William H. H. Fernald, 8th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry/2nd New Hampshire Cavalry, Co. G; b. Barrington, N.H; age 19; res. Dover; Employed as a farmer; enl. Dec. '27, '61; must. in Dec. 31, '61, as Priv.; wd. June 14, '63, Port Hudson, La.; app. Corp. Jan. 1, '64; re-enl. and must. in Jan. 4, '64; tr. to Co. B, Veteran Battalion, 8th New Hampshire Volunteers, Jan. 1, '65; must. out Oct. 28, '65.

Just after the fight at Bisland, La., in April, 1862, Company G., of which Fernald was a member under Captain Huse, made the first departure from the regiment as "mounted infantry" and returned to the regiment on the eve of the 14th of June, 1863 attack on Port Hudson, in which Fernald was wounded.

In the adjutant-general's report, State of New Hampshire, James H. Marshall, first lieutenant and adjutant of the Eighth New Hampshire Infantry, says that after the return from Sabine Pass, the regiment took part in a campaign in the interior of Louisiana, marching as far as Opelousas.

In December of 1863, General Banks requested additional cavalry regiments but was told none were available. "My only recourse was to form troops of that arm," he wrote. "I immediately commenced by mounting infantry. The Eighth New Hampshire Infantry was one of the regiments mounted." The regiment was ordered to Franklin, La., to be changed into cavalry under the designation of "Second New Hampshire Cavalry." At this place, the regiment was mounted, armed with sabres, carbines, and revolvers, and constantly drilled in the evolutions of the cavalry tactics.

1864: After arriving at Morganzia, La. the regiment was ordered to New Orleans, to proceed on its veteran furlough. The re-enlisted men started up the Mississippi on the 11th, and arrived at Concord, N.H. on the 23rd of July, where they met with a warm reception. They remained at home until the 29th of August, when they started for Louisiana, and joined their comrades at Camp Parapet, and were soon ordered to Natchez, Miss., where they remained during the fall, doing picket and garrison duty.

It was during this furlough that Fernald married Miss Laura J. Canney on Aug. 11, 1864, in Dover, N.H.

Fernald died June 4, 1885, in Dover, N.H. Burial: Old Ekola Farm Cemetery, Strafford County, New Hampshire.

Headstone for William H.H. Fernald...served in the Civil War with Co. G 8th N.H. Vol's
Born 3/1842-Died 6/4/1885

Roster list from New Hampshire - Civil War 8th Reg.

Document indicating William H.H. Fernand's service in the Civil War.