Charles E. Meader

In the late summer of 1862, a group of Californians, all originally from the East Coast, had contacted Governor Andrews of Massachusetts and proposed to raise one hundred volunteers to form a separate company in a cavalry regiment that was being raised in Massachusetts. The Governor agreed with the condition that the Californians would provide their own uniforms and equipment. Officially they became company A of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, but were more popularly know as the "California Hundred".

Adjutant General of California.

First Lieutenant Charles E. Meader, after charging with his company on the enemy's lines, was killed, fighting hand to hand, " too brave to retreat, too proud to surrender." Lieutenant Meader enlisted as a private in the battalion, and by superior abilities and faithful services was promoted to First Lieutenant, and at the time of his death was in command of the "California Hundred."

Rosters of Massachusetts Second Cavalry, Co. M.

Meader, Charles E. — Sergt. — Res. Vassalboro, Ms.; traveler; 24; enl. Jany. 31, 1863; must. Feb. 5, 1863; comm. 2d Lieut. from 1st Sergt., Jany. 1, 1864; must. Jany. 25, 1864; comm. 1st Lieut., March 8, 1864; must. April 22, 1864; killed Aug. 26, 1864, Halltown, Va., as 1st Lieut. of Co. "C".

Four more companies were raised in California by Major Thompson, "E", "F", "L", and "M", and became known as the "California Battalion".