Governor Nathaniel Berry led the state through the Civil War. As one of its signers, he read the Altoona (PA) Conference letter to President Lincoln in Washington. The letter pledged 22 governors' support of the Union cause through a commitment to provide additional soldiers to the war effort, as well as support for the Emancipation Proclamation, issued Jan. 1, 1863. Berry was instrumental in the creation of several NH regiments, including the 3rd, home of the Nevers' Band, still active today.