The country was still mourning the thousands killed at the battle of Malvern Hill when, on 4 July 1862, President Lincoln shocked the nation by calling for three hundred thousand additional troops. The town of Natick MA was expected to provide one hundred and three men. (enough to staff a company). On 28 July there was a town meeting. United States Senator Henry Wilson, Captain Ephraim H. Brigham, and others addressed the crowd. After a series of town meetings the town of Natick provided one hundred and twenty seven men. Twenty four more than expected.

Before the war Captain Brigham was Deputy Sheriff of the town of Natick. He was discharged from the army 25 Aug 1862. He went on Disability on 4 Sep 1864. In time of peace he was a Commission merchant.