Roswell Prescott (1844-1916) of Saco was a private in the 27th Maine Regiment in 1862-1863.

The nine-month regiment was organized at Portland on September 30, 1862. Almost its entire service was garrison duty in the defense of Washington City.

With only four days left on the enlistment period, members of the regiment helped guard Washington, D.C., during the battle of Gettysburg. All the volunteers were then given Medals of Honor for volunteering.