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COLLECTION
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PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LKNOX
ttLDEN FOUNDATirNc
THE HEROES OF ALBANY.
MEMORIAL
§ atriat-partjjw <rf the ®itjj m& tomty of gttanj,
SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES DURING THE LATE
WAR IN DEFENCE OF OUR NATION,
1861-1865,
WITH A VIEW OF WHAT WAS DONE IN THE COUNTY
TO SUSTAIN THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT;
AND ALSO BRIEF HISTORIES OF THE
ALBANY REGIMENTS.
By RUFUS W. QLARK, D. D.
ALBANY:
S. R. GRAY, PUBLISHER,
NO. 38 STATE STREET.
18(56.
T ™
ORK
PUBLIi I IBRARY
48665.4
ASTOR. LENOX AND
TILDE"
L
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred
and sixty-six,
By S . R . GRAY,
in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States, for the Northern
District of New York.
C. Vax Bfnthuysex & Sons,
Printers, 'Si-rt'otypers and Binders,
40. Broadway, Albany.
TO THE
RELATIVES AND FRIENDS
NOBLE PATRIOTS OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF ALBANY,
SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES IN OUR DEFENCE AND FOR THE
AMERICAN REPUBLIC,
THIS VOLUME
IS MOST RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY
INSCRIBED.
CONTENTS.
Page.
INTRODUCTION 11
I.... MAJ. GEN. ORMSBY MACKNIGHT MITCHEL 53
II.... BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE 65
III.... BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT 88
IV.... COL. EDWARD FRISBY 119
V.... COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON 129
VI.... COL. JOHN WILSON 141
VII.... COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN 195
VIII.... COL. HENRY VAN RENSSELAER 207
IX.... COL. LEWIS OWEN MORRIS 214
X.... COL. JAMES P. McMAHON 225
XI.... COL. JAMES D. VISSCHER 231
XII.... COL. HOWARD CARROLL 236
XIII.... COL. GEORGE W. PRATT 240
XIV.... LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK LYMAN TREMAIN 243
XV.... LIEUT. COL. MICHAEL B. STAFFORD 277
XVI.... MAJ. CHARLES ELISHA PRUYN 280
XVII.... MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON 318
XVIII.... MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED 336
XIX.... MAJ. JAMES HENRY BOGART 343
XX.... MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE 349
xxi .... maj. miles Mcdonald 355
XXII.... MAJ. GEORGE WASHINGTON STACKHOUSE 361
XXIII.... ADJT. RICHARD MARVIN STRONG 362
XXIV.... ADJT. JOHN H. RUSSELL 381
XXV.... CAPT. JOHN DePEYSTER DOUW. 384
XXVI.... CAPT. THEODORE C. ROGERS 395
XXVII.... CAPT. EUGENE VAN SANTVOORD 402
XXVIII.... CAPT. WILLIAM JAMES TEMPLE 410
XXIX.... CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER 414
XXX.... CAPT. JAMES KENNEDY 420
XXXI.... CAPT. HARMON N. MERRIMAN 423
XXXII.... CAPT. JOHN A. FEE 427
XXXIII.... CAPT. EDWARD B. CARROLL 433
XXXIV.... CAPT. DOUGLASS LODGE 435
XXXV.... CAPT. JOHN ARTHUR MORRIS 440
vi CONTENTS.
XXXVI.... CAPT. JOHN MoGl [RE 443
XXXVII.... OAPT. NATHANIEL WEIGHT 448
XXXVIII.... OAPT. JOHN BULLIVAN 447
XXXIX.... OAPT. ROBERT BARTLETT EVERETT 450
XL.... CAPT. ROBERT H. BELL 451
XI, I.... OAPT. DAVID BURHANS 468
XI, 11.... 1,1 1.1 I . CHARLES WESLEI HEALD 454
XI, 1 1 1.... LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON 457
XL1V.... LIEUT. WILLIAM II. POHLMAN 484
XI, V.... LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER 499
Xl.YI.... LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEI 514
XLVII.... LIMIT. JOHN M. DEMPSET 524
XLVIII.... LIEUT. WILLIAM EMMET ORR
XLIX.... LIEUT. JAMES H.MORGAN 542
L.... LIEUT. MICHAEL II KNRY BARCKLEY 515
LI.... LIEUT. CHARLES SWAINE EVANS 549
LII.... LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY 554
LIU.... LIEUT. JOHN T. B. GOEWEY 559
LIV.... LIEUT. JOHN B. READ 562
LV.... LIEUT. HENRY McCONNELL 564
LVI.... LIEUT. MATTHEW BELL 565
LVII.... LIEUT. LUTHER HECKLEY HILL 567
LVIII.... LIEUT. WILLIAM PAIGE CLARK 570
LIX.... LIEUT. JOHN PETER PHILLIPS 571
LX.... LIEUT. SYLVESTER BARRETT SHEPARD 57:5
LXI.... LIEUT. PATRICK MAHER 575
LXII.... LIEUT. ROBERT G. NOXON 577
LXIII.... LIEUT. JAMES McALISTER SOUTHWICK 578
LXIV.... LIEUT. EDWARD BAYARD HILL ... 586
LXV.... ORDERLY SERGT. PETER M. STALKER 589
LXVI.... SERGT. MAJ. IRVING P. JAQUES 591
LXVII.... SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH 596
LXVIII.... SERGT. WALTER HENRY ANGUS 601
LXIX.... SERGT. JAMES S. GERLING 606
LXX.... SERGT. ALEXANDER DAVIDSON RICE 609
LXXI.... SERGT. GEORGE SANDERS 611
LXXII.... SERGT. JOSEPH COWAN VANDERIIOOF 613
LXXIII.... SERGT. ANDREW T. IIOTALING 615
LXXIV.... SERGT. WILLIAM HENRY BELL 617
LXXV.... SERGT. PAUL QUAY 618
LXXVI.... SERGT. WILLIAM CROUNSE 620
LXXVII.... SERGT. GUSTAVUS A. PERCY 623
LXXVIII.... CORPL. WILLIAM MURRY 624
LXXIX.... CORPL. GEORGE T. GATES 628
LXXX... CORPL. CHARLES G. LATHAM 633
LXXXI.... CORPL. ALBERT C. SMITH 639
LXXXII.... CORPL. ROBERT H. CAMERON 641
LXXXIII.... CORPL. JAMES YOUNG 645
LXXXIV.... CORPL. ALONZO E. LEWIS 646
LXXXV.... CURPL. WILLIAM H. MOON 649
CONTENTS. Vll
Page.
LXXXVI ... CORPL. ROBERT B. DARLING 652
LXXXVII.... CORPL. PHILIP VAN DENBURG 656
LXXXVIII .... CORPL. MARTIN SITTERLY 661
LXXXIX.... CORPL. LEWIS W. QUAY 664
XC... CORPL. ISAAC J. ROACH , 665
XCI.... CORPL. JOHN E. BAILEY 669
XCII.... CORPL. ERASTUS HAMILTON HOLMES 671
XCIII.... CORPL. ALONZO GROVE LUDDEN 672
XCIV.... JOHN H. CONLEY 678
XCV .... WILLIAM C. CADY 684
XCVI... ROBERT HENRY KING 688
XCVII.... GEORGE B. WOLCOTT 696
XCVIII.... JUSTIN R.HUNTLEY 698
XCIX.... WILLIAM A. VAN GAASBEEK 707
C... CHARLES MOORE BROWER 715
CI.... ROSWELL B. CORLISS 717
OH.... STEPHEN ROSS WHITE 718
GUI.... JAMES E. GOOLD 719
CIV.... ORANGE DUDLEY 725
CV.... LEVI I. HARVEY 727
CVI .... SAMUEL G. LOOMIS 728
CV1I.... EDWARD AUGUSTUS HIGHAM 733
CVIII.... ALEXANDER S. SLAWSON 734
CIX.... WHITMAN V. R. MATTOON 735
CX.... THOMAS GOLDWAIT 737
CXI.... JOHN A. LOCKLEY 738
CXII.... HARMON VISSCHER, Jr 739
CXIII .... GEORGE STEVENS 740
CXIV.... ADDISON J. FELLOWS 742
CXV.... SAMUEL W. CHANDLER 743
CXVI.... JESSE D. VAN HAGEN 744
CXVII.... WILLIAM M. BRIGGS 745
CXVIII.... HUGH HAMMILL 746
CXIX.... WILLIAM J. WHYTE 748
CXX.... CHARLES SEDAM HEERMANCE 749
CXXI.... STEPHEN PUTNAM PARKS 751
CXXII.... HENRY SAYRE 752
CXXIII.... ROBERT A. CADWELL 755
CXXIV.... JOSIAH DUNHAM 756
CXXV.... JOHN C. CAVERLY 758
CXXVI.... FERGUS MADDEN 759
CXXVII.... GEORGE W. SCHERMERHORN 760
CXXVIII.... WILLIAM SNELL 763
CXXIX.... EDMUND HOLMES 764
CXXX.... MINOT HENRY PEASE 765
CXXXI.... JOHN VAN BUEREN 766
CXXXII.... SAMUEL W. KELLY 767
CXXXIII.... JOSEPH GLADDING 770
CXXXIV .... JOHN G. PERKINS 771
CXXXV.... AARON P. SPRINGER 773
VIM
0ONTENT8.
Page.
CXXXV1.... (JERKIT H. VAN DBNBUEG 774
OXXXYII.... ABKAM M. CAltll \i;T 187
CX XX VI 1 1 ia.MKS A. SORAFEORD 788
CXXXIX.... MICHAEL WAGNER 788
('XI..... GEORGE VAN WIE 790
OXLI..., WILLIAM BAVENS .... 793
CXLII.... ADDISON B. MILLEB 7W
CXLIII JOEL WILSON 796
(XI. IV.... AZOB T. HAYES W
CXLV.... JOHN Q. A. CROUNSE 798
CXLVI.... AL ANSON F. H'H l MAN 802
cxlvii.... david. Mcculloch soe
CXLVIII.... STEPHEN McCULLOCH 808
CXLIX.... JAMES WILSON 809
CL.... SEBASTIAN PEARSE 810
CLI .... JOEL B. PITTS 811
CLII.... ARTHUR HASWELL 812
CLIII.... (iEORGE W. KILBOURN 815
CLIV.... JACOB VAN ALLEN 816
CLV.... CHARLES VAN ALLEN 817
SHORT NOTICES OF OTHER OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS 821-844
BRIEF HISTORIES OF THE ALBANY REGIMENTS 845-865
ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF THE NAMES OF THE OFFICERS AND SOL-
DIERS NOTICED IN THIS VOLUME 867
ILLUSTRATIONS
FRONTISPIECE. Page.
VIEW OF THE ALBANY BAZAAR 26
PORTRAIT OF GEN. ORMSBY M. MITCHEL 53
PORTRAIT OF BYT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT 88
PORTRAIT OF COL. JOHN WILSON 141
PORTRAIT OF MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN 280
PORTRAIT OF C APT. JOHN D. P. DOUW ... 384
PORTRAIT OF ROBERT H. KING 688
VIEW OF FORT ALBANY 845
INTRODUCTION
The design of this volume, is to commemorate the patriotic
services and noble deeds, of the men who have died on the battle
field for our Nation's honor, perpetuity and prosperity. While
they have done so much for us, the least that we can do for them
is to cherish their memory, record their virtues, and pay to them
the tribute of our gratitude and admiration.
History does not furnish us with an account of any war, which
has called forth a purer patriotism, a holier love of liberty, or
loftier sentiments of duty and devotion to the public good, than
have characterized the heroes who were engaged in our late
struggle for the maintenance of the American nationality. In
preserving this nationality, they were inspired with the belief
that they were toiling to keep alive the best government that
Heaven ever granted to a people; to perpetuate and extend those
social, educational and religious institutions upon which virtue
and happiness are based, and to secure the triumph of humanity
and justice, over systems of oppression that are a reproach and a
peril to any nation. And on the bright roll of martyr-heroes
none stand higher for purity, bravery and patriotism than many
who have gone forth from the city and county of Albany, and
whose precious remains we have followed to the grave with tears
of personal affection, and feelings of the warmest gratitude. While
their cold forms rest with us, their influence and noble deeds
have entered into the most valued parts of American history.
By dying, they have put fresh life into the Republic and added
to the value of our institutions. We have more to love, more to
admire, more to pray for, than we had before their heroism was
added to our national character. A republic for which such
sacrifices have been made, and upon whose altar such noble and
12 INTROD1 OTION.
precious lives have been laid, musl live; and its free institutions
must, in all future time, bold supremacy over every inch <>f terri-
tory embraced within the limits of our country. r>.\ all thai is
sacred in the past, and all thai is valuable in the future, every
true American is bound t<> accepl as the guide of his conduct and
the inspiration of his life, the words of the gifted Webster:
■■ Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever."
In April, 1861, the firsl guns were fired from the batteries of
treason upon Fort Sumter, The sound of those guns startled
the Nation, and revealed the existence of a deep, wide-spread
and malignant rebellion. After a long period of peace, unity
and uninterrupted prosperity — during which the arts had been
advanced, the resources of the country developed, manufactures
and commerce increased, and the national domain extended, \\ ith
a rapidity almost without a parallel in history — there burst upon
ns the storm of war, that raged for four years, periling the
Nation, embarrassing our relations with foreign powers, carrying
desolation to tens of thousands of homes, and producing an
amount of personal suffering and domestic anguish that no lan-
guage can depict.
To stay the fury of the tempest and save the ship of state from
being engulfed in the angry waters, all the loyal States vied with
each other in their prompt exertions and their liberal contribu-
tions of men and money. And we cannot enter upon our biogra-
phical sketches of the illustrious dead, without first alluding to
what our State and County have done to sustain the government
and preserve the Republic.
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE STATE.
At the breaking out of the war, his Excellency Edwin D.
Morgan, Governor of the State of New York, used the whole
force of his personal influence and executive authority to secure
large appropriations of money, and to raise men, to promptly
aid the general government in suppressing the rebellion. In
this work he received the cordial co-operation of other earnest
patriots; and especially in the organization and equipment of the
INTRODUCTION. 13
first regiments that were sent from the State, was he aided by
Gen. John Meredith Read, Jr., who at the time was a member
of his staff. The efficiency, perseverance and zeal of Gen. Read,
displayed at that crisis in our national affairs, were of immense
importance in developing and bringing into the field the effective
forces of the State.
As the result of the efforts of Governor Morgan and those who
co-operated with him, and also of his successors in office, this
State sent four hundred and seventy-four thousand men into the
field, during the four years that the war continued. This immense
number took about one-eighth of our entire population, and
formed one-fifth of the whole United States army.* This single
fact, revealed the depth and extent of the spirit of patriotism, in
the Empire State.
In this vast multitude, all professions, avocations and ranks in
life were represented. From our farms and factories; from the
workshop, the store and the counting room; from the pulpit, the
bar and the medical profession; from colleges and theological
seminaries; from fashionable and refined circles, and christian
homes, men rushed forth to defend the Union and liberty, or die
in the struggle.
Col. Lockwood L. Doty, in his third annual report of the
Bureau of Military Record, alludes to this exciting period in the
following concise and forcible language:
The news of the surrender of Fort Sumter reached the State
capital on Sunday morning the 14th. A meeting took place in
the afternoon at the Executive chamber. There were present,
* When President Lincoln, in April, 1861, called for 75,000 militia for three months'
service, the army of the United States had on its rolls 14,000 men. During the ensuing
four years 2,688,523 were enlisted, of which 2,408,103 left the army alive. Of the bal-
ance, 96,089 died in battle or of wounds, while 184,331 died of disease. The number of
white troops enlisted was about 2,500,000. The number of deaths among them was 251,-
122, or one death out of ten. The number of colored troops was 180,000, of whom 29,-
298 died, or about one out of six — being nearly double the rate of deaths among the
white troops ; three died on the field of battle and five from disease ; out of every nine
deaths among the blacks, one died on the field of battle and eight from disease. The
mortality among the volunteers was nearly fifteen per cent greater than among the regu-
lars. These statistics are taken from official records, but while they give the number of
those who died in the service, they make no mention of the host obliged to leave the
army and who went home to die.
II l\ri;< \D\ i I TON.
the Governor and other State officers, the Speaker of the Assem-
bly and members of the military and finance committees of the
two houses. A committee, consisting of the Attorney General,
the Adjutant General, the Inspector General, Mr. Blood, of the
Senate, and Mr. Robinson, of the Assembly, were appointed to
draft a lull to be submitted to the Legislature next morning.
As drawn by the committee, the bill invested the Governor with
the power of its execution. If provided for the enrollment of
thirty thousand volunteer militia to serve two years, and appro-
priated three million dollars to meet the expense. The Legis-
lature subsequently connected the State officers with the Gov-
ernor in raising and organizing the troops, and the commission
thus constituted formed what was popularly known as the State
Military Board. The bill, as modified, was passed by the Legis-
lature and signed by the Governor on the lfJth of April.
On the 15th had been received the President's proclamation
calling forth the militia of the several States, including three or
four States that subsequently passed the ordinance of secession,
it designated a muster of seventy-five thousand, in order to sup-
press combinations and to cause the laws to be duly executed.
The quota assigned to New York consisted of two Major Gen-
erals, four Brigadiers, and aids to general officers, and seventeen
regiments of seven hundred and eighty each, officers and men,
making an aggregate force of 13,280. These were to be detached
from the militia under the act of Congress of February 28, 17!1").
to serve as infantry or riflemen for the period of three months,
unless sooner discharged. The rendezvous of this State wTere
appointed at New York, Albany and Elmira.
There was no delay. The capital became at once thronged
with anxious persons. Ordinary business was mostly suspended,
and volunteering begun, before the ant horities were able to accept
the services of those who thus promptly responded.
Were we permitted, at this place, to transcribe the telegrams
of a single day received by the Governor from all points, Avhile
millions of loyal hearts were trembling for the safety of Wash-
ington, the revelation would compress a thousand pages of
thought and action, that are now historic, in a single sheet. How
startling was the first summons flashing along the wires from the
threatened capital of the Nation; how incessant the fiery mes-
sages thereafter! We may quote a few of these dispatches as
indicative of the excited and impatient state of public feeling at
that time:
"War Department, April 15, 1861. Call made on you by
to-night's mail for seventeen regiments of militia for immediate
service." Simeon Cameron, Secretary of War.
INTRODUCTION. 15
"Washington, April 15. Send no troops here except by
water."
" New York, April 15. Colonel Ellsworth desires to raise a
regiment of Zouaves in New York city. Will you accept them?"
"New York, April 17. Virginia seceded. Harper's Ferry
taken. Washington endangered; ready all night to serve orders."
" New York, April 18. Lose not a moment in issuing your
orders for the additional regiments for Washington. The people
are impatient of delay."
" New York, April 19. Post, third edition, asserts reliable
news, Davis being within one day's march of Washington with
an army. Our city military seem impatient."
" New York, April 19. The whole city is most anxious to
have the militia of the State armed at once; and instant departure
of twenty thousand troops to Washington."
" Elmira, April 18. The Southern Tier Rifles have unanim-
ously resolved t6 tender their services to the General Govern-
ment. The Colonel awaits your Excellency's orders."
" New York, April 20. Telegraph states that troops must go
on to-night, or Washington is gone."
" New York, April 20. The bridges are gone, and communi-
cation cut off between Philadelphia and Washington."
" Chicago, April 20. Allow me to suggest the necessity of
concentrating troops immediately on the Pennsylvania state line
nearest Washington."
" New York, April 20. The impression is here that Wash-
ington will be taken before Monday. Com. Vanderbilt and Mr.
Aspinwall tender to you all the steamers necessary. Reported
that bridges between Baltimore and Harrisburg are broken down."
" New York, April 20. It is most important that Col. Wil-
son's regiment be ordered off this p. M."
" Washington, April 20. Send the first regiment you get
ready in fast steamer up the Potomac."
Simeon Cameron, Secretary of War.
"New York, April 20. Washington is lost, unless Maryland
is kept open and bridges repaired. Let five thousand troops
march."
16 INTBODl < I i<>\.
Such, in variety, were the multitudinous messages of alarm
and counsel which kept the electric wires in constant action.
They were throbbings of the urea! hear! of the people sponta-
neous, irrepressible; and on the afternoon of April 20th, L861,
they became sublimely audible at the immense mass meeting in
Union square, in the city of New York. Then followed the
departure of our gallant .National Guard, fourteen regiments in
all: and the volunteer regiments — first seventeen of them, and
then twenty-one — which sprung up in all parts ol the State.
Their transit upon the railroads, their march through the metro-
polis, the towns and cities, will be recollected as among the mosl
cheering and impressive pageants of the war. They left their
homes for the field of duty, bearing with them the prayers of
unnumbered hearts.
The voice of a loyal press in our commonwealth was like a
bugle-blasl during this period. Its thrilling tones penetrated to
every household, and gave utterance to the popular enthusiasm.
Its representatives threw down the pen and grasped the sword;
they hastened to the van of our armies; they prepared to make
the history which they were afterwards to chronicle.
Worthily interpreting the spirit of their constituency, our
State Legislature prolonged its session and redoubled its labors.
Loyal men of all political opinions rallied around the flag of
their country; and it will be remembered as one of the noblest
manifestations of that period of danger, how enthusiastically the
last hours of Senate and Assembly in 1861 were devoted to the
duties of patriotism.
The Military Board met on the evening of the 16th of April,
the day of the passage of the law. The Governor submitted a
dispatch from the Secretary of War, stating that the President
had made requisition on New York for about thirteen thousand
men, to be mustered into immediate service, and that he would
be gratified to have one or more regiments inarch to Washington
before the close of that week.
The juncture demanded prompt action, and the board at once
responded, by resolving that seventeen regiments of seven hun-
dred and eighty men each be enrolled and mustered into service
for two years. Provision was also made for the prompt trans-
portation to Washington of such of the militia regiments as were
to serve as minute-men, as well as of the volunteers; and also for
procuring necessary quarters, hospital and medical supplies, and
for incidental objects. There was need of this action; such being
the condition of affairs at Washington that the State was left, in
most part, to supply transportation for its troops. Indeed every-
thing was to be provided by our own authorities in the way of
accommodations for volunteers, sick and well. The Governor's
INTRODUCTION. 17
military staff, fortunately, was composed of men who were fully
competent for the new and weighty duties now imposed upon
them. No time was given them to deliberate, but the work was
pressed at once upon their attention. Soldiers were arriving at
the principal depots — even before authority to receive them
existed — often, indeed, presenting themselves unannounced; and
such was the fervor of the times that many who were obviously
unfit physically and by reason of age, came with the aide-bodied
volunteers. Orders were promptly issued for the rendezvous
and organization of men; barracks were provided and hospitals
improvised. The details, as well as the general duties of several
of the staff departments, were instantly and vigorously entered
upon. And there was ample employment for the head and heart
of each. An army of forty thousand men, including the militia,
were to be prepared for the field, and the records of the period
show,how ably and efficiently every duty was performed.
Several officers of the regular army were assigned to tempo-
rary duty at Albany about this period, to assist the military
departments by their experience. Of these were Col. Delafield,
since promoted to be Chief of Engineers, U. S. A.; Col. Schriver,
for two or three years Inspector General of the army of the
Potomac; Col. Keyes, subsequently in command of an army
corps; and Maj. Patrick, long Provost Marshal General of the
army of the Potomac.
While officials were thus engaged, the people were alive with
zeal in preparing to answer the call of the Government. They
held public meetings, adopted patriotic addresses, raised money
and enrolled men in all parts of the State. Past political differ-
ences were forgotten; flags were thrown from church steeples,
from public buildings, from school houses and from private resi-
dences. All was animation; a state of peace had been suddenly
transformed into a condition of war.
On the 18th the Governor issued his proclamation for seven-
teen regiments to be enrolled under the act passed by the Legis-
lature.
On the 19th a great meeting of merchants was held in the city
of New York. Resolutions to sustain the Government were
adopted, and on it being announced that several regiments, then
organizing, needed assistance, more than twenty thousand dollars
were raised in ten minutes' time. The Seventh Militia Regi-
ment left that city on the same day for Washington, amid great
enthusiasm.
The next day occurred that memorable meeting in Union
square, where leading citizens, without distinction of party, met
to unite their voices in support of the Government. Their action
gave direction to popular sentiment everywhere. The meeting
2
18 QiTBODUCnON.
was :m important one iii the best sense. Conventions and meet-
ings were held the same day in Schenectady, Hudson. I'tiea.
Oswego and Rochester, where men were raised and money sub-
scribed. The people of Poughkeepsie, Troy, Auburn, Syracuse
and Buffalo also met to counsel together on the West mode of
responding to the country's call: and town and village, great and
small, were likewise engaged, while Albany and Klniira were
changed in a few hours from business centres to military camps.
On the 2lst the Sixth, Twelfth and Seventy-firsl Regiments of
militia left New York, and the Twenty-fifth Regiment left Albany,
for Washington.
On the 22d the city of New York appropriated one million
dollars for fitting out soldiers and supporting the families of
volunteers. A patriotic meeting of the bench and liar of that
city was organized the same day, at which money was subscribed
by the thousand.
The succeeding day witnessed a great meeting in Brooklyn, at
which Robert J. Walker, a former cabinet officer and resident of
the second State to place itself in open rebellion, spoke. The
Thirteenth militia, a Brooklyn regiment, left during the day. and
the Eighth and Sixty-ninth militia of the city of New Y*ork
departed at the same time for Washington.
Public manifestations increased. Nationalities vied with each
other in the work of raising regiments and sustaining the Gov-
ernment. On the 25th an enthusiastic meeting of British resi-
dents was held in New York, and two or three days later French
residents held a Union meeting. The Germans met frequently
in large assemblages; and other nationalities were equally active.
Distinctive regiments of Irish, Scotch, German and French were
being raised for the war.
The Common Council of Buffalo made a large appropriation to
equip a local regiment. Troy established a special depot, and
raised money for its support. Other cities were not behind in
the work. Collections were made in churches and at other assem-
blages for furnishing needed supplies for the soldiers and for
supporting their families.
On the 26th of April the Secretary of War wrrote as follows
to the Governor. He had previously expressed himself in the
same spirit: "I have to repeat the acknowledgments of this
Department for your very prompt and energetic action in send-
ing forward the troops of your State."
It was the glory of New York to be then, as since, in advance
of the calls upon her by the Government for men.*
• For an account of the regiments sent to the war from the city of Albany, see Appendix.
INTRODUCTION. 19
The State, too, poured forth its treasures like water. Early
in the war the bankers and men of wealth offered sums to almost
any amount, to aid in sustaining the country and the Government.
The most liberal appropriations were made by the Legislature;
and from the report of the Paymaster General of the State, trans-
mitted to this body January 23d, 1866, it appears that the total
sum disbursed for bounties alone, from July 17, 1862, to January
1, 1866, was $35,088,999.18. In addition to this amount, the
local authorities, says the report, have expended at least $60,-
000,000.
Besides these enormous sums, we are informed that the volun-
tary contributions from individuals, for sanitary and other pur-
poses, amounted on the first of January, 1866, to about $7,000,-
000. The fairs held in the State yielded $2,500,000; making a
total from these sources of $9,500,000.
The statistics for the county of Albany are as follows:
For county bounties $3,100,700 00
For recruiting fees and other expenses connected
with enlistments 225,125 39
Total $3,325,825 39
There was raised by county taxes $641,441 47
Raised by county loans 2,989,522 00
Total $3,630,963 47
These figures show the great sacrifices that the people were
ready to make for the preservation of our Republic.
EARLY EFFORTS IN ALBANY.
In the department of voluntary contributions for the comfort
of our soldiers and their families, and for the sick and wounded
in camps and hospitals, the citizens of Albany manifested the
greatest liberality during the entire period of the war.
Among the earliest efforts were those that we made to provide
for the families of soldiers needing assistance. A committee was
appointed to raise a fund called the "Citizens' Military Relief
20 K i ROD1 < i ION.
Fund," to which our citizens most promptly and liberally con-
tributed. Man \ esteemed it a privilege to m<I<I to the support
and comfort of the families of the noble men who had gone forth
for the defence of our Nation. The finance committee consisted
of the following patriotic gentlemen: Messrs. .I<>n\ Benson, Ben-
jamin Payn, J. W. Haroourt, R. II. Wells, Hiram Perry, M.
\Y. Bender, Wm. M. Van Antwerp, R. P. Lathrop, A. Van
Allen, Franklin Townsend, C. 1>. Rathbone, Thos. P. Crook.
The total amount collected and paid over to J. C. V. Paige,
Esq., City Chamberlain, was $20,479.00. In addition to this,
printing and binding were gratuitously done l>\ Messrs. Weed,
Parsons & ('<>.. and Messrs Mi \-u,i. & Rowland.
Through this agency many families were aided, who would
otherwise have been deprived of the necessaries of life.
To the patriotic ladies also, of our city, is the highest praise
due for the promptness with which they responded to the calls
that were made upon them. The first to move were Mrs. Gov-
ernor Morgan, Mrs. J. TaylerHall. and others with whom they
became associated. After various efforts it was deemed expe-
dient to organize an association lor the more efficient accomplish-
ment of the objects that were before the ladies.
THE LADIES' ARMY RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
As early as the first day of November, 1861, the Ladies' Army
Relief Association of Albany was organized, to co-operate with
the United States Sanitary Commission in affording aid to sick
and wounded soldiers. Its first president was Mrs. Edwin D.
Morgan, who entered most heartily into the work of the asso-
ciation. The following ladies constituted the first executive com-
mittee: Mrs. E. D. Morgan, Mrs. Wm. B. Spragi b, Mrs. E. P.
Rogers, Mrs. S.T. Seelte, .Mrs. Kay Palmer, Mrs. Mare Trap-
ton, Mrs. A. D. Mayo, Mrs. J. McX.u oiitox, Mrs. Charles M.
Jenkins, Mrs. George H. Teacher, Mrs. Eli Perry, Mrs. Thos.
1 1 in. Mrs. Jacob Lansing, Mrs. Ransom, Mrs. James Hall, Mrs.
Otis Allen, Mrs. George B. Steele, Miss C. Prutn, Mrs. Wm.
Barnes.
INTRODUCTION. 21
Mrs. William Barnes was appointed Secretary of the associa-
tion, and the marked efficiency and patriotic zeal with which she
discharged the duties of her office, are too well known to need
any encomiums from my pen. She found also kindred spirits in
the executive committee, and very many of the ladies connected
with the association were indefatigable in their exertions to con-
tribute to its success. The young ladies of our city also co-ope-
rated, and we may judge of their great industry, from the inter-
esting statements of their work published in the annual reports
of the association.
From the neighboring towns valuable aid was also received.
Boxes and barrels of useful articles were sent b}T the ladies of
the Greenbush Aid Society; by the Coeymans Ladies' Relief
Association; the Soldiers' Friend Society of Coeymans Landing;
the Soldiers' Aid Society of Knox; the Soldiers' Aid Society,
Chatham Four Corners; the Soldiers' Aid Society of Rensselaer-
ville; the Ladies' Benevolent Society of the Baptist Church in
Schenectady; and from the ladies of Westerlo; East Schodack,
Stephentown, Renssalaer county; Gloversville; Medway, Greene
count}r; Gallupville; Brockett's Bridge, Herkimer county; Sche-
nevus; Middleburgh, Schoharie county; Worcester, Otsego county;
Nassau, Rensselaer county; Kinderhook, Valatie, Fultonham, Cas-
tleton, Fulton Centre, and other towns. These contributions,
the fruits of the industry and liberality of thousands of ladies
throughout this and other counties, shows how warmly the public
heart beat in response to the calls from our suffering soldiers.
In one of the reports of the Albany association we find the fol-
lowing tribute to these co-workers:
" To the ladies of the several societies who, in this and the
adjoining towns, have labored with us, and sent us such ample
evidence of their efficiency and zeal, we are profoundly grateful.
Without their aid we should have often found ourselves unable
to meet the calls so urgently made upon us, and we thank them
for demonstrating that, although removed from that active stim-
ulus of personal contact and association with the war, which so
often stirs our flagging sympathies in the cities, the fire of patri-
otic zeal burns as brightly and warmly as though their hearts
22 intkodi rcnoN.
were daily touched by the Bight (now, alas! become so common
t<> us) of sick :ukI wounded and dying men.
"This report would be incomplete <li<l the committee fail to
recognize the generous donation sent us last December by the
religious community of Shakers at Niskayuna. Prevented by
their religious faith from accepting thai stirring call to arms
which roused the whole .Nation a Little more than a year ago,
their hearts opened at once to that second appeal, which asked
for aid in behalf of those who, answering the one, had left it to
a nicat christian people to answer the other. Their quaint hut
decided protest against "the bloody trade of war" was offset by
such generous supplies of everything that could be used in a
military hospital, that our suffering soldiers could well afford to
forgive their logic while they demonstrated so well in their prac-
tice, that
'One touch of Nature makes the whole earth kin.' "
In the same report we find the following acknowledgments of
services rendered by several gentlemen to the association:
" The committee cannot close this report without an expres-
sion of its obligation to the many friends who have so faithfully
stood by the association since its formation, aiding it as much by
their wise counsels, as by their personal superintendence and
attention to its many outside duties. This tribute is especially
due to Hon. George H. Thacher, whose persistent and untiring
devotion to the best interests of the society merits more than
this slight acknoAvledjraient. The uniform kindness and cour-
tesy which has characterized all his relations with us, can never
be forgotten by those who have been associated with him during
the past winter at the city hall.
" To William McElroy, and to the firm of Van Sickler &
Forby, the committee would also speak one word of acknow-
ledgment. The necessary manual labor connected with packing
and marking large boxes has been most kindly assumed by these
gentlemen, and no pressure of private business has ever inter-
fered to prevent their immediate personal attention to this duty,
when their services were required by the committee."
INTRODUCTION. 23
On the first of January, 1862, Mrs. Morgan resigned the pre-
sidency of the association, and the office has since been filled by
Mrs. Horatio Seymour and by Mrs. Reuben E. Fenton. These
ladies, like their predecessor, brought to their position great
executive ability and a warm interest in the welfare of the sol-
diers.
When Mrs. Seymour was chosen president, the following
ladies were appointed on the executive committee: Mrs. Horatio
Seymour, Mrs. Kay Palmer, Mrs. Rurus W. Clark, Mrs. Chas.
G. Ames, Mrs. 'James McNaughton, Mrs. Charles M. Jenkins,
Mrs. John Taylor, Mrs. George H. Thacher, Mrs. Jacob Lan-
sing, Mrs. Jas. Hall, Mrs. Eli Perry, Mrs. Ransom, Mrs. Otis
Allen, Mrs. George B. Steele, Mrs. John T. Sprague, Mrs.
Archibald McClure, Mrs. William White, Mrs. John Tayler
Hall, Mrs. Charles B. Redfield, Mrs. S. O. Vanderpoel, Mrs.
Wm. N. Fassett, Mrs. George Shortiss, Mrs. William Barnes,
Miss Catharine Pruyn.
It affords us great pleasure to say that the officers and mem-
bers of the association labored with unabated ardor to the very
close of the war. During the four years ending January 1, 1866,
they received $19,712.30, and expended $17,712.30, leaving a
balance in the treasury of $2,000.
Besides the aid rendered directly through the U. S. Sanitary
Commission, the association performed other services, the follow-
ing account of which has been kindly furnished by the secretary,
Mrs. William Barnes:
" When the advancing tide of war was checked by the sur-
render of Gen. Lee, in April, 1865, its return wave threw back
upon us thousands of disabled soldiers, who were physically
unable to support either their families or themselves. The State,
with provident justice and humanity, assumed the charge of
many of these men, and gathered them into the ' Soldiers' Home ';
but many were only partially disabled, and, with a little assist-
ance, they were competent to help themselves. There were also
many homes made utterly desolate, where fathers, brothers and
sons would return no more; these appealed to the association for
relief. Monthly committees were at once appointed, and ordered
24 [NTBODUCTION.
to visil and investigate personally every case <>t' destitution
brought before the executive committee. These committees
report thai they have visited in their respective districts, one
hundred and lour families, and distributed among them various
needful articles. The chairman of these committees, Mrs. Eu
Perry, reports thai she has expended for this purpose, the sum
of $646.31.
In April, 1865, a committee <>f citizens was formed, whose
duty it was to feed, temporarily, not only our own returning
regiments, bul also those 'in transitu' through Albany. This
committe appealed to the association for funds to sustain their
enterprise, and its executive committee donated the sum of
$2,000 for that purpose. In February, 1866, on solicitation of
the Army and Navy Claim Agency of this city, they appropri-
ated to it the sum of $700; thus enabling it to pay off its out-
standing debts. This agency, it will be remembered, was estab-
lished in 1863, by the Sanitary Commission, but has always been
sustained by voluntary contributions from our citizens.
Acting under the suggestions and advice of the officers of the
Sanitary Commission, in New York, the association in February
appropriated the sum of $1,000 to the National Freedman's Relief
Commission, and $1,000 to its auxiliary society in Albany, Mrs.
Amos Dean, treasurer.
We have now the sum of $2,000 in our treasury. This money,
and as much beside as may be entrusted to us by our citizens,
will be faithfully and judiciously expended in relieving the neces-
sities of soldiers and soldiers' families; and when the last dollar
has been spent, the labors of the Army Relief Association will
be at an end, and it will pass into history with its enduring record
of the fidelity and patriotism of the Women of Albany."
There were other movements among the ladies in other direc-
tions, of which the following is worthy of note.
In the summer of 1862, a lady in Washington city wrote to
Mrs. Samuel Pruyn, asking her to send some stores for the
needy soldiers, and especially for those at the camps Convales-
cent and Parol. Mrs. Pruyn responded by sending two large
boxes, filled with articles contributed by a few personal friends.
INTRODUCTION. 25
Their reception was acknowledged by a letter, giving some very
interesting incidents in relation to the relief afforded and the
gratitude expressed. The writer also pleaded in the name of
humanity for a larger supply.
Extracts from this letter, and from others subsequently re-
ceived, were published in our daily papers, and found their way
to many sympathizing hearts. Donations of all kinds were sent
in to Mrs. Pruyn, with unprecedented liberality, and in a very
short time boxes and barrels were packed and forwarded, most
of which reached the camps at Washington. The whole number
thus collected was two hundred and eighty-seven, and they con-
tained everything which could contribute to the comfort of those
to whom they were sent. The donors had the satisfaction of
knowing that the articles were judiciously and immediately dis-
tributed, and without expense.
While these efforts were being made, Mr. Benjamin Payn, of
Albany, at the suggestion of Mrs. Pruyn, went to Washington
and visited the camps. He was greatly excited and distressed
by the scenes of misery that he witnessed, and came home to do
all in his power for the relief of the soldiers. He went out into
the country among the farmers, and quickened many to deeds of
mercy. With the aid of Mr. Alexander Greer, he collected
and sent on to Washington about six hundred barrels, containing
every variety of fruit, vegetables and delicacies for the soldiers.
THE GREAT SANITARY FAIR.
But in the midst of these various activities, which were alive
all over our city and county, there rises before us the grand
demonstration of patriotic enthusiasm, that enlisted the hearts
and hands of all classes, namely: The Army Relief Bazaar. This
beautiful building was erected in the Academy park of this city,
for the Great Sanitary Fair of Albany, Troy, and other localities
in our State, which was held during the months of February and
March, 1804. Its officers were, Hon. George H. Thacher, Pre-
sident; Hon. Eli Perry, Vice President; Chauncey P. Williams,
Esq., General Treasurer, and John Tayler Hall, Esq., Secretary.
26 INTR0D1 ( "HON.
Managers. — The President and Secretary, ('has. II. Strong,
James II. Armsbt, M. D., S. Oaklet Vanderpoel, M. I)., Henri
Q. Hawley, Jacob C. Cutler, Frank Chamberlain, Charles B.
ReDETELD, HENRT T. BUELL, JOHN II. Van ANTWERP, SOLOMOS
Htdeman, Artht k Bott, Thomas Kearnet, James MoNaughton,
JohnTweddle; .Mrs. Eli Perrt, -Mrs. Wm. White, Mrs. Frank-
lin Townsend, Mrs. Charles B. Redfield, Mrs. Thomas Hun,
Mrs. James Goold.
Managers for Troy. — Mrs. A. D. Shepard, David A. Wells,
Mrs. George M. Tibbits, Mrs. John Flagg.
For the following account of the Bazaar, we are indebted to
the "Albany Express":
" We shall not stop to consider who originated the plan of the
Bazaar in this city. It is sufficient to say that the credit belongs
to the ladies of our Army Relief Association. To the various
committees the credit belongs of maturing the plan, and for the
vast details of the really monster undertaking, and they are enti-
tled to all praise for the success which has thus far attended
every effort.
" The form of the building — a double cross — and the location,
were suggested by Henry Q. Hawley, Esq.; and for the archi-
tectural beauty of the structure, the public are indebted to
Walter Dickson, Esq. The building committee, consisting of
Henry Q. Hawley, Esq., Wm. N. Fassett, Esq., and Dr. S. O.
Vanderpoel, have devoted their time almost exclusively to the
performance of their very difficult and responsible duties. Their
labors have been most arduous, and they have been most cheer-
fully rendered at the sacrifice of their own comfort and business
— a sacrifice which should and must be fully appreciated, when
we consider the extensive business engagements of these gentle-
men. The decorations of the building, which will be most elabo-
rate, and unequaled in brilliancy, have been arranged under the
exclusive direction of Dr. Vanderpoel, who, at the outset, secured
the valuable services of Rice & Mickel, the well-known artists.
The general superintendence of the work was entrusted to Edmund
Knickerbocker, Esq.; and it is but just to this gentleman to say
that his services have been invaluable, and that the managers feel
EKE NEW YORK
BUC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LSNOX
TII.DEN FOUNDATION*-
INTRODUCTION. 27
under great obligations to him, as also to Mr. Dickson, the archi-
tect. The carpenter work has been performed under the special
direction of John N. Parker and John Clemshire, Esq., two of
our most enterprising citizens.
" And in this connection it is proper to state that for lightness,
strength and economy in the cutting and working of materials,
the building cannot be surpassed. Notwithstanding all this, it
is supplied with an abundance of braces and supports to resist
all pressures and forces, and render it perfectly safe.
"As before stated, the building is in the form of a double
Greek cross, the eastern nave being one hundred and eighty-nine
feet long, the western nave one hundred and sixty feet long, and
the transept two hundred and five feet long; height of eaves from
floor, fourteen feet; height to apex of roofs from floor, twenty-
eight feet; width of naves and transept, sixty feet.
" Immediately on entering the Bazaar, the great national booths,
representing England, Ireland and Scotland, meet the eye. They
are to be respectively in charge of St. George's, St. Andrews,
and Hibernian Provident Societies, heartily supported and aided
by representatives of those countries. The St. Andrews' Society,
by reason of being the oldest organization, is honored with the
middle or most prominent of these three great booths. We
hazard nothing in saying that this will be principal among the
many great features of the Bazaar.
" To the right of the United States booth and adjoining the
Yankee booth, a booth equal in size to those allotted to England,
Ireland and Scotland, has been set apart by the Germans. It is
exceedingly gratifying to know that this portion of our citizens
are laboring with unexampled zeal, and intend to compete with
other nationalities for the palm of superiority. Never before
has there been such united and harmonious action among them,
and we have reason to expect the greatest results.
"To the right of the entrance is the 'Curiosity Shop,' a hall
thirty by sixty feet, separated from the general hall by a dwarf
partition. This will, undoubtedly, be one of the greatest fea-
tures of the Bazaar, and by many it is asserted that it will be
the great point of attraction. It will contain much that is curious,
28 CNTROD1 0X1ON.
rare and beautiful; relics of great value and age, and, in fact,
will be the receptacle of everything attractive and novel. The
value of the articles to be displayed in the ball will be immense,
and hundreds of them could not be duplicated at any price.
This department is in charge of Robert II. Wells, Esq., who,
assisted by James A. Hurst, Esq., the celebrated taxidermist, is
devoting his whole lime to its preparation and arrangement.
••.Next comes the Shaker booths, another yery attractive fea-
ture, to ho tilled with the exquisite productions of that class of
our citi/ens.
••Then conies the great United States booth, thirty by sixty
feet, to be magnificently decorated with flags and other emblems
of our nationality, and fitted up throughout in such a style as
shall make it one of the great points of interest in the Bazaar.
It is to be under the direction and supervision of Mrs. II. PuMr
PELLY.
"Adjoining is the Yankee booth, to be supplied with home
productions, with ' plenty more of the same sort left.' It will
be in charge of a lady who will represent the character entrusted
to her with great faithfulness.
"Next we have the Schenectady booth, which will be filled
with many rare and beautiful articles, the handiwork of the ladies
of that city, and other articles contributed by its citizens.
"Then comes the Spanish and Japanese booths, wherein will
be offered for sale articles peculiar to those nationalities.
" The six booths at the north end of the east nave have been
allotted to our sister city, Troy, and will be placed in their espe-
cial charge. They will be attended by ladies and gentlemen
from that city, and stocked with goods contributed by their
fellow citizens. We have already alluded to the earnestness of
our neighbors, and their zealous efforts in behalf of the good
work; and we are warranted in saying that unless our people
work diligently, our Trojan brothers and sisters will eclipse them.
" On the opposite side of the east nave are the Italian. Russian
and Holland booths, and the booth allotted to the people of Sar-
atoga Springs, who are working diligently and intend to make a
splendid display.
INTRODUCTION. 29
"At the north of east nave will be found the Indian wigwam.
This bids fair to be one among the most attractive features of
the Bazaar, and will be attended by ladies in regular aboriginal
costume. The wigwam will be fitted up in a style that shall
strictly resemble the home of the red man, and in every appoint-
ment will be so complete as to furnish a correct idea of life
among the original settlers of the country.
"Here let us say, that the ladies in attendance upon the booths
will be dressed in costumes appropriate to the nationality they
represent, which will add to the picturesqueness and novelty of
the scene presented.
"The Gipsey tent, situate at the north end of the west nave,
will be presided over by a Gipsey Queen, wearing the apparel
of one of those singular and remarkable people. She will hold
court during the Bazaar, and, if requested, will attempt to unveil
the future to any anxious inquirer. Of course she will be
favored with numerous visitors.
" At the left of the entrance is the Swiss booth, and adjoining
the managers' room or business office.
"At the head of the west nave is Floral Hall, where, it is
hoped, will be displayed some of the choicest and rarest of
Nature's productions.
" Adjoining it on the west is the French and Perfumery booths,
and at the west end of the transept the great War Trophy booth,
where will be displayed all the flags and relics now deposited in
the Bureau of Military Statistics, as also many other valuable
trophies that have been contributed to the Bazaar. This cannot
fail to be a most valuable and interesting feature of the Bazaar.
" Next we have the Military booth, and adjoining it the Auto-
graphic booth, at which will be offered for sale the autographs
and photographs of all the prominent Generals in the United
States Army, and also of many of the distinguished scientific and
literary men of the past and present."
On Monday evening, February 22, 1864, the fair was inaugu-
rated under the most cheering and brilliant auspices. The great
edifice was densely crowded, and the splendid illumination; the
loftv arches in the decoration of which all the colors of the rain-
30 IN I i:<»i>[ (TION.
bow were blended; (he tastefully arranged festoons of evergreen
and flowers; the flags of our Union, of all sizes, which seemed
to till the air with the spirit of patriotism; the rows of richly
ornamented booths, representing different cities and various
nationalities: and the enthusiasm of the masses of human beings,
swaying to and fro, made the scene one of thrilling interest and
dazzling beauty.
The exercises of the inauguration were opened by the singing
of the following dedicatory Ode. written by Miss Margaret F.
Morgan, of Albany, and set to music by Mr. II. W. A. Beale,
organist of St. Joseph's Church:
All bail to our country., the Land of the West!
The dream of the Nations, the Great and the Blest,
The vision that came on the spice of the breeze,
And haunted the heart of the dark Genoese —
That rose like a temple of gold to his view,
That hung like a star in his distance of blue.
The sun on his journey may linger to glance
On the mosque and the temple, the vine and the dance,
But always returns to the haunt he loves best,
And leaves his last smile with the Land of the West.
0, Sun in thy beauty, untiring like thee,
The heart of the Westland is glowing!
And over the continent, over the sea,
The light of its purpose is throwing.
Behold how its broad and beneficent ray
Each measure and limit is scorning!
Though dark clouds of error still lurk in the way,
They are edged with the light of the morning.
Come, Morning Light!
Come, quickly come,
Break through the night —
Trumpet and drum
Call in their might,
Come, quickly come!
Break, break the tyrant's yoke,
Break through the battle smoke —
Scatter the gloom!
Let treason's wonted ire
See in its force and fire
Naught but its doom.
INTRODUCTION. 31
Break thro' the prison bars, go with a blessing,
Shine on our captives, and bid them good cheer;
Go where the soreness of famine is pressing,
Tell them that bounty and largess are near;
From monntain, vale and mart,
Tell them the Nation's heart
"Whispers " Good cheer! "
Though the air is stirred with combat,
Hope with lifted fingers waits —
Hears the bugle call of " Union! "
Hears the homeward march of States!
From the dim and doubting vision
Rend the veil and show the right,
Thro' the mists of fraud and fable
Lead them onward, Morning Light!
Peace will return with her chaplet of glory —
Home from the battle field weary and worn,
Come the brave squadrons of song and of story,
Bearing their banners up rifted and torn!
What have we done for thee?
What have we won for thee?
Surging with tumult and sorely oppressed —
Given our all to thee!
Given our lives to thee!
Given thee Liberty, Land of the West!
Then hail to our country, the Land of the West!
The marvel of nations, the Great and the blest!
The green of her forests, the blue of her vales,
Her mines and her mountains, her lakes and her sails,
Her cotton and rice fields that stretch far away
In saffron of sunset, or purple of day —
All, all will we cherish with right and with might
Till the sun shall grow dim on his voyage of light!
From blight and from error, from woe and unrest,
May God shield our country, the Land of the West!
The introductory Address, which was very appropriate and
eloquent, was delivered by the Hon. Mr. Thacher. He was fol-
lowed by Governor Seymour, whose address contained several
historical facts of interest. After having been enthusiastically
received by the vast assemblage, the Governor said:
" Upon a day sacred to the memory of our greatest and purest
■"'"-' ivi BOD1 I [TON.
statesman, upon a Bpot made famous by historical incidents, we
meet for a purpose which appeals to our liveliesl sympathy. It
is lit thai the capital of a greal State, which furnishes so large a
share of the armies of our country, and which is bo tiumeroush
represented amid the sick and wounded of our hospitals, and
ai ig the graves of our battle fields, should he prominent in
efforts to soften the calamities of war. Upon this occasion the
historical events connected with this city and the adjacent towns
are broughl hack to our memories. Albany is the oldest city in
the thirteen original colonies, and. with 1 he exception of St.
Augustine, in Florida, the oldest town in our Union, lor the
earlier settlement of Jamestown, in Virginia, had ceased to exist
as a municipality, lie I ore the Pilgrims landed upon Plymouth
Rock, and before the foundations of our great commercial metro-
polis were laid at the mouth of the Hudson, a trading post was
established at this point, and for years it was the most important
commercial place within the limits of our State.
"It is uot to its antiquity and to its long continued identifica-
tion with the interests of our country to which I wish to call
your attest ion, but to some incidents in its history recalled by
the occasion which draws us together. In 1690, in this month
of February — one hundred and seventy-four years ago — there
came a midnight cry for help from the burning town of Schenec-
tady, and the panting messengers who came along the pathways
leading from Albany to that city, which ran along by the very
spot upon which we stand, and told of the massacre of its inhab-
itants, by Indian savages and their French allies. The alarmed
citizens of this place hurried to the protection of Fort Frederick,
which stood on this ground: and the ancestors of many of those
who I see before me, whose names are still familiar in your social
circles, in your churches and in your public organizations, met
to devise measures of relief for the sick, the suffering, the
wounded and the dying of a neighboring town, and to adopt
measures for the support of those who should go out to combat
against the savage enemies. Many of their descendants bearing
those ancient and honorable names, meet here to-night for a
kindred purpose.
INTRODUCTION. 33
That Kmg lapse of years, and those far removed generations,
at this moment seem freshly linked together by this coincidence
of place and purpose.
" A little later, another event occurred within this city, of still
greater significance, and still more closely connected with this
occasion. The people of the different colonies, living under dis-
tinct governments at the outset, were estranged from each other.
Separated by distances which at that day were overcome with
difficulty, made up of those of different nationalities and conflict-
ing creeds, there was among them but little intercourse, and no
concert of action. Alarmed by a threatened combination of
savage tribes which menaced the safety, if not the existence of
the colonies, they sent delegates to a convention held in this
city. Benjamin Franklin was its presiding officer. This was
the first distinct movement to a union among the colonies,
looking to strength and protection from united counsels and
combined efforts.
" Thus Albany became the birthplace of our Union. In God's
name, then, let it be upheld and cherished here. The first time
that the Stars and Stripes were ever displayed upon our National
banner — the first time that its emblems of State sovereignties and
National unity were ever given to the winds of Heaven — the first
time that that flag was ever displayed which now kindles the
enthusiasm and patriotism of the American in whatever part
of the world he may see it, and whose folds, in devotion to its
sacred import, a million of men have battled within the last three
years — that flag was first borne into the dangers of the battle
field in the defence of this city. It was also first used to defeat
an effort to divide the United Colonies. For the purpose of
gaining possession of the line of the Hudson river, and the con-
trol of Lake Champlain, the British cabinet devised a combined
movement upon this city. Its fleets were to ascend the Hudson
— its savage allies, under St. Leger, were to come down the
valley of the Mohawk, its disciplined armies, under Burgoyne,
forcing their way along the upper Hudson, were to meet the
co-operating forces at this point, and thus sever the Eastern colo-
nies from the rest of our country. The point to be reached by
3
34 INTRODUCTION.
this great combined movement was the spot upon which we stand.
This most formidable attempt upon our national existence was
defeated upon tin- plains of Saratoga, and the three-fold attack
upon Albany was baffled and defeated. It was in that battle of
Saratoga that our National flag was first used, [f we regard then
i he object for which we arc assembled, and the relationship
which that object hears to the union of OUT country and its glo-
rious flag, we find that the associations which cluster around this
spot are all in fit keeping, and well calculated to excite our
interest and our enthusiasm."
After other remarks, the Governor dedicated the Bazaar in the
following language:
© © ©
"In pursuance of the invitation of your committee, and as
Chief Magistrate of the State, I do dedicate this editice to the
great purposes of patriotism and charity, and I offer the fervent
prayer to Almighty God, that it may not only relieve the sick
and wounded, but by its gentle influence may touch the hearts
of those in rebellion; that it may aid in bringing back peace to
our land, restoring our Union, giving new life and vigor to the
government of our fathers, and making us again a great, united,
prosperous and happy people."
This address was followed by a Poem, by Alfred B. Street,
Esq., which was distinguished for great delicacy of thought,
beauty of expression and fervid patriotism. The following is
the poet's allusion to love of country:
Spirit benign, oh, love of native land!
For thee, the sword leaps flashing to the hand;
For thee, long death is one brief smile of joy,
And loftiest thoughts their loftiest powers employ.
What though stern Winter chains the crouching clime,
Warm glows the bosom in thy fire sublime;
Soft luxury's slave that sleeps amid his flowers,
Leaps to the foe and battles through his bowers;
Age for thy sake will cast his crutch aside;
Youth for thy love renounce his new-made bride;
The widow'6 heart unloose the boy, to dare
War's flaming thunders hurtling through the air;
All round thy heavens thou sweepest fondest glance,
Holy thou boldest all thy earth's expanse,
Daunting the despot, fain to see unfurled
INTRODUCTION. 35
His crimsoned banner o'er a conquered world,
Leaving glad Peace to plant the harvest gold,
Rear his loud roofs, the sea's wide stores unfold,
Lead civilization in its grand emprise,
And raise man's nature to his native skies.
Thus, through the North the thundering shout arose,
Life to our land, destruction to our foes,
Lift the starred banner — bare the battle brand !
Death to our foes, but life to native land !
Then, as the tempest bursting on the hills,
Turns to wild torrents all the trickling rills,
So as the tumult throbbed o'er hill and plain.
Leaped the live floods, and roaring, swept amain,
Up, with one bound. New England towered on high,
Loud to the heavens New York launched mightiest cry,
The Keystone's bayonet glittered on the air,
Broad to the fight the Buckeye's breast stood bare,
And the whole grand unconquerable West,
Quick to the van, in war's wild frenzy prest,
While as the strong wind rattles through the trees,
The burst of banners ladened every breeze.
The closing lines of the poem are as follows:
Oh long did our Eagle stand chained to his rock !
But at last with a wing-burst of thunder-like shock —
Red bolts in his talons, red wrath in his glare,
And death in his wild shriek, he sprang to the air;
Ne'er back for a moment that pinion he drew,
But onward, right onward, right onward he flew !
One bolt shone at Shiloh, at Donelson one,
And one made grand Gettysburg flash as the sun;
While the last lightning launched from his terrible quiver
Made Lookout a beacon of glory forever.
Each region wherever he sweeps is his own,
And straightway from out its foul shade it has shone —
Shone out with its freedom of tongue, pen and press,
Those earth-stars that shine for our race but to bless;
And ne'er shall he pause, till, proud downward he swings,
To slake in the Gulf his free triumph-clad wings,
And loud alleluias shout wide as the blast,
That the day of true glory hath' risen at last.
And now. in a vision prophetic the eye
Views earth and air glowing in magical dye.
The sunset of time ! earth's millennial light —
See. what is that grand, golden shape on the sight —
Our Nation, with Time in Companionship's link,
And reaching together eternity's brink.
36 INTHODl (IK)N.
The Bazaar having been opened, all our citizens filtered into
its plans and purposes with the utmost enthusiasm. Every
department was supplied with cheerful laborers, and those who
could not give their personal services, freely contributed money
to aid the enterprise. Col. Frank Chamberlain, Henbt T.
!'.i ell, Esq., Charles B. Redfield, Esq., and others, called upon
our wealthy citi/ens and were universally received with great
cordiality. Every one was ready to subscribe. Many of the
rich gave out of their abundance; and those of limited means
showed their patriotism by a noble generosity.
Air. Buell states that probably no enterprise ever so fully
enlisted the interest of all classes of the citizens of Albany and
the neighboring towns as this Great Sanitary Fair. Social dis-
tinctions, denominational feelings and party prejudices were
forerotten in the general and intense desire to sustain and comfort
the noble men who had left their homes to fight for liberty and
the Union.
Among our German population, Mr. Arthur Botts did admi-
rable service in collecting money.
J. H. Van Antwerp, Esq., was also very active in making col-
lections; and Mr. Cantine Tremper and Mr. Cuyler, editor of
the Albany Express, devoted much time to receiving money at
the Bazaar.
To Chauncey P. Williams, Esq., treasurer of the Bazaar, and
to John Tayler Hall, Esq., secretary, our whole community
owe a debt of the deepest gratitude. These gentlemen were
untiring in their efforts to make the Bazaar a glorious success.
How fully the highest expectations, in regard to this grand
enterprise, were realized, is well known to all our citizens.
Everything that skill, forethought, a persistent loyalty and pure
benevolence could do, was done to render the whole affair a com-
plete success.
The amount received from all sources into the treasury was
one hundred and eleven thousand, four hundred and ninety-three
dollars and forty-nine cents. The amount expended was twenty-
uine thousand, five hundred and eighty-four dollars and ninety-
INTRODUCTION. 37
nine cents, leaving a balance, which was paid over to the treasury
of the IT. S. Sanitary Commission, of eighty-one thousand, nine
hundred and eight dollars and fifty cents.
For pecuniary success in proportion to the population engaged
in this enterprise, for executive ability in carrying out its plans,
and for artistic effect, this fair was surpassed by no other within
the limits of the United States.
THE U. S. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION.
Besides the U. S. Sanitary Commission, the U. S. Christian
Commission received the cordial co-operation of the citizens of
Albany. This commission had its origin in a convention of
Young Men's Christian Associations, held in the city of New
York on the sixteenth of November, 18(31. Twelve gentlemen,
from eight different States, were appointed as the first members
of the commission. The object proposed, was to promote the
spiritual and temporal welfare of the officers and men of the
U. S. Army and Navy, in co-operation with chaplains and others.
At the fourth and last anniversary, held in the city of Wash-
ington on the evening of the 11th ultimo, the following summary
of receipts for the four years of its existence was sub nutted by
George H. Stuart, Esq., President: In 1862, $231,256.29; in
1863, $916,837.65; in 1864, $2,882,347.86; in four months of
1865, $2,234,165.88;— making a total of $6,264,607.67.
Owing to various causes, the Albany branch of the Christian
Commission was not organized until the first of April, 1864. As
its plans of operation became known, a desire was felt to aid in
its work of ministering to the spiritual, as well as temporal inter-
ests of the soldiers. Accordingly, in March, 1864, a public
meeting was held under the direction of the Albany Young Men's
Christian Association, and appeals were made for funds, to which
there was a liberal response. Soon after, a meeting was called
at the rooms of the Board of Trade, and as the result, the Albany
branch of the Christian Commission was formed, with the follow-
ing officers: Thomas W. Olcott, President; John F. Rathbone,
38 INTRODUCTION.
Vice President; Levi Dkdkick. Secretary; William McElboy,
Treasurer.
The new organization awakened, al once a greal interest, and
the pastors <>f our churches, and the members of all denomina-
tions, came forward to aid in giving success to the enterprise.
The labors of the treasurer, Wm. McEleoy, Esq., soon became
very onerous, hut he performed them with a cheerfulness and
patriotic ardor, worthy of all praise. He achieved from week to
week and month to month a greal amount of work, which never
met the public eye, but for which he will receive his reward.
The amount that he received from April 1, 18G4, to .January 1,
18GC, was £23,740.20. With the exception of $584.39, expended
for the benefit of the soldiers in our oavu hospital and barracks,
these funds were all sent to the central office of the Commission
in Philadelphia.
. Besides the contribution of money, a great amount of provi-
sions and delicacies for the soldiers was collected; also hymn
books, knapsack books and other reading matter were transmitted
to the parent society. The good accomplished by these patriotic
and christian efforts, eternity alone can reveal. In the operations
of this association, as wTell as in that which acted through the
Sanitary Commission, the ladies of Albany took a very efficient
part, and sewing circles were formed in some of our churches,
whose contributions served to greatly increase the comforts of
our suffering soldiers.
At the request of the officers of the Young Men's Christian
Association, a large tent was procured from Philadelphia to be
used at the barracks for religious services. This measure was
attended with great success. The meetings were arranged by
John E. Page, Esq., President of the Young Men's Christian
Association, and the clergymen of the city preached on Sabbath
afternoons; and the young men held prayer meetings once or
twice during the week. Many of the soldiers were greatly bene-
fited by these meetings, and some were led to give their hearts
to Christ. Most interestine; letters have been received from offi-
cers and private soldiers, by Mr. Pack, expressing their deep
gratitude to him for the interest that he had manifested in their
INTRODUCTION. 39
spiritual welfare. Religious meetings were also held at the hos-
pital in connection with the services of the chaplain; and since
the establishment of the Home for Disabled Soldiers, Mr. Page,
S. R. Gray, Esq., and their associates, have been indefatigable in
their efforts to provide for the spiritual wants of the inmates of
that institution.
It should also be stated that with the Albany Young Men's
Christian Association originated the idea of preparing and send-
ing to the soldiers the "little house wives," that is, small bags
filled with needles, thread, pins, &c, which proved of so much
value. Besides being expressions of the home interest felt for
those who were far away, the tens of thousands of tracts and
little books that accompanied them were the means of great use-
fulness.
soldiers' refreshment committee.
This committee was appointed to attend to the wants of regi-
ments returning to and passing through the city; and the follow-
ing report of their services is furnished by Wm. H. Van Antwerp,
Esq. , chairman of the refreshment committee :
Regiments and Number of Men Fed.
Date. Regiment. No. of Men.
June 18— 118th Regiment N. Y. S. V 334
" 18— 117th Regiment N. Y. S. V 3(31
" 19— 142d Regiment N. Y. S. V. 438
« 20— 7th Heavy Artillery 219
" 21 — Prisoners from Camp Tyler, Texas 8
" 22— 77th Regiment N. Y. S. V 95
» 25— 106th Regiment N. Y. S. V. 405
" 20— 10th Regiment Vermont S. V. . _ 321
« 26— 5th N. Y. Heavy Artillery 120
« 27— 115th Regiment N. Y. S. V: 267
" 28— 3d N. Y. Light Artillery 335
" 28— 7th Ohio Cavalry 59
" 28— 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery 973
" 28— 5th N. Y. Heavy Artillery 329
" 28— 11th Vermont Artillery 6
" 28— 121st Regiment N. Y. S. V 328
" 29— 106th Regiment N. Y. S. V.. 107
"' 29— 6th Vermont S. V.... 280
a 30— 3d N. Y. Light Artillery, Battery M .... 201
40 tNTRODUCTION.
Date. Regiment. No. of Men.
June 30_3d N. V. Lighl Artillery, Batteries I andC... L95
July L— 144th Regimenl \. V. S. V 890
1 — i;;,i Regiment N. Y. S. V -- 117
.« i_77th Regimenl N. V. S. Y.__ L89
2 — 3d N. V. Lighl Artillery 362
3— 93d Regimenl N. V. S. V. 2*7
5_3d \. V. Lighl Artillery, Battery K__. 177
ii 7— 91st N. Y. S. V 537
i« 8— 175th Regiment N. Y. S. V 89
ii 13— 18th Battery N.Y. S.V. 111
ii 16— 152d Regimenl N. V. S. V 240
ii 19_2d Vermont Light Artillery 227
ii 19 — 12th Massachusetts Light Artillery 125
ii 20— 7th N. Y. Independent Battery 117
ii 21 — 25th N. Y. Independent Buttery 99
•i 21— 157th Regiment N. Y. S. V 382
<< 21— 128th Regiment N. Y. S. V 461
« < 2 1— 60th Regiment N. Y. S. V 403
" 28 — 2d Regiment Hancock's Corps 217
ii 24— 94th Regiment N. Y. S. V. . _ 257
Aug. 4 — 7th New York Heavy Artillery 233
5— 20th N. Y. Cavalry 730
» 25— 110th Regiment N. Y. S. V 522
Sept. 1— 3d Regiment N. Y. S. V 460
2— 100th Regiment N. Y. S. V 451
" 2— 192d Regiment N. Y. S. V 387
2— 81st Regiment N. Y. S. V 304
ii 2— 98th Regiment N. Y. S. V 181
«« 18— 75th Regiment N. Y. S. V 334
Oct. 3—1 1th New York Cavalry 3 1 » 2
» 12— 153d Regiment N. Y. 8. V 377
Sick men sent from Provost Marshal's office at different
dates . _ - 36
Nov. 24— 2d New York Veteran Cavalry 447
Dec> 3 — 4th New York Provisional Cavalry 640
1866, Jan. 20— 193d Regiment N. Y. S. V 607
Total 16,709
Wm. H. Van Antwerp,
Chairman of Refreshment Committee.
The committee expended in this department over seven thou-
sand six hundred dollars; and their kind deeds were duly appre-
ciated by the noble men who were the recipients of their bounty.
INTRODUCTION. 41
THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
Ill the medical department, the action of the government was
very prompt and effective in this State as well as in other parts
of our country. His Excellency, Governor Morgan, appointed at
the commencement of the war Dr. S. Oakley Vanderpoel, of
Albany, Surgeon General of the State of New York. Previous
to this time this position had been simply complimentary, but
now it was attended with great responsibilities and arduous
duties. To this office, however, Dr. Vanderpoel brought not
only a high reputation for skill and experience in his profession,
but great personal energy and efficiency. The bureau was organ-
ized in the best manner to secure the welfare of the soldiers and
the honor of the State, and to add to the effective force of the
army. The surgeons and their assistants were selected with great
care, and minute instructions were given to the inspectors of
recruits that only suitable men should be received into the ser-
vice of the government. On the eighth of January, 1862, Dr.
Vanderpoel made his first report to the Governor of the State,
which was afterwards transmitted to the Assembly, in which he
gives the details of the duties performed in the various depart-
ments of the medical bureau. His second report was transmitted
to the Legislature January 27th, 1863, in which he makes the
following interesting- statements:
"The past year has been one of memorable interest in the
medical department.
"During that period the effective force of troops from this
State has been doubled, while the medical staff has been nearly
trebled, numbering now five hundred and eighty-four. Within
that period they have been subjected to every vicissitude of cli-
mate, to every privation and fatigue — these, too, in the poisonous
malaria and the deathly miasm arising from tropical heats.
"Even now, bodies of troops from this State are stationed at
every principal post — New Orleans, Pensacola, Key West, Hil-
ton Head, Newbern, Fortress Monroe — while the army of the
Potomac and the defences about Washington and Baltimore have
each large detachments.
42 INTRODUCTION.
■• It i> unnecessary to enumerate the fearful conflicts in which
they have been engaged, <>r allude t<> the scenes of woe and suf-
fering through which their duties peculiarly called t hem to move.
It is enough to say thai wherever carnage was the thickest, the
ministering hand of the surgeon has been near, caring as rapidly
as possible for the wounded."
In the same report the Doctor alludes to a corps of volunteer
surgeons, organized in accordance with his own suggestions. He
says:
■ Simultaneously with the measures taken to assume the charge
of the sick and wounded, a movement was initiated to organize a
corps of Volunteer Surgeons, who should hold themselves in readi-
ness, whenever a great emergency occurred, to proceed to the
vicinity of the field of battle and render gratuitous service to the
wounded. The necessity calling for such an organization was
obvious.
"Previous to the passage by Congress of the law of July last,
authorizing the appointment of an additional assistant surgeon to
each regiment, the medical staff was totally inadequate to fulfill
even the demands of ordinary service, from the necessary details
made for transportation, hospital service, and those who for any
cause were unfit for duty. This inadequacy would be painfully
and heart-rendingly felt by the whole people should a large
engagement occur. Impressed by this idea, and after consulta-
tion with some of the first medical men of the State, I addressed
your Excellency, on the thirtieth of March, the communication
marked 'A' in the appendix.* This was promptly and strongly
endorsed by yourself, and forwarded at once to Mr. Stanton,
Secretary of War. His replies will be found in appendix lB'
and ' C*
"From these replies, so favorable and commendatory, resulted
the immediate organization of this corps, the names of whom are
marked ' D ' in the appendix.
A glance at the names comprising the list will readily assure
confidence as to the character of the gentlemen composing it. It
* See Report, January, 1863.
INTRODUCTION. 43
is not presumptuous to say that it would be impossible to find
on this side of the Atlantic, nor inded upon the other, an equal
array combining so much talent, skill and acquirements in their
profession.
" I should do injustice to a large number of noble medical men
throughout the State, who, though not formally recognized of
this body, promptly repaired to the peninsula and labored most
assiduously and faithfully. They waited for no official recogni-
tion, but in the true spirit of philanthropy ministered in their
respective fields of labor. It would be gratifying to enumerate
their names, but from their number, and the reason that only a
few made the fact known to me, renders such an effort impossible.
They enjoy a richer reward than public plaudits, in the quiet
consciousness of a well performed duty, and the heart-felt thanks
and prayers of the suffering sick and wounded alleviated through
their unostentatious ministrations.
"The recital of the labors of this whole corps of volunteer
surgeons, would form one of the noblest episodes of the many
noble which this war has brought forth; would serve to illus-
trate that heaven-derived mission of the profession, the prompt,
unselfish, intelligent relief of suffering humanity."
In 1863 Dr. Vanderpoel was succeeded in the position of Sur-
geon General for the State of New York by Dr. J. V. P Quack-
exbusii, of Albany, who was also a gentlemen of the highest
personal and professional qualifications.
His first annual report was transmitted to the Legislature Feb-
ruary 19th, 1864. During the preceding year Dr. Quackenbush
had appointed two hundred and nineteen surgeons and assistant
surgeons in the places of those who had been promoted, or mus-
tered out or dismissed, or who had resigned. Besides faithfully
attending to his home duties, he visited the battle field and the
hospitals in the vicinity of other cities. Of these visits he gives
the following account, addressed to his Excellency, Horatio
Seymour, Governor and Commander-in-Chief:
"By your direction I proceeded to Washington, and there
received from the War Department ample facilities to visit the
44 CNTEODUCnONi
battle Held and all the hospitals in the vicinity of Washington;
Baltimore and Philadelphia.
"1 visited these hospitals and saw very many of OUT own sol-
diers, who were nineh gratified, and expressed their thanks that
yon had sent a person from New York to look after them and
bring them a word of good cheer from their own State. This to
me Mas a pleasant duty, and when I saw their wan and painful
countenances lighted up by the words of one who came from
their own homes, I felt thankful that I could thus, though in a
feeble manner, minister to the happiness of those who had suffered
so much in the service of their country.
"After visiting the hospitals in Baltimore, I proceeded to the
field of the last battle; but how different was the scene which a
few short days had made. Our victorious army had left the
hills which encompassed Gettysburg. The blast of the bugle
no longer was heard. The echo of the loud-mouthed cannon had
died away, and naught but the sorrow and misery of war now
remained. The sick, the wounded, the dying were on every
side; the long aisles of graves stretched along every camp; the
unburied dead lay prone upon the ground, their lifeless, blood-
less, soulless eyes directed to the mid-day sun. The battle was
ended ! A saddening and sorrowful sight was presented on every
side. Each army corps had its separate hospital, and the sur-
geon and his assistants were constantly engaged in the rude shel-
ter camp and at the operating table. All that humanity could
suggest and skill invent and execute was done, but the machinery
of war had been set in motion and the wrecks of mankind lay
scattered around.
" While on the field of the late battle, I saw many surgeons
from our own State, who, by their labor, were honoring the com-
missions you gave them. Some of these have since died from
disease contracted at that time. Others, too, on distant fields
of duty, have sacrificed their lives in the cause of their country,
nobly vindicating the exalted character of the profession they
represented. Perhaps at no period during the war have our sur-
geons been taxed so severely as at Gettysburg. They worked
bravely and nobly, and while I would award all praise to all the
INTRODUCTION. 45
surgeons who were left in charge of the sick at this place, my
natural State pride will not allow me to suppress the fact that
no hospital, in its appearance of cleanliness, general arrangement
or abundance of supplies, surpassed those which were allotted to
and managed by the surgeons from the State of New York.
"In passing from one hospital to another, the same sad effects
of the battle were seen; but while inhumanity showed her bloody
trophies, humanity showed her nobler views, and those twin sis-
ters of charity, the Sanitary and Christian Commissions, were in
every camp, pouring their healing balm into those wounds which
cruel war had so ruthlessly laid open. These charities opened
wide their hands, and the soldiers keenly appreciated the bless-
ings which were there dispensed. New York should thank these
noble institutions, which then and there so deeply benefited the
New York soldier.
" After leaving the field of battle and its vicinity, I visited the
army at Antietam, and at Gen. Meade's headquarters I met Brig.
Gen. Wm, A. Hammond, Surgeon General U. S. A., and person-
ally offered to him the services of the surgeons of this State,
which I felt authorized in doing, as so many had already volun-
teered to go to the aid of the regular surgeons of the army. This
offer was frankly accepted, with the assurance that they should
be among the first called upon."
And a call was made that same month, under date of July
27, 1863, by Dr. Jos. R. Smith, Surgeon of the U. S. Army,
which was promptly and cheerfully responded to by Dr. Quack-
ENBUSH.
In the Doctor's second annual report, submitted to the Legis-
lature February 28th, 1865, he shows the condition of the medical
staff of the army from this State, the number of surgeons who
have been appointed since the commencement of the rebellion,
the number who have been appointed the preceding year, with
the number who have died, and the general duties incumbent
upon and discharged by this bureau. He says:
" Since the commencement of the war, there have been two
hundred and forty volunteer regiments from this State in the
national army, and the first duty of this bureau has been to keep
4<I INTKODUCTION.
these regiments supplied with their full complement of medical
officers. To each regiment are assigned one surgeon and two
assistant surgeons, and these officers are commissioned by th<>
Governor upon the recommendations issued from this bureau."
He gives in the report a list of the surgeons and assistant sur-
geons appointed in the New York regiments from April lo, 1801,
to December 31, 18f>4, with the rank of each, and the regiment
to which he belonged. The whole number commissioned was
twelve hundred and eighty-two.
Of the corps of volunteer surgeons, Dr. QuACKENBTJSB thus
speaks:
"This corps was called upon in May last, immediately after
the battles of the Wilderness, and in response to a telegram
received Sunday morning, May 7th, fourteen surgeons started
without delay for the scene of action. Indeed, within eight
hours after the reception of the telegram, some from this city
and Troy left for the army, and they met in New York city a
number of others, with whom they went to Washington, and
having reported to Surgeon General Barnes, were immediately
assigned to duty in Fredericksburg and its vicinity. These
gentlemen, whose names will be found in Schedule F, rendered
very valuable and timely service, and I would now, sir, in your
name, under whose commission they served, thank them for the
aid and attention which they rendered to the sick and wounded
soldiers of the. National army, after the bloody battles of the
Wilderness. The general who commands an army and wins his
battle, receives the thanks of Congress, and it is right. The
colonel who gallantly leads his regiment and performs his share
of duty in the general engagements, meets and receives the com-
mendation of his superiors. The lieutenant who seizes the
standard of his company, and urges on his faltering men in the
face of imminent danger, looks for and receives promotion. Thus
each and every officer has his stimulus and meets his reward.
How is it with the volunteer surgeon of the State of New York!
His duty is performed in the hospital or on the field among the
sick and dying. The sound of the clarion or the music of the
drum meets not his ear. The voice of distress calls him to duty,
INTRODUCTION. 47
and the consciousness of having performed that duty well is his
ambition and his reward. The testimony coining from the sick
and wounded, and the evidence rendered by those competent to
judge, has satisfied this bureau that the volunteer surgeon of
New York has done his duty faithfully, and the proud conscious-
ness of this must be his life-long reward."
Dr. Quackenbush was succeeded by Dr. Sylvester D. Wil-
lard, and Dr. Willard by Dr. James E. Pomfret, who were
both appointed by his Excellency Governor Fenton.
As a proof of the wide extent of the medical department of
our army, I would add, in this connection, the following state-
ments made by Joseph K. Barnes, Surgeon General of the
U. S. Army, to the Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, in
his report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1865. The dis-
bursements for that year for medical and hospital supplies; for
the pay of private physicians, hospital employes, &c, amounted
to nineteen millions, three hundred and twenty-eight thousand,
four hundred and ninety-nine dollars and twenty-three cents.
The whole number of general hospitals established since the
commencement of the war was two hundred and four, with a
capacity of one hundred and thirty-six thousand, eight hundred
and ninety-four beds. From April, 1861, to June, 1865, there
had been appointed five hundred and forty-seven surgeons and
assistant surgeons of volunteers; mustered into service, two thou-
sand one hundred and nine volunteer regimental surgeons, and
three thousand eight hundred and eighty-two volunteer regi-
mental assistant surgeons; employed as acting stafF surgeons,
seventy-five; as acting assistant surgeons, five thousand five hun-
dred and thirty-two. The returns of sick and wounded show,
that of white troops, one million, fifty-seven thousand, four hun-
dred and twenty-three cases have been treated in the general
hospitals alone, from 1861 to July 1, 1865, of which the mor-
tality rate was eight per cent.
Gen. Barnes, at the close of his report, bears testimony to the
zeal and efficiency of the officers of the medical department, upon all
occasions. He says: " With hardly an exception, they have been
actuated by the highest motives of national and professional pride,
48 iNTUoni crioN.
and the number who have been killed and wounded hears uio.-t
honorable testimony to their devotion to duty on the field of batl le."
Bui without dwelling longer upon these general operations of
this department, we would speak of the care extended to the
sick and wounded soldiers in the city of Albany.
Iii April, 1861, the brick edifice known as the "Industrial
School Building," was occupied by the soldiers; and extensive
wooden structures were erected around it. the whole constituting
"The Barracks." Seven regiments of New York State volun-
teers were organized, equipped and sent to the field from this
post, during three or four months. At that time, Dr. James EL
Aemsbt, of Albany, was the surgeon in charge of this post, and
of the various temporary depots in the city; and he brought to
his work great patriotic ardor, and a high degree of medical and
surgical skill, gained in a long professional experience.
In 1862, "The Barracks" were opened as a post hospital, and
five hundred and fifty-five sick and wounded soldiers were re-
ceived. They were attended by most of the physicians of the
city, who kindly volunteered their services. In 1863, live hun-
dred were admitted and treated, and in 1864, nine hundred and
fifty-seven were received.
In the fall of 1864, it was made a U. S. General Hospital, and
was placed under the care of Dr. Mason F. Cogswell. Dr.
Cogswell was removed from this position, and from his wide
sphere of usefulness in our city, by death, and in February, 1865,
Dr. J. H. Aemsby was appointed his successor. At that time the
hospital received the name of the "Ira Harris U. S. General
Hospital," after our distinguished U. S. Senator from the State
of New York.
During the year 1865, one thousand, one hundred and twenty-
five patients Mere admitted and received medical and surgical
treatment, nine hundred of whom were in the hospital at one
time in the month of July. Besides faithfully discharging the
duties of physician and surgeon, Dr. Akmsby did all in his power
to promote the comfort and happiness of the soldiers, by pro-
viding them with pleasant rooms and suitable reading matter,
and interesting our citizens in their personal welfare.
INTRODUCTION. 49
MISCELLANEOUS PATRIOTIC DEEDS.
Under this head it would be impossible, within the limits of
this introductory chapter, even to allude to the many patriotic
deeds performed by our citizens. Besides those that are presented
in the foregoing pages, we can only refer to a few:
Prominent among these was the patriotic generosity of our emi-
nent sculptor, Palmer. In 1861 he gave, for the benefit of the
Soldiers' Fund, one of his best works in marble; and afterwards he
placed in the hands of Dr. Armsby four of his most recent and valu-
able pieces of statuary, for the same purpose. More than $2,500
were realized from this contribution. At the time our great fair
was held, he.suspended his works, fitted up his studio for a pic-
ture gallery, and collected from among his friends a large number
of rare and beautiful pictures, which were placed on exhibition
for the benefit of the fair. Most of our city artists contributed
pictures as gifts, and more than $1,200 were realized from the
exhibition. Our photographic artists and picture dealers also
contributed liberally for the benefit of the soldiers.
Many of our ladies, too, were untiring in their efforts to alle-
viate the sufferings of the sick and wounded. They watched
over them, anticipating their wants, and in every way contributing
to their temporal and spiritual welfare.
All classes of our citizens seemed to vie with each other in
efforts to cheer and benefit the soldier, and sustain the govern-
ment in crushing the rebellion. Many who were unable to enter
the battle field themselves voluntarily sent substitutes to repre-
sent their patriotic ardor. Among these we would mention the
case of Isaac W. Vosburgh, Esq., who employed and equipped
one soldier for each member of his family during the war. Thus
he furnished seven members of the American army, representing
himself, his wife and five children.
Gen. Stephen Van Kensselaer was one of the most liberal of
our citizens in his contributions in aid of the war. We hear from
a citizen of the seventh ward that he contributed enough money
to obtain thirty recruits for that ward; and we also learn from
another quarter that he has contributed $1,000 to the war fund
4
50 DHTROD1 < i [ON.
in the it>w ii of Watervliet. We presume he gai e more in other
directions, for he is constantly giving in large sums for patriotic
and benei olent purpos< 9.
Too much praise cannot be awarded to the editors and pub-
lishers < • l' (>iii- d.iil\ papers for their readiness al all times to aid
in the great cause, which enlisted the sympathies and efforts of
our citizens. In one of ili«' annual reports of the Albany Army
Relief Association, thi^ aid is gratefully acknowledged.
Equally were they readj to help everj other association and
every plan which contemplated the good of the soldier or the
welfare of i he nation.
To our railroad, steamboat and express companies the commu-
nity are indebted for innumerable favors that helped to advance
i he general cause.
THE BUREAU OF MILITARY RECORD.
The Bureau of Military Record was established by Governor
Morgan in December, L862, and has been sanctioned and sus-
tained by the Legislature of the State. Its objects are to collect
and preserve the records of the war. embracing an account of the
action of cities, towns and counties in raising volunteers, and
contributing in various ways to the support of the army; of the
organization and services of regiments, with the preservation of
their flags; and the collection of the biographies of officers and
nun engaged in the service, and of all printed documents per-
taining to the war.
Already great success has attended the efforts of the bureau,
and no less than five hundred flags have Keen received from the
regiments that have been raised in our State. Biographies of
many officers and men have also been collected, and the plan is
now being carried out of thoroughly canvassing the cut in' State,
for obtaining statistical information in regard to all the officers
and soldiers who have been connected with our army.
'flu' Legislature of l's<!."> instructed the bureau, in addition to
it- other duties, to collect and preserve "a record of the part
taken by seamen from this State, in the naval service, since the
INTRODUCTION. 5 1
beginning of the war;" and also to procure "a detailed account
of the treatment of Union soldiers from this State in rebel
prisons, and a record of the deaths in said prisons, and other
pertinent facts connected with such imprisonment." In accord-
ance with this order, measures have been adopted to obtain the
desired information.
In connection with the bureau, there is a valuable museum of
articles of military interest, gathered from battle fields, forts,
besieged cities and other localities.
To preserve these records and materials, as well as others that
may be collected, the Legislature have passed an act, which it is
believed will result in the erection of a tire-proof building, to be
called the Hall of Military Record. The Chief of this bureau is
Col. Lockwood L. Doty, a gentleman eminently fitted for his
position by his courteous manners, his extensive military know-
ledge, and his pure patriotism.
CONCLUDING REMARKS.
In the preparation of the following sketches, it has been our
aim to present a clear and truthful narrative of each of the
departed heroes of our city and county, based upon the most
reliable information that could be obtained concerning them. In
the length of the sketches we have, of course, been governed by
the amount of the materials with which we have been furnished
by surviving relatives and friends. Many officers and soldiers
are briefly noticed (who deserve a more extended tribute),
because of our inability to obtain any more facts in relation to
them than those which are given.
A list of those whose names only, with a few historic dates,
we have been able to obtain, will be found at the close of this
volume.
Besides the articles contributed by the relatives or friends of
the deceased, whose names are given, there are some others pre-
sented, with slight alterations, in the language in which they
were furnished.
In the extracts given from journals and letters, I have taken
52
in i B0D1 CTION.
tlit' liberty of making slight changes in the language used, where
they would add to the clearness of the thought, or to the gram-
matical structure of the Bentence employed by the writer.
The whole volume is uow senl forth to meet the demands of
every heart that is inspired with gratitude towards these patriot
martyrs. It is also sent forth that it may perpetuate the memory
of the achievements of these ooble men, while the American
Republic, with its just laws and tree institutions, shall have an
existence among the nations of the earth.
R. W. C.
ALBANY, October, 1866.
COUNTY OF ALBANY. |
IW TOR*
{CUB9
A3TOR, LEWOX
TILDEN FOUNDATION
A
<~
I.
MAJ. GEN. ORMSBY MACKNIGHT MITCHEL.
We commence our sketches of the illustrious dead, with a
name distinguished for scientific culture, earnest patriotism,
tender humanity and devoted piety. Rarely do so many intel-
lectual gifts and Christian virtues meet in the same person, as
edorn the character of Gen. Mitchel. His mind moved among
the stars, and caught their brilliancy. His thoughts partook of
the harmony and grandeur of the worlds and systems that he
explored. His character was pure, his sentiments generous and
lofty, and his love of country was second only to his love of God.
Before the war, his discoveries and contributions to astronomical
science had rendered him eminent as an American scholar. His
popular lectures made him a favorite with all, and inspired hia
hearers with a love for the beauties and sublimities of astronomy,
and with adoration for the Creator and his marvelous works.
The parents of our hero resided, before his birth, in Virginia.
His father was a man of no ordinary intelligence and enterprise,
and had a decided taste for mathematical pursuits. His mother
was a woman of pleasing address, superior mental attainments,
and earnest piety. Mr. Mitchel having lost his property, moved
west, and located in Union county, Kentucky. There he erected
a rude habitation, and on the 28th of August, 1810, his son,
Ormsby Macknight Mitchel, was born. When the child was
three years of age, his father was called away by death, and the
orphan boy was left to struggle with the obstacles and difficulties
that early beset his path. The family, in their deep affliction,
moved immediately to Ohio, with the hope of adding to their
means of support, and settled in the town of Miama. Ormsby
was sent to school, and so rapidly did he advance in his studies,
54 31 A.J. GEN. O. M. .MITCilEL.
thai in some branches he soon surpassed his country teachers.
At the age of twelve years he had mastered the Lai in and Greek
languages, acquired the elements of mathematics, and gained
considerable knowledge in other departments. For the want of
means to continue his studies, he entered a store as clerk. But
the dull routine of the duties in a country store did not satisfy
his ardent and aspiring nature. On removing to Lebanon,
Warren county, he formed the purpose to gain admission, if
possible, to the military academy at West Point. Through the
influence of friends he was successful in gaining the appointment.
To one who said to him: We have had many of our hoys go to
West Point, but few of them get through;" Oemsby, with culm
self-reliance, replied: u I shall go through, sir."
The journey, at that time, from Ohio to West Point, Mas
attended with many difficulties, and especially for a lad without
money or friends to aid him. But our young hero pushed his
way through the wilderness, sometimes on foot, sometimes on
horseback, and at last upon the canal boat, that brought him to
Albany on Saturday night. Having previously determined to
live a Christian life, and to obey all God's commands, he rested
on the Sabbath, and was entertained by his relatives. On
Monday he went to West Point, and arrived there with his knap-
sack on his back and twenty-live cents in his pocket. Instead
of property and worldly advantages, he commenced his career,
equipped with personal energy, an honorable ambition, and firm
Christian principles. Possessing these elements of character, he
had the very best armor, for a youth, with which to tight the
battles of life, and win the most valuable prizes.
On the 23d of June, 1825, he was, after a satisfactory exami-
nation, admitted to the military academy, being then not fifteen
years of age. The law required that candidates should be a
year older, but, as a special favor, it was in his case suspended.
At once he devoted himself to study with great diligence, perse-
verance and success. Among his associates in the academy were
several of the generals who have distinguished themselves in the
late war, both in our own and in the rebel service. Among the
latter were Jeffekson Davis. Robt. E. Lee and Joseph Johnson.
MA J. GEX. O. M. MITCHEL. 55
In 1829, cadet Mitchel graduated with honor, and so high
was the estimate placed upon his talents and character, that he
Mas very soon appointed assistant professor of mathematics in
the academy. This position he held two years, and was then
stationed with the army at St. Augustine, in Florida. There life
was too monotonous for his active and ambitious spirit; and
having no prospect of usefulness or distinction before him, he
resigned on 30th of September, 1832.
While connected with the army he married Mrs. Teask, for-
merly Miss Louisa Clark, of Cornwall, on the Hudson river; a
lady of superior intelligence, rare attainments and devoted piety.
He moved with his wife to Cincinnati, where he opened an office
as counselor at law, and practiced until the year 1834. Here
he connected himself with the church, under the care of the Rev.
Dr. Lyman Beecher, and was identified with the religious inter-
ests of the city.
The Cincinnati college having become established in 1834, Mr.
Mitchel was elected professor of mathematics, philosophy and
astronomy. Here he had a field suited to his taste and genius.
His ardor, in the noble study of the science of the heavenly
bodies, Mas greatly quickened. He infused his enthusiasm into
the minds of his pupils, by Mdiomhe MTas greatly loved and
admired.
In addition to the duties of his professorship, he filled the
office of chief engineer of the Little Miami railroad, from 1836
to 1837. Thus in time of peace he Mas learning lessons that,
years afterwards, would enable him, amid the stern realities of
Mar, to render the most valuable services to his country.
In the prosecution of his astronomical studies, Professor
[Mitchel felt the need of an observatory, and in 1832 he bent
his energies towards obtaining the means for the erection of a
great astronomical observatory in Cincinnati. He prepared and
delivered a series of lectures upon astronomy, that were received
with the greatest enthusiasm. As his clear intellect moved with
the planets, and searched for the secret laws of nature among
the mysteries of the stars; as his pure soul reflected, as a bur-
nished mirror, the beauties and sublimities of God's wonderful
56 MA.I. GEN. O. M. 1UITCIIEL.
works; as he Labored to weave out of language, garments with
which to clothe his own grand ideas of the distances in space,
and of the magnitude and mission of the far-off worlds; a.s he
poured forth, in burning eloquence, hisalmosl inspired thoughts
of the attributes and perfections of the Infinite Author of all
material systems, and intelligent beings,- — thousands listened
in breathless attention, and with emotions of the highest delight.
Not only did he gain the means for carrying forward his favorite
project, but he gave an impetus, in the popular mind, to the
science of astronomy, that is felt to this day.
In speaking of Professor Mitciiel as a man of science, an able
writer says that he " was an ardent investigator, and an eminently
practical inventor. Fully imbued with the poetry of science,
delighting in the lofty picturesques of astronomic thought;
abounding in the rarest imagery in his public teachings; his
truest sphere was in the mechanism of the means for scientific
observation and labor. To prepare himself as the director of
the observatory, he had studied and mastered the higher astro-
nomical mathematics, and was thoroughly conversant with the
history of the science. To qualify himself as a public teacher.
he had resolved the most difficult problems into such forms, and
such lucid language, as to make them clear to many who had
regarded it impossible to comprehend them. To give himself
facility in observing, he had studied under Professor AlRET, the
astronomer royal of England, at Greenwich; and to understand
the scientific relations of astronomy as they appear in the cos-
mogony of the universe, he had investigated those sister sciences
which, while they are distinct elements of the great subject,
came forward, in harmonious concourse, to cast their tribute at
the feet of Him, who dictated the record of Moses."
Without describing the various steps in the enterprise, which
resulted in the erection of the Cincinnati observatory, now justly
called the Mitchel Observatory, it is sufficient to state, that the
corner stone of the pier that was to sustain the great telescope,
was laid by the Hon. John Quincv Adams, on the ninth of No-
vember, 1843. The telescope reached safely the city of Cincin-
nati in February, 1845, and in the following March the building
MAJ. GEN. O. M. MITCHEL. 57
was in readiness for its reception. In the prosecution of this
great undertaking, Professor Mitchel had exhausted all his pri-
vate means. He had overcome obstacles and difficulties that
would have utterly discouraged ordinary men. He had labored
on, month after month, and year after year, sustained only by
the sleepless energy of his own soul, and by the hope of success
that inspires every truly great mind. But the desire of his heart
was accomplished. He was permitted to gaze upon the triumph
of his genius and enthusiasm, as expressed in the beautiful temple
crowning the lofty hill-top, and consecrated to science, to the
universe, and to God. He had been instrumental in opening
upon this continent, a new pathway to the skies, along which
thought and aspiration might travel to distant worlds and sys-
tems. The hour was one of joy and exultation. But as the pro-
fessor had learned that the brightest sun might be eclipsed, so
he was soon to learn that the bright sun of prosperity might
grow dim, and our most cherished plans be thwarted by an
unseen hand. He had agreed to superintend the observatory
for ten years, without remuneration, and to depend for his sup-
port upon his salary as professor in the college. But in a sad
hour the college was destroyed by fire, and he was left penniless!
The temple enshrining the clear telescopic eye, stood serene
upon the lofty eminence, but the high priest of science could not
enter. His intellect, with its keen vision, was left to him. His
energies had not been consumed in the conflagration. His know-
ledge of the stars had not been turned into ashes. His trust in
God was not gone. But his means of support were cut off; and
what can he do? Hear him, in his own language: "It was
impossible," he said, " to abandon the observatory. The college
could not be rebuilt, at least for several years, and in this emer-
gency I found it necessary to seek some means of support least
inconsistent with my duties in the observatory. My public lec-
tures at home had been comparatively well received, and after
much hesitation, it was resolved to make an experiment else-
where. For five years I had been pleading the cause of science
among those little acquainted with its technical language. I had
become habituated to the use of such terms as were easily under-
58 M \l. GEN. <>. M. MIT< Mil,.
stood; and probably to this circumstance more than to any other
one thing, am I Indebted for any success which may have attended
my public Lectures. To the citizens of Boston, Brooklyn, New
York ;iiul New Orleans, for the kindness with which they were
pleased i<> receive my imperfect efforts, I am deeply indebted."
After a most brilliant career through these and other cities,
Professor Mitchel accepted an appointment from ili<' Ohio and
Mississippi railroad company, as confidential agent to attend to
their business in Europe. In 1844 he surveyed this road, and
in L853 he went to Europe, and again in L854, to transact busi-
ness for the company. On his return he had charge of the
eastern division of the railroad, and managed its aflairs with
great success.
In the summer of 1860, he was chosen director of the Dudley
Observatory, that adorns our own city. The land tor this noble
edifice was generously given l>y Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaeb,
and towards the building Mrs. Blanmna Dudley gave $13,000,
while other individuals increased the amount to $25,000. But
while the professor was maturing his plans, for giving the
greatest possible success to this observatory, the trumpet of war
stirred his patriotic heart, and a sense of duty prompted him to
tender to the Government his military knowledge, and his per-
sonal services, for the defence of the country. It was, indeed,
hard for him to relinquish his scientific pursuits, tor which nature
had so eminently endowed his intellect; it was hard for him to
tear himself away from his cherished wife, and the delights of a
fond home; it was hard lor him to give up the brilliant future
that was opening before him in the regions of astronomical inves-
tigation and discovery; hut in the hour of his country's peril, he
was ready to sacrifice all for her interests. And although the
military career of Gen. Mitchel was short, yet it was long enough
to prove that he was a whole-hearted patriot; a superior disci-
plinarian; a brave soldier, and a noble ami successful commander.
For the details of his military life, we are indebted to William
P. Prentice, Esq. of New York city, who has furnished such
tacts as came within his own personal knowledge. These we
give mainly in his own language
MAJ. GEX. O. M. MITCHEL. 59
On the ninth of August, 1861, Prof. Mitciiel was appointed
brigadier general of volunteers, and was ordered to report to
General Franklin, on the Potomac. He was, however, almost
immediately relieved, at the request of western men, and sent to
Cincinnati, as commander of the department of the Ohio.
Here everything was in confusion, and destruction seemed
coming down from Kentucky to sweep away the city and its
State. There were no soldiers and no supplies. Quartermasters
and commissaries were deeply in debt, having been plundered
by miserable contractors, and in every quarter there was need
of such a man as now began to lead.
Night and day he Mas at work, using others' powers as well as
his own, organizing and directing whatever was to be done. He
seemed almost to create artillery. As by magic, there came up
regiments of foot, and marched to the front in Kentucky, seizing
the railroads and mountain passes. Cincinnati, at once, had the
fortifications which have twice since proved her safety. Mr.
Cameron, the Secretary, moved by the change wrought by this
"live man," as he called him, and urged by the General and
those who clearly saw the course of the rebellion, ordered an
expedition to Cumberland Gap, which, it was afterwards proved,
must certainly have been a great success, by dividing the Con-
federacy, saving Eastern Tennessee, and cutting ofF the rebel
supplies from the west.
But the delays, opposing counsel, and final countermand which
this and other movements met, led the General to urge the con-
solidation of the departments in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and
Tennessee, in which he ofiered to take a subordinate place.
The new department, called that of the Ohio, was created, and
Gen. Buel made its commander. Gen. Mitchel was second in
rank.
On the thirteenth of December, 1861, Gen. Mitchel took
command of the third division, army of the Ohio, and led it
through Elizabethtowu to Bacon creek, where he lay for six
weeks, drilling and exercising his men, until he had certainly the
finest division in the western army.
He planned and urged the attack on Bowling Green, and leav-
('>(> M A.l. GEN. •». M. MITCHEL.
ing Bacon creek February 1 lili. L862, though liel<l back ;ii Green
*
river, lie captured ii on the fourteenth, while Buel's main army
was on the march ti» Donelson. This fell, and Nashville surren-
dered t<> Gen. Mitchel February 23d.
To him also belongs t he crcdil of i lie march upon and surprise
of Huntsville, one of the most important movements of the war.
For very soon Decatur and Bridgeport, with their bridges across
the Tennessee; Tuscumbia, through which water communication
with our army at Pittsburg Landing was opened, and a Hank
attack on the rebel line of retreat offered; Rogersville on the
Elk river, and Winchester in the mountains, were ours.
Had these been held by the united western forces as they
should have been, and as Gen. Mitchel desired, the consequences
would have been far different from what they were to our cause
in Tennessee.
The deft ace and government of the ( reneral's district of Middle
Tennessee and Northern Alabama, continued from April 11th to
July 6th, when he was ordered to Washington, with a view to
Ids employment in Virginia.
The plan of an inroad upon Georgia, and a campaign in that
State and Eastern Tennessee, in 1K<>2, met with the approval of
the Government, and was tiled in the Secretary of War's office.
It will be found to have been of similar and equal promise to
that of Gen. Sherman.
But the conflicting counsels at Washington were in the way
of all work in the siumner of l<sii^. Jn August, the Mississippi
river expedition was ordered for Gen. MiTCHEL, and he was about
to embark with some thirty thousand troops for a campaign
which would have been short, and decisive of great results, if
we can trust the evidence now before us; but Gen. IJalleck was
called to the chief command, and vwvy new project was for the
time abandoned.
It was a strange thing to see such a man as (Jen. Mitchel idle,
and, as a forlorn hope it seemed, he was in September sent to
the department of the south. Matters there were in a bad state.
Military misrule had produced a general discontent. The sol-
diers were a prey to the climate; and the listlessness of camp
MAJ. GEN. O. M. MITCHEL. 61
life, while the freedmen corrupted by their idleness, gave little
promise of improvement or work.
The General landed at Port Royal September 16th. He began
at once the reorganization of the tenth army corps, and very
soon began to make for it a history, with new energy and hope-
Four expeditions met with such success that the campaign
against Charleston and Savannah was about to open. With rein-
forcements of twenty thousand men, sustained in its inception
with great confidence by the government, and entered upon with
enthusiasm by our troops, the first stroke, that against Pocotaligo,
succeeded well. Three expeditions, organized jointly by the
army and navy, were at once to follow, led by the Commodore
and the General, for the purpose of cutting oft' Wilmington,
Charleston, Savannah and Mobile from mutual support. Charles-
ton and Savannah would then have been attacked from the land
side, positions on the coast gradually occupied, and expeditions
sent into the interior. But while in the midst of these plans and
others that contemplated the protection and elevation of the
colored people, our hero was prostrated by sickness. On Sun-
day, the twenty-sixth of October, 1862, he was attacked by the
yellow fever in Beaufort, S. C, and on the thirtieth of the same
month he expired.
His death, so sudden and unexpected, produced the greatest
consternation and sorrow among all classes, white and black.
Just as difficulties that had embarrassed efficient action in the
past had been settled, and the brightest prospects were opened
before our forces, the beloved leader was snatched away.
Gen. Mitchel's civil policy was not inferior to that of his
military government. His schemes and efforts for the benefit
of the negroes were eminently practical and successful; and as a
leader, he was looked up to by them with great enthusiasm and
hope. They gave him their best assistance, and soberly entered
upon their great task. They built for him his first model village,
and took part in that social system of which he made the family
and the church the centres. Soon peaceful industry would have
overcome the ruin shown on every side, against which, up to this
time, almost nothing had been done. The grandeur and prac-
62 MAJ. iii:\. <». M. MTTCHEL.
tical wisdom of his plans will be recognized in bis corre.' pondence,
invited by the President, the Secretary of the Treasury and some
of his New York friends, which will hereafter, ii i- hoped, be
published.
Ii is tn be observed in reviewing his course, that while he
used gloriously every opportunity, he was always found capable
of greater things; The rays of his genius were seen struggling
through every cloud, and breaking out into the Light of noon-
day. His powers of organization, and energetic, successful gov-
ernment, displayed in the departments <>f the Ohio and of the
south, mark him as of high administrative ability. The plan oi*
the Cumberland Gap expedition; the captures of Bowling Green,
Nashville and Huntsville; the plan of the campaign on the line
of the Memphis and Charleston railroad, were all his; and also
the plan of the Chattanooga and Georgia campaign, which would
have saved the country untold misery. To him also belongs
the credit of initiating such a campaign against Charleston as
afterwards proved a success. These alone distinguish him as a
great commander.
As a leader he was unsurpassed; he seemed of electrical pre-
sence; he always led; he marched like the thundercloud, and
struck like the lightning. It was his lot never to have had to
retreat, although not neglectful of its possibility. Observing
every precaution and watching the details of every movement,
few could be so sure as he. If the burning of Decatur and
Bridgeport bridges should be called an exception, this unneces-
sary action, it is to be remembered, was by command of Generals
Buel and Halleck, and against Gen. Mitchei/s own counsel.
He was just and merciful in the use of power, although he
sought strenuously to maintain perfect discipline. The devotion
of his soldiers to him is well known; and Union feeding fol-
lowed him in the southwest, as was seen before and after the
outbreak at Athens, in which the eighth brigade, then detached,
was implicated. His cotton bridges, his improvised steamboats
and gunboats, his plan of defence for railroads, his system of
scouts among the negroes, his feats in railroad building, his extra-
ordinary marches, show his invincibility by obstacles. His
MAJ. GEN. O. M. MITCHEL. 63
passages of the rivers at Mumfordsville and Bowling Green were
indeed grand, and show his masterly power. Think of twelve
hundred feet of heavy bridging being created in ten days; three
hundred feet in twenty-four hours; a flatboat made a steam gun-
boat, for the shoals of the Tennessee river, in three or four days;
pontoons put on the Elk river in eight days; a river steamer
made a gunboat at Charleston, and almost impregnable by the
use of chains, as afterwards the Kearsage, in thirty-six hours !
Such things seem dreams rather than realities.
It is proper to add that the Georgia railway expedition, so-
called, owed neither its inception nor organization to Gen.
Mitciiel, he having been simply furnished with men from the
third division by the special orders of Gen. Buel.
Fortunately, all the records of his military history have been
carefully preserved. Among them the original dispatches and
orders by him received are to be seen; and the copies of his
orders and correspondence. For every doubtful act he sought
and had the concurrence of the government, and he was cordially
sustained by the friends of the Nation and of truth.
Gen. Mitciiel was an earnest Christian soldier, and was ever
ready to engage in every good work. In the southwest, daily
prayers were offered up w ith each regiment, except when circum-
stances rendered it impossible. Public services were also estab-
lished on the Sabbath, and at his meals the divine blessing was
invoked.
He had a soul that could hear the cries of humanity, and
respond by toil and sacrifices for the helpless and unfortunate.
For the education and happiness of the freedmen committed to
his charge, he did what he could; and at the last great day many
of the recipients of his benevolence will be ready to rise up and
pronounce him blessed. At the moment the breath left his body
science lost a rare ornament; the army mourned for a skillful
and brave soldier; humanity wept for an earnest defender and
advocate, and the church lost a true Christian and humble follower
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The writings which he has left we would earnestly recommend
to the lovers of science, and to all who would enlarge their
6 1 MA.!. QEN. O. M. MITCH IX.
views <>t" the grandeurs and splendors of the universe. Among
them are his "Planetary and Stellar Worlds;" his "Treatise on
Algebra;" his "Popular Astronomy," and "The Astronomy of
the Bible," which has been published since his death. In read-
ing the latter beautiful and eloquent work, we cannot but think
of the spirit of our departed ( Ihrist ian hero as now moving amid
those splendid regions, gathering fresh stores of knowledge from
the vast fields that are open, and rejoicing in the love of that
God, whom he delighted to serve with his genius and his heart
while he was a resident of this earth.
BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 65
II.
BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE.
Passing alone;, we come to another countenance radiant with
christian hope and beaming with victory. The eyes reveal the
inward intelligence; the lips whisper the peace of the soul.
Upon the brow is stamped " heroism." In the hand is a com-
mission addressed to "Brig. Gen. James C. Eice," a name which
history will embalm and posterity applaud.
Six years ago this hero enlisted under the captain of our salva-
tion, and professed his faith before angels and men, in the Madi-
son Square Presbyterian Church, in the city of New York. Less
than two years ago he took to his heart one who is now a widow.
She looked and prayed for the brightness of serene skies, and
received the thunderbolt that has shattered her spirit.
Although this christian soldier did not first enter the service
of his country from Albany, yet his numerous family connections
here, together with his being early and prominently identified
with the Fourty-fourth N. Y., better known as the Ellsworth
regiment, which was organized and sent to the field from this
city, gives Albany the right to claim him, and to place his name
upon the list with her own noble sons.
Gen. Eice was a native of the State of Massachusetts. He was
born in the town of Worthington, Hampshire county, in the year
1828. The records of his ancestors trace them to Hertfordshire
county, England. They were among the early settlers of New
England, having immigrated to this country about the year 1636.
The paternal and maternal grandfathers of Gen. Eice were
active participants in the Eevolutionary war, and both served at
several different times during that long conflict, and endured
many and great hardships. The father of Gen. Eice was a com-
5
68 BBIG. GEN. JAMB8 0. urCE.
missioned officer, and served several months during the lasl war
with Greal Britain. Be is said to have beeD a man of true mar-
tial spirit, and a thorough and a l»ra\ <■ officer. The mother, who
is now living al die advanced age of eighty-four years, has been
a woman of ereal energy of character. Her long life of devoted
purity and strong Christian faith, lias deeply impressed itself
upon all who have been subjecl to her influence; and it wasfrom
this source that the son drew his religious inspiration.
(ien. Rice graduated at Yale College, in the class of L853,
with distinction. Upon leaving college, lie took charge of a
seminary at Natchez, Miss., giving such spare moments as he had
at command to the study of the law. having already decided to
make this his profession. lie returned to the north the following
year and entered the office of Theodore Sedgwick, Esq., in New-
York city. Not long after he was admitted to practice in the
courts of this State. He was here devoting himself to His pro-
fession, which was already becoming lucrative, when the first
call was made for volunteers to defend the flag of the Union.
Immediately upon the firing upon Fort Sumter, his ardent and
patriotic nature was fully aroused to the magnitude of the offence
against the government, as also to the urgent necessity of great
determination and promptness on the part of the people to sus-
tain and preserve their institutions. He believed thai this could
best be done by a general uprising of the north, hoping thereby
to convince the insurgents, before blood should be spilled; of the
futility of the attempt to subvert the government. He immedi-
ately offered himself as a private in one of the New York city regi-
ments, hut so rapidly were the ranks then filling up, that the
regiment was already found to have a surplus of men. and he was
transferred to the Thirty-ninth N. Y. S. V., known as the Garibaldi
Guards. He received a commission as first lieutenant, and was
appointed adjutant of this, then, splendid regiment, upon which
large sums of money had been lavishly bestowed by the citizens
of the metropolis. The regiment was early in the field, but from
lack of discipline, did not meet the expectations of its friends.
Insubordination soon began to manifest itself among the nun,
and on one occasion Lieut. Rice took such a determined and
BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 67
courageous stand, as to successfully quell a formidable mutiny.
For his gallant conduct on this occasion he was immediately pro-
moted to a captaincy. With this regiment Captain Rice was
engaged in the first battle of Bull's Run. Soon after the return
of his regiment to the defences about Washington, he became
convinced that he could not, in this organization, be as useful to
the cause, as he desired to be. He therefore made application to
Gov. Morgan for a position in some of the new regiments then
being raised, High testimony from his superior officers to his
fidelity and bravery, secured for him the appointment of lieuten-
ant colonel of the gallant Fourty-fourth, whose already full ranks
were waiting to be officered. On receiving this appointment,
Lieut. Col. Rice was the recipient of a beautiful sword, belt, &c,
from the ladies and gentlemen of Albany. The following account
of the presentation is taken from the Albany Evening Journal
of October 19th, 1861:,
"A large company of ladies and gentlemen met at the house
of A. McClure last evening, on the occasion of the presentation
of sword, &c, to Lieut. Col. Rice, of the Ellsworth regiment.
Among those present were Gov. Morgan, Hon. Erastus Corn-
ing, John G. Saxe, Esq., and other distinguished citizens. The
Presentation Address was made by Mrs. William Barnes, who
spoke with great feeling and in a vein of patriotic fervor, which
stirred the hearts of all who listened. It will be long before the
recipient will forget her eloquent words and impressive counsels.
Lieut. Col. Rice responded in an address marked at once by
earnestness and scholarly finish. He pledged those present that
the sword, of which he was the recipient, should return to its
scabbard, when the war was ended, untarnished; and that no
friend should have cause to blush over his record. He was
deeply affected, and spoke with the pathos of earnest feeling.
"The sword is beautifully finished, and bears the following
inscription: 'Lieut. Col. Rice, Forty-fourth Regiment N. Y. S.
V. Presented by his Albany Friends.' Among the articles pre-
sented, in addition, were a pair of revolvers, belt and sash, &c."
After the appropriate and eloquent Presentation Speech by
Mrs. Wm. Barnes, Col. Rice made the following reply:
68 BRIG. GEN. JAME8 0, KICE.
"M&spected Madam: Be pleased to accept for yourself, and for
those whom you have so eloquently represented here this even-
ing, my grateful thanks, for these precious testimonials of your
and of their regard.
"Aside from the intrinsic value of these martial gifts, .so rich
and beautiful in themselves, the thought that they are the gener-
ous offerings of friends whose esteem long years of absence from
their midst has not dimmed; the thought thai the fair ami patri-
otic channel of their conveyance is. ;tt this moment, recalling to
the mind of each one present the distinguished source from
which von spring; the thought that they are presented here,
surrounded by my kindred and family friends; and, above all,
the thought that they are so soon to lie used lor the defence of
a beloved country, in whose preservation each of our homes and
firesides, our families, and all the kindliest relations and bless
ings of life are so intimately allied, will ever enhance to me the
value of your gifts — adding, whether upon the tented or battle
field, joy to duty — tenderly touching to their finest issues the
sacred love and devotion I bear to my country, and causing me
more fully than ever before, to realize:
: How home-felt pleasure prompts the patriot's sigh,
And makes him wish to live, yet dare to die.'
"The manner, Madam, in which these martial gifts have been
presented to me — coming as they do from the hands of one of
the gentler sex, and surrounded as I am by so numerous an
assemblage of fair women and brave men — naturally calls to my
mind those chivalric days of England's earliest kings, when
around the Round Table of the good and gallant Arthur, valorous
knights modestly told their loves, and feats of arms; when the
fair Countess of Brittany and Montford stooped to bind the sash
and sword around the waists of the bold Sir Tristam, and the
generous Knight, Sir Lancelot; when the fair Lady Isabella, and
the beautiful Eloisa, beside prancing steeds, gracefully knelt and
fixed the spurs to their gallant knights; when the brave Templar
of Ivanhoe won his fair Rowena by his faithful arms; when love
was the crowning grace — the grandeur of the soldier's toils and
BRIG. GEN". JAMES C. RICE. 69
bravery in woman's eyes the dearesl quality of the manly mind.
In accepting this sword, on this occasion, from your fair hands,
1 would not entirely forgel the noble examples of those chivalric
times: l)iit I will remember their many virtues, their mercy
towards the helpless, and their kindness towards the oppressed.
Be assured. Madam, that this sword, now entrusted to me by
you. shall never be tarnished with one ignoble or ungenerous
action: that as it now comes from your hands, bright and un-
sullied, so shall it be sheathed, when this war shall have ceased and
peace shall have been restored throughout the land. When the
skillful armorers of Saragossa presented their new made swords
to the brave knights of old, they first plunged them, hot from
the forge, into the river Stalo, and thus tempered, baptized them
with a sacred name, and dedicated them to some noble cause.
This nighl I receive this sword, tempered by your eloquent and
burning words, and forever dedicate it to the freedom and pre-
servation of my country. Inspired by your commands, I receive
(his sword, and with the Trojan hero, as the Greeks threatened
his beloved Troy, confidently exclaim:
* * * 'Si Pergama dextra
Defcndi possent, etiam hac defensa fuissent.'
" If the Union can be defended by any right hand, even by
diis. it shall be defended.
"In the sentiments which you have so eloquently and feel-
ingly expressed in regard to this war, I fully concur. I have
long and confidently believed that God, looking down from His
Eternal Throne of Justice upon the American people, from the
formation of our Government, and despairing, after a long and
faithful trial, that justice aud right would ever be done to the
down-trodden slave, either by the North or the South, at last
has taken their emancipation upon Himself. I believe that it is
God's divine purpose, having used the wrath of the South to
commence this war, to cause that wrath to praise Him by the
freedom of every slave. And I also confidently believe that this
war, under his Providence, will be made just severe enough to
effect this object; and that it will be ended by God only when
70 BRIG. GEN. -i \mi> C. RICE.
we, as individuals, both North and South, shall sec and realize
this Divine object. Be assured, .Madam, thai in this war
' Tlicre is a Divinity that shapes om
Bough hew them as we will.'
Bearing no unkind or ungenerous spiril towards the .South, Imt
at the same time determined to defend my country to the last,
on this Divinity, in conducting this war to a happy and glorious
peace, I alone rely.
■• With feelings thus inspired, I receive these military arms
and equipments from your hands. But be assured that in doing
so, I accept them relying not boastingly or confidently upon my
own strength. 1 receive them, feeling deeply the responsibility
of the sacred trust imposed upon me by your kindness, and trust-
ing for their unsullied keeping entirely to that Being who never
forsakes the brave and the faithful, who in the day of battle and
of trial, put their trust in Him alone. I accept them as a Chris-
tian, feeling that they are to be used in a most holy cause — a
cause that God will bless, and in His own wise time and way
bring to a happy and glorious issue. I accept them as a patriot,
proudly remembering the blessings and the glory of our coun-
try's past, and anxiously trusting that the same glory and bless-
ings, so abundantly shared by us, may be transmitted to our
children. I accept them as a soldier, willing to leave all, sacri-
fice all (save a Saviour's love), willing to offer up my life, if need
be, for my country: for in the loss of our country all is lost, and
whoever of us shall be so unhappy as to survive his country, can
but feel that he has already lived too long."
The subsequent history of this regiment, and the glorious
record made by it, are well known. Young Rice was shortly
promoted to its command, and led it through all the hard fighting
of the seven days' battles before Richmond, in the campaign of
18G2. It was here that the soldiers learned, in their hardships
and sufferings, that they had in their Colonel, a friend whose
heart was ever open to their needs, and that their comfort was
ever his first solicitude. The noble men of this splendid regi-
ment, who have escaped the dangers of the battle field, uniformly
BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 71
bear grateful testimony to the constant kindness and sympathy
of Col. Rice. At the battle of Gettysburg he had charge of a
brigade, and here, in the language of an eye-witness of that day's
terrible conflict, " he again distinguished himself by his gallantry
and skill. He was highly spoken of by Gen. Meade, for his con-
duct on this occasion, and earnestly recommended by him, as
well as by Generals Hooker and Butterfield, for an appoint-
ment of brigadier general of volunteers. The President acqui-
esced in the wishes of these officers, and Col. Rice was presented
with his commission, dating from the day of the battle of Gettys-
burg." Gen. Rice was now assigned to the command of a
brigade, and had a part in all the battles of the "Army of the
Potomac," till the fatal bullet closed his earthly career, at the
close of a desperate day's fight at Spottsylvania, Virginia.
Gen. Rice's last letter, addressed to his aged mother, reveals
the inner thoughts and workings of his soul. He said:
"We are about to commence the campaign, the greatest in
magnitude, strength and importance since the beginning of the
Avar. God grant that victory may crown our arms; that this
wicked rebellion may be crushed, our Union preserved, and
peace and prosperity again be restored to our beloved country.
My faith and hope and confidence are in God alone, and I know
that you feel the same. I trust that God may again graciously
spare my life, as he has in the past; and yet we cannot fall too
early, if, loving Christ, one dies for his country. My entire
hope is in the cross of my Saviour. In this hope I am always
happy. We pray here in the army, mother, just the same as at
home. The same God who watches over you also guards me.
I always remember you in my prayers, and I know that you
never forget me in yours. All that I am, under God, I owe to
you, mother. Do you recollect this passage in the Bible: 'Thou
shalt keep, therefore, the statutes, that it may be well with thee,
and thy children after thee.' How true this is in respect to your
children, mother. I hope that you will read the Bible and trust
the promises to the last. There is no book like the Bible for
comfort. It is a guide to the steps of the young — a staff to the
aged. Well, my dear mother, good bye. We are going again
, 1 BRIG. GEN. JAMES 0. EUQE.
to our duty, to bravely offer up our life for thai of our country,
and, through God, we Bhall do if valiantly. Willi much love
and many prayers, thai whatever may betake us we may meel in
Heaven at la^t, J am, your affectionate son.
"JAMES."
They will meel again where sorrow and parting are no more.
We regrel thai after several efforts we have nol been able i<>
obtain a fuller accounl and more minute details of the career of
this distinguished soldier and eminenl Christian: but the follow-
ing papers, from those who knew well the departed hero, afford
a just and clear view of his pure and lofty character, and of the
valuable services thai he rendered to our country.
THE LAMENTED GEN. JAMES RICE, AS HE APPEARED IN (AMP — A VISIT
WITH HTM TO A PEAYEE MEETING HIS REMARKS AT TJ1E MEETING.
Correspondence of the New York Evening Post.
Near Culpepper, April, 1864.
MY FIRST NIGHT WITH THE ARMY.
Well, after dinner my hosts fulfilled their promise; one of
them guided me several miles to the quarters of the General.
The General is a Massachusetts Yankee, and was a New York
lawyer. He entered the Mar as a private; became afterwards
lieutenant colonel of the finest regiment our State has ever sent
out: rose to be colonel of it, and was made brigadier general for
a brilliant dwd at Gettysburg. He has fought his way up,
having neither family nor political influence, and has the reputa-
tion, with the commanding general, of holding tenaciously what
is given him to hold, and going, over all difficulties, to the spot
whicdi he is ordered to take. His men say of him that he never
says "go," but always, "come;" they are sure of hard fighting
under him, but they are certain, too, to see him leading in the
hottest part of it. He will blush when he reads these praises of
him, but as I do not call him by name, and as what I tell is the
simple truth concerning the simplest, purest and bravest soldier
I ever knew, there is no need of his blushes.
I proposed a walk before dark, and we lit our cigars and saun-
tered through the brigade, that I might sec bow soldiers live in
BRIG. GEX. JAMES C. RICE. 73
their winter quarters. It is not such an uncomfortable life as
many of us at home feared. What we call tents are in fact huts;
a frame-work of logs is built up to the height of four feet, and
tightly sealed with mud; over this is spread a canvass tent as a
roof. A broad, backwoods fireplace extends nearly across one
side of this little house, on which the great logs are heaped to
make a warm and cheerful fire. Some tents have boarded floors,
in others the ground is beaten down hard; all are kept dry by a
ditch surrounding the outside. Within are two " bunks" or
berths, in which two or four men sleep; the walls are decorated
with pictures cut from illustrated papers, with scraps from the
country weeklies, patriotic songs, here and there an army hymn,
and perhaps a photograph. You enter by a door, but there are
no windows, the canvass roof admitting abundant light. This
was the home of our soldiers during the long winter months.
Here they read, slept and discussed; for these men are inex-
haustible disputants, having brought with them from home all
their curious love of political discussion.
"There is the chapel," said the General to me; "the chaplain
is an excellent man — plain, rough, but full of fervor, and with a
spirit of a Christian soldier. There is a prayer meeting to-night,
and we will go in presently."
The chapel was a long building of logs, somewhat higher than
the ordinary tents, and covered with canvass given by the Chris-
tian Commission. The seats were fence rails, firmly fixed in
crotches driven into the ground. A little ledge, with two
candles, answered the purpose of a pulpit and reading stand.
When we entered, the meeting was about to begin. The house
was full, about one hundred and twenty-five men having gathered
together. I shall not soon forget this remarkable evening. The
chaplain opened the meeting with a hymn, sung to a familiar,
old-fashioned Methodist air, then asked the General to pray, who
did so, fervently and simply. After more singing, such of the
men as chose were called upon to speak or pray, as they wished.
A number rose, one after the other, some speaking a few words,
others offering a prayer. Those who spoke, urged in simple,
direct, earnest words the necessity and happiness of a Christian
<4 BRIG. GEN. JAMES 0. RICE.
life; those who prayed, called upon God, with touching appeals,
to bless their conntry, the President, their generals and their
families, from whom they had been so long separated. They
spoke and prayed as men feci who have been long upon the sea,
and whose porl is ye1 tar oil': as men troubled with the yearn-
ings of a lonely life, vet strong in their sense of duty fulfilled,
ami earnesl to continue even unto death, if God so willed, in the
cause for which they have so long battled. I am not ashamed
to say thai my heart tilled, and tears came to my eyes, as I
listened to them and saw whal greatness of endurance, what for-
titude ami patient self-sacrifice, was found here in the camp.
At the close of the meeting the General spoke: "You know
well." said he. "and I rejoice thai you know the importance
and sacredness of the contest in which we are engaged. This is
God's war: we who fight it are God's soldiers: we are God's peo-
ple— the plain people whom he loves and cares for. This is
God's war; everything that is holy and good on earth is at stake
in it: we are fighting for law, for free government, for 1 he liberty
and equality of all men; we are fighting to maintain all that ever
or can keep this Nation pure and happy and prosperous; not only
our laws and our liberties, and those of our children, hut even
the religion of Christ would be corrupted if the enemies of the
Union could triumph. They are autocrats, hating the plain peo-
ple, despising the workingmen, corrupting religion, snalching
at our liberties. We are God's servants, engaged in his work;
and because we are that, because it is His service we do. therefore
we are bound to be honest, to be faithful, upright, enduring,
brave, pure of life, devoted in all things to Him who is our mas-
ter; therefore it belongs to us, before all other men. to serve
God in every act of our lives, to love Him, to follow His com-
mands, to restrain our passions, to be in all tilings moderate,
virtuous soldiers of God."
"You have been told," he went on, "how the soldiers of the
Union are thought of at the north; how they are eared for, loved,
looked up to. You know how, in your own homes, a soldier of
the Revolution was reverenced, because he fought in the great
battles which firsl gave us liberty; Inn y • reward will he greater
BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 75
and more enduring than theirs. When this war is over, and you
go home, you will be received with shouts, and hosannas, and
tears of joy; you will be honored and cherished as man never
was before you in the world; your children and children's
children, to the latest generation, will make it their proudest
boast that their fathers fought in this great and holy war. You
will found families in the land; the greatest in the land will be
proud to say, 'my ancestors served in the great war: ' and if we
die on the field of battle, as many of us must, do you think we
shall be forgotten? Ah! don't believe it. When the war is
over, be sure every smallest incident of its history will be traced,
every name will be recorded, every brave deed will be searched
out. and for a century to come your trials, your sufferings, your
constancy and bravery will be the chosen theme of the most
finished scholars, and the greatest writers our country produces.
No act of ours will escape the vigilance of that multitude of busy
writers who will, in every State and every town, search out our
names and the story of our services, to make them known to the
Nation, which will call us fathers of a redeemed country, the
soldiers of a greater revolution. Ah! it is a proud thing to fight
in this war; our reward will be great. Let us live such lives
that God will love us, and that our countrymen may be proud of
us. Let us keep up, here in the camp, the thoughts and habits
of the dear homes we have left so far away, that our old mothers,
when we come back to them, shall not find us in anything changed
except for the better."
Do men fail to think thus? The General, whose words I have
written here, has fought in twenty battles. He is but a little
past thirty, but his black hair is already grizzled, and the lines iu
his grim face tell of exposure and the excitement of battle. " Do
they see it as you do, General," I asked, as we walked homeward,
"do they believe with you?" Believe," said he, "they know;
they have discussed these questions many hundred times about
their camp fires; it is their life, their hearts are full of it. Do
you think they are men who give their ease, their prospects, their
lives for it; don't understand it? My dear sir, they know more
than all the north put together."
76 BRIG. GEN. JAMES 0. BICE.
I believe they do. These soldiers, in their long isolation from
the busy world of home, have pondered :in<l settled certain ques-
tions for themselves; they have disentangled themselves from
the sophistries in which adroit politicians al home used to catch
men as in nets. They call right, right; wrong, wrong, and duty,
• Inly. The nun of this army are curiously self-contained, self-
confident. They mi longer toss up their hats torn passing gen-
eral—a disgusting fashion which was encouraged in the army a1
first, because ii was thoughl thai Americans fight as Frenchmen,
and must be moved by personal motives, and by appeals to the
meaner passions. "The soldier, it' he does his duty, is as good
as his officer," they say: --the soldiers have achieved more than
their officers in this army; ice gain battle by hard fighting."
They believe in t he power of the army of the Potomac, and think
it the finest army now in the world. "Jt is easy," they say, "to go
on from victory to victory; easy to be confident when yon always
beat the enemy.'' But Ave have been defeated time and again,
and artei1 vwvy defeat Ave have fought again a.s stubbornly, as
bravely as ever. That's the hardest trial. But of what the army
-ays, or such small part of it as one by chance and effort can
gel knowledge of, I must write another time. C. X.
• BRIG. GEN. .(AMES C. RICE.
By Chaplain Twichell, Second Ilegiment Excelsior Brigade.
One of the most pleasant passages of my army experience, and
one that I think will stay as freshly as any in my recollection,
should my life go on to old age, is my last visit to Gen. Rice, al
his headquarters near Culpepper Court House, a few days before
we crossed the Rapidan and entered upon the late campaign,
from the scenes of which he was fated so soon to disappear. I
cannot say that he and I Avere friends, as our acquaintance had
been recently formed; but I had often felt of late, that if his
regard .should keep pace with mine for a season, avc were des-
tined to become such; for it was not possible for one who knew
him. to refrain his love. His soldiers, Avho sat down in the
trenches before Spottsylvania, and sobbed when word passed
BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 77
along the line, "The General is dead!" can tell how that was,
for they knew him, as he knew them.
The afternoon before the visit I speak of, I had ridden over
to Culpepper — several miles from our camp — to pass the night
with a friend; and just at sunset, having half an hour to spare, I
called on the General. Had I no more than that short interview
to recall concerning him, it was still enough to make me a
mourner when he fell. He had lately written, to send to Mr.
Whittier, that beautiful, sad story of the hospital, since pub-
lished in the " Independent," and taking the manuscript from
his portfolio, he read it aloud to me. His voice, subdued to the
pathos of the subject, and the narrative itself, blended harmo-
niously with the soft shadows of the waning spring day that
gathered around the reader's form as he stood in a western
window for light, all together blend harmoniously with my
present thoughts of the scene, now that, like the sergeant whose
last hours he comforted, the General himself has halted and
bivouacked forever.
When I rose to go, but not till the proposed half hour had
twice expired, he asked me with true soldierly heartiness to stay
till morning, and replied to my plea of a previous engagement:
" Well, then, come out to-morrow and spend the forenoon; I shall
be at liberty after nine o'clock, and we can talk over everything."
I am very thankful now that there was nothing to forbid my
acceptance of the invitation.
When the orderly admitted me, at the time appointed, the
General was giving audience to three private soldiers of his com-
mand, who had come for counsel in some matter. It was de-
lightful to witness the spirit that presided at the interview. The
grace with which his kindness met their confidence, showed that
kindness and confidence were the law and custom of the place;
yet no one could have failed to perceive that the proprieties of
rank were not in the least article violated. That he was their
commander, appeared as plain as that he was not their tyrant.
When finally he dismissed them, satisfaction and gratitude shone
in all their faces, and I comprehended why it was that once (as
I heard himself tell), during the " Seven Days," in the summer
BBIG. SEN. 3 \mi> 0. BICE.
of L862, when be was Colonel, the remnant of hia wasted fl
ment, ordered as a forlorn hope to Bave a battle well-nigh Lost,
followed him steadily up, struggling through the refluent tide
of i heir own broken line, until it dashed, bayonet to bayonet,
against thai of the enemy, sweeping down fifty to our. and
stopped it al the fearful cost of nearly half that started. The
smile of encouragement by which he lighted the hearts of hie
men, and more than that, the frequent prayers he offered, kneel-
in.'- in their midst, boded ill to the foe against which be le<l them.
Thus was my forenoon with Gen. Rice introduced. Before it
ended, 1 heard him say many things that I wish might be told
in his own aoble words — it would honor his memory so much
more than any representation of mine. But the long intervening
agony of this campaign, whose battles have almost jostled each
other — the echoes of one scarcely dying out before the thunder
of the next begun — makes that quiet April day seem a great way
back, and I cannot recall it as I would. His words, as he uttered
them, are for the most part gone from me, but their substance
and manner, and the impression they made on me, are as yes-
terday. His country was the one engrossing theme with him.
He did not much discuss parties, or campaigns. Though lie
gave his opinions freely of both, neither political aspects nor
alone the military situation appeared uppermost in his thought;
but rather the true goal of our legislation and our arms — the
advancement of Liberty. That it was the duty and privilege of
the Nation to be free, was a truth that, on this day at least, pos-
sessed him utterly. He betrayed little interest in other things.
We walked out. Looked at the horses, talked somewhat of men
and books, remembered our common alma mater, touched on a
variety of topics, and occasionally a staff officer came with busi-
ness: but whatever the diversion, the General each lime soon
returned to the cause, forwhich, soul ami body, he was in arms;
and listening, I felt the charm that dwells in consecration.
I wish again that I could repeat all the strong words his loy-
alty chose; but these I do remember: As we strolled through
an orchard that adjoined his quarters, he stopped m<> by the
shoulder, and, turning so that we faced each other, said, with a
BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. EICE. 79
great weight of earnestness on every syllable, and his eye burn-
ing: "Why, I have thought this over so much, and have lain
awake so many nights in anxiety for the country, and have grown
to love her so — ." He did not conclude the sentence; but the
intensity of his expression, and especially of the last clause,
though it was tenderly spoken, was such, that to have added,
'• that I oiler her my life," would have weakened the sense. After
a silence, he continued: "If we should fail in this war, and I
survive it, my course is determined. I shall never leave off
fighting for liberty — if not in this country, in some other — if not
with my sword, with my pen — to the end of my life." And so
the General went on, as long as I remained his guest, breathing
out his passionate devotion to the truth, for which, in a few days,
he was to spill the blood of his brave heart; and knowing how
many times his knighthood had been proven in the fires of
conflict, he seemed to me, while speaking, as grand as a man
could be.
Of the Christian piety, that was Gen. Rice's eminent trait,
though it was manifest in his whole conversation, I have not
spoken distinctively, because I had yet something to relate that
would set it clearly forth. My desire to tell this, moved me,
more than anything else, to write a sketch of the visit.
As the day advanced to noon, and we returned from our walk
to his room, we fell to talking of what would follow if our cause
should be lost. The strain grew more and more sombre, till it
drooped into silence — a silence which the General broke by
saying, as one proposing the solution of a difficulty: " Suppose
we pray." He rose, and taking the Bible from the shelf, opened
it and read the fourth chapter of 2d Corinthians — " Therefore,
seeing we have this ministry," etc., — after a manner that showed
how deeply he felt that a ministry had been committed to him.
At the eighth verse he paused to look up and smile; when the
reading was ended, we kneeled down. He drew very near the
Throne, revealing how closely a Christian soldier may walk with
God. It is not often that any single passage of a life can be
taken as a specimen of the whole, and especially the ordinary,
every-day expression of a great and useful career is not up to the
SO BBIG. GEN. 3 \mi> 0. i:l< IB.
Level of a grand significance; bul I t bink t bat t bis praj er of < Jen.
Rice, written over bis tomb, mighl stand as a jus! monument ;ui<1
record, to tell the true history of what be was. It was the lasl
of earth between the General ;in<l me. Ajs we rose from our
knees, he remarked, in a cheerful tone: " Ii Looks brighter,
doesn't it'.'" and [, feeling thai the visit was complete, soon took
my leave.
I saw liim once more. He Lay in a tent — dead. A wounded
soldier, with bis face buried in bis hands, sat beside the body.
I Lifted the hat that covered the features. They were calm as
the slumber of peace. I remembered how he once said to a
friend of mine, who told it to me: "Give my lit''' for my country!
I have given it many a time." The sacrifice was often carried to
the altar; at last the flame had touched it. and it Mas consumed.
The sound of cannon at the front, when the battle yei raged, was
borne back on the trembling air, but his sword reposed quietly
beside the still hand, that two hours before had grasped it in
God's uame. Jt was pleasant then, as it has been through the
six weeks of fiery toil andtempest, that have since worn wearily
by, to think that the General was at rest.
THE FUNERAL SERVICES AT NEW YORK.
We give the account of these services from the " Wisconsin
Puritan," because of the additional facts of interest that the article
contains relative to our departed hero.
" Honors to the Heroic Dead."
Under the above title, we find in the "New York Evangelist"
of May 19th, an account of the funeral services of the late Briga-
dier General James C. Rice, who fell mortally wounded while
Leading his troops, on Tuesday, May loth, in the Late series of
battles in Virginia. We copy the account in full, for two rea-
sons: First; we of Milwaukie and Wisconsin have a kind of
inheritance in this departed hero, by virtue of his brother, John
Rice, Esq., in this city, to whom Mas written his last letter, just
on the eve of the campaign in which he nobly Laid down his life.
BRIG. GEX. JAMES C. RICE. 81
Secondly; in Gen. Rice were beautifully and grandly united the
Christian, the patriot and the hero.
In civil life there are some who combine the characteristics of
a Christian and a patriot. In military life there are less such.
Few in either class add to the other two qualities, so excellent
in themselves, the undaunted valor and intrepidity of a hero. Let
his name be held up now and in all history, for emulation. Look
at a few last things concerning Gen. Rice. He closed his last
letter thus:
"I enter upon this campaign cheerful and happy, fori love
my country more than my life, and my entire hope, whether
living or dying, is in Christ, my Saviour and Redeemer. Again,
good-bye, my dear brother; and if we meet not again on earth,
may we meet in Heaven. Your affectionate brother,
"JAMES."
His last words were: " Turn me over and let me die with my
face to the enemy; " and the dispatch from the battle field,
announcing his last breath, was: "He fell at the head of his
column, where he was to be found in every tight." He was in
twenty battles. How marvellous did he escape in all the preced-
ing. God spared him, not only to seiwe his country through her
greatest peril, but to give him time and occasion to leave a name
and influence for posterity. The treasure will be governed with
fond affection and great respect. We have seen the whole of his
last letter referred to. The writer seems to us to have had a
premonition that it was his last campaign. AVe should judge that
he had just closed a letter to his beloved wife. He then turns to
his brother and touchingly speaks of his companion, and makes
a brother's statements and requests (which may not be spread
before the public eye), as though he stood in the very face of
death, and much expected to fall beneath his dart. Ah! it is
trying to the soul to go into the deadly conflict thus; and that,
not for himself, nor for his family, but for his country — self and
family and all laid on the public altar. God bless the men who
do it. The account of his funeral, with some biographical notice,
is as follows:
" One of the most imposing services we ever witnessed took
6
82 BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE.
place lasl Sunday afternoon a1 the church of Rev. Dr. Adams, on
Madison square. The occasion was the funeral of Brig. Gen.
James ( '. Rice, who fell in the battle of Tuesday. He was an
officer of high reputation in the army, and not one was more truly
beloved by those whom he commanded, or more deeply mourned.
In this city he was well known, having resided here many years.
He was a member of Madison Square Church, and here, before
the altar where he had professed his faith in Christ, and where
he had been joined in marriage, was now laid his manly form,
silent in death. The deep interest and general sorrow drew
together an immense audience. Long before the hour, the church
was tilled to overflowing. At half-past three the remains encof-
fined, draped in the national flag and decorated with wreaths,
bearing on it the hat and sword of the deceased, was borne in,
escorted by several distinguished officers, among whom were
Gen. Anderson, the hero of Fort Sumter, Maj. Gen. Dix and
Brig. Gen. Hays. During its passage up the broad aisle, an
appropriate requiem was performed by the organ and choir.
" When this solemn strain had died away. Rev. Dr. Prentiss
began the service by reading the Scriptures; and never did those
blessed words of consolation: 'I am the resurrection and the
life;' 'Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first
fruits of them that slept; ' and 'Oh! death, where is thy sting?
Oh! grave, where is thy victory?' sound more appropriate than
over the bier of one struck down in the power of his manhood,
yvt dying in a holy cause, full of Christian faith and hope.
" Dr. Adams then rose to pay the last tribute to his departed
friend and brother. Looking down from the pulpit upon the
coffin which contained all that remained of the noble dead, it
was some moments before he could speak. He then began in
words that we shall long remember:
" 'The scene before us needs no interpreter. It is solemn and
sublime beyond all speech. Solemn and sublime, because we
bend over the bier of a true, brave, Christian soldier, wrho died
in the discharge of his duty, at head of his column, full of faith
in his Redeemer and the cause of country. Six years since, in
this very church, he who now lies here confessed Christ, and
BEIG. GEX. JAMES C. RICE. 83
partook of the communion. Eighteen months since he stood
before this altar and was married, going forth with only a sky
of blue and gold; upon that identical spot he lies now, on his
way to an honored grave. The circumstances of this occasion in
themselves are eloquent. Self-sacrifice is eloquent; devotion to
the cause of God and our country is eloquent; death is eloquent.
Who would not rather he in that coffin, covered with the emblem
of our nationality, a true patriot and a Christian, than he walking
alive a supporter of this wicked rebellion against the best gov-
ernment the world ever saw; or than be dragging out a low,
sordid, sensual and selfish existence."'
"Dr. Adams then proceeded to give a sketch of the life of the
deceased, a few points of which we give, as well as we can. from
memory: He was a native of New England, being born at Worth-
ington. Mass.. where his mother still lives, at the age of eighty-
four years. When he came to this city to enter on the profession
of law, his mind was somewhat disposed to skepticism, but meet-
ing with wise religious counsel and instruction, he soon embraced
the truth, and entered with all the manly earnestness of his nature
upon the duties of a Christian life. Asking at once for sometJiuig
to do, he was set to work in the mission school, in which he was
a diligent laborer, so long as he remained in this city. At the
first breaking out of the war he entered the army, impelled by a
sense of duty. He did not wait for a commission, but enlisted
as a private, and made his way up without any patronage or
family influence, solely by the force of his own talents, his cour-
age and prompt devotion to duty. It was at once seen that he
was no ordinary man, and his promotion was rapid. It was his
fortune to be in all the campaigns of the army of the Potomac.
He fought in twenty battles, and was always foremost, seeking
the post of danger, and inspiring his men by his own heroic
example. But not only was he thus brave, he was always also a
Christian soldier. He did not forget, amid the excitements and
dangers of a military life, that he was a soldier under another
Captain. His courage was inspired and animated by religion.
The fear of God cast out all other fear. He was always active
for the welfare of his men, visiting them in their tents, dissuading
84 BBIGt. GEN. JAMES C. 'BICE.
them from the vices of the camp, and bidding them, amid the
perils of war, remember their homes, their families and their
God. As ;i testimony to his example, Dr. Adams read from a
letter to the ' Evening Post,' written but two or three weeks
since by one of the editors, who, on a visit to the army, saw and
admired this noble Christian soldier, the Havelock oi* our army.
Owing to sneli a consistent life, he had great influence over his
men. They became known, like the Ironsides of Cromwell, as a
God-fearing regiment. They were ready to follow where he led
the way. In the late battles, out of eighteen hundred men whom
he commanded, he lost eight hundred before he met his own end.
" At last death, for which, like Havelock, it had been the study
of his life to be 'always prepared,' found him on the field. It
was on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 10, his men drawn up in
line, and while resting on their arms the mail arrived, bringing
him a letter from his wife. He read it, and scarcely had he
finished it before the order came to 'advance.' lie placed him-
self at the head of his column and led his men to the charge; and
thus, 'foremost fighting, fell.' As he was borne from the field
he was met by Gen. Meade, who, seeing him, dismounted, came
and spoke to him tenderly, as one whom he loved, lamenting his
wound and hoping it might not prove serious. But the brave
soldier, who felt the life blood rapidly flowing from his wound,
and knew that his hour had come, answered calmly that he had
tried to do his duty, and was ready to die for his country. The
reply of his commander deserves to be remembered: 'Would
that all had done it as faithfully, and were as well prepared.'
The wound was mortal. A Minnie rifle ball had penetrated the
thigh, and though the leg was at once amputated, the flow of
blood was too great. lie lived but two hours. As he grew
unconscious, his young aid knelt by his side, and putting his lips
;o his ear, whispered his last prayer; and so he died.
■This simple narrative, given by his pastor with so many de-
tails, and with extracts from his letters showing his character,
was listened to by this vast audience with the deepest interest.
Many times the recital melted all to tears. The service con-
tinued for two hours, and at the (dose they Lingered still longer,
BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. RICE. 85
to avail themselves of the privilege given them, of looking for
the last time upon the face of the heroic dead.
" So has fallen one of the manliest, the bravest, and the best,
who have risen up to defend our country in this hour of peril.
" Shall we say that he died too soon? Too soon, indeed, for
us; but for him, not a day nor an hour. He fell in the prime
of manhood — only thirty-four years old; but he died in a right-
eous cause, with a pure conscience, at peace with God; leaving
an example which will be to others a model and an inspiration.
Long will the grateful hearts of his soldiers, of his comrades in
arms, and of Christian brothers, as well as his own kindred,
cherish his memory."
FUNERAL SERVICES AT ALBANY.
The Death of Gen. Rice — Order from Gov. Seymour.
General Head Quarters, State of New York, )
Albany, May 14, 18(14. \
General Order, No. — . I announce with pain, the loss of
General James C. Rice.
Young, brave, ardent, enthusiastic, he engaged in the support
of the nag of his country, and in the suppression of the rebellion
against the constitutional authorities, as a duty demanding the
devotion of body and soul, and the willing sacrifice of life.
Ever faithful to his trust, he was the gallant leader of his
command, and, in the midst of a brilliant career, he fell upon the
battle field, leaving to his companions in arms, to his friends
and his country, a character of unsullied Christian patriotism.
As a mark of respect for his memory, the National Flag will be
displayed at half-mast on the Capitol, and upon all the arsenals
of the State, on Monday, the 16th instant.
HORATIO SEYMOUR,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief.
J. I. Johnson, A. A. A. G.
Military Funeral of Gen. Bice.
The military funeral of Gen. Rice took place at half past four
p. m., May 16, after the services at the house. The body was
's'i BRIG. <;kn. JAMES 0. "BICE.
borne to the capitol, preceded by the bearers, James Martin,
\Ym. Cas8idy, \\'\i. Kidd. Wm. Barnes, Paul Cushman, E. C.
Bachelder, Georee B. Steele, Chas. Crafts, [saac Ed^ ueds,
Sami el Williams, Robert II. Waterman and Chas. II. Strong,
where it remained until ii was borne to the receiving vault. The
military bearers were. Generals Rathbone and Danforth, Cols.
AlNSWORTH and CHAMBERLAIN, Lieut. Colonel FrIEDLANDER, and
Major McKoiK n.
The military pageanl was imposing. Il consisted of the
Twenty-fifth Regiment, under command of Col. Church; Gov.
Seymour and staff, in uniform; members of the common council;
prominent citizens, and persona] friends of the deceased; The
procession moved up Washington avenue, and thence 1<> the re-
ceiving vault, where a volley was tired over the grave, and an
impressive address was delivered, closing with the following
beautiful lines, written and pronounced by Rev. Dr. Palmer:
Rest, soldier — rest! thy weary task is done;
Thy God — thy country — thou hast served them well ;
Thine is true glory — glory bravely won;
On lips of men unborn thy name shall dwell.
Rest, Patriot-Christian! Thou hast early died,
But days are measured best by noble deeds;
Brief though thy course, thy name thou hast allied
To those of whom the World, admiring, reads.
Rest, manly form! Eternal love shall keep
Tliy still repose, till breaks the final dawn;
Our Martyr stays not here — He knew no sleep!
On Death's dark shadow burst a cloudless morn.
Live! live on Fame's bright scroll, heroic friend!
Thy memory, now, we to her record give —
To earth thy dust: Our thoughts to Heaven ascend,
Where, with the immortals, thou dost ever live!
The following beautiful tribute is from J. G. Holland, Esq.:
TO THE MEMORY OF MY FRIEND, BRIGADIER OENERAI JAMES C. RICE.
Moaning upon the bloody plain,
The young and gallant soldier lav;
And from his failing heart and brain
The life was ebbing swift away
BRIG. GEX. JAMES C. RICE. 87
The restlessness of death was there —
The weariness that longed for rest —
The beaded brow, the matted hair,
The hurried pulse, the heaving breast.
" Turn me,'' he said, ' that I mat die
Face to the foe!" and ready hands
And loyal hearts were waiting by,
To execute his last commands.
Facing the enemy, he died —
A hero in his latest breath;
And now, with mingled love and pride.
I weep, and boast his glorious death.
No braver words than these, my friend,
Have ever sealed a soldier's tongue;
No nobler words hath history penned;
No finer words hath poet sung.
The oak that breaks beneath the blast,
Or falls before the woodman's strokes,
Spreads by its fall the ripened mast
That holds in germ a thousand oaks.
And in the words thy death hath strewn,
More than thy fallen life survives;
For o'er the Nation they are sown —
Seeds for a thousand noble lives.
88 BBIQ. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT.
III.
BREVET BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT.*
Colonel Lewis Benedict, the subject of this sketch, son of
Lewis Benedict and Susan Stafford, his wife, was horn in
Albany, New York, September 2d, 1*17.
His early studies were prosecuted at Aurora, Cayuga county,
N. V.: hut his preparation for college was made mainly at the
Albany academy. In 1834, he entered the sophomore class at
Williams college, and was graduated in 1837. Thence he went
into the office of the late John C. Spencer, at Canandaigua, and
read law. In January, 1841, in Albany, he was licensed as
attorney at law, and subsequently was admitted as*counselor in
the State and Federal courts. In 1845, he was appointed city
attorney; and was reappointed for a second term. In 1847, he
was appointed Judge Advocate General on the staff of Governor
John Young. In 1848, he was elected surrogate of the city and
county of Albany, for a term of four rears, by a majority of
seventeen hundred votes — his entire vote greatly exceeding the
party strength, In 1849, he received the appointment of Judge
Advocate General from Governor Hamilton Fish. In the fall
of the year L860, the Union men of his district Dominated him
for member of assembly, and elected him by a majority of nearly
four hundred votes. He was the only Union candidate elected
from the county at that time. This was the last public position
of a civil character held by him.
Both the beginning and end of his life develop the same char-
acteristics. As a hoy, he was noted for zeal and diligence in
study, and not less for enterprise in play. The records of the
* For gallant conduct at Port Hudson, the Government conferred the rank of Brevet
Brigadier General on Colonel Benedict.
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BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 89
Albany Academy attest his successes in competitive examinations,
and it is well remembered by many who shared in them, how,
after sweeping the prizes for good scholarship, he would resort
to the play ground, and exhibit equal .superiority in those games
and contests which are alike the peril and delight of robust and
ambitious boyhood.
His collegiate career resembled his academic. It was success-
ful to whatever degree he chose to make it. A classmate, now
President of a College, describing him, says: "It is doing
injustice to none of his classmates to say that, in mind as in
person, he had no superior among them all. His rank as a
scholar was high; and he could have made it higher. His mind
was quick and clear, and he learned with great facility. His
critical power was unusual, and no one could detect the weak
points of an argument, or the incorrect use of terms, sooner than
he." He graduated with distinction, and three years after was
chosen to deliver the Master's oration.
While a student of law, he maintained sufficient ardor of pur-
suit to enable him to acquire a knowledge of the elements of that
science; but his taste for general literature was decided enough
to save him from being engrossed by studies purely professional.
His habits of critical investigation, of collation and analy-
sis, are indicated by marginal annotations and references con-
tained in his books. Indices rerum, diaries and memoranda of
various sorts remain, that show his reading to have been varied,
extensive, and always careful. They disclose an acquaintance
with authors and topics, and also preferences and prejudices in
respect to both, that indicate clearly the knowledge he most
prized, and in which he was farthest advanced. They exhibit a
degree of acquirement, of intellectual power, and mental habi-
tudes of such tendencies, as might have justified him in adopting
literature as a profession. It is, perhaps, well to say, that not
the slightest expression of fondness for the one chosen for him,
is recorded in any form, anywhere; and later in life he did not
scruple to say that it never was his choice.
On his admission to the bar, Marcus T. Reynolds, then at the
zenith of his professional fame and intellectual vigor, received
90 BVT. BEIG. GEN. LEWIS BEN] I
him as his law partner, ami elevated him at once to a position in
the practice of law. not attained so often, perhaps, as fairly
earned. Other connections and associations concurred to make
his entrance upon his professional career one of the most pro-
mising thai could tall to ili»' lot <>(' a young practitioner.
The City Attorneyship, which he held two terms, appears to
have been the first political appointment he received. From
that time he was actively and earnestly a political partizan. The
tersest record of his political labors would be the historj of
every party struggle, State or National, that occurred between
his entrance on political life and his joining the army. He was
always a Leader. He was often delegate to conventions, State
and county; chairman of committees, Local and general; a prolific
author of addresses and resolutions, and a frequent speaker at
political assemblages.
In this department of effort he was not without occasional suc-
cess, although the general fortune of his party in his own district
may be said to have been adverse. Even when defeated, he com-
monly had the compensation, if it may be called by that name,
of appearing by the election returns to have received more than
the vote of the party that nominated him — especially was this
so, when he was elected Surrogate.
He was acute in his perceptions of the qualities of men, and
accurate in his estimates of character. It is impressive to read,
nowT, the memorials that exist of his early distrust of some who
are infamous to-day, on account of the treachery and apostacy he
dreaded and predicted.
It can hardly be necessary to say that the principles and
objects for which he contended through life, were essentially
the same as those in defence of which he died. Descended, as
he was, from Puritans, who planted Liberty on this continent;
from Patriots, who subsequently achieved American Independ-
ence: and the son of one of the most active and persistent of the
founders of a party to preserve both, when both were threatened,
his life was the natural result of his instincts; and his death
attests his faith in his convictions, and the unselfishness of his
patriotism.
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 91
He was early convinced that the slaveholders meant war, and
prepared his mind for that issue. Pic also regarded all attempts
to conciliate them as very much worse than futile, and addressed
himself to persuading others not to rely upon efforts in that
direction. At the beginning of December, 1860, writing to a
friend connected with the Government, he said: "The feeling
here is, that one concession would but pave the way for another,
until, without saving the Union, public sentiment would be de-
moralized." This he believed with the earnestness of a convic-
tion, and on all occasions spoke and acted in the faith of it. As
the rebellion became systematized and aggressive, the spirit of
resistance rose within him: he toiled hard to arouse his fellow
citizens to a sense of the necessity there was to provide for the
public defence by suitable military preparations. The then
Adjutant General of the State, John M. Read, Jr., bears testi-
mony to the cordiality and energy with which Mr. Benedict
seconded the efforts of the State administration to induce the
Legislature to put the State on a war footing, early in January,
18(31 — that was, at the beginning of the session.
He not only believed that war could not be escaped, but he
estimated the dimensions of the struggle in a manner not common
at that time; and, although he hailed with joy the call of the
President for volunteers, he did not conceal his disappointment
at the meagreness of the number invoked by the proclamation.
Writing a few days after the issuing of that paper, he said: " The
sentiment of the North is not satisfied by the present call for
troops. The Government would be justified in demanding three
hundred thousand, and the men would respond with delight. It
is time that we should exorcise from our breasts those gentle
spirits, brotherly love and fraternal regard, and substitute impla-
cable determination and stern justice in their place. * * *
We have been wronged, insulted and betrayed by false brethren;
the flao: of our Union disgraced, and our true brethren slain."
This was addressed to a member of the administration.
Upon this call, Governor Morgan, by a special message, re-
quested the necessary action of the Legislature; which responded
by "An Act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a vol-
92 BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT.
unteer militia, and to provide for the public defence," passed
April 16, 1861. This Act authorized the enlistment of thirty
thousand men. and appropriated three millions of dollars for the
purposes of the Act. To the perfecting and carrying out of t hese
measures he devoted all his energies. Loyal men abounded in
t\iv House, and many, as ardent as himself, labored as zealously
to the same end; still a minority was there also, whose hostility
to warlike preparations was active and skillful enough to tax
severely the strength and resources of the friends of the measure.
In debate a member interrupted him thus: •] wish to ask the
gentleman a question — if I imbrue my hands in my brother's
blood, do I thereby promote the cause of liberty?" Mr. B.: "I
will answer that question. Yes, Sir! I do promote the cause of
liberty by slaying my brother, if, with traitorous and parricidal
hand, he dare to tear down the flag of our common country."
The attack upon Fort Sumter had excited him sufficiently, but
the slaughter of Union troops by the traitors of Baltimore, and
the cutting off the communication with the National Capital,
greatly increased his indignation. He chanced, too, at this con-
juncture, to visit the State whose blood, tin; first shed in the
cause of the Union, was even then flowing; whose hills and val-
leys cannot be traversed by any lover of freedom, nor her people
communed with, without being conscious of an access of fervor
toward liberty, and of detestation toward everything opposing it.
To a friend connected with the Government, he wrote, April 25th:
"I am in New England for a short visit, and have imbibed the
spirit of determined patriotism, which is breathing over every
city, town and hamlet within the borders of Massachusetts.
"There is much apprehension growing out of contradictory
reports as to the movements of troops, the strength of Washing-
ton and the fate of the Capitol. * * *
"Order "Wool to widen the streets of Baltimore with cannon,
so that our road to the capital will be free. Trust no Southern
man who is a Unionist politician. They have played a game
with our Peace Conference, and have lulled the North to rest,
while the South perfected its traitorous designs.
"If the troops in Washington are beaten, the Administration
BVT. BRIG. GEX. LEWIS BENEDICT. 93
had better resign; because you can have a million of men by
calling for them. There is power here to crush out treason; do
not peck it to pieces."
While in the Legislature, it was signified to him that the
Colonelcy of one of the early regiments would probably fall to
him, if the power to appoint were left with the Executive-,
although he preferred and suggested another mode. Under no
circumstances would he have accepted such a commission at that
time. In his own judgment. In' was not sufficiently advanced in
military science or art, to qualify him to be a safe trustee of the
lives of a thousand men. 80 strongly was he impressed with
this idea that, even when a Lieutenant Colonel in the service, he
declined promotion actually tendered, on this ground.
The New York Fire Department having made some progress
toward recruiting the Second Fire Zouaves, in July, conferred
upon him the Lieutenant Colonelcy of the proposed regiment.
Subsequently, William R. Brewster, late Major of the Twenty-
eighth X. Y. 8. M., was chosen Colonel. The regiment was or-
dered to Washington, where it arrived July 24th, but it was not
until the close of August that it joined its brigade, then at Good
Hope, Maryland, forming part of Hooker's division. It assisted
in building three forts, named, respectively, Carroll, Stanton and
Oreble, to command the approaches to Washington from the
south. This regiment, at this time known as Fourth Excelsior,
Second brigade, Hooker's division, was afterwards designated by
the State of New York, as the Seventy-third Regiment New York
Volunteer Infantry.
The winter was spent mainly in performing picket duty. It
was found necessary to change the locality of the camp frequently.
The roads were not only rendered impassable by frequent rains,
but it was difficult to find firm ground enough on which to drill
the soldiers. During these seasons of discomfort, a deep attach-
ment was growing between the regiment and its Lieutenant
Colonel, and was often manifested by significant tokens of
respect and gratitude. At one time he writes: "Our regiment
never looked as well as it did to-day, on inspection. I love it.
Its wild boys are full of ardor and activity, and are growing
Ill BVT. BBIG. GEN. LEWI8 BENEDICT.
out of their careless ways. The prospect <>t' active Bervice has
brightened them up, and they are becoming ambitious to look
well. Contact ami contrast with other troops will stimulate
them 1<> excel, and they can if they try."
His knowledge of the most potential means to influence men —
the result of his almost intuitive perceptions, and Long continued
use of such appliances on a more peaceful theatre, served him
efficiently in his new sphere of action. With an undoubting con-
vietion that the best interests of the public service were identical
with those of the regiment, he indulged the humane impulse of
his nature while he executed the suggestions of lushest judg-
nient. ami strengthened while he made more acceptable his
naked military right to command, by investing it with appeals
and claims to obedience that were neither legal nor technical,
but stronger than either. lie earned their regard and confidence;
by kind and considerate treatment, and was rewarded by an alac-
rity and cheerfulness of obedience, which is always yielded to
power when it is exercised without caprice or inhumanity. His
first campaign was against the hearts of his own men; and the
completeness of his conquest was demonstrated by the incidents
of every day, while he held his place in the regiment; and never
more touchingly than on the last, when some of his " wild boys "
preferred to share the horrors of a rebel prison, rather than de-
sert him in his helplessness on the field of Williamsburg.
Early in April, the Seventy-third proceeded with its brigade
to take part in such operations of the siege ofYorktown as were
committed to the charge of Heentzelman's corps, to which it
was attached; such operations comprising a principal share of
the entire labor of investment. Though greatly fatigued and
worn by severe picket and trench duty, the Seventy-third was
vivacious enough to be the first to plant its colors on the ram-
parts of Yorktown, on the morning of Sunday. May 4th, the
enemy having evacuated the place during the previous night.
The surrender of this fortified place, without a struggle, was
not expected; and. deeply impressed by the grave contingencies
inevitable to the issue he anticipated, he wrote his mother: "I
am pained to learn that so much apprehension for my safety is
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 95
mingled with the gratification you feel at my being in a position
to do service to my country. I know it is impossible for a
mother to forget her son; but I would, if I could, inspire you
with the pride I feel in devoting my life to the cause of freedom
and the Union. Thus far, though I have endeavored to do, as far
as my frail nature would permit, my duty to man, I know I have
not forgotten myself as I should in many instances have done;
but in the struggle soon to be inaugurated here, the opportunity
will be given me to furnish unmistakable evidence that I am
animated by the noblest sentiments — that I can resign life that I
love, that my country may again enjoy the blessings of peace and
the development of its beneficent principles of government.
Politically acting, I have sought its weal; personally, my life
belongs to it in its woe; so I view the result of the battle with
complacency. If I survive, as I hope I will, no fortune in future
life can destroy my consciousness of having periled life for right;
and if I fall, through all the grief you and our dear ones will
feel, will breathe the consolation that I was a soldier fighting in
a just cause. Let that feeling, dear mother, console you, as it
reconciles me to this war."
The retreating enemy made a stand at Williamsburg, within
the second line of works above Yorktown. The bastioned fort
Magruder, and thirteen other formidable earthworks, could only
be approached through an abatis of felled trees five hundred feet
in breadth. Behind them, as was then supposed, two-thirds of
the whole rebel army confronted the Union forces. At noon, on
Tuesday, May 4, Hooker's division started in pursuit. The
second brigade marched about eight miles, and bivouacked in
the woods. It rained hard during the night, and by daylight the
roads had become nearly impassable, the men drenched, weary,
hungry and cold. At six a. m., Monday, 5th, the rain still fall-
ing in torrents, the pursuit wa.s resumed, and about 7| a. m. the
first and third brigades encountered the enemy. The second
brigade (Excelsior) was posted in reserve, and the first and third
brigades having been forced back by overwhelming numbers,
after some hours of hard fiohtino- it was ordered into action.
This is not the place or occasion to assume to decide the mani-
96 BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWI8 BENEDICT.
lol<l controversies t<> which the origin and conduct of the battle
iif Williamsburg gave rise; but of facts which appear clear
through the smoke and dusl of the contention, it may not be im-
proper to record one or two. Hooker's division was left without
support from early morning until nearly nightfall, to contend
with a vastly more numerous force, protected by formidable de-
fences, while General SuMNEB was aware of the situation, and his
corps of thirty thousand men was lying supinely within healing
of the thunder of the unequal contest: the main body of the
army of the Potomac being all the while within tour hours'
march of the same point, and the commanding general, McClel-
i.an. not arriving on the field until near the (dose of the battle.
HoOKEB lost one in six — a loss proportionate to that of the allied
armies at the Alma, the bloodiest battle in modern European
history. The Excelsior brigade went into action with about two
thousand four hundred men, and lost seven hundred and seventy-
three, about one-half of the entire loss sustained by HOOKER'S
division.
Hooker's left was the point that the rebel general in command,
Joseph E. Johnston, especially desired to turn, and through-
out the day it was vehemently and persistently assailed. It was
also the point that Hooker, aware of its importance, determined
should not be turned; hence the desperateness of the fighting,
The Seventy-third and the Seventy-fourth New York, the last
remaining regiments of the reserve, were moved up to rein-
force the left. It was in the execution of this purpose that
Lieut. Col. Benedict was taken prisoner. Col. Brewster, of
his regiment, "wrote: "From the position in which I last saw
him, which was upon the extreme left of the regiment, when we
were driven back some time before the right and centre gave
way, I think he must have been taken prisoner at that time. He
was at the head of the line, encoura<rin<r the men, driving up,
with pistol in hand, those who seemed inclined to hang back,
and acting in the bravest manner." A correspondent of the "New
York Tribune," writing from the field, said: "I have just re-
turned from the spot where Lieut. Col. Benedict was taken. It
is in the densesl heart of the abatis, and close in front of the rifle
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 97
pits. The bark of the trunks and branches of the trees is cheq-
uered white with musket balls and grape. The idea prevailing
in his regiment is, that he got to the front; that a charge drove
his men back, and he was captured for his exchangeable value
instead of being killed." His own account, written from Libby
prison, was: '•' My horse was wounded early in the fight, though
I rode him some time afterward. After I dismounted, we made
our way into the felled timber, and, when our line was broken,
I was taken prisoner."
A principal cause of his capture became known afterwards.
"While in Maryland, his horse had fallen with him, seriously
injuring his foot and ankle. He was unable to walk without
support when he went into action at Williamsburg, and the
general judgment of his men was, that he was unfit to take the
hazards of the battle field. So long as his horse served his pur-
poses of locomotion, he did pretty well, but the moment he dis-
mounted he was at great disadvantage. The abatis of felled
timber through which he was aided to clamber, in order to reach
the open field beyond, which was studded with rifle pits, was
more than four hundred feet in breadth, and when he and his
men were overwhelmed by the enemy, it presented an insur-
mountable barrier to his retreat. There is reason to believe
that some who were captured with him might have escaped, as
others did, but that they were unwilling to abandon the idol of
their camp, when he was too lame to move without assistance.
Such certainly was his own idea; for a few days later, while in
prison in Richmond, he contrived to get into the hands of those
men who were released on parol, a slip of paper containing these
words: " Good bye and good luck to the Seventy-third New York
prisoners! It pleases me more to have you free, than it would to
be released myself; for I know that if it had not been for my
helplessness, you would not be here. If you see any of our regi-
ment, remember me to them. Good bye, and God bless you!"
From Williamsburg he was hurried to Richmond as rapidly
as his condition would allow. On his way thither, he was fortu-
nate enough to be in the custody of humane and placable foes,
who, in consideration of his inability to walk, suffered him to
7
98 liVT. BBIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT.
ride on horseback. The condition of affairs within the enemy's
lines inspired him with something stronger than hope — that he
would be recaptured by Onion troops before he could be trans-
ported to Richmond. On every side evidences abounded thai
the enemy fell himself utterly defeated, and was concerned about
nothing so much as providing for bis own ret rent. His reason-
able expectation was not. however, realized; and on the ninth,
he found himself, with many other Union officers, in the Rebel
Capital, shut up in a filthy pork-packing establishment, since
recognized and cursed as the Libby prison. Here he was firsl
insulted and plundered.
A natural consequence of the physical exertions compelled by
the exigencies of the battle and the capture, was. that the injured
foot and ankle became immoderately swollen, and the seat of
excruciating pain. It was always a pleasant recollection to him,
and it still abides with his friends, that in this condition he re-
ceived much kindness and attention from his fellow prisoners,
some of whom were well known to him, who seemed to forget
their own misery in assiduous attempts to alleviate his.
Under an expectation that the Union forces would take pos-
session of the city, which the army of treason felt constrained to
abandon, the rebel authorities, on the fifteenth of May, hurried
the Union prisoners from this den to Salisbury, North Carolina.
They were transported on uncovered platform cars, rudely tit ted
with rough board benches. Thus they were exposed at every
point on the route, where there was rabble enough to deride and
insult them. The place to which they were now transported,
was found to be a much more healthful locality, and the prison
buildings vastly more commodious than those of Richmond. A
most welcome appurtenance to these structures was an enclosure
of some ten or twelve acres, in which, under rather stringent
regulations, the prisoners were allowed to take air and exercise.
Another grateful improvement upon the regime at Richmond
was, that their rebel custodians exhibited some decency of de-
meanor, and although the fare was both meagre and scanty, sup-
plies could be obtained from without by the payment of exor-
bitant prices.
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 99
Under date of June 28, 1862, writing from this prison, he
said: "I have nothing agreeable to communicate, except that I
continue in good health. Our hopes are raised on the slightest
rumor or remotest incident, that we shall be soon paroled or
exchanged: but we are constantly disappointed. This produces
various effects upon those confined here. * * I belong to
another class, who, adopting the philosophy of Pope, take com-
fort in the belief that 'whatever is, is right.' I have the utmost
reliance on our Government. Its capacity and energy have been
exhibited in prosecuting the most remarkable campaign the
world has ever seen, for valuable results, and in extent of country
passed over by our armies. I value myself too little, to suppose
that nothing has been done because I am left here a prisoner. I
imagine the world may be moving and doing a very respectable
stroke of business, though I am taking no part in it. I am for
happier in such a thought than I should be in nourishing the con-
eeits of an exaggerated self-importance."
The bitterest element in the cup of his captivity touched his
lips, when it was nearly drained and was about to pass from him.
Just before his exchange he learned that a heart, that had been
grievously wrung by his imprisonment, was not to be soothed
by his release. More than a month before the sorrowful intelli-
gence penetrated his prison, his father, whom he revered as well
as loved, had died.
Under a cartel, he left Salisbury en route for the Union lines.
Arriving opposite to Richmond, the prisoners were turned out
on Belle Isle, and left to pass the night on the bare ground with-
out shelter of any sort. This exposure of debilitated men to the
damps and chills of the night, entailed consequences not imme-
diately apparent. Thence they were taken to the Libby prison,
well remembered by most of them for its filthiness and discom-
fort, which they found in a far more loathsome and pestilential
condition than when they left it. The sick and wounded of our
army, whose low condition precluded them from the present
benefits of exchange, lay there, with nothing between their tor-
tured and languishms bodies and the reeking floor, without
blankets or sheets, and some without even a shirt to cover them,
rU
48665 -!
100 HYT. BRIG, i.i v ii.wi- BENEDICT.
with do nourishment bul the coarse prison rations, wretched in
quality and wholly insufficient in quantity. This sorrowful sight
so affected the exchanged officers, thai they contributed money,
and divested themselves of blankets, overcoats, and indeed of all
their surplus clothing, for the relief of their suffering countrymen.
Under the impression that, in care of Federal authorities, shel-
terless nights in transitu from Richmond to Washington needed
no! in be provided against, he had devoted his lasl overcoal to
the service of the sick and naked of Libby prison. He found him-
self, however, on a damp, misty night, on the open <leel< of the
U. S. transport, on the flames river, with insufficient clothing,
afraid to lie down, and too weak to stand up. Whal wonder, then,
that he sunk down whore he stood, and arose wet and shivering,
to lie clown again at no distant day. with that form of fever that
filled more hospitals and graves from the army of the Potomac,
than all the other casualties of the war combined.
On the 20th of August he reached Washington. The effect
upon his mind, of his southern experience and observation,
is quite apparent in some statements extracted from him by
reporters, and published at the time. "Col. Benedict is eager,
and in this he says he expresses the desire of all who came
with him from Rebeldom, to get to work again. He will com-
mand a regiment, if he can get one; if not, he will resume his
old position. He says, and others too, that are with him, say,
that the harshest measures towards I he rebels are the best. He
spurns conciliation, and cries, ' VY;ir to the knife.' He believes in
emancipation as a means of crushing the rebellion. The slaves.
he says, are all our friends, and show their friendship toward
Union prisoners in all safe ways. * * * The confiscation and
emancipation act is, in Col. Benedict's judgment, the most ter-
rible weapon the North has yet drawn. The rebels wince at it
as it stands on the statute book, only executed in part as it is."
After reporting at the War Department, he received leave of
absence for thirty days, in order to visit his home. On Saturday
evening, August 23d, he reached Albany. In anticipation of his
coming, his townsmen had arranged to receive him in a manner
strikingly expressive of their approbation of his conduct, and sym-
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 101
pathy with his sufferings, as well as their satisfaction at his return.
The orator chosen for the occasiou, his cherished frieud, Hon.
Lyman Tremain, with words of welcome on his lips, was iu wait-
ing with a numerous array of friends; but when he emerged from
the car, trembling and tottering, unable to stand without sup-
port, his appearance shocked the beholders, and put a sudden
period to all the schemes for a formal reception. His long sub-
jection to the influence of impure air, and bad as well as insuffi-
cient food, had unquestionably predisposed him to disease; but
the exposure at Belle Isle and on the Government transport on
the James, had put a match to the train that now reached the
magazine. He was burning with fever, and was at once carried
home. It required skillful treatment and assiduous nursing to
enable him to execute his tixed purpose, to return to the service
at the earliest practicable moment.
During this confinement, Gov. Morgan, in the kindest manner,
tendered him the Colonelcy of the One Hundred and Sixty-
second N. Y. V. Infantry, then in process of being recruited.
His resignation of the Lieut. Colonelcy of the Seventy-third New
York, was accepted, to qualify him to receive this promotion;
and his exchange was announced, officially, September 30, 1862.
On the 9th of September, though still quite infirm, he had
proceeded to New York, to supervise the concerns of the new
regiment. This was the third, raised under the patronage of the
Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police. By the latter part
of October, his regiment had attained proportions to entitle it to
take the field; and for that purpose, on the 24th of that month,
it was ordered to Washington. After spending some time in
various camps in the vicinity of the city, he was directed to em-
bark it at Alexandria, Virginia, for Fortress Monroe, the rendez-
vous of the forces assembled for what is commonly called the
Banks Expedition.
To a brother he wrote: " I shall merit a good fate, if earnest
endeavors will secure it; at any rate, I will always be consoled
by knowing that warm hearts will exult in my honorable efforts,
and mourn if I fall doing my duty. While I believe I am en-
gaged in a sacred war for moral, political and religious right,
102 S\ I • BRIG. SEN. I l.u l- BENEDICT.
and am certain it will be prosecuted to the bitter end to 'the
subjugation of secession I will be confident and fearless; but it
the time come when compromise is tolerated, expecl me home.
I will never supporl ;i war which is to end in anj event ezcepl
the establishment, in its entirety, of the authority of the Govern-
ment. My life, and thai includes all, is at the Bervice of the
Union, bul not one hair of my head will be given voluntarily for
any modification of it."
He sailed from Hampton Roads, December 3d, under sealed
orders, not to he ope net I before approaching the mouth of the Mis-
sissippi; and opening his orders at ship Island, he Learned his
destination to be New Orleans, where he arrived December L5,
1862. On reporting at head quarters, he was ordered to disem-
bark his men at Camp Parapet, some eighl miles above, and
assume command of the post, which was garrisoned by several
regiments and batteries.
About the 10th of January, 1863, he was ordered with his
regiment to Donaldsonville, some sixty miles above New Orleans,
to hold that place, while Gen. GODFREY WEITZEL, who had been
lying at Thibodeaux, marched on Brashear city and other points
on Bayou T'Vhe: it being apprehended that the enemy, taking
advantage of Weitzel's absence in that quarter, might gain his
rear, thus endangering him and our possession of the Mississippi
river. Col. Benedict remained at Donaldsonville until the 25th,
when Weitzel, having accomplished his purposes, the necessity
to strengthen the regular garrison ceased, and he returned with
his command to the Parapet.
His command at this post was his firsl service as an acting
Brigadier. The anomalous condition of affairs in the surround-
ing district, and the entire absence of civil or social authority,
imposed on military commanders much besides professional duty.
In SO disturbed a slate of society, military vigilance could not be
relaxed, if the public enemy were not immediately at hand —
elements that needed watchful care were always present. Every
day brought with it occasion for the exercise of sound judgment,
moderation and presence of mind: for there was neither code to
prescribe, nor precedent to follow. He was fortunate enough,
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 103
in this difficult position, to satisfy his superiors, by his diligence
in military matters, and by his discretion in such affairs as were
rather civil and administrative in character.
Having suffered acutely for many weeks from an ailment, to
be relieved only by a difficult surgical operation, on the 6th of
March he obtained leave of absence to go north, to receive proper
surgical treatment.
He arrived in New York March 16th, and at once underwent
the needed operation, convalescing so rapidly that he reembarked
April 23d, and joined his regiment May 11th at Alexandria, La.
He had barely landed, however, and was receiving the congratu-
lations of his friends, when he was knocked down by a frightened
horse and his leg so injured that he was obliged to return to the
boat, and remain in it while it made a trip to Brashear city and
back.
His march to Alexandria "was said to be a ruse on the part of
Gen. Banks to induce the rebels to believe Shreveport was his
objective point. On the 17th, the army retraced its steps to
Cheneyville, and thence made a forced march to Semmesport, on
the Atchafalaya, about ten miles from the Red river. At this
point Col. Benedict came up with the army and took command
of the brigade. The troops moved up the Atchafalaya to its
source and the junction of the Red and Mississippi rivers, thence
down the latter to Morganzia, where the army crossed the river
to Bayou Sara, ten miles above Port Hudson.
At Morganzia, May 23d, he was detached with the One hun-
dred and tenth 1ST. Y., two companies of cavalry, and a section
of the Sixth Mass. artillery, to occupy and hold an important
position, directly opposite Port Hudson, called indifferently
Hermitage or Fausse Point. Just here there is a bend in the
river, and a swampy flat projects far into the stream, making the
point. An insignificant hamlet, named Hermitage, is seen on
the banks of the Fausse river, from which the point obtains its
name. From its relative position, Port Hudson invested, this
locality would have been invaluable to the beleaguered garrison,
furnishing a convenient avenue for retreat, if that were expedient,
or for strengthening itself by communication with friends on the
It" I r.\ I. BEIG. QEN. LETR IB B] M DICE,
opposite side of the river, beside offering a very eligible local ion
for batteries. To pre^ enl such or any use of ii by i be rebels was
ill.' duty he was senl to perform. A signal station was discov-
ered in the neighborhood, and captured with seven men of the
signal corps of the enemy. By means of the cavalry, be swept
ilif country in bis rear and kept it free IV small bostile par-
lit'-, ai the sanif time collecting information for use al headquar-
ters. His position was frequently shelled oul without serious
results, though some very narrow escapes were experienced.
Under orders be yielded tins com ma ml to Gen. Sack, of the One
hundred and tenth X. Y.. and proceeded to join his regiment
before Port Hudson, arriving in his camp June 13th, in the
evening. He was immediately put in command of the One hun-
dred and seventy-fifth N. Y., Col. Bryan, the Twenty-eighth
Maine and Forty-eighth Mass., which, together with his own regi-
ment, One hundred and sixty-second N. Y., under Lieut. Col.
Blanchard, constituted the Second brigade of the Second divi-
sion of the Nineteenth corps, under command of Gen. DwiGHT.
At twelve o'clock that night orders were issued for an attack at
day-break by the entire line of investment. At one a. m. Col.
Benedict moved his brigade still farther to the left, opposite
the lower sally-port of the enemy. On information received from
a deserter, that there was a straight and plain road to this sally-
port, and that the enemy's works were then quite practicable,
Gen. DwiGHT ordered the left to assault at that point. By some
miscarriage, orders failed to reach the Twenty-eighth Maine, and
the brigade went into action with three regiments, numbering
only tive hundred and eighty-two men.
The attack was commenced by the First brigade, under Col.
Clark, of the Sixth Mich., which in a few moments was thrown
into disorder. Gen. DwiGHT then ordered Col. Benedict to
advance his brigade to the assistance of Col. Clark, and to make
the attack " in column of companies." On reaching the open
ground, which rose gently towards the enemy's works, upon
which the column entered from a wood, under cover of which it
had formed, it was met by a terrific fire of shot and shell; and a
little farther on it came under a cross-fire of artillery that was
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 105
almost insupportable. Still, he urged the column on, passing
Clark's brigade, to the verge opposite to the sally-port, only,
however, to find himself confronted by a ravine between him and
the enemy's works, made impassable by felled timber, and ex-
posed to a withering fire of all arms. He halted the column and
ordered the men to seek cover — retreat threatening annihilation,
\\ liile further advance was absolutely impracticable. Coolly sur-
veying the hostile works from the brink of the ravine, he retraced
the perilous road, for being without an aid for the purpose, he
was compelled to report in person the critical situation of his com-
mand to Gen. Dwigiit, who, recognizing the necessity, ordered
the brigade to lie where it was until the shades of night might
cover its withdrawal. After reporting he rejoined his men,
having gone and returned through a tornado of shot and shell
untouched.
The sufferings of that day will never be forgotten in this life
by any who shared or witnessed them. From morning until
night the men lay under a burning sun, exhausted by fatigue,
maddened by thirst, and many agonized by wounds. The slightest
manifestation of life made the exhibitor a target for a volley from
the sharpshooters of the enemy, who crowded the works that
crowned the field. The assault failed elsewhere throughout the
lines, as it did here, and as might be expected from the manner
of the fighting. The casualties were numerous and severe. It
O O
was in this advance that the brave Col. Bryan, of the One hundred
and seventy-fifth N. Y., fell. The One hundred and sixty-second
N. Y., his own regiment, which led the brigade, lost, in killed,
wounded and missing, fifty-one out of one hundred'and seventy-
three in action. Major James H. Bogart was among the killed.
At seven p. m. the brigade was withdrawn. The calm bravery
displayed by Col. Benedict on this occasion attracted much
notice, and excited the admiration of all who beheld it; and par-
tial as may be the pen that records this memorial of it, it is
exceeded in strength of eulogy by many less interested com-
mentators. An officer's letter to a friend says: " When about
three hundred yards from the works I was struck. The pain
was so intense I could not go on. I turned to mv second lieu-
106 BVT. BEIG. GEN. i.i:u IS BENEDI4 i ,
tenant as he came up to me and said: ' Never mind me, Jack, for
God's sake, jump to the colors!' I do doI recoiled anything
more until I heard Col. Benedict say, 'Up men, and forward.' I
looked .-Hid >;iw the regiments lying flat to escape the fire, and
Col. Benedict standing there, the shol striking on every side
about him, and he never flinching. Ii was grand to Bee him. I
wish I was of iron nerve as he." Adjutant Meech, of the Twenty-
sixth ('nun., writing to his friends, says: -J saw Col. Benedict
standing just in front of me, when I was wounded, on the edge
of the ravine. Looking intently at the rebel works, while the bul-
lets and shells were flying about pretty thick. ll(' walked to the
rear as composedly as it* out for a stroll."
The following day. June 15th, Gen. BANE8 called for a thou-
sand volunteers to form a column to storm the enemy's works.
Officers who might lead the column were assured of promotion;
and all. both officers and privates, were promised medals of com-
memoration, and that their names should "be placed in general
orders on the roll of honor." High on this roll would have
appeared the name of Col. Lewis Benedict. Col., now Gen.,
Birge, of Mass., volunteered, and by virtue of seniority was
assigned to command the First battalion of the stormers. Col.
Benedict volunteered to lead the Second battalion, and his offer
was accepted. The fall of Vicksburg, however, constrained the
rebel Gen. Gardner to surrender Port Hudson, and so the tor-
lorn hope lost the opportunity to illustrate its bravery and patri-
otism.
Springfield Landing, some four miles below Port Hudson, was
the base of supplies for the investing army. The safety of these
stores, upon which that of the army depended, became imperiled by
t he aggressions of Logan's cavalry, and some small successes, in t he
way of plundering ami burning, and it was apprehended that they
might invite serious attacks by larger bodies of the enemy. The
Second brigade having become reduced by casualties and details
to a single battalion, Col. Benedict was relieved of that command
and ordered to the protection of this important depot soon after
the battle of the 14th of June. He had just completed a parapet
for that object when the surrender of Port Hudson took [dace.
BVT. BEIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 107
He was in attendance on the ceremonies of that surrender, and
thus described some objects of peculiar interest to him, which
the occasion gave him opportunity to observe: " We entered the
works by the road over which we advanced to assault them on
the 14th of June; and, as I rode along, I congratulated my-
self that our progress then had been checked, although the storm
of grape and bullets cost my brigade the lives of more than a
hundred of its best men, a Colonel, a Major and several other
valuable officers. A glance at the ground showed that our
assault must have been unsuccessful. The natural difficulties of
the position were very great, and they had been augmented by
the rebels, with all they possessed of means or skill."
Soon after this, Col. Benedict was detailed to serve on a suc-
cession of Courts Martial convened in New Orleans. His profes-
sional acquirements and training made him a desirable member
of tribunals of this character.
About the middle of August, while at New Orleans, Gen.
Banks reorganized the army of the department. The One hun-
dred and sixty-second N. Y., One hundred and tenth N. Y., One
hundred and sixty-fifth N. Y. and Fourteenth Maine were consti-
tuted the First brigade, Third division of the Nineteenth army
corps, and Col. Benedict was assigned to command it.
He reached his command at Baton Rouge September 1st, and
on the 4th sailed in the R. C. Winthrop from New Orleans for
the place of rendezvous for the vessels of an expedition, which
was off Berwick Bay. The land forces consisted of the Nineteenth
Corps, and the transports were conveyed by a naval force, con-
sisting of four light draft gunboats, the Clifton, Arizona, Granite
City and Sachem, the whole under command of Maj. Gen. W. B.
Franklin. It turned out that the object of the expedition was
to capture and occupy Sabine City, at the mouth of the river
of that name. The entire fleet was directed to make Sabine
Pass by midnight of the 7th, in order that the attack might
be made early on the morning of the 8th. This was not ac-
complished, however, for, owing to the absence of the block-
ading vessel, which was relied on to indicate the point, the fleet
ran by in the night, and thus necessitated a change of both the
108 BVT. BRIG. <.r.\. i.i;w [8 BEJfEDK "i .
time and manner of the attack, which finally look place on the
evening of the 8th. The Pass proved to be sufficiently forti-
fied, and was defi aded \\ ii b audacity enough i<> defj such demon-
strations as were made od behalf of the expedition; 30 that, after
sacrificing two of the gunboats, 1 1 * * - ( 'lift <>n and Sachem, the most
serviceable of all, in view of the shallowness of the waters, the
fleet returned to New Orleans, to the infinite disgusl of the sol-
diers \\ li>> expected to fight, and equally to the sorrow and disap-
pointment of a multitude of refugees, who sorely needed an
opposite result. Jt was said thai this bootless expedition was
no1 favored by the most experienced officers in the department,
who preferred Brownsville as a base of operations.
Col. Benedict shared in the general regret, caused by such
barrenness of creditable results from an enterprise which had
inspired high hopes, founded largely on the tried bravery of (he
Nineteenth Corps. The reaction, however, created in all, both,
officers and men, a burning desire to supplant the remembrances
of the Sabine Pass failure by other emotions, excited by some
important success. It was. therefore, with great satisfaction that,
after spending four or live days in camp, at Algiers, he received
orders to march his brigade to Brashear city, in order to partici-
pate in some operations in Western Louisiana. These operations
were designed to favor another portion of the army, sent to
occupy Brownsville, on the Rio Grande, by compelling the rebels
to withdraw troops from Texas, to oppose the advance of this
one. After an unimportant skirmish near Carrion Crow Bayou.
the Nineteenth Corps moved to Vermillionville.
Here if was reported to Maj. Gen. Franklin that the enemy
was concentrating forces at or near Carrion Crow Bayou, and for
the purpose of determining their numbers and position, he
directed Gen. A. L. Lee to make a reconnoissance with all bis
available cavalry. The cavalry division, comprising two bri-
gades of eight hundred each, started from Vermillionville for
the Bayou in question, distant twelve miles, due north, at 6.30
a. m.. November 11th, and soon commenced driving back the
picl the enemy to their r>>cv\c of six hundred. A run-
ning fight then ensued for some <ix or eight miles, ending in
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 109
Gen. Lee's charging them vigorously, and driving them back in
confusion to a dense wood. Nimbi's Light Battery of Flying
Artillery was quickly brought up, and after it had shelled the
woods, Gen. Lee advanced his whole force, in line of battle
through the woods, and found the enemy drawn up in like order
on the opposite side of a prairie, about tAvo miles broad, num-
bering, as nearly as could be estimated, some seven thousand.
Seeing that he was outnumbered four to one, and having accom-
plished the object of his reconnoissance, Gen. Lee ordered a
retreat.
The enemy, detecting his intention, sent a large force to make
a demonstration on his left flank, upon which he dispatched the
First (Col. Lucas) brigade to protect the left, while the General
in person remained with the main column in the road.
Col. Benedict had been ordered to advance his brigade about
a mile beyond Vermillion Bayou, and hold himself in readiness
to support Gen. Lee. After being in position an hour, he
received a request from the General that he would advance up
the road. About four miles up he was met by a message, that
Gen. Lee was retreating before a superior enemy, and directing
him to take a position where his force would be masked, in order
to give Gen. Lee an opportunity to turn and make a dash at the
enemy's cavalry. Col. Benedict selected for this purpose" the
east side of a prairie, about twelve hundred rods wide, posting
the men in the ditches — Nimm's battery in the rear of the left
flank, and Trull's in the rear of the right, a position in which
his eight hundred and odd could withstand five thousand. Gen.
Lee retired behind the position to tempt the enemy into the
open prairie; but he was too cautious, and opened with his artil-
lery. This was replied to with vigor, and for an hour the fire
was active, the rebels suffering severely. Then failing in an
attempt to out-flank, they sought the cover of the fences and
retired. Col. Benedict's brigade was so well protected that it
had but one killed and four wounded.
November 15th the army left Vermillionville, encamping for
the night near Spanish lake, and the next day marched to New
Iberia, where it remained in quarters until the close of the year.
1 1(1 r,\ i. BRIG. OEN. u:w [8 BENEDICT.
Col. B.'s brigade held the posl of bonor on the march, acting .-*
rear guard to 1 be armj ,
Though no! attacked on the way, it was closely followed by
the enemy, and bad not become settled in quarters when ii was
announced thai Camp Pratt, its very place of encampmenl the
night before, was occupied by the enemy. A detachment was at
once sent out, which surprised in their beds, and captured more
than one hundred and twenty rebels.
January 2d, 1864, he arrived at Franklin, La., where the army
was concentrated. Here was organized what is known and gene
rally deplored as the Red River Expedition. Col. Benedict? was
assigned to the command of the Third brigade of the First divi-
sion of the Nineteenth army corps. Maj. Gen. Fi:\nku\ com
manded the corps. Brig. Gen. Emory the division.
March 15th the division moved to enter npon the Red Rivei
campaign, traversing the rich flats of Lower Louisiana, and skir-
mishing slightly on the way; on the 25th it reached Alexandria, a
distance of one hundred and sixty miles. On the 2 7th the march
was continued to Natchitoches, where the army encamped on the
31st, and awaited the arrival of the provision transports. Gen.
Banks and Com. Porter, with Ids fleet, were at Grand Ecore, foui
miles above. A reconnoissance having ascertained the strength
and position of the enemy at and beyond Pleasant Hill, with
sufficient accuracy, as was thought, the entire army marched from
Natchitoches on the morning of April 6th. After an exhausting
march through rain and mud, Col. Benedict's brigade arrived at
Pleasant Hill on the evening of the 7th. and bivouacked, the
wagons not having come up. At eight o'clock the next morning,
the 8th, it resumed its march, and in the afternoon encamped
with the rest of the division at Carroll's Mill, about eleven miles
northwest of Pleasant Hill. Hence it was summoned to Sabine
Cross Roads, to cover the retreat of the cavalry and the Thir-
teenth corps, which had been routed, and to check the advance
of the enemy. The brigade was scarcely in position when it
received the tire of the enemy, who. encouraged by previous suc-
cesses, came on. as if already the field was won. They were
received, however, by such a tire as put further advance out of
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. Ill
the question, although they continued the attack with great
bravery and perseverance, at a great cost of life. The mainte-
nance of his position by Emory was indispensable to the safety of
the army, of which emergency the enemy appeared to be as con-
scious as himself. Hence their desperate determination to turn
his left, held by Col. Benedict's brigade. One vigorous effort
that was made towards night, was so bloodily repulsed, that the
rebels not only recoiled but fled, leaving their dead and wounded
where they fell. In this repulse the One Hundred and Sixty-
second New York and the One Hundred and Seventy-third New
York were mainly instrumental, and it closed the lighting at this
point. Col. Benedict was much commended for the effective
manner in which he handled his brigade.
"From Pleasant Grove, where this action occurred, to Plea-
sant Hill," says Gen. Banks in his official report, " was fifteen
miles. It was certain that the enemy, who was within reach of
reinforcements, would renew the attack in the morning, and it
was wholly uncertain whether the command of Gen. Smith could
reach the position we held, in season for a second engagement.
For this reason the army, towards morning, fell back to Pleasant
Hill, Gen. Emory covering the rear, burying the dead, bringing
off the wounded and all the material of the army.
" It arrived there at 8.30 on the morning- of the 9th. effecting
a junction with the forces of Gen. Smith and the colored brigade
under Col. Dickey, which had reached that point the evening
previous. Early on the 9th the troops were prepared for action,
the movements of the enemy indicating that he was on our rear.
A line of battle was formed in the following- order: First brigade,
Nineteenth corps, from the right resting on a ravine; Second
brigade in the centre, and Third brigade on the left. The centre
was strengthened by a brigade of Gen. Smith's forces, whose
main force was held in reserve. The enemy moved towards our
right flank. The Second brigade withdrew from the centre to
the support of the First brigade. The brigade in support of the
centre moved up into position, and another of Gen. Smith's
brigades was posted to the extreme left position on the hill, in
echelon, to the rear of the left main line. Light skirmishing
1 12 BVT. BRIG. GEN. l.i:w [fi BENEDI4 r.
oocurred during the afternoon. Between four and five o'clock it
increased in \ igor, and about five p. m.. w hen it appeared to have
Dearly ceased, the enemy drove in our skirmishers and attacked
in force, his first onset being against the left. He advanced in
two oblique lines extending well over towards the right of the
Third brigade, Nineteenth corps. After a determined resistance,
this part of the line gave way and went slowly back to i h«- re-
serves. The Firs) and Second brigades wen- soon enveloped in
front, right and rear. By skillful movements of Gen. Emory,
the flank of the two brigades, now bearing the brunt of the bat-
tle, was covered. The enemy pursued the brigades, passing the
left and centre, until he approached the reserves under Gen.
Smith, when he was met by a charge led by Gen. Mower, and
checked. The whole of the reserves were now ordered up, and
in turn we drove the enemy, continuing the pursuit until night
compelled us to halt."
A New Englandman, an officer in one of the New York regi-
ments, thus describes the battle: "The enemy, finding a strong
force on our right and centre, massed a heavy body of troops on
our left, where our division (First) lay. and about five P. m. drove
in our skirmishers. We immediately lay down, and wailed for
them to come out of the woods. Just as they arrived at the edge
of them, they halted and gave a most hideous yell — such as
Texans and border ruffians alone can giv< — thinking that we
would immediately lire and show our position. But in this they
were much mistaken; for we lay still, under cover of the bushes
in tlie valley. At that moment our artillery should have com-
menced firing ^ bid ii did not. Finding we did not tire, they
rushed out of the woods to the brow of the hill, and poured
tremendous volleys upon us, at the same time rushing down the
hill. Our brigade poured several into them, but found them
coming in such overwhelming force that we were obliged i<» fall
hack. The second line seeing us coining hack in such confusion,
began to break, hut the officers succeeded in preserving the line
until a few volleys were fired, when it and part of the third line
broke. The artillery then commenced firing \ and we ral 'lied, mid
immediately formed a new line. By this time most of the rebels
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 113
were out of the woods, and rushing upon us pell-mell. Now it
was our time to have something to say about it. * * * Our
massed column pressed on and drove the frightened rebels two
miles through the woods. In the mean time they opened on our
right, and found more than they expected there. They charged
upon a battery and took it, but to their sorrow; for our infantry
opened upon them in such a terrific cross-fire, that they fell like
grass before the scythe, and what was left fell back. It was now
so dark that it was impossible to distinguish one side from the
other, and the fighting ceased. * * * If they had fired a
little lower while toe were lying in the valley, they would have
killed or wounded one-half of our brigade.11 Another officer, a
Captain, in connection with this latter statement of opinion, says:
"While lying down, as we were ordered to do, whole volleys
from the rebel ranks, which came upon us five lines deep, yell-
ing furiously, passed over us, as their aim was too high, and we
could hear the bullets strike on the knoll in our rear."
Maj. Gen. Franklin writes: " Col. Benedict came to my head
quarters, about 12 m. on the 9th, to obtain permission from Gen.
Emory and myself, to change the position of his line, indicating
another which, in his opinion, was stronger and safer. We
agreed to the change, and it was made." Some merits of the
new position are developed by the preceding extracts; but a
further obvious advantage may be stated. The whole of the
woods in front, and the slope to the ditch at the bottom, were
left free and clear to be shelled by the artillery without the
slightest peril to the brigade lying among the bushes along the
ditch, which, indeed, might have added its own fire to that of
the artillery. The silence of this arm, at so critical a moment,
appears remarkable, and it is not easy to resist the belief that a
main advantage expected from the change of position was not
realized.
The theatre of this battle may be described as a large open
field that had once been cultivated, but was then overgrown with
weeds and bushes — many of the latter were the red rose of
Louisiana. The moderately elevated centre of the field, from
which the name Pleasant Hill was derived, is merely a long
8
Ill BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT.
mound or ridge, scarcely entitled i<> be called a bill, that from
its crown descends gently to the ditch of which mention has been
made. Beyond the ditch an easy acclivity rises t<> :i belt <>l'
timber, which encloses it Bemicircularly on the side towards
Shreveport, and out of which the attacking forces came. The
ditch ami its fringe of shrubbery, while it afforded some cover,
presented Little obstruction t<> the passage of troops, The front
of the position occupied by Col. Benedict's brigade, extended
along t his ditch. It was on the Pleasant Hill side of this shallow
valley that the final and decisive fighting took place. On bis
way up. this locality had attracted the ( lolonel's attention, and he
expressed a belief that there the rebels would he fought; and
when some dissenl was expressed, it w„as afterwards remem-
bered that he argued the probability almost with vehemence.
Whether this impression was merely the result of his military
perception of the fitness of the place, or one of those shadows
said to be cast before coming events, it is not now worth while to
consider; hut certain it was, he was doomed to illustrate in his
own body, either the soundness of his judgment or the correct-
ness of his apprehension.
In the conflict on the slope, and perhaps in the melee of that
critical moment, when the reinforced enenry caused our line to
hesitate and even recoil, and the fortune of the day seemed
doubtful; when by almost superhuman efforts on the part of the
officers, the men were rallied to that frantic charge which gave
victory to the Union arms and saved its army, its navy and its
jurisdiction of the southwest, Col. Benedict fell.
It was only by the prompt activity of one of his officers that
his body, pierced by live balls, was rescued from the field. Capt.
Samuel Cowdkey, of the One Hundred and Sixty-second, aided
by one man. conveyed it to a building, lor the time appropriated
to the uses of a hospital, and delivered it to the Surgeon in
charge. Lieut. Van Wyck, of the deceased Colonel's staff, was
detailed to deliver it to the family of Col. Benedict, which ser-
vice he performed with equal tenderness and fidelity.
In anticipation of its arrival, the Common Council of Albany
had appointed a committee of its members to receive the remains
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 115
in New York, convey them to the city and order the arrange-
ments for their interment. In the discharge of this duty, it
returned with the body on April 30th, and in deference to the
wishes of his family, laid it in sorrow in his desolate home, rather
than in state at the Capitol, as had been designed.
Its presence in that house, dead, where his advent, living, had
been so long hoped and prayed for, raised still higher the flood-
gates of anguish, opened by the intelligence of his death.
On Monday, May 2d, 1864, his shattered bod}^ followed by
sad hearts and weeping eyes, was removed from the dwelling of
his mother to the house of the Lord; whence, after appropriate
religious services and an eloquent commemorative address, with
becoming civic and military honors, and many impromptu mani-
festations of private regard and public respect, it was borne on
its last earthly pilgrimage to the Albany Cemetery. There, he
was laid forever to rest, within the shadow of his father's monu-
ment; around him, " his martial cloak," covered with the dust of
battle, rent by bullets and stiffened by his blood.
The foregoing Sketch is mainly extracted from a Memorial,
prepared for the use of the family of Col. Benedict, to which
access has been kindly permitted.
The following Letters have been received from distinguished
Generals of our Army who knew Col. Benedict, and can speak
of him from personal knowledge:
Washington, October 14, 1864.
My Dear Colonel: * * * I knew Col. Benedict well,
and was near his brigade when he fell. He died bravely and
nobly in a battle which was terrific in its progress, and where
our success saved the army, the fleet, and gave us the continued
possession of the Mississippi and New Orleans. Had we failed
at Pleasant Hill, we could not have maintained our power with
the loss of the army and fleet of gunboats.
Col. Benedict did not die in vain; and the close of his career
was as glorious as its progress had been upright and honorable.
We were, at once, upon making acquaintance with each other
1 1 6 BVT. BBIO. <:r.\. ii. w I- BENEDICT.
mi a confidential footing, and I was often surprised and delighted
with the general intelligence and knowledge of nun which he
always exhibited. I read, a1 the time of his death, the discourses
pronounced at his funeral, and by the bar <>f which he was a
member. They did qo more than justice to the many virtues
which distinguished him. Very truly yours,
N. P. BANKS,
Major General Commanding.
To Col. N. X. Lee Dudley.
Portland. Me., July 25, 1864.
My Dear Sir: * * * I was quite intimate with your
brother, Col. Lewis Benedict, of the One Hundred and Sixty-
second New York Regiment. He was under my command from
August, 1863, until the time of his death. I, like every one else
who knew him, was exceedingly attracted by his social qualities,
and I enjoyed his society extremely. I saw a greal deal of him
during the winter of 1863-04, while I commanded at Franklin,
La. At this time he commanded a brigade in Brig. Gen. Emory's
Division of the Nineteenth Corps.
He retained command of this brigade on the march from Frank-
lin to Alexandria and Natchitoches, and commanded it in the
battle of Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864, and of Pleasant Hill,
April 9, 1864. In the last named battle he was killed.
I know little of his conduct in the battle of the 8th of April.
I do know, however, that his brigade, which held the left of the
line, was severely attacked by the enemy; that it behaved ex-
ceedingly well, entirely repulsing the attack, and that it held the
"round until niffhtfall, when the battle ended. My position on
that day prevented me from knowing any more than what I have
told above.
On the 9th of April, at Pleasant Hill, his brigade formed the
left of Gen. Emoby's line. He came to my headquarters about
twelve o'clock m. to obtain permission from Gen. Emory and
myself to change the position of his line, indicating another,
which, in his opinion, was stronger and safer. We agreed to the
change, and he then left, and the change was made. In this new
BVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWIS BENEDICT. 117
position his brigade was attacked by the enemy, and after a gal-
lant fight was driven back. It was, however, rallied very soon,
returned to the fight, drove the enemy in turn, and did a great
deal toward saving the day.
It is my impression that your brother was killed while his
brigade was advancing, after he had succeeded in rallying it;
but I am not certain of this, nor is it material now. What is
certain is, that he handled his brigade well; that he fought it as
well as it was possible to fight it, and that he died performing
his duty like a noble soldier.
There was one universal expression of sorrow among all his
comrades when it became certain that he was killed. He had
endeared himself to all of them.
I am sorry that I am able to give you no more reminiscences
of him. I have told you all that I now recollect, but events
crowded on so fast just at the time your brother was killed, that
I have doubtless forgotten much that I would otherwise have
remembered. * * * *
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
W. B. FEANKLIN,
Major General U. 8. Volunteers.
Henry M. Benedict, Esq., Albany, N. Y.
Head Quarters Nineteenth Army Corps,
Camp Eussell, Va., November 29, 1864.
Henry M. Benedict, Esq.:
Dear Sir — We are still in the field, and I do not know that this
compaign, unsurpassed for its activity, is yet ended. This has
been, and is still, my excuse for not doing what has been nearest
my heart — writing some account of your brother, Col. Benedict,
who fell under my command. I have not had, nor have I now,
the opportunity to refer to the statistics of his military history.
Under these circumstances, you must forgive me for being brief.
Col. Benedict was honorably engaged in the siege of Port
Hudson, where he exhibited his most distinguished military
characteristic, personal courage. His first field service under ire
118 KVT. BRIG. GEN. LEWI8 BENEDICT.
was during the Red River Campaign, where, on accounl of his
well known gallantry and high character as an officer, I selected
him to command a brigade. Of his noble and patriotic death, I
cannot speak in terms of too great admiration, although 1 am
now too much engaged to give a detailed account of the circum-
stances under which it occurred.
He commanded the Third Brigade, First Division. Nineteenth
Army Corps, during the battle of Sabine Cross Roads, where we
were brought into action after the Thirteenth Corps and the Cav-
alry had been routed; and he there aided in checking and driving
back an overwhelming force of the enemy, flushed with temporary
success. The next day, at Pleasant Hill, still in command of the
same brigade of my division, he fell at the head of his men, bear-
ing the brunt of that bloody battle.
I am, my dear sir, very truly yours,
W. H. EMORY, Brig. Gen.
Dover Mines, Goochland County, Va., \
March 15, 1866. \
Henry M. Benedict, Esq. :
Dear Sir — * * * It gives me sincere pleasure to have an
opportunity to express the high appreciation which I have of the
character and services of your late lamented brother, whom it
was my good fortune to meet often during our service in the
Department of the Gulf.
He joined, to high order of capacity and fine soldierly qualities,
a warm heart and most genial manner, so that while he inspired
confidence in his ability to command, he also gained the warm
affection of those with whom he was associated.
His presence in the command always gave me both confidence
and pleasure; and his death was to me the most saddening per-
sonal event of the campaign in which he fell. In this feeling, I
believe all in the Army of the Gulf participated.
With great respect, I am, dear sir,
Your most obedient servant,
CHARLES P. STONE,
Formerly Brig. Gen. and Chief of Staff, DepH of the Gulf.
COL.- EDWARD FRISBY. 119
IV.
COL. EDWARD FRISBY.
Edward Frisby was born in Trenton, Oneida county, N. Y., on
the third day of August, A. I). 1809, and was the son of Edward
Frisby and Nabby Blackman. When about two years of age,
his father removed to Whitestown, where he died when Edward
was about thirteen or fourteen years old. He was the second
son, and the seventh of ten children, of whom but one survives
him, viz: Hon. D. H. Frisby, of Illinois. Notwithstanding his
youth, he was so unwilling to see his mother burdened by the
cares of so large a family, that he determined to do something
for himself, and commenced working his own way in the world
in the Oneida cotton factory. During the whole time of his resi-
dence at home, he was noted for his kindness and attention to
his mother. At the age of seventeen, he came to Albany, and
on the first of February, in the year 1827, was bound apprentice
to John Mayell, hatter, by his brother Eleazer B. Frisby, who,
being fifteen years his senior, took more the place of a father
than a brother. He served as apprentice until he was twenty
years of age, after which he continued in the service of Mr.
Mayell as a journeyman until he was twenty-two, when he com-
menced business for himself. When in his twenty-fourth year,
on the fifth of November, 1832, he was married to Mary Augusta
Stevens, of Amherst, N. H.
His parents were Presbyterians, but after coming to Albany
he usually attended the Baptist church. He experienced reli-
gion in a protracted meeting, held in the First Baptist church in
Albany, with which he united, then under the pastoral charge
of the Rev. Mr. Hodge. His wife was already a member of that
church.
120 ( (il.. Kl>\\ m:d ll;lsr,v.
Col. I'i:i-r.v was the father of six children, two girls and four
boys, of whom bul I wo are living, i be i \\ o youngest (boys). The
firsl tour died in infancy. He was kind and devoted as a hus-
band and father, as well as a sod and brother.
When quite young, he evinced a ureal taste for a military life,
and al the age of eighteen was chosen corporal in a Slate militia
company. This post he filled until he was aboul twenty-two
years of age, when, on the second of September, L831, he re-
ceived his commission as ensign in the Eighty-ninth Regiment
of Infantry. In August, 1833, he was elected captain; in March,
183"). major; in September, 1839, lieutenant colonel; and in
August, 1841, colonel; which position he held for aboul three
months, when he received his commission as colonel of the
Twenty-fifth Regiment under the new organization. On the
19th of May, 1856, he received his commission as brigadier gen-
eral of the Eleventh brigade, Third division N. Y. S. M. This
position he held until the fall of 1860, when he resigned, and
for the first time in thirty-three years, was out of office. He was
then in his fifty-first year. Although he was now in no way con-
nected with the military of the State, still officers of every rank
were constantly applying to him for the advice and instruction
which he was so well qualified to give.
He now intended to give his whole attention to his family and
to his private business. But he was not long permitted to re-
main in the quietude of domestic enjoyment. His country called,
and found him ready to obey. In the spring of 1801, at the firsl
appearance of trouble, he manifested a great interest in every-
thing connected with our country's welfare, and repeatedly ex-
pressed a desire to enter the service and do something to avert
the evils which threatened us as a nation.
When the old T went v-fifth Regiment, of which he was so lon«;
a member, began to talk of leaving for the field of action, their
Colonel, M. K. Bryan, desired Gen. Fkisby to accompany them,
both to give advice to himself and officers, and to encourage the
men who placed such explicit confidence in him.
On the 22d of April (a day that will never be forgotten in
COL. EDWARD FRISBY. 121
Albany), they left home and friends, to go forth to battle for
freedom.
Besides the children to whom we have referred, Col. Frisby
had an adopted son, the child of his wife's sister, who died when
the boy was an infant. This little one the Colonel, in the gene-
rosity of his nature, took and brought up as his own. He was
older than his own sons, and took charge of his business while
lie was in the army.
AVhile the}' were detained in Xew York, waiting for the neces-
sary preparations to be made for their departure to Washington,
Gen. Frisby wrote home to his wife, as follows:
" I have been very busy since our arrival here. Our men arc
in good spirits, and the best feeling prevails. I want to express
my thanks to you, for your heroic conduct upon my departure
from home; that you did not say one word to discourage me, but
arranged everything in your power for my comfort, when I know
your heart was full of trouble.''
He remained with the Twenty-fifth until their arrival in Wash-
ington, and then hastened home to recruit a regiment of volun-
teers, to aid in the defence of the Union. This regiment, the
Thirtieth N. Y. S. Volunteers, was mustered into the service.
He was commissioned its Colonel. On the 27th of June, 1861,
they left for the seat of war.
The following is an extract from a letter written by him to his
sons, dated at Camp Union, Brightwood, July 7, 1861:
"You are now of an age, when you will establish a character
and habits which will grow through your whole life. I know
you are well disposed, but many, who are equally well disposed,
often yield to temptations, and soon find that they have no power
to resist evil. I hope you will listen to the counsel of your
mother in all things; be constant ill your attendance at church
and Sabbath school, and ' Remember your Creator in the days
of your youth.' I have felt, and still feel, a great anxiety about
you, knowing, as I do, how necessary it is for boys to have the
advice and care of a father. But the call of my country has
come, and it is my duty to respond, and leave you in the hands
of Him who tempers the wind to the shorn lambs, believing He
122 OOL. EDWARD FRI8BY.
will watch over, and guide you safely, through every trial and
temptation, if you will look to Him. I have been very well since
I Iri't home, Inii the care upon my mind has been very fatiguing.
We are situated*very pleasantly, and are doing as well as could
be expected under all circumstances. We are to have religious
service a1 ten o'clock t bis morning, in a grove adjoining our camp,
which will be conducted by our chaplain, Rev. X. G. Axtell."
It is needless to follow our hero through all the changes of the
army of the Potomac; through the Long and weary marches, or
in the dull monotony of camp life. Jn a Idler to his wife he
says:
••It is hard for you to be left alone, but you musl consider
that the cause iii which we are engaged requires sacrifices, and
you are doing your duty as much as the soldier who is fighting
upon the field of battle. If I can see this war honorably brought
to a close. I shall not regret any sacrifice that J have made. I
may not live to enjoy it, but I know that my boys will not love
their country the less because their father foughl for it."
In another letter, speaking of his officers, he says: "I am well
satisfied with them, as well as with the men. My regiment is
doing well, indeed, better than I could have expected. It" we
can have a little time to drill, I believe that we can do our coun-
try good service."
Again he writes: " My dear wife, keep up good courage, our
God is a God of war as of peace. Let us trust in Him. He is
mighty in battle, and the right will conquer."
Col. FriSBY enjoyed excellent health until July. 1862, when
his health began to fail and he desired to see his wife. He wrote
to her, desiring her to come to him immediately (he was then at
Falmouth, Ya.. opposite Fredericksburg), saying nothing, how-
ever, of his ill state of health. She went with all haste to him,
and on arriving found him lying very low with fever. By the
tenderest care he was restored so far as to be able to t raved.
While lying on his sick bed, the army were ordered to march,
and never did a father feel worse at parting with his children
than did Col. Fkisky at parting with his officers and men. He
COL. EDWARD FRISBY. 123
would lie upon his bed, the tears streaming down his cheeks, and
exclaim: " Oh, my poor boys ! My poor boys ! "
He procured a leave of absence, and in company with his wife
turned his face homeward. The sail up the Potomac seemed to
revive him, and on arriving in Washington he felt so much better
that he determined to return at once to his regiment, then stationed
at Culpepper, where he expected they would remain in camp
long enough for him to fully regain his strength. So he bade
his wife and son (who was with her) adieu, little thinking that it
was for the last time. He returned to camp, and instead of
remaining there for several weeks as the regiment had antici-
pated, they were ordered into action at once. They fought all
the way from there to Bull Run, where, on the third day after
entering battle, he fell. The day he fell his leave of absence had
not expired.
A young man, a member of his regiment, who went from Troy,
and who was for some time in the Colonel's tent as orderly,
writes to Mrs. Frisby as follows:
"A few hours before the battle I conversed with the Colonel.
He seemed a little melancholy. He spoke, however, of the posi-
tion of our troops, of the admirable position of the batteries, and
expressed entire confidence in the ability of our commander.
When we made that fatal charge, his duty called him from that
part of the field, and I did not see him again. When I inquired
for the Colonel, I was informed that he had fallen while leading
us on.
"He was like a father to me, ever gentle and kind. I deeply
feel his loss, but why should I complain, when others have equal
cause, and are silent. Through this life, I shall act as I know he
would desire me to. God be with you and bless you, my kind
friend. With many prayers for you and yours, in your sorrow, I
subscribe myself your friend. Respectfully,
"ALBERT MOTT."
The following account of the death of this gallant officer
appeared in the "Albany Express," August 30, 1862:
" Col. E. Frisby, of the Thirtieth regiment, was killed in action
near Centre vi lie, Va. He was at the head of his regiment on the
1 - I O 'i i. Ki'W \i:i» FRISBY;
memorable Saturday when the second battle of Bull Run was
fought, urging Iih men forward, they having received an order
to charge ai double quick. While thus discharging his duly, :i
ball struck him on the lower jaw, passing through his tare. He
did not fall from his horse, but grasped flic reins firmly. Maj.
Chrysler, noticing thai his colonel had been wounded, hurried
to hi- side and said in him: 'Colonel, you arc hit.' Col. F., the
blood streaming from his shattered jaw, immediately responded:
■ Major, to your posl !" and. brandishing his sword, started his
horse up. Scarcely had he uttered the words of command, when
he was struck on the top of the head with another hall, which
passed through and came out on the opposite side, killing him
instantly. He dropped from his horse, and the remnant of his
regiment, which had been in the hottest of the fight, was forced
to fall hack, leaving the remains of their heroic commander on
the field of battle. Four days after, his body was interred by the
Burgeon of the Twenty-second Xew York State volunteers. When
the common council committee reached Washington, Monday
morning last, they learned that the body had been interred on
the battle field, and that a regiment had been sent out to bury
our dead. Xo intelligence was received from the regimenl
during -Monday, and Col. Harcourt then resolved to go to the
battle field. lie procured the necessary passes for himself and
Maj. Chrysler, and early Tuesday morning left the city in a
carriage. They proceeded as far as Bailey's Cross Roads, where
they met the regimenl returning with, the body of Col. Frisby.
Thi' body of Col. F. was found in the precise spot where the sur-
geon of the Twenty-second stated he buried it. with a board at
the head marked Col. Frisby. On arriving in Washington, the
committee at once made arrangements for embalming the body,
a process which required some considerable time. They left
Washington Wednesday afternoon at live o'clock, and came direct
to New York without stopping, arriving there yesterday mor-
ning, too late for the early train. The remains were removed to
the Hudson River railroad depot, when the committee was in-
formed that the body could not be sent forward without permis-
COL. EDWAED FRISBY. 125
sion from the city inspector. Col. Harcourt. after considerable
etfort, succeeded in procuring the document, and left New York."
The funeral of Col. Frlsby took place September 11. The
military escort took the cars at North Ferry street for the ceme-
tery. During the movement of the funeral cortege all places of
business were closed, the flags were flying at half mast, the bells
were tolled and minute aims tired, the streets meanwhile beinc
densely crowded with spectators.
A nobler hero, a purer patriot, has not fallen during the war
than Col. Edward Frisby.
The following touching letters were received by the bereaved
widow:
Washington, D. C, September 4, 1862.
Mrs. E. Frisby — I have hesitated and delayed writing: to you
in hopes the first rumors that reached us, in relation to the fate
of our beloved Colonel, might be confirmed.
But, alas ! my heart aches, my eyes become blinded, and my
head is dizzy, when thinking of that awful field of carnage and
death. O, God ! that I could blot from my memory the scenes
of that most unfortunate encounter. I cannot give you a detailed
account of that 1 tattle, or of- the part taken by any one. I can
only say your husband, our beloved colonel, fought in the thickest
of the fight, and died at his post of duty.
We have made every exertion to obtain his body, but have
been unsuccessful, but feel in hopes that Dr. Chapin, who was
taken a prisoner, will mark the spot where he is buried. I have
collected his effects and will send them by express to-morrow.
Anything I can do will be cheerfully done. I have lost a very
dear friend in your loss of a husband. I am in hopes of seeing
you before long, when I can relate more particularly the inci-
dents of that awful day. Bear up under this affliction. God is
good, and doeth all things well. Your friend.
WILLIAM M. SEARING.
Troy, Sept. 14, 1862.
My Dear Mrs. Frisby: It was with feelings of inexpressible
sorrow, while absent from home, that I heard of the death of
1 26 OOL. i:h\\ \i;i> FRI8B1 .
your generous-hearted and gallant husband (my old friend :iii(l
Colonel), Edward Frisby, by the hands of the enemies of his
count i\ . lie < I it 'i I ;i marl \ r to law and order, a lover of the con-
stitution :iinl government under which he was born, reared and
educated, and ;i brave and conscientious* defender of thai lla^-
which so long had been the pride and admiration of his country-
men, and the emblem of hope and happiness of the oppressed in
all parts of the world, as it was. and is, a terror to tyrants and
despots. He died as all true patriots love to die — with his har-
ness on. in the full, conscientious discharge of his duty to the
government under which he was reared.
A bereaved country, a widowed wile, orphan children, sympa-
thetic and condoling friends, mourn his loss; hut their loss (con-
Boling is the fact) is his gain. .May yon. his disconsolate widow,
and his orphaned children, find consolation in the fact; and may
lie, who holds nations in the hollow of his hand, and without
whoso notice not a sparrow fulls to the ground, aid 3011 in finding
that consolation.
I have said that Col. Futsby was my friend during all my asso-
ciation with him. 1 have found him to be such, and therefore I
mourn his loss as a friend. Of course, I cannot mourn that loss
as you do. But there is one thing that I can do. I can bear
truthful and uncontradictory testimony to his moral worth as a
man; to his honesty and usefulness as a citizen; to his devotion
as a patriot, and his steadfastness as a friend. May the bright
example, which he has so disinterestedly bequeathed to his pos-
terity, never he forgotten by any of them.
Believe inc. Madam, to he most sincerely your friend and well
wisher. CIIAS. E. BRLXTXALL.
Keedysvtlle, Md., Sept. 2fith, 1862.
Dear Madam: Pardon me for addressing you by letter, which
1 presume to do, because of my former intimate relations with
your deceased husband, and because I deeply sympathize with
yon in your affliction.
None knew Col. Frisby, outside his family, as 1 knew him. Our
military connection commenced when I was so young, and lasted
COL. EDWARD FRISBY. 127
so long, that I had come to look to him, as a son toward a father.
I knew his inmost thoughts, so far as military matters were con-
cerned, and could almost read in his face the thoughts passing
through his mind. Amid the excitement of the battle field, and
the tediousuess of long marches, I have not fully appreciated that
he is gone — that I shall never see him more; but during the
past week, partially confined to my chamber by a wound, the
fact has appeared to me in all its force, and I realize that I have
lost a dear friend who loved me, and that the service has sus-
tained an almost irreparable loss, in the sphere in which he moved.
How forcibly comes upon my mind our parting on the second
of April last, at Alexandria! Then I knew how painful to him,
and how painful to me, it was, to be separated in our official rela-
tions. Clasped in each other's arms, the big tears rolling down
his cheeks, he said, among other things: "We may never meet
again!" How true it proved, but how little did I then think it
was our last meeting on earth.
Dear Madam: Let me assure you, in your bereavement you
have the deep sympathy of the officers and men of the regiment,
and of the division to which he was attached, and in which he
served so faithfully and efficiently. Indeed, the remnant of the
Thirtieth mourn his loss as children mournino- the loss of a father.
While we thus lament his loss, it is a source of comfort to me to
know that all acknowledged his worth, and showed their appre-
ciation of his merit. To the city of Albany, to the militia of the
State, the loss is great; for he and a few others, by their noble,
yet at the time unappreciated, labors, made the militia of the
city and State what it now is, and gave to the Nation a powerful
force to check the onward march of the rebellion.
Col. Frisby's name will rank high among the heroes of this war.
The God whom he worshiped will give comfort to your be-
reaved heart. He will not see the widow or children of the
soldier and patriot suffer. Let me commend you to Him; and
with my most earnest sympathy, I subscribe myself,
Your obedient servant,
R. C. BENTLEY.
I write with some difficulty, having one arm still in a sling.
1 28 COL. i:h\\ \i:i> PRI8BY.
Fort ( '<>\ tnq ton, Sept. 5th 1862.
My Dear Mrs. Frisby: Willi the greatest solicitude, I have
watched for, and scanned the lists of the killed and wounded, in
the late terrible encounters. I saw in one of the papers thai
your husband was wounded, and in another, thai he was killed;
;iimI was unable to ascertain which reporl was correct, until this
morning, when my attention was directed to ;i paragraph in one
of the New York papers, describing the manner of his death, and
stating the fact thai his body had been recovered.
M,\ hearl is filled with inexpressible grief; it is to me as if it
Avcrc my father thus stricken down.
To you 1 need not praise him; and I bul repeat what, often,
while he was living, I expressed to others; that he was one of
the bravest and best officers in our service.
As one of his military family, J had an opportunity for becom-
ing thoroughly acquainted with him; and I loved and revered
him.
He had a high sense of the responsibility of his position, and
strove scrupulously and religiously to act up to those responsi-
bilities.
His intercourse with his officers and men, exhibited those qual-
ities which adorn the character of the true gentleman.
He was not only anxious that the men of his regiment should
be well disciplined as soldiers, but was solicitous tor their moral
well-being.
Always did I receive his hearty co-operation in every plan for
the moral and religious improvement of the regiment; and if all
the colonels in the army had the same sense of responsibility to
God, the love of morals would be far brighter, and I believe we
should be far more successful in ending this cruel war.
You have lost a husband; I a friend, and the country a true,
brave and noble soldier. We are sad: we mourn. God only
can comfort. May he bless you and comfort you, is the prayer
of Your friend,
N. G. AXTELL.
COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 129
V.
COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON.
Colonel William Aykault Jackson was born in the city of
Schenectady, N. Y., on the 29th day of March, 1832. His father,
Isaac W. Jackson, was then Professor of Mathematics in Union
College, of which he was a graduate, a position he has held unin-
terruptedly to the present time.
William was the eldest of the family. He fitted for college
at home, under the instruction of his father, and entered, at the
early age of fifteen, the Freshman class of Union, at the com-
mencement of the academic year in 1847.
During his collegiate career, he displayed marked and brilliant
talents in various departments, and by the exhibition of the frank
and generous qualities, which were characteristic of him, made
among the imder-graduates of his time many and warm friends.
He then, more particularly, won distinction as a forcible and
extempore speaker and skillful debater. In these accomplish-
ments he was acknowledged to be without a rival anions; his
college cotemporaries, and they were, at a later period, exercised
with effect on the wider field of political discussion.
He graduated with honor in the summer of 1851, and during
the succeeding year remained at home, devoting his attention to
the study of general literature, and giving some of his time to
the study of the law, that being the profession which he had
chosen. Previous, however, to his regular entry upon his legal
studies, and during the year 1852, he spent some months with
an uncle, Mr. I. C. Chesbkough, a civil engineer, and at that time
engaged upon the survey of the Albany and Susquehanna rail-
road. In December, 1852, he removed to the city of Albany,
with some of the most prominent and influential families in
9
130 QOL. W ii. 1. 1 \M \. JACKSON.
which li«' was nearly connected, and entered the office of Marcus
T. Reynolds, Esq. He also, about ili«' same time, attended a
course of Lectures al the Albany Law School. He was admitted
id the bar on the LOth of April, L853, and immediately com-
menced the practice <»t" his profession in Albany, which was his
residence until his death.
Soon after the commencemenl of his legal career, he formed a
partnership with his cousin. Frederick Townsend, Esq., an
accomplished gentleman, since so favorably known as Adjutant
Genera] of the State during the whole of Gov. King's and a pari
of Gov. Morgan's administration, who. as colonel of the Third
regiment of New York volunteers, distinguished himself by his
brilliant gallantry at the battle of Big Bethel, and is now a major
in the United States infantry. They were associated during the
whole of Col. Jackson's connection with the law. For a short
period, during the year 1857, Alfred Conkling, formerly United
States District Judge of the Northern District of New York, was
professionally connected with them, under the tinn name of
Conkling, Townsend & Jackson. On the 1st of May. 1858,
their business association with Judge Conkling having previ
ously terminated, they took as a partner Richard M. Strong,
Esq., and the firm name was changed to Townsend, Jackson &
Strong. This partnership continued until the stirring national
events of the spring of 18(51 turned the thoughts of all from the
peaceful pursuits to arms, when Col. Jackson, who had been at
the commencement of that year appointed and now held the office
of Inspector General of the State, relinquished the profession to
which he had been bred, and engaged in the defence of the gov-
ernment, in the great struggle inaugurated by the attack upon
and fall of Fort Sumter.
Before proceeding to the mention of Col. Jackson's brief but
honorable military career, we pause to say a few words of the
character and talents which he displayed during the time of his
practice at the bar. Possessed of a singularly handsome person,
with frank and genial manners, having a bold and energetic
character, and a quick, penetrating intellect, being an agreeable
speaker and a vigorous writer, he fast made friends and admirers,
COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 131
and soon acquired a prominent and influential position at the
Capital of the State. Well grounded in the principles of the
law, and prompt in the despatch of business, he obtained a very
considerable professional practice. Always taking a deep interest
in politics, State and national, and mingling freely and on inti-
mate terms, during almost the whole of this period, with the most
distinguished political leaders, he soon became appreciated as a
man of ability, and a brilliant and effective speaker. His political
views being in accordance with those of the Republican party,
he early took that side, and in the campaigns of 1856, 1858 and
1860 rendered valuable services, with his pen and on the stump,
to that organization. In 1858, he made quite an extended tour,
and addressed numerous large assemblies in the western part
of the State.
When, therefore, in the spring of 1861 he embraced with
characteristic ardor the career of arms, he had acquired a high
position in his profession and in society, and was making himself
felt and his influence appreciable to a degree, unusual in one so
young.
No reasons, then, for so complete a change in the plan and
pursuits of his life existed, other than a generous patriotism, and
an honorable ambition to win the praise of honest men by his
sacrifices for and services to his country.
Successful in raising a regiment whose superior in material
was not to be found in the State, he originally intended to take
the position of Lieutenant Colonel, devolving its command upon
an army officer of experience. His plans failed in that respect,
and after much hesitation and doubt from a consciousness of his
inexperience, he was finally prevailed upon to accept the Colo-
nelcy. On the 18th of June, 1861, he received his commission
as Colonel of this, the Eighteenth Regiment of New York Volun-
teers, with the rank from May loth, 1861. From the breaking
out of the war, in April, to the time he received his commission,
he had been arduously engaged as Inspector General of the State
in aiding the Governor in the organization of its forces, and hence
by close application had acquired military knowledge which was
of value to him in his new position.
132 COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON.
From the day, however, <li:il he took command of lli«' Eigh-
teenth, he was constant and unwearied in his devotion i<> :m<l
care for bis men. Not unwilling to learn, nor unwisely self-con-
fident, as were some of the uew officers of volunteers at thai
period, by the industrious application of his quick, vigorous mind
to the acquisition of a knowledge of the details of his duty, he
very soon mastered them.
His regiment left Albany in June, and proceeding directly to
Washington, encamped near the city. Here began his firsl trial
of camp life. The officers under his command were, with but
very few exceptions, without experience or practical military
knowledge; and the men, like almost all the volunteers at that
time, owing to the busy brief period that had elapsed since their
enlistment, were a mere unformed mass, without drill or disci-
pline, rather than a regiment of soldiers.
To change all this was the determination of the Colonel. He
resolved to make it a regiment in truth, and one which should
be inferior to none in the field. With this objeel in view, he
was devoted, constant and unwearied, sparing neither body nor
mind, but straining every faculty from the time he arrived at
Washington until the disastrous battle of Manassas, and indeed
until his death, in his efforts to perfect himself as an officer, and
to bring to a high state of discipline the men under his command.
In how short a time he, with the earnest and praiseworthy co-
operation of his officers, succeeded in doing this, and how well
he did succeed, was soon to be shown.
On the 12th of July, in accordance with the general plan of a
forward movement into Virginia, his regiment was ordered across
the Potomac and encamped near Alexandria. About the same
time it was brigaded with the Sixteenth, Thirty-first and Thirty-
second New York Volunteers, forming, together, the Second Bri-
gade, under the command of Col. Davies, of the Sixteenth Regi-
ment.
On the 16th of July commenced the memorable advance of the
army of the Potomac. Col. Jackson's regiment moved from
Alexandria in the afternoon of that day, and, together with the
other regiments, forming the Second Brigade, took part in the
COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 133
battle, or rather prolonged skirmish, of the 18th of July. In
this, his conduct was gallant and meritorious, and his men
behaved with the steadiness of veterans. In the battle of Manas-
sas, on the 21st of July, which resulted so disastrously to our
arms, the Second Brigade were upon the left and constituted the
reserve, not taking part in the main battle, but lighting princi-
pally by the right and centre.
Without attempting any general description of the events of
that terrible and humiliating day, it is sufficient to say that the
Eighteenth Regiment, the whole Second Brigade, and indeed the
whole Division, of which it formed a part, behaved with marked
gallantry and steadiness. The Second Brigade, covering Capts.
Green and Hunt's batteries during the early part of the day,
and with them effectually defeating a formidable attempt of the
enemy's right to flank the left of our line, when later our troops
fled in such panic and confusion from the held, was ordered to
Centreville to protect the retreat. As to what followed, and the
conduct of Col. Jackson at this crisis, appears in an extract from
the report of Capt, Green, in command of a battery:
"I chose a position," he says, " on the crest of a hill, which,
from its shape, gave command of the ground to our left, and also
of the road along which our division was retiring. From this
position I could perfectly sweep with my fire one hundred and
eighty degrees front, right and left, down a gentle slope. Four
regiments were placed as my support, and the force at this point
could have stopped double its number.
"At this point an unauthorized person gave orders to retreat;
I refused the order, but all my supporting regiments but one {Col.
Jackson's Eighteenth JY. Y. V.), moved off to the rear. Col.
Jackson most gallantly offered his regiment as a support, saying
' that it should remain by me as long as there should be any fight-
ing to be done there.1 The above mentioned person again made
his appearance at this time, and again ordered me to retreat, and
ordered Col. Jackson to form column of division on my right and
retreat with me, as all was lost. The order was of course disre-
garded, and in about two minutes the head of a column of the
l."» 1 COL. AM l.l.l \M A. .1 K3KS0N.
enemy's cavalry came up at a run, opening out of the woods it
beautiful order. J was prepared for it, and the column had not
gfone more than a hundred yards out of the woods before shells
were hurst at their head, and directly in their midst. They broke
in everydirection, and no more cavalry came out of the woods."
The Eighteenth, in compliance with orders from the command-
ing General, retreated, covering Green's battery; and baited for
ashorl time at Fairfax. Col. Jackson, ascertaining thai theGen-
eral, despairing of bringing the defeated army to a halt, had
himself gone to Washington, it again resumed the retreat, and at
midday on the 22d took possession of its old camp at Alexandria.
This retreat was effected in perfect good order throughout; and
on the way back the Colonel was enabled to afford aid to his fel-
low townsman, Lieut. Hill, of the United States artillery, in
bringing off two of the guns of his battery.
All the officers who were present, bear testimony to the gal-
lantry of Col. Jackson, and the admirable behavior of his regi-
ment, throughout that memorable advance towards, and retreat
from Manassas.
During the wdiole time he was almost constantly mounted, and
he bore up with astonishing endurance under the most exhausting
fatigue. He says himself, in a letter written to a friend on the
23d of July: " From half past two Sunday morning until Monday
at midday, wTe neither slept nor rested. I was in my saddle
nearly all the time."
After this battle the regiment, not sharing in the general
demoralization of the troops, remained near Alexandria, shifting
its camp occasionally, taking its turn at guard and picket duty,
and for a time engaged in building Fort Ward, one of the numer-
ous fortifications erected to protect Washington.
When Gen. McClellax, taking command, commenced the
reorganization of the Army of the Potomac, the Eighteenth Regi-
ment was placed in Gen. Newton's Brigade, and Gen. Franklin's
Division.
The devotion and enthusiasm of Col. Jackson, in raising to the
highest standard the discipline and morale of his men. did not
flag. Until attacked by his last illness, he was hardly ever
COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 135
absent from the camp, and it was an extremely rare thing for him
to sleep out of it; and he took eagerly upon his shoulders, the
thousand constant cares and labors, consequent upon a scrupu-
lously conscientious discharge of his duties. In a word, his
whole time and energies were employed. In all this, and indeed
during; the whole of his connection with the regiment, it is but
justice to record, that his e Sorts were much aided, and the char-
acter of the regiment for discipline and efficiency raised, b}r the
steady support and uniformly gallant conduct of his Lieut. Col.
(now Colonel) Young, a townsman, and the officer who succeeded
him in command.
These wearing anxieties of his responsible position, and the
unaccustomed privations and exposures of life in the field, in an
unhealthy climate, were unfortunately laying in the constitution
of Jackson the foundations of fatal disease. His health, which
had been, through life, up to this period, almost perfect, now
showed signs of giving way; and during a hurried visit home in
August, his friends were alarmed at the inroads made by fatigue
and anxiety upon it. Although, for some time after his return
to the regiment, he seemed better, he was, towards the end of
October, seized with an illness, which, assuming the form of
bilious remittent fever, proved fatal. Prostrated for some days
in his tent, his brother officers were unable to induce him to
"give up " and seek relief from his official duties, and it was not
until his illness assumed a most serious form, that he consented
to apply to be removed to Washington. This was done on the
30th of October, and Dr. Stone, one of the most eminent physi-
cians of the city, was then immediately called to his bedside, but
it was too late. For a few days, no critical symptoms appeared,
and his condition was not considered as imminently dangerous
until the 7th of November. Hemorrhage of the bowels, and
afterwards of the brain, then set in, destroying all hope. On
Monday, the 11th of November, a little before six o'clock in the
evening, his spirit passed away. His last words were these,
uttered just before the power of articulation departed, in a strong,
deliberate voice, but evidently with great effort: "I do believe
in the Lord Jesus Christ; I trust in him."
136* COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON.
The remains of Col. Jackson were taken borne for interment.
They were escorted to the cars ;it Washington by his regiment,
every member of which expressed ;i desire to testify bis respect
for his beloved Colonel. Ai Albany, they were received by the
military of the city, and lay in state.
He was buried at Schenectady on the 1 4th of November, l<si;i.
Borne to his lasl resting place by the friends of his youth
whom he loved bo well, amid the scenes of his boyhood he sleeps,
requiemed by the sighing pines which wave over his grave.
Beautiful and joyous was his youth; bold and vigorous his
manhood; his death honorable, nay, glorious; for, although In-
tel l not by the sword nor amid the maddening whirl and din of
battle, vet by his self-consuminir labors for his country's weal,
were sown the seeds of that fell disease which was his destroyer.
The high estimation in which Col. Jackson was held, appears
from the numerous letters of consolation received by his father
from distinguished gentlemen in various parts of the country, and
from the complimentary resolutions passed by the bar of the city
of Albany, the Governor of the State and his staff, the Eighteenth
Regiment, and the Albany Zonave Cadets. Also, at the meeting
of the Albany bar, most eloquent eulogies were pronounced
upon our departed hero by the Hon. Clark B. Cochrane, S. O.
Shepard, Esq., his honor, Recorder Austin, Hon. John V. L.
Pruvn. and J. M. KlMBALL, Esq. Our limits will only allow us
to give the tribute of the Hon. Mr. Cochrane, which, in common
with the others, presents, in just and beautiful language, the
worth and the achievements of our lamented patriot martyr.
He spoke as follows:
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Bar:
The news of the event which has called together the bar of
Albany on the present occasion, has fallen with mournful weight
upon the hearts of millions of our countrymen. The removal by
death of William A. Jackson, from the newly chosen field of his
activities, in the midst of his growing usefulness and rising fame,
and in view of what he was and what he promised to become,
produced, as it was calculated to produce, a profound sensation
in the public mind. The deep and universal solicitude, the ex-
COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 137
pressions of private hopes and public anxiety with reference to
the chances of his recovery, from the time his dangerous illness
became known, until the announcement of its fatal termination,
the imposing demonstrations of respect tendered to his memory
and services, and the multiplied evidences of sincere and general
sorrow which have followed that announcement, admonish us
that our professional brother, whose loss we mourn and whose
recollection we cherish, was no ordinary personage. It rarely hap-
pens, even in our own glorious country, where all legal and adven-
titious hindrances are removed from before the march of merit,
where the race is usually to the swift, and the battle to the strong,
that one comes to occupy, at so early an age, so large a measure
in the public eye, or possess so firm a hold of the popular heart.
Though yet in the early dawn and dew of manhood, Col. Jack-
son has inscribed his name upon the imperishable records of his
country, and left his footprints deeply traced on the sands of
time. A nation, for whose life and whose honor he drew his
sword, witnessed, with emotions of sorrow, his passage from the
theatre of life; and the great, the gifted and the brave, followed
his bier and mingled as mourners in his funeral train. Thus, let
a grateful people ever hallow the memory of the brave defenders
of the land and flag of our fathers. Our departed friend has left
a blameless life, a bright and brave example for the imitation of
all, especially for our youth. At a period when success, with
young men of brightest promise, is yet the subject of conjecture,
he had accomplished ends and achieved a position which exempt
life from the possibilities of failure, and enabled him to say, as
he turned his youthful eyes for the last time to the light of
Heaven, I have not "lived in vain nor spent my strength for
naught."
A gentleman by instinct and education, possessed of a fine
person and fascinating manners, a large heart and a true and
genial nature, endowed with a rare intellect, enriched by varied
and manly cultivation, he became the idol of every circle in
which he mingled, a cherished companion among his associates,
the trusted depositary of the most sacred treasures of a well
chosen friendship, the pride of his family and kindred, and a
138 OOL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON.
favorite with the public. A.8 a public speaker, Col. Jackson was
eloquent and forcible, and to rare conversational powers he : i < I < ] : - < 1
the pen of a ready and eleganl writer. A^s a member of this bar,
;il which he had secured no indifferent reputation, we remember
himasa brother without reproach. His warm hand, his beaming
and niMiih face, will greet us no more. We shall miss liim ;ii the
bar, in the halls of justice, from our social gatherings, in the
public and private walks of life; but in the innermost shrines of
our hearts, and so long as life lasts, we will cherish bis memory,
fragrant with every manly virtue, and free from every suspicion
of dishonor. We will think of him for bis noble qualities of
head and heart, for the example he has left behind him, forthe
expectations he had realized, and the hopes he had inspired.
In all the relations of private life, and in all the varied and
responsible positions with which he was trusted, he preserved
to the last "the whiteness of his soul, and men weep for him."
It is, after all, as a patriot and soldier, and not as a lawyer, we
meet to do him honor. True, the ranks of our profession have
been invaded, and another link has been stricken from the bright
fraternal chain which binds us together; a choice spirit has dropt
from our circle, and passed forever away, and we confess our
loss; but it is our country, and not our class, that is smitten by
t his bereavement. Brave of heart and strong of hand, loving his
country and revering her insulted flag, he was among the first to
respond to the call of the Nation, in the hour of her sudden and
greatest peril. Though uneducated to the profession of arms,
he brought to the duties of his hiuh command, unwearied indus-
try and all the acknowledged vigor of his mind, and at the time
of his death had already become an accomplished and efficient
officer; enjoyed the confidence of the Government and of his
superiors in command: was rapidly rising in the opinions of the
army, and had secured to the fullest extent the respect and love
of his gallant regiment, which, under his discipline, had become,
by common consent, one of the best and most efficient in the
service.
Tried upon the field of battle, and found wanting in none of
the stern requisites of a soldier, he had before him the promise
COL. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. 139
of a brilliant and glorious future. In the inscrutable providence
of God, the hand of death has overtaken him, and he is removed
from the tumult of arms and the scenes of earth. But he has
fallen in the career of duty and the path of fame, with his bow
bent, his feet to the field, and his armor on. To the patriot, the
memory of such is sweet.
We give, also, the Proceedings at the Executive Chamber:
By direction of his Excellency, Gov. Morgan, the members of
his staff', present in Albany, met in the Executive Chamber, on
the evening of November 12th, to take such action as might be
deemed appropriate in regard to the death of Col. William A.
Jackson, commanding the Eighteenth Regiment of New York
State Volunteers, and formerly Inspector General of this State,
who expired at Washington on the evening of the 11th instant.
The following members of his staff were present: Adjutant
General Hillhouse, Inspector General Patrick, Commissary
General Welch, Surgeon General Vanderpoel, Quartermaster
General Van Vechten, Aide-de-Camp Arden, and Military Sec-
retary Linsley.
On assuming the chair, his Excellency expressed, with great
feeling, his deep sense of the sad occasion which had induced
him to convene the members of his military family, and sug-
gested that such action should be had as the melancholy event
called for. He added, that the death of Col. Jackson came upon
us with peculiar force. That he had been an esteemed member of
his staff, and was a much-loved citizen of Albany at the time he
assumed the command of the regiment, and that it was eminently
proper that this especial notice should be taken of his death, by
himself and the members of his staff' who were now present.
Whereupon, Com. Gen. Welch, with the permission of his
Excellency, submitted the following resolutions:
Resolved, That we have heard, with emotions of profound
sorrow, of tne death of a former associate, Col. William A. Jack-
son, commanding the Eighteenth Regiment of Xew York Volun-
teers, who was among the first to sacrifice honorable public ;
tion, professional honors and emoluments, and cherished personal
1 Id COL. w II. 1. 1 am A. JACKSON.
associations, in defence of the flag of the countrj and the i i > i >
iii \ of i he Union.
Resolved i That in the death <>f this young soldier, who was
endeared to us by those sterling characteristics of manhood,
which lie possessed in so eminent ;i degree, we are overwhelmed
with grief, ool only because an estimable friend and associate
Ins been taken from us, bul because the country, now passing
the severest ordeal of its existence, has Losi one <>i' it-> able and
zealous champions.
Resolved, Thai tin- loss of Col. Jackson, so deeply fell here,
in the city of his former residence, and so much in !><■ deplored
everywhere, calls for sonic public manifestation of the wide-
spread xnrow which his early death has evoked.
Resolved, That his Excellency, the Governor, he respectfully
requested to forward. to the immediate relatives of the deceased,
a copy of these resolutions, with an expression of our deep and
unaffected sympathy with them in this, their greal bereavement.
These resolutions were unanimously adopted.
general order.
Head Quarters, Fifth Brigade,
November 15, 18(11.
General Order, No. 13. The General commanding the Bri-
gade, on his return, has heard with lively sorrow of the decease
of Col. William A. Jackson, commanding the Eighteenth Regi-
nieiit New York Volunteers.
Deprived, by circumstances over which he had no control, of
the melancholy privilege of witnessing his last moments, or of
being present at the funeral obsequies, the General commanding
wishes at least to testify his profound sense of the loss to the
service, experienced by the decease of this accomplished soldier
and gentleman.
The high state of discipline and efficiency attained by the
Eighteenth Regiment, is a testimony to the zeal and intelligence
of the deceased, more honorable and complete than the most
elaborate enlogium. By order of Brig. Gen. Newton.
J AS. E. MONTGOMERY, Asst. Adj. Gen.
ffEW roxK
COL. JOHN WILSON. 141
VI.
COL. JOHN WILSON.
Colonel John Wilson, of the Forty-third Regiment Infantry,
.N. Y. V., son of James and Ann Wilson, was born in Albany, N.
Y., December 29th, 1838. His father was a native of Scotland,
a man of sterling integrity and great benevolence, a useful citizen
and sincere Christian. His mother was an American of Scottish
descent. His maternal great grand-father served in the army of
the Revolution, upholding bravely the cause of his adopted coun-
try. He was a man of great physical strength, and power of
endurance. He suffered much on board a prison ship near Brook-
lyn. His son, a boy of seventeen years, also served and was
wounded in the Revolutionary war.
John Wilson received his education at the Albany Academy,
which institution he entered at a very early age. He immediately
commenced the study of the Latin language, in which his father
was very desirous of having him proficient, as it was necessary
to a scientific knowledge of the business, for which he designed
to educate him. He studied the French language a number of
years, and went farther than the course prescribed by the
Academy. His father dying when he was sixteen, he suspended
his studies and succeeded to his business of florist and nursery-
man. In this he continued till he entered the army, giving up
then a lucrative and prosperous business to devote himself to
his country.
From his infancy he attended the Sabbath school established
by his father, then the only Sabbath school in the section of the
city where he resided. He was actively engaged in it till he
entered the army, and was always interested in its success. He
united with the Baptist Church in 1858, under the ministration
14? OOL. JOHN W DLSON.
of 1{< \ . Dr. II\«;i !.. He maintained always u firm religious cha-
racter, was charitable in judgment, and liberal in firivins esDe-
cially in private. Generosity was, from childhood, his distin-
guishing characteristic. While he was in the army, he devoted
one-tenth part of his income to charitable and religious purposes.
Hi' entered the army :is a Captain, having raised a company
for the Becond requisition of troops in the summer of is ill. In
about one week from the time In1 bad resolved to give himself
1<> his country, his company was raised. They marched to the
barracks, on Saturday, August 3d, the first soldier- i scupy
the barracks after the troops of the firsl requisition had gone u>
the field.
The following extracts from Col. Wilson's letters will give a
view of his movements after he left Albany:
New York, Scptviiiher IS, 18(11.
Deai- Mother and Sisters — I arrived safely in New York on
Tuesday, at two o'clock. It rained very hard when we came in,
but ceased about an hour afterward, when the regiment arrived.
As soon as I stepped from the ears I proceeded to the Astoi
House, and soon after met the Colonel, who entrusted the dis-
embarkation of our men tome. We landed safely, ami fortu.
nately it censed raining, but it commenced soon after we had
obtained our quarters in the Park barracks.
The officers are mostly quartered at the Astor and Lovejoy's
Hotel. I am very well at present, and trust this finds you all
well. I cannot find out when the regiment will leave, as nobodj
seems to know anything about it.
I will write as soon as I learn anything definite. Our men are
all well, but do not like the confinement in such barracks as
those in the Park. Your son and brother.
JOHN.
(ami- Casey, Meridian Hell, neak Washington, D. C.A
Head Quarters of X. V. Forty-third Regt., I
September 22, L861. J
Dear .Mother and Sisters — I have just obtained an opportunity
to write to you this afternoon. I am officer of the day, and as I
COL. JOHN WILSON. 143
am all alone in my tent just now, I feel like writing to you, to
tell you how I like camp life.
The last letter I wrote you was from the Park barracks, New
York. I said in my letter of Friday last, that we would move
soou, and so it turned out, for with but three hours notice we
were ordered, by telegraph, to Washington direct.
You may imagine what a commotion there was among the
men, when at six o'clock Friday evening they were ordered to
Washington, and to be ready to start by nine o'clock p. m.
Well, we got under way at precisely half past one Saturday mor-
ning, having waited from nine p. m., the evening before, for our
baggage and equipments to be sent to the railroad depot, and
our rations to be prepared for us, which latter, by the way, we
never got, as they were by mistake left in New York.
You may think we were all pretty well tired waiting, but to
add still to our troubles, we had to wait in New Jersey, at the
depot in Jersey city, till four o'clock a. m. before the train could
be got under way.
We arrived safely in Philadelphia at twelve o'clock m., and
were received by the women of the city in grand style. They
prepared a dinner for us free, and a good appetite we had for it,
too, as we had had nothing to eat since the night before, except
what food the men, at the supper table, had placed in their haver-
sacks. As it was, they did very well, and complained but very
little.
We took rail at one o'clock for Baltimore, and all through the
streets of Philadelphia, as we passed in the cars, we were greeted
by thousands of cheers and hurrahs. We reached Baltimore at
eleven o'clock Saturday night, and immediately marched two
miles to the depot of the railroad for Washington, and arrived
in Washington four o'clock Sunday morning. We were all very
tired, and immediately proceeded to have our supper of one slice
of bread and one slice of pork per man, and a cup of coffee, after
which we took a sleep of three hours duration, being called up
for breakfast at seven o'clock.
At eleven o'clock a. m. we received marching orders, and pro-
ceeded to encamp on the grounds we now occupy on Meridian
1 I I COL. .lolIN \\ ll.sov
Hill. There are, in all, aboul twentj thousand men encamped
near us, and we have aothing buj din, and the music of bugle
and fife and drum all day. I am v< r\ well, having a tine lent,
ground nice and dry. a good floor l(» the tent, ami plenty of
coats to cover me with. Write soon.
Yours affectionately,
JOHN.
Head Quarters of Forty-third Regt., X. Y. S. V., )
Meridian Hill, Washington, D.C., Sept 27, 1861. ]
My Dear Axxa — I received your Letter yesterday morning. I
was very glad to hear from yon and all at home, as I was afraid
that any letter written to me at New York might not reach me
here.
We are having a line time here in cam]) — plenty of tent room,
as I have taken two tents and joined them in one. end to end.
and now we have a sitting room, and a sleeping apartment, with
a curtain between. You should sec our arrangements, and 1 am
sure you would be surprised to find how comfortable we are.
Even now it is raining quite hard, but our tents are covered with
large canvass flies, and no rain can get near us.
We are all well, and are not troubled witli any inconveniences
complained of by many in camp, except the nights are very cold,
especially towards morning, and the middle of the days rather
warm. But we manage to overcome the former by overcoats and
extra blankets, and the latter we avoid by keeping inside of our
tents.
We hardly ever take off our clothes, except to bathe, as we
must he always ready to spring into our places, even at the dead
of night, fully armed and equipped. I shall soon get used to such
a life, and I like it more and more every day.
I think there will be a grand hat tie some time next month,
but I am afraid we cannot get ready to he there, hut we may
have a chance to be lookers on.
I resigned all claim to the majorship of the regiment, as I find
the field officers will have to pass an examination here, which I
could not do, as I understand nothing of battalion movements.
COL. JOHN WILSON. 145
I shall have a chance of promotion before long, I think, and then
I shall be Major. I am very well satisfied with my present posi-
tion. Write soon, and remember me to all friends.
Yours affectionately, JOHN WILSON.
Camp Advance, Va., Sept. 29th, Sunday.
Dear Mother — I will write you a few lines, to-night, to let you
know that we are on the sacred soil of Virginia. The enemy are
some six miles from us. We are in the advance cam}), and may
have a chance to see action before long; but I am not afraid at
all, myself. I keep in mind that verse you wrote in my Testa-
ment— " He will give his angels charge over thee." I keep my
Testament always in my breast pocket, and read it as often as I
can. I think a battle is near, and I also think it will be a deci-
sive one for our cause and freedom. I will write you again very
soon. Give my love to all; Kate, Anna, Eliza and Mary, and
to yourself. In haste. Your affectionate son,
JOHN WILSON.
Fort Marcy, Va., Oct. 30(h, 1861.
My Dear Sister — I received your letter of the 25th, this mor-
ning. I am now writing an answer to your inquiries (time, ten
p. m.) I am at present with my company encamped within the
above named fort, about three-fourths of a mile from Chain
bridge, and three and a half miles from our regiment, being de-
tached therefrom for the present, and sent here in command of
the fort. I came here last Saturday morning at six a. m., to
relieve Company A, of the Vermont Fifth, who have been here
some three weeks. I am having a fine time of it now, as the
company have all their tents nicely pitched within the breast-
works of the fort — and mine stands at the head of the street,
and, standing in my tent door, I can at one glance see the whole
interior of the place. When I came, I brought nothing but a
blanket and an overcoat, and the men brought only their over-
coats, thinking we would have to stay but twenty-four hours. But
we have had to sleep on the ground three nights, and that, too,
through two frosty ones. But I am very well, and the men com-
10
1 16 OOL. .101 IN w ELSON.
plain luif lit) le of any sickness. ( hir tents < ; 1 1 1 1< yesterday after-
aoon, and before oigirl they were all up and occupied. I have
a detachmenl ofmj company stationed as guard al Chain bridge,
under Lieut. Wile i\x »\ . of Company F, and with the fori and
the bridge to care for, I have my hands full.
We have had two or three grand reviews lately, and this has
kept us all busy getting ready for inspection, so llial I have lia<l
no time to <1<> anything outside of military affairs. Gen. Han-
cock, the other day, congratulated Col. Vinton on the drill and
discipline of the Forty-third, and. although we have been bui one
month •• out.*' he confesses us superior to regiments out over four
months. This is saying a good deal for us.
We had a set of colors presented to us, the other day. by Sim-
eon Draper, of New York. They are very handsome, and ele-
gantly mounted. Last Thursday, four companies of our regi-
ment, or rather parts of four companies, under command of Col.
Vinton, made a reconnoissance as far as Flint Hill, or aboul two
miles from Fairfax. Our guide said, we were the firsl Union
troops that had been on Flint Hill, since the battle of Bull Run.
He said, also, that our Colonel was the most ambitious one lie
had met with, as we proceeded over half a mile further than he
advised, and would have gone to Fairfax, had not our orders
commanded us to ^o but to Flint Hill. Had we gone further, our
Colonel would have had to bear the consequences, had any been
killed. As it was. Company A went half a mile beyond, being
thrown out as skirmishers. We drove the enemy's pickets before
us about a mile, they running off at double-quick, after exchanging
a few shots with us. We took eight prisoners, and then returned
to camp, having walked in all about twenty miles. This recon-
noissance has given us quite a name for courage, and we are
already known as the "plucky little Forty-third."
But I must close my letter, with the wish that you will write
soon, and all the others too; and don't mind if I do not write as
often as I would like to, as I am very much engaged with com-
pany affairs. Give my love to Mother, Kate. Axxa. Mart and
yourself, of course, and member me to all my numerous friends.
Tell H. IS. that I am sorry the articles were not sent, as any-
COL. JOHN WILSON. 147
thing from Albany seems one hundred per cent better, than any-
thing bought here. Give her my regards and thanks for her
kind endeavors. I have not received my box yet, and do not
know what has become of it. Suppose it will turn up one of
these days. I wish I had it now. Good night. JOHN.
Mr. Wilson wrote to his mother and sisters very frequently,
giving a minute account of his daily life, and of matters of inte-
rest that came under his observation. All his letters breathe
the spirit of an earnest patriotism, and personal devotion to duty.
Most of them possess a private and family interest, while a few
contain matter suitable for publication.
The following letters give an account of the movements of his
regiment near Williamsburg and City Point, Va.
Camp Xo. 11, in the Field, )
Near Williamsburg, Va., May 8, 1862. \
My Dear Mother — I wrote a short letter to you j^esterday to
let you know that our regiment was safe, as it was held as a
reserve, together with a few other regiments belonging f0 Ketes'
Corps, and four or live batteries of regular artillery and two regi-
ments of regular cavalry. We were very near the scene of
action all day Monday, being separated from it by a strip of
woods so dense as to prevent our seeing anything of the conflict.
The firing all day was very severe, and once in awhile we had
a few shells thrown toward us, but they did no damage. We
have had a complete victory, as the forts of the enemy, eleven in
number, are all ours, and many prisoners, the exact number I do
not know.
I will give you a little account of our movements since Satur-
day morning last: On that day we moved our camp nearer to
the rebel works, and all Saturday night the firing on our imme-
diate right was very heavy, and we expected every moment to
be called to arms to repel the expeoted attack or sortie of the
enemy. At daybreak, we were called out, and stood under arms
for half an hour, were then dismissed, and breakfasted. At seven
a. m. came an order to be ready to move immediately, to cross the
1 IS col., JOHN w CL80N.
dam and take possession of the enemy's furl, directly in front of
our division, as the enemy were reported to have evacuated York-
town and the entire line of fortifications, from the York to the
dames river. We ;il once were ready, and drew no extra rations
from our commissary, thinking we would bul cross the dam and
occupy the enemy's torts. <>r move bul a short distance in advance
ol* them, and he assuring us we could draw our rations there as
well as in camp. We found the whole of the enemy's works
deserted, and our only wonder was, as we filed through their
works, that they evacuated them as they did, as thej appeared
almost invulnerable. We marched on. after we had passed this
line of forts, very quickly, and found, as we went along, camp
after camp deserted and the tents left, in the haste of the rebels
to escape. At about four i>. m., Sunday, we joined Hooker's
Division, which had marched oil' from Voiktown. and were the
advance of HeINTZELMAn's Corps, and found that the First U. S.
Cavalry, and their batteries of artillery, had had an engagement
with the enemy some distance in front, overtaking the rearguard
of the rebels in their retreat. They appeared to have had a
severe time of it. and judging from the wounded carried past in
ambulances, had been pretty well cut np. We expected an
engagement every moment, and at five P. M. were drawn up in
line of battle, on a place called " Whittaker's farm." a field
skirted by "woods, containing some two hundred or three hun-
dred acres, and covered with a beautiful crop of wheat, a foot
high. We remained here till six p. M., whenacharge through
the woods in front and towards the enemy's forts was ordered,
and with a tremendous shout we started forward. We were
halted, however, by Gen. Hancock, before we cleared the wood-,
he not knowing the exact position of the enemy, and being too
srood a General to risk our charging on any uncertainty. We
remained all night in the woods, lying on our arms, my company
being deployed in front of our regiment. It was anything but
agreeable, as 1 had no overcoat, no blanket to lie down on, noth-
ing but my pants, vest and jacket. The night being chilly, I was
compelled to keep warm by pacing from tree to tree all night,
no fires being allowed, as we did not know how many yards we
COL. JOHN WILSON. 149
were from the enemy. At three a. m., Monday, it commenced to
rain, and before long we were all waked. At live a. m. we fell
back to the commencement of the woods, to build small fires
and warm ourselves. We remained in this position most of the
day, expecting every moment to be ordered forward, although
we had had nothing to eat, and it was raining hard all day; but
the order did not come, as we (the Federals) held our own admi-
rably, and defeated our adversary at every point. Our brigade
lost but four killed and fifteen wounded, as far as I can learn.
Sickles' Brigade, on our left, was badly cut up, and lost many,
killed and wounded. I took a walk yesterday morning all
through the woods and over the field, where the fighting was
the heaviest. I saw a great many of the rebels lying in the
woods, dead, (our own men who had fallen having been buried,)
and a sad sight it was, almost all the dead having been shot
through the breast or head. They have all been buried, and the
wounded all well cared for. I took a stroll through Williams-
burg, and found quite a number of white families still living in
the town, and any quantity of negroes, some of them very intel-
ligent. It seems that when their masters retreated, they (the
negroes) took to the woods, and returned as our army advanced.
The town is a pretty country one, and is some three miles or
more from the James river. It contains some very fine churches
and dwellings, and is by far the prettiest place I have seen in the
south. I found from the negroes that it must have had a popu-
lation of eight or ten thousand at one time, being a very old
town, and quite unique in appearance. The streets through
the town are in an awful condition. Wagons sink in to the
hubs, and drawing the heavy wagons, is very heavy work for the
mules and horses. Gen. McClellan had his head-quarters at a
huge mansion in the town. I do not know how soon we shall
move from this camp, and am in no anxiety about it, as we are
pleasantly encamped in a wood, on high ground, and near a
splendid cold spring of water. Indeed, it seems like another
country here, from the old camp before Yorktown, as the country
above that city is rolling and elevated, and the air pure and
healthy. One report is, that we shall follow up the enemy, Avho
l."ii) COL. .mux WILSON.
are said to bave made a stain I on the Chickahominy river: another,
thai we shall go to Richmond, to be garrisoned there, after it is
taken; and still another, thai Norfolk will be our destination. I
think the former the most probably true one: bul am no way
concerned aboul our movements, as long as I keep well and our
men are in as good spirits as al present. It must be very
demoralizing to the rebels to be forced to fall back with defeat
from such strong works as those of Yorktown and Williams-
burg, especially after having employed six thousand negroes
for over six months on each of these lines of torts.
I should not be surprised if the report of Magkuder's surren-
der would prove true in a few days, and if this happens, the Old
Dominion may be counted one of the Union. I forgot to tell you
that on our advance from the forts at Yorktown. we dug up
many shells and torpedoes, buried in the roads, and fixed so thai
the least pressure upon the fuse would explode them, but they
were discovered too soon to do any damage; and all along our
march we had a squad of picked men precede us to examine the
roads we had to inarch over. Such an operation on the part of
the enemy is the best proof of their cowardice we could have,
and holds them up in their true light. I saw quite a number of
prisoners yesterday, whom we had taken at the last battle.
They were, with few exceptions, poor specimens of the creature,
man, and had all of them a downcast, sorrowful expression,
which, added to their variety of coarse clothes, gave them the
appearance of a lot of thieves or jail inhabitants. They are well
treated by our men, however, and will, no doubt, be thankful
that they have escaped to such merciful captors.
Your affectionate son, JOHN.
(ami- No. 12, ix the Field, near West Point, Va., ^
(SAID TO BE) 35 MILES FROM RICHMOND, *>
May 11, 1862. Sunday afternoon. J
My Dear Sister — Your welcome letter of May 2d was received
by me this morning. I do not know when I may have a chance
to send a letter again, so as the mail closes this evening I send
this, written this afternoon. We have been making severe
COL. JOHN WILSON. 151
marches the last few-days, in hopes of overhauling the enemy; but
to-day, after having been " reveilled " at three and a half a. m., the
hour when we intended to march, and being all ready, by live
a. m., down came an order from Gen. Mac, who has his head-quar-
ters directly in our rear, countermanding the orders to move for-
ward to-day, and advising an observance of the Sabbath as strict
as possible. The men of all the regiments of our brigade and divi-
sion are overjoyed at resting to-day, and McClellan thus wins
the hearts of all the men by his kindness, and also the favor of
Heaven by his observance of its laws. With such a General, vic-
tory must be ours. Smith's Division, and especially Hancock's
Brigade, is a favorite with Gen. Mac, and has been ever since the
battle of Williamsburg, and he sticks close to us on the march.
You should see the army of the Potomac on this peninsula, under
his immediate command, if you would see soldiers; and if you
could only stand a few hours by some roadside, as the troops tile
down it on the march, you could have some idea of "the soldier"
We have frequent skirmishes with the enemy nearly every day,
as we are in hot pursuit of him to prevent him from fortifying
further this side of Richmond. Gen. McClellan anticipates
being there on Thursday, I believe, if all goes well. It may be
longer before we reach that devoted city, as the weather is very
warm and marching very fatiguing. Our troops stand it well,
having been pretty well inured to it, but the effect on new recruits
would be very " sensible." Gen. McClellan seems to be " wrapt
up " in his troops, and well may he be proud of them, and of
their victorious march. I have at last got a little contraband;
about twelve or thirteen years old. He is jet black, a good look-
ing little " dark," and answers to the name of " Carter." I will
bring him home, if I can, and he will stay with me. I wish I
had my box, as our fare is hard, very hard, and it is almost im-
possible to get anything but hard crackers, coffee and sugar; and
salt meat, seldom fresh, is served to us; but I do not complain
at all of our fare, as long as I keep well, and our arms are victo-
rious and old rebeldom overcome. I do not know how soon we
shall engage them in conflict again, but I trust Heaven may grant
us the victory in all our contests, and soon peace be restored to
152 OOL. JOHN WILSON.
our beloved country. Von Bhould see the negroes here We
meel any quantity of them, and each house <>n our journey ia
decorated with a large white flag, whether the occupants are
while or black. We do not touch anything belonging to the
inhabitants on our march, but, of course, we return n<> slaves
coming to and with us, aa we do not believe in slavery, and do
not intend to pollute the old flag with any more " negro slavery
protection." I have held many conversations with negroes aboul
their opinion of us and their former masters. I went over to
Williamsburg the other day, and through some <>t' the Log cabins
of t he once slaves. J asked one very nice looking colored woman
what she thought of our soldiers in comparison with the rebel
troops. She said: "Your men look so very bold — don't hang
down their heads as our soldiers do. Your troops frighted the
life out of our men: and then the good clothes — oh, my! they
look like soldiers/' An old man. in another cabin, said of our
troops firing, on the day of the battle of Williamsburg: l< I notice
that when our men lire, your men don't fall; but when your nun
fire, our men come down very fast." They all tell of the ridicu-
lous stories of their masters and " missus;" that the Yankees
would cut off their ears, sell them oil' north, burn them up, and
what not; but they find it is all lies, and they are in the best of
spirits, and rejoice beyond measure at our successful progress.
We are in the finest country 1 ever saw, but most too warm for
comfortable marching in the daytime. Water is plentiful, and
woods are abundant, so we march a great deal of the time in the
shade. But I must close. My love to all, and many respects to
all my friends. I send your letter and mother's in the same en-
velope, as this is the first chance I have had to write for a long
time. Write soon, and tell all to do so too.
Your affectionate brother, JOHN.
Camp near City Point, Va., )
on James Kiver, July 4th, 1862. )
My Dear Sister Mary — Your letter reached me to-day, at four
p. M., and to-night, the night of the glorious Fourth, I sit down
on the top of my little mess chest, made out of a cracker box,
COL. JOHN WILSON. 153
to write an answer to you. It is now a week or more, since I had
an opportunity of handling a pen, and I have almost forgotten
how to write a letter. I have so much to write, concerning our
movements since last Saturday morning, that I do not know
where to commence. I will therefore begin with June 27th, last
Friday, a week ago to-day; the day before Porter's Division of
the army, in front of Richmond, had pressed the rebels severely
in the centre of our lines, and had gained on them a mile or
more, after severe lighting and considerable loss. All the bands
in our army, in front of Richmond, were playing our national
airs, all the evening. I did not go to bed till one a. m. the next
evening; and the next morning early, 5 a. m., our entire regi-
ment went on picket. I had command of the right half (or wing)
of our picket line, of the Forty-third New York. Our picket
line was in close proximity to that of the rebels; so close, that
each could converse with the other, in one or two different
places. The part of which I had charge, ran through a wood;
the other half, of the Forty -third picket, was posted in a wheat
held, and were in full view of the rebel picket. The day was a
lovely, warm one, and I enjoyed the picket duty very much,
although I had heard that "shoulder straps" were the aim or
mark of the rebel riflemen, they having made an agreement with
our pickets, not to shoot each other, except officers. Our forces
had thrown up, during the night before, quite a fort (six hundred
men working all night upon it) near the picket line of the Second
Brigade, immediately on our left, and at an early hour in the
morning, this fort was the object of an attack by a rebel bat-
tery. One could plainly hear, from where we were lying on
picket, the artillery of the rebels, coming down towards their
picket line. They commenced with a full battery volley, six
pieces discharged at once, throwing shells; I should judge ten
or twelve pounders; and their first volley was answered by one
from our battery in said fort, and by a battery of thirty-two
pounders a short distance in the rear. This exercise was kept
up for about half an hour, when the artillery of the enemy with-
drew. All was quiet till three p. m., when the rebel sharpshoot-
ers endeavored to turn our right wing, of which I had command.
154 COL. JOHN W II.m >\.
Our support on thai wing was immediately thrown forward on
the Line, doubling it, and old secesfa fell back repulsed. We
losl none, killed or wounded. Quite a large reserve was then
i In-own lo the rear of the line, and were greatly needed before
uighl fell. The part of our picket line, running through the
wheat field, was strengthened to six times its former strength.
So matters stood till seven r. m.. when all of a sudden, just before
we should have been relieved, a volley along the entire picket
line of the rebels greeted us. Of course, the suddenness of the
thine,- surprised ns somewhat, but our men stood to their posts,
to a man. and tired quick and surely, as yon may well suppose.
It was a strange sight in the woods, where I was stationed. I
was on the picket line at the time, talking to one of my men
about being relieved, when, all alone,- the line in front of ns (it
seemed not more than ten yards oil'), a bright flashing greeted
my gaze, and bullets whistled (dose around ns. My fust excla-
mation was: "Everyman stand on his post, and give them all
yon can!" I rushed down the line to the reserve, and hurried
it out on the line, and then the work commenced in good earnest.
In a few minutes we could not see three feet from us. on account
of the smoke. We kept up the tiring until the enemy in front
of us were completely silenced, which did not happen till our
men had tired over fifty rounds each, of ammunition, and the
onus were so hot I could not lay my hand on them. I then gave
the order to my part of the line, to cease tiring. It was kept up
for some time on our left, as there the rebels had advanced a
brigade or two, while we, on the right, were apparently opposed
by a picket line. Our side had an entire brigade opposed to
theirs, as soon as the firing commenced, in front of the fort, and
the enemy were repulsed with a loss of two hundred and eighty
killed and wounded (from an account furnished by a prisoner
taken two days afterwards): while we lost but twenty-eight,
killed and wounded, out of the Forty-third, and four or live
more in the brigade. There were two in my company — James
F. Hooan and Henry S. Loxo, both privates; the former wounded
in the stomach, the latter in the hand. Young IIogax died on
Sunday morning, June 29th, in the hospital at Fair Oaks, or
COL. JOHN WILSON. 155
Savage's Station; I was unable to find out which. On account
of our quick movements, I had only time to see him once on
Saturday morning, at our regimental hospital, where I gave him
a few lemons, which he seemed to like very much. He told me
he could not live; he knew, he said, he would die. I endea-
vored to cheer him up, but in vain. A few minutes after, he
and the rest of the wounded were placed in ambulances, and
taken away to the hospital I have mentioned before. He was a
fine young man, and a good soldier, and I regret, exceedingly,
his loss to the company. But his time had come — and I trust
he was ready. You mention that your heart bled for the
wounded, carried up to the Albany barracks. Could you see
some of the wounded soldiers here, brought from a battle field,
you would sicken at the sight. After the battle of Fair Oaks,
some of the rebel wounded lay two days in the sun, on the field,
and in the woods, before being brought in. Many of their
wounds had commenced to mortify and decay. * * * I have
given you an idea of our picket skirmish on Friday night. We
were relieved at nine p. m., by the Vermont Brigade, and right
glad were we, to go home. I will, in my letter to Eliza, tell
about the retreat (or driving back, or retiring) of Porter, the
same day; and will close, with much love to all.
From your brother, JOHN.
Camp in the Field, near City Point, Va., )
on James River, July 5th, 1862. ^
My Dear Sister Eliza — Your letter of June 23d came to hand
yesterday, while our regiment was lying out in the woods, watch-
ing for an attack from the enemy. It afforded me great pleasure
to read the two letters, from yourself and Mary. I am veiy
glad to hear of your efforts in behalf of the sick and wounded
soldiers at the Albany barracks. How much gratification it must
afford to them, to know that some one cares for them; and how
delightful to them must seem the fresh fragrance of flowers, and
the flavor of ripe strawberries. It must be a delightful task for
you to carry them such little delicacies; and rest assured, that I
am proud to know that I have sisters who can do such deeds of
L56 ool. john wnsoNi
kindness to sol 1 1 id's, voluntarily and without compensation. You
may rest assured, thai any such deed of charity you al home do,
is fully appreciated by me; as much, almost, as though I was the
happy recipient myself. Be sure a Heavenly Father will reward
all SUcb good deeds. My advice to all :il home IS, to do so, as
much as you possibly can, knowing that you have a brother who
is a soldier, and can appreciate such deeds when shown to the
sick and wounded.
I gave Mary quite an account of a picket skirmish, on the
evening of the 27th. Next morning (Saturday, June 28th), we
were called lo form line of battle at three a. \i.. and after await-
ing an attack of the enemy, half an hour, retired to our tents.
At hall' past five, heavy firing on our left ami front called us out
again. We stacked our arms on the color line, and broke ranks,
ready to fall in. to move camp. At 8 a. m. our hospital and bag-
gage train moved oil', and proceeded in the direction of James
River. At ten a. m. the order came to fall in, and we moved to
our left, about one-fourth of a mile, and formed line of battle,
composed of oui' whole division, and laid down on our, arms, and
awaited an attack from the enemy. Porter's Division, who were
on our right, had retired the day before, and had recrossed the
(hickahominy, followed by 75,000 or 100,000 rebels. All the
day before, we could hear the heavy cannonading across the
river, and two of our batteries, near our fort, were playing on
the rebels as they crossed, and created great havoc among
them. After we had lei't camp about an hour, the picket line
of our division was driven into the rifle pits, ami we were
held there all day (the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania doing picket
duty that day), and the shells began to fall in our old camps
thick and fast around us. We lay there all day and all night,
waiting for the rebels to come out and charge on our old camps
and follow us up, as they would reasonably expect us to cross
the ('hickahominy, as Porter had done, and follow straight to
the rear. We would then have given them an awful enfilade
fire, as we had buttery after battery planted, ready to receive
them should they follow us. But they refused to do it, and at
three a. m., Sunday, we moved to the left, towards James river,
COL. JOHN WILSON. 157
and marched some six or seven miles to a place near Savage's
Station, on the railroad to Richmond. About three p. m. we
moved to the station (Savage's), and commenced to destroy the
property there. Vast quantities of hard bread, ammunition,
coffee, sugar, salt, rifles and muskets were smashed, and burned
'9 _
in great heaps. I felt almost like crying when I saw the rifles
broken across large pieces of railroad iron, and the more so
when I remembered how long we had carried the old muskets,
and would have given almost anything to have had such arms.
At seven P. m., Sunday, the rebels came down, some 10,000
strong, by the railroad, and commenced an attack, which was
repulsed with an enormous loss on their side. They had but
one gun, mounted on a platform car, but it was charged on by
the Irish Brigade, and taken. Their troops were soaked with
" gunpowdered whiskey," and came up right to the mouths of
our cannon, and were mowed down by grape and cannister by
the score. At about nine a. m. they retired, completely repulsed,
and our forces began to march again towards the James.
We marched, I should judge, some seven miles, and halted at
one a. m., Monday, and laid on the side of the road, and fell asleep
as soon as we rested. It rained slightly during the night, and
at seven or eight a. m. we moved back to a wood, and formed
line of battle, and waited for the rebels to come up in pursuit,
which they did about twelve m., and opened with full battery on
one of our batteries. They did not dare to attack us with
infantry, but kept off at artillery range. This was kept up all
the afternoon as long as the daylight lasted, and near evening
some of the brigades of Sumner's Division made a charge on
them, and took some two hundred prosoners. The enemy lost,
last Sunday night, at Savage's Station, some four thousand killed
and wounded — our loss a mere trifle; on Monday they lost about
two thousand— we as many hundred. As soon as it was dark,
Monday night, we moved to concentrate our forces at the divi-
sion head-quarters, and at ten p. m. moved off towards the Janus
again, and marched some fifteen or twenty miles all night till
broad daylight, about four a. m., and lay down to rest on our arms;
slept till eight a. m., when we of the Forty-third went on picket,
l.r)8 ('«>!.. J( >n\ w II SON.
and remained all day by b beautiful mill pond, and al ten p. m.
were called in to join our brigade. We were on the side of the
road, watching the troop8 pass by. Regimenl after regiment,
battery after battery, wagou afterwagon, hurried on. I watched
them some two hours, and go1 so weary Looking al them thai I
fell asleep, and when 1 awoke, at four a. m., Wednesday, they
were still passing. So many troops, so many batteries, so many
wagons, I never saw at one time before in my lite. We moved
oil' nt six a. m.. being the rear guard, and then the rain com-
menced to pour down. Before Ave had marched six miles (the
extent of our journey), City Point being that distance from us,
and on the James river, the mud was awful — full eighteen inch' a
deep. We trudged on, and at ten a. m. we encamped in a coin-
field near City Point landing, in mud full two feet deep. The
■whole plain, for miles near the landing, was covered with troops,
but such looking ones — -mud from their shoes to their knees, and
drenched with rain. We encamped here all night, and, at eight
a. m. next morning, moved back two miles from the river, and
encamped in an oat field, where we remained till this morning,
when wTe moved forward to a wood, in which place we are now
encamped. The marching from City Point, on Thursday morning,
those two miles, was the most severe I ever experienced. Mud
almost knee deep, small men having to be pulled out many
times; shoes drawn oil", and buried out of sight. We got
through it safely, however, and spent our Fourth of July lying
in a place near the woods full of blackberries, in line of battle,
and at seven p. u. returned to camp. But I must close. I will
give mother an account of some of the incidents by the way, in
answer to her letter J received to-day. Much love to all.
From your brother, JOHN.
All the flowers I send to you and Mary to-day, are from the
picket line, in front of Richmond, five miles from the city.
Camp near Berkley Landing,
James River, Va., July 7, 1862.
Deal' Kate — Your welcome letter reached me, together with
Anna'-, yesterday morning. As I have informed Eliza and
COL. JOHN WILSON. 159
Mary, in my last letters to them, we have just undergone the
most severe duty and fatiguing marches the army of the Potomac
has yet experienced. We had a week of it, and during the most
of it we were either on the march or on the "qui vive" for the
enemy. Of course, we obtained but little sleep, and that but an
hour or two at a time. I stood it well, never falling out from
my company, but doing all in my power to encourage the men
to do their duty and keep up with the marching columns. I
think the excitement did more than anything else to keep me up
to my duty, for now, when we have arrived at a "stand still" I
do not feel so well as I did on the march, but am by no means
sick. I am doing my regular camp and picket duty. I am sorry
to hear of mother's sickness, -and hope that by this time she
may have entirely recovered from her indisposition. We are
having very fine weather for the month of July, the days being
very warm and the sun powerful, but the nights cool and accom-
panied by a heavy dew. Moonlight nights are prevalent now,
and it is a magnificent sight to stand on an eminence, near a new
fort just built by our troops, and look on the camps, as still as
death (at twelve o'clock at night), except when the tread of a
neighboring sentinel on his beat, or the whippowill on some oak
or pine tree, breaks the silence. Only think of over fifty thou-
sand men lying encamped in a vast plain, to be seen, at a few
glances, in different directions. I do not know how far the rebels
are from us; we see or hear nothing of them at present.
We have been moving our camp every day since we reached
the James river, and are now about two miles from it. We may
have to stay here some time, and we may move on to Richmond,
up the James, under cover of our gunboats, and clear the place
out. I am ready for anything, move or rest, it makes no differ-
ence. Our troops of the army of the Potomac have implicit con-
fidence in McClellax, and all seem satisfied that his movement
to the left, has been the salvation of his army. Many rumors
concerning him are current here, but I presume they are all
unfounded, some to the effect that McClellan and Stanton will
both be superseded — Halleck to be placed in command of the
army, Scott to be made Secretary of War, &c., &c. They had
160 QOL. JOHN WILSON.
better reinforce McClellah sufficiently, and then lei bim try it
again. He is by qo means beaten, bul has made a movement to
the left and towards the James, in order to save his army, the
only course he could pursue; besides, we have whipped the
enemy ;ii every battle, and killed ;m<l wounded two of them for
one of us. [ am glad to hear of the comfortable quarters pro-
vided for the sick and wounded at Albany. It must be pleasant
:ii the Albany Barracks Hospital for the soldiers taken then'.
I am right glad mother "does as she does,"
sending the soldiers delicacies, and J can somewhat appreciate
the feeling such gifts must inspire in the bosoms of the recipients
of them. Jt is gratifying to us here in active service to know
that our comrades are so well cared for in their time of trouble,
an 1 I can assure you that it is a great incentive to us to renewed
exertions in the field. Those who remember the sick and
wounded soldier, and administer consolation and comfort to him
in his distress, must feel that they are doing their duty and serv-
ing their country full as much as those who face the foe in the
grim battle, amid screeching shells and whistling bullets; and so
surely as the God of Nations exists, so surely must a blessing
from Him be the reward of their labors of love. I was much
shocked to hear of MelvTLLE Marble's death, but all must die,
and an early death saves one from much toil and anguish. Was
he prepared? If so, all is well. I sympathize deeply with his
family, hut many family circles mourn the loss of some who have
fallen within one short week; and some, the only one that that
circle contained. Who can tell the mourning that the contest
which ha- continued since the 27th of June has occasioned.
Forty-five thousand reported to have been killed and wounded:
fifteen thousand of that number accredited to the Federals.
I might tell you of awful sights I have witnessed; of human forms
mangled in every conceivable manner; of straggling soldiers shot
dead by the dragoons in our forced march, because they would
not join their regiments; of the marches by day. and the marches
by night; of the destruction of arms and equipments for which
we could not provide transportation, although our train of army
wagon- was over twenty miles long; but you would sicken at the
COL. JOHN WILSON. 161
recital of them, and they being now over and gone, the memory
and recital of them would do no o-0od. Our regiment, although
" © ©
under hot fire, has been very fortunate, having lost but forty-one
in killed, wounded and missing. I myself have escaped any
injury Avhatever, and trust I may come safely through all the
contests yet to be endured. My trust is on high, and faithfulness
to my duty is my firm intention, leaving consequences with
Him who " notes even a sparrow's fall." I send my love to all.
Good bye. From your brother, JOHN.
From the following letters we gather the events of interest
that occurred during August and September, 1862.
Camp near Hampton, Va., August 21, 1862.
Dear Mary — I received your letter of the 13th, an hour or
two ago, for which I am much obliged. I write to you this
evening more to let you all at home know that I am well and
alive, and that our Army of the Potomac has arrived safely
here, without any attack by the enemy. I will give you a little
account of the movements of our division from the commence-
ment of our movement.
We started the 16th of this month, Saturday afternoon, at four
o'clock. We brought up the rear of the whole army, the Sixth
Maine and Ayres' Battery being the last infantry and artillery
to leave the encampment. We marched that night as far as
Charles City Court-House. I can not tell how many miles it is
from Harrison's Landing or Berkely to the Court-House. You
might take a map and examine our course from Harrison's Land-
ing to the camp here. We encamped at ten that evening, and the
next morning at six we moved off, and encamped at three p. m.,
Sunday, after crossing the Chickahominy river, near its intersec-
tion with the James, on a very fine pontoon bridge, which had
been put together in nine hours, and was as firm and solid as a
floor. We encamped on the banks of the Chickahominy, and
started at six and a half a. m., Monday. We marched to Wil-
liamsburg, and through it, encamping at two p. m. three miles
from it. At six and a half a. m., Tuesday, we started again, and
11
1C>2 COL. JOHN WILSON.
marched past Yorktown, and encamped two miles below it, on
the York river, al one p. m. Started at five and a half \. m..
Wednesday, and marched to Great Bethel, and encamped al
eleven and a half a. .m. Dear the battle ground of BetheL
Started al four and a half a. m., Thursday (to-day), and reached
this camp at nine and a half a. m. We expert to be encamped
here a day or two, and then proceed by transport to — I don't
know where. During our entire journey from Harrison's Land-
ing to this place we have had splendid weather, the sun being
rather too powerful sometimes, and the dust on some roads being
almost stilling. "We got along very well, however, and have
arrived here safe and sound. * * * * I received Kate's
letter, and will answer it as soon as I get a chance. I do not
know when this letter will go off, but I hope either to-night or
to-morrow morning. My love to all.
From your brother, JOHN.
On board Steamship "Arago," ?
August 23, 1862. \
Dear Mother — I write to you a few lines to-day, though I do
not know when the mail goes out, to let you know something
of our whereabouts and destination. We embarked yesterday,
at one and a half p. m., on board this steamer, (belonging to the
Havre line,) at Fortress Monroe, having started from camp at
Hampton at ten and a half a. m. Immediately on our reach-
ing the Fortress, after a fine march, there being no dust, as a
gentle rain, of two hours' duration, had completely laid it, we
were taken on board of a small steamer and conveyed to the
"Arago," lying at anchor in the Roads. The Fifth Wisconsin
and the Forty-third New York were both taken on board the
same vessel, and by dark we had all our stores and baggage
with us, they having been all brought out to this vessel by
small steamers. We lay at anchor till this morning, and at day-
light proceeded on our voyage. We are now, three p. m., going
up the Potomac, our destination being, as the Captain of the
vessel informed me, "Aquia Creek." I do not know yet whether
we shall go into camp there, or be sent on to reinforce Pope's
COL. JOHN WILSON. 163
army at once on our disembarkation. I am very well indeed,
and enjoy this trip very much, as the accommodations are very
fine. * * * * I am still in command of the regiment (Lieut.
Col. Baker not having joined the regiment yet, and Col. Vin-
ton being absent on a sick leave), and have a good deal of
anxiety and care on my mind at this time of marching and trans-
porting troops. I will write again as soon as we get encamped,
and let you know where we are. My love to all at home.
Your loving son, JOHN.
Camp California, near Alexandria, Va. )
August 29, 1862. \
Dear Eliza — Your letter reached me yesterday, and was
perused with much pleasure. We are encamped, pro tern., near
Alexandria, on the road, or rather in a fine field situated on the
road, leading to Fairfax. We encamped here on Sunday night
last, or rather Monday morning. All our Army of the Potomac
except Keyes' Corps, which was left to garrison and guard
Yorktown, have arrived here, and lie encamped between here
and Fairfax. Rumor says Gen. Pope has fallen back and is in
full retreat before the rebels, but I can not vouch for the truth
of it. The rebels made a raid on Tuesday or Wednesday of this
week, on our forces guarding the railroad near Manassas, and
stragglers and runaways from the army there, say that our forces
were terribly cut up, and beaten badly. The Eleventh New York
Battery, (the Havelock's, Capt. Von Putkammer,) are reported
to have been badly handled by the enemy, and to have lost
almost ail, if not every one of their guns, and many belonging
to the battery are reported missing, either killed or prisoners.
Very unfortunate affair for so promising a company of soldiers.
* It may be untrue, or a greatly exaggerated
report of the affair, but I fear it may be too true. One regi-
ment of cavalry, the Twelfth Pennsylvania, broke, and then run, "
many of them never halting till they were arrested by our
pickets on the road near our camp. I saw and conversed with
many of these latter, and a more frightened and distracted set of
men I never saw. No two of them told the same story, but all
L6 1 OOL. .K'lIN A\ II. m.N.
of them agreed our forces wrere badly cut up. We asked one of
them: "Where are your wounded, if your regiment was bo
badly cul up?" Be replied: "Our officers commanded us to
retreat.'* and it seems they were retreating, and would have
retreated to Alexandria, it* they had not been stopped by our
guards. Somebody is to blame for the disgraceful affair, and
(Jon. MoClkllan will cause the matter to lie sifted to the hot-
torn, as the Twelfth Pennsylvania Cavalry were all taken hy our
guards to his head-quarters. We received orders Last evening
to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice.
We may move to-day. I do not know where Ave go to. I -will
write home as soon as we become settled in our camp again, in
case we move to-day or to-morrow. * * * *
From your brother, JOHN.
Camp near Fort Worth, Va., Sept. 3d, 1862.
Dear Mart — Our regiment and division are encamped once
more. This time we are encamped on a tine, level plateau, on
top of a hill, adjoining Fort Worth, about two and a half miles
from Alexandria. I have not written home for some time, and
for good reasons: First, I had no paper with me, no ink. no pen:
second, no mail has been sent off from our division since Thurs-
day last. I send a letter to Eliza, to-day, written last Thursday
evening. I have carried it in my pocket since that time, and it
has been almost to " Bull Run" since then. Our division moved
last Friday morning, at six o'clock, and marched some five or six
miles that day, formed line of battle, and encamped behind our
stacks of arms. Started on Saturday morning, at a quarter past
eight o'clock. We marched very rapidly that day, having no
I »aggage along to impede us; our only baggage being one blanket
to a man, and an overcoat, if any had one. Passed through
Fairfax at twelve M.; through Centreville, and to within half
a mile of Bull Eun. The battle had been raging fiercely to
our left, on the other side of Bull Run, but by the time we got
to within that distance of it, night came on, and we were ordered
back, to occupy the fortifications at Centreville. We arrived at
half past ten r. M., having been on the march from a quarter to
COL. JOHN WILSON. 165
eight till that time. "We were ordered into a large rifle pit, and
were ready for an attack from the enemy, at any moment. Our
troops were very tired indeed, and the disappointment of the
men, in marching back to Centreville, some six miles, caused
more fatigue than marching twelve miles forward would have
done. I laid down at one end of the fortification, in my overcoat,
and, sharing my blanket with another officer, went to sleep at
once — and was wakened up at four a. m., by the rain running
down my neck. It rained very hard all Sunday morning, and
we lay in the rifle pit, in mud and rain, waiting to see if old
"Reb." would attack us. But no attack. We were moved out
at twelve, to another position, and lay encamped there all m'ght.
We remained here all Monday, till half past nine p. m., when we
moved toward Fairfax, and encamped at half past one a. m., Tues-
day, having marched four hours through the darkness and mud;
the latter rendered very deep by a tremendously heavy thunder
shower in the afternoon. We encamped near Fairfax, the men
lying down b}r their arms, and their clothes being covered with
mud up to their knees, and their feet muddy and wet, they slept
till 8 a. 31. It was a very cold morning, and I shivered when I
got off from the wet ground, in spite of the sun's bright rays.
We moved from Fairfax at half past two p. m., Tuesday, having
been in the line of battle in the woods, all day, expecting an
attack from the enemy's cavalry. We then marched towards
Alexandria, and reached our old camp, California, at ten p. m.,
having marched some fifteen miles from two and a half to ten
p. m. This we call pretty smart marching. Our men were pretty
well tired out, and had had nothing to eat all day, except some
green corn which they got in the corn fields as they came
along. Our rations awaited us in camp, and I got my supper at
half past eleven, and then went to bed, or to my blanket, rather,
but not to sleep a great deal; for just as I was in a good sleep,
some orderly from "head-quarters" came to my tent, and woke
me up, with some order. We moved to this present camp at seven
a. m., and are now once more at rest; for how long a time I
know not. It may be till Stonewall Jackson endeavors to take
Washington.
166 OOL. JOHN WILSON.
I Bend you a little blue flower I got from one of the forte at Cen-
tres ill*'. Blowers axe ral her scarce - in these parts," but I will i ry
and send you some more. I COUld send you some splendid
bunches of the trumpet flower, l>ul they are too lame. Thai
was a beautiful little flower you sent me; it is preserved finely.
Much obliged for it. Don't forget the plums when the box Lb
sent. Bow I would like some of those Imperials or McLaugh*
lins or Green Gages to eat fresh. I have seen no plums heir.
but the Damson and the Horse plums. But 1 must close my
letter. * * * My love to all, and regards t<> all my friends.
I am still in command of the Forty-third.
Your brother, JOHN.
Camp near Sharpsbubg, Md., Sept. 20, 1862.
Dear Anna — I take the first opportunity I have had of answer-
ing your letter of September 4th, which I received on the 7th
instant, during our bivouack at Rockville, Md. We have been
on the march continually since the evening of the 6th, audi have
had no chance either to write home, or to get any material to do
so. All my baggage (a small valise) is in the wagons, and I
could not get pen, ink or paper for love or money, and there
was no opportunity of sending a letter when written. We have
been on the march now two weeks this evening, and all the bed
or covering I have had during this time has been my overcoat
and rubber coat, which I carry strapped on the back of my sad-
dle. The weather has been very favorable to our movements (a
rain once in a while incommoding us but very little), and I have
suffered but little inconvenience from sleeping on the ground. I
do not know when this letter will go to the post-office, as we
send out no regular mail yet. I write to you now, having bor-
rowed this one-half sheet of foolscap, to dispel any fears you
might have for my safety. We have had a very severe, if not
the most severe battle of the war. It has continued five or six
days, and the dead and wounded, on either side, are counted by
thousands. The loss of the rebels on the last day of the battle
Wednesday, was fearful in the extreme; and the battle field on
Friday morning, after the rebels had left and no damage could
COL. JOHN WILSON. 167
be done by their sharpshooters, to persons going out on it, pre-
sented an awful appearance, the dead being in some places near
fences, and clumps of trees and rocks, piled up in heaps. The
smell arising from the field, or rather fields, was almost stifling,
many of the dead lying unburied three or four days under a hot
sun. This has been the first time I have had a good opportunity
of visiting a battle field in every part, and of examining all the
different positions held and taken during the engagement.
The battle field of this last action comprised a large extent of
ground, our line of battle running a distance of four or five miles,
and along its entire length the dead and wounded were gathered.
If I had time now, and the paper, I would give you a detailed
account of the movements of our division and corps, since Satur-
day evening the 6th instant, (on which evening we marched from
Alexandria to our camp near Tenallytown,) and of our march to
this time, where we are encamped within one-quarter of a mile of
the Potomac, on the Maryland side of the river. We have driven
the rebels out of Maryland completely, compelling them to leave
their dead and wounded on the soil of this State uncared for by
them. Their rear guard crossed the river yesterday, and last
evening, at five o'clock, we reached our present camp.
I am very well, having never enjoyed better health than at pre-
sent, although I do not feel as clean and comfortable as I would
with a good change of clothing. We may follow up the rebel army
in Virginia, or lie still for a while. We are prepared for either,
although a little rest for a few days would be very acceptable.
My love to all at home. Your brother, JOHN.
Camp No. 47, in the Field, Near Sharpsburg, Md.,
September 20, 1862.
Dear Eliza — I received your letter of the 9th instant last
Thursday, while the regiment, of which I have the temporary
command, was lying on the field of our last battle, in support of
the First N. Y. Artillery. It seemed strange to receive and
peruse a letter from home amid such scenes of carnage and
death. Just think of reading a letter, written in peaceful Albany,
where all is quiet and undisturbed, here on the battle field the
1H8 COL. JOHN WILSON.
day after an action of the mosf severe nature, : m < 1 with here and
there a dead man lying before you, and your whole regiment
lying on the ground in line of battle, bayonets fixed and pieces
loaded, and fingers on the trigger, ready to draw at a moment's
notice; eyes steadily fixed to the front, and eager to discern any
advance of the enemy; and on either flank of the regimenl a bat-
tery of sis pieces, and their accompaniments — caissons, limbers and
ammunition wagons; men standing ready at the Loaded cannon,
ready to throw a .shower of iron balls or screeching shells al
the enemy on his first appearance in force, and you may have
Borne idea of the scene of last Thursday morning. I would give
you a lengthy account of all our movements since we left, two
weeks ago to-night, and marched through Washington to Mary-
land, and from there to the battle field, but I must reserve th.it
for some future letter, and content myself with a few lines. I
wrote a letter to Anna this afternoon, and sent it off this eve-
ning. While I am writing these words, our mail has come in,
and a letter from Mary for me. I am glad mother is getting
better, and trust and pray her health may be completely restored.
* * * * I still ride Lieutenant Colonel's gray horse. He
has not yet returned to his regiment, but will shortly return, as
he has over four hundred men for the regiment, and has orders
from the War Department to return when he has five hundred
recruits. I have been in command of the Forty-third since the
3d of August, and have quite an experience as & commanding offi-
cer. Gen. Hancock has been temporarily detailed to command
Gen. Richardson's Division, he having been wounded, and unable
to command. Col. Cobb, Fifth Wisconsin Volunteers, assumes
command of the brigade pro tan. We have completely driven
the rebels from "my Maryland," and we are under orders to
move at two a. m. to-morrow, so I must close and retire to my
blanket. My love to all at home, and my regards to all my
friends. I send you a letter from the battle field in lieu of a
flower, which I have not been able to find, for you. JOHN.
The following letters will be read with interest, as illustrating
Col. Wilson's confidence in the final triumph of our arms; his
COL. JOHN WILSON. 169
personal bravery on the field; his benevolence and his lofty
patriotism in resisting the temptations to resign and return to
tne peace and comforts of his happy home:
Camp near Belle Plain, December 9, 1862.
Dear Kate — I have just received your letter of the 1st and
Eliza's of the 2d instant. As we are under orders to move at a
moment's notice to-morrow, I will write 3*011 a few lines to-day,
as I may not have an opportunity to do so again for some days;
for in case of a move we cannot depend upon the mails being
regular. We spent Thanksgiving in camp, without a turkey, as
we were unable to procure any; but we had a Thanksgiving pre-
sent in the shape of a chaplain for the Forty-third, the Rev. Mr.
Osborn, lately of West Troy, who gives promise of being a useful
and energetic chaplain. I sincerely trust he may do much good
to the regiment. We moved from our camp, near Aquia, on
Thursday last, and encamped near Brooks' Station, on the rail-
road from Aquia creek to Fredericksburg. It snowed hard all
day Friday while we lay there, the snow melting fast, and at
night when it ceased, there were but two or three inches of it
on the ground. It froze a little that night, and on Saturday we
moved to our present camp, the road being very muddy, the day
cheerless and cold. Our wagons could not reach us that night,
so we bivouacked, without blankets, by a good fire. The night
was very cold, the ground freezing very hard, and on Sunday, at
twelve m., our wagon train reached us with tents and food. The
weather since has been very cold, the ground remaining frozen
solid, and the roads firm, and though rough, in good condition
for teaming. Winter campaigning, if this be a sample, is not
very pleasant or comfortable work; but if we can overcome
the rebellion by a vigorous campaign this winter, I for one am
willing to undergo any hardship consequent thereto; but I have
not much faith in a campaign in the winter, as it has seldom or
ever proved successful. If we once get into winter quarters, I
will try to get a furlough, but I begin to fear my being able to
procure one by Christmas.
The President's Message meets my hearty approbation; the
170 COL. JOHN AVI I. SON.
proposed "compensated emancipation" especially. I trust if
will meet with the earnest support of every lover of our Union
and of humanity. Should ii be adopted, the war. I think, would
be materially shortened, and final peace be hastened. 1 think
the doom of slavery approaches, and the end of the war will be
the end of its reign.
1 cannot hut believe thai this Republic will pass through its
present trials unscathed; and although darkness spreads over it,
and every thing looks dreary, vet the sun of freedom and peace
will soon arise, and the day of prosperity appear brighter in
contrast with the late obscurity. God only knows the suffering
and hardships of the soldier, and how welcome would be the
tidings that peace was once more restored. Till that, good news
goes forth, let each stand firm, and the right must be the might.
My love to all at home. Write soon to
Your loving brother, JOHN.
Camp near Rappahannock, Dec. 19th, 1862.
Dear Eliza — I have at last an opportunity of answering your
letter of Dec. 2d. Our tents came last evening, and I am once
more permitted to handle a pen, and to write home. I embraced
the first opportunity to write a note in pencil, to Mother, to re-
move any fears or rumors which might have existed as regards
my own personal safety. I have myself, as well as all the offi-
cers of the Forty-third, escaped unscathed. The regiment had
eleven men wounded, of which but two will prove very serious;
one causing the amputation of the leg, above the knee; the other
I cannot tell about, as the man was removed to the Corps hos-
pital, and I have heard nothing since from him. He was shot
by a bullet, which entered the back of the neck just below the
skull; he was carried oil' from the field insensible. You will, no
doubt, learn all the particulars of the engagement from the news-
papers much more fully than I could give them to you.
We crossed the river, Friday morning, and lay in line of battle
till Saturday morning, when the engagement commenced in right
earnest. We laid in different parts of the field till Monday eve-
ning, when the whole army was safely moved back across the
COL. JOHN WILSON. 171
river, without the loss of a man. Night before last was a very
cold one, and as we had no tents, we suffered some from the
cold. We have been without our tents just one week, having
only our blankets and overcoats to cover us. But the weather
proved uncommonly favorable, and we have all become rather
tough; so we do not complain at all of aitything we have to
suffer; our only murmurings and complaints being against the
misfortune which seems to attend our arms.
The carnage attending this last battle was perfectly awful.
Hancock's Division went into the fight with five thousand men;
came out eighteen hundred strong, losing, in killed and wounded,
three thousand two hundred men, thirty-two officers killed, and one,
hundred and fifty officers wounded. I have this account from an
aid of the General, who had his horse shot from under him.
Our division not being actually engaged with the infantry of the
enemy, suffered very slightly. We had to endure a very hot fire
from the batteries of the enemy, however, and not a man flinched
from his post. The discipline of the army, at least as far as I
know of it, is all that could be expected; our recrossing the river
in the time and manner we did, could only be done by well dis-
ciplined troops.
I do not know what will be done by the army next, but think
it must go into winter quarters — for a short time at least. Col.
Baker is still absent from the regiment, and I have been in com-
mand of it for five weeks to-day. I sometimes think he intends
to give me command altogether of the Forty-third, as he has not
written a single letter to any officer since he returned the last
time. If he does not come back to the regiment soon, I shall
give up all hopes of getting a furlough, as the time for it will be
in a few days, or not at all this winter. I could not think of
asking for one, if I was in command of the regiment — as it would
demand my whole attention.
You ask about my horse. He is a large fellow, six years old,
iron gray, and can travel very fast. He was the best looking
horse I could get from the corral; and although very lean when
I got him, he promised to make a fine horse. He is improving
some at present, although he has had a pretty hard time of it
172 OOL. John WILSON.
standing oul these cold nights. The army, in ;i winter campaign,
is ;i very hard place for horses, and many die of exposure and
lack of feed and attention. * * *
Our new Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Osbobn, has proved himself quite
a hero— accompanying the regimenl on the field, and going
through tin- shelling quite courageously. He proved of ureal
assistance in the Corps hospital, acting as recorder of nil the
wounded brought into one of the departments of it, and he has
been detailed to go to Washington in charge of a number (ninety)
of wounded, thus saving the services of one or more surgeons.
lie left on Thursday afternoon with his charge, and has not yet
returned. He is a worker, and one of the few men I think pecu-
liarly adapted to the service. I have great expectations of the
good he will do in his labors in the army, and think him jusl the
man we have been looking and waiting for, for so long a time.
Give my regards to all my friends, mid wish
them all for me, as I wish all at home, "A Merry Christmas and
a Happy New Year."
Your loving brother, JOIIX.
Canp near Belle Plain, Va., Dec. 20, 1862.
Dear Anna — To-day is Saturday, and a terribly cold blowing
one; it froze very hard last evening, and was a severe night on
horses and men. I have uot been able to get a stove for my tent
yet, and it is as cold as charity in it, in spite of a huge fire in
front of it. I am now sitting in the Adjutant's tent writing to
you. He managed to get a little stove, and his tent is the only
Comfortable one in camp. We moved to this camp yesterday;
it was a fine short march of some four miles length. We are
encamped very near our former camp near Belle Plain. We
have a fine camp ground, a very good supply of oak wood stand-
ing near camp, and awaiting the soldier's axe. 1 am still in com-
mand of the regiment — Col. Baker being absent either at Albany
or New York. I do not know when he will return, but expect
him every day.
The whole Army of the Potomac, under General Burnside,
has fallen back from the Rappahannock, and lies encamped in
COL. JOHN WILSON. 173
the vicinity of Belle Plain. Our future course of action is as
yet uncertain. We shall probably lie here for three or four
weeks, and then I should not be surprised if it would be "on to
Richmond" again via James river. I think everything will
depend on the movements of the enemy, and the course pursued
by Congress this and the next month. Yet I hardly think we
shall lie idle longer than one month. If Col. Baker were pre-
sent with the regiment, I should at once forward an application
for leave of absence; but until his return I do not feel at liberty
to do it, even were I certain that it would be granted. I begin
to fear the possibility of my getting a leave this winter, as I do
not hear of any being granted at present.
I am glad that the citizens of Albany are alive to their duty
in assisting sick and wounded soldiers. The last battle will fear-
fully swell the list, and too great efforts cannot be put forth for
their assistance. If I could only get my pay, I would send
mother my mite to use for charitable purposes; but, you know,
we have received no pajr from the United States since July, and
very soon there will be six months' pay due us. I suppose sixty
or seventy dollars could be expended very easily in charity if I
should send it home, which I will do as soon as I am paid.
We had twelve men wounded in the Forty-third on the 13th
and 14th inst. We were under a very hot fire of shot and shell
on both of those days, and it is a miracle that one-half of the
regiment were not wounded. This brigade is the most fortunate
one, I think, in the whole army, as we have never met with severe
loss, although our positions have always been among the most
exposed. I can only account for it in the superior generalship
displayed by its commander. Our division (Smith's old one), at
present under command of General Howe, has the name of being
one of the best fighting divisions in the Army of the Potomac.
At the last battle our picket line, composed of two Vermont
regiments, the Second and Fourth, held in check and fought for
over half an hour the combined picket and line of battle of the
enemy opposed to us. They fought like lions, and many of them
fell dead and wounded. They are no more than a sample of the
regiments composing the division.
171 COL. JOHN \\ I [.SON.
Bu1 I niusi finish my letter by wishing you :ill al home, and
.•ill my friends, a " Merry Christmas and a Elappy New Year," as
J hope this will reach you in time lor the firsl of these holidays.
My love to all at home. How much I desire to be with you on
Christmas or New year; but here is my place.
Void- ever loving brother. JOHN.
(amp neab Belle Plain, Va., Dec. 23, 1862.
Dear Kate — I write you a few lines to-day, more especially
to let you know that I am well, than to give you any news.
Nothing of importance has transpired lor the past tew days; the
army, as tar as I can ascertain, remaining "en statu quo." The
weather has again moderated, and to-day is as balmy as May. I
think a storm is not far off, as it rained for a few minutes last
night. The roads are again quite soft, as the frost is coming out,
which had entered the ground some two or three inches. The
transportation of army supplies by wagons is not, however, much
hindered as yet by the mud, but in case of a heavy rain it Avould
be very heavy work.
Rumors are current that the Army of the Potomac will not
be allowed to go into any permanent winter quarters, but that
in the course of a few days this part of it, in the vicinity
of Fredericksburg, will be moved by transports to the James
river, and thence to the vicinity of Harrison's Landing or Peters-
burg, via the Appomattox. I should not be surprised in the
least if these rumors should prove true, and that New Year's day
would find me on the James, or in the vicinity of the devoted city
of Richmond.
Rumors are also current that the entire Cabinet, except Stan-
ton and IIalleck, have resigned. This I hardly credit, as I
think Secretary Seward would hardly desert the President now,
in the time of his need. I think the upshot of the whole affair
will be that "Little Mac" will be called to take command of the
entire army of the United States, which I do not doubt he would
do if it were offered to him, as I think he would do anything in
his power to conquer the rebellion, and win for our arms the
lono- looked for success and victory.
COL. JOHN WILSON. 175
Although things look gloomy and dispiriting enough just now,
yet I think that He who presides over the destinies of nations,
has not yet forgotten us as a Nation, and although through much
tribulation, we shall yet enter into a state of perfect peace (as
far as peace on earth can be); and that in due time some one
will be raised up who will lead us on to victory, and right and
justice assert its authority over oppression and wickedness.
Although the night still grows blacker and blacker, and not a
star, even, seems to illuminate our political horizon, yet I am
led to hope that the watchman may soon have to say, " the morn-
ing dawneth."
In all our depressions, in all our reverses, when our enemies
seem to triumph over us, and destiny seems to frown upon us,
then we have one refuge to which we can always flee; to Him
who is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever.
I myself, although it seems like hoping against hope, can still
say with the old Eoman: "Never despair of the Republic." I
cannot believe that such a great country as this, such a govern-
ment, such a Nation, will be permitted to be torn asunder and
totally disabled; to be wrecked, and thrown to the winds; to be
made the object of mockery of the whole world. I still think
that our continued troubles and afflictions are all ordered by the
hand of God, and if we will but acknowledge His hand, and bow
before His sovereign will, all will be well; and out of the great
darkness He will command the light to shine ten-fold brighter
than in the days gone by.
For my part, I can only pray that I may do my duty, and that
each of those in authority may do theirs; and that the hand of
the Almighty may guide and direct our government, that all
things may be done to the honor and glory of God, and that we,
as a people, may be brought to say: "Not unto us, not unto us,
but to Thy name be the praise and glory."
Then, I think, we shall be victorious, and then we shall see peace
and prosperity once more smiling upon us as of old, and we be
that happy people whose God is the Lord. That this time may
soon come, should be the prayer of all those whose country's
cause is dear to their hearts; and for this hope alone, I remain
17l'> <'(>!,. JOHN Wll.snN.
still in the army of the Union, endeavoring to do .'ill in my power
to attain the grand object, viz: t<» crush the rebellion. I con?
fesfi I ili«l feel somewhal inclined to offer my resignation when I
fully understood the condition of affairs after the late battle :il
Fredericksburg, bu1 upon thinking the matter over. I concluded
thai al this time above all others, <li<l it become me to remain :it
my post, especially as the Colonel of the regimenl is, and has
been, absenl from the regiment upwards of a month, and the
command has devolved upon me, which duty I have endeavored
to perform to the best of my ability. I trust I have done right
in remaining, and that when the war is over, J may look back
and say with satisfaction, that "I have done my duty." Happy
.\C\v Year to all at home, and much love to mother and all my
sisters. From your loving brother,
JOHN.
Camp near Belle Plain, Va., )
Dec. 2Uh, 1X62. ]
Dear Mother — I was exceedingly happy to receive a letter
from you day before yesterday. * * *
I do not know but what you are about right, in relation to my
resigning my position in the army, and coining home. 1 have
thought the matter over and over again, and am still considering
in my mind, whether I could, or not, honorably resign, and come
home; but the more I ponder over it, the more I am convinced
that my duty demands my remaining where I am. " Where is
your patriotism, of which you felt so proud?" seems a voice
within me to ask. " Where is your firmness, your devotedness
to the Republic, and its welfare; your love of justice and of free-
dom?" •Where your veneration for that old Flag, which, in
days gone by, floated from every mast-head and from every
house-top, from Maine to California?" "What excuse can you
give for deserting the standard under which you have willingly
enrolled yourself, now in the time of its greatest need?" " Of
what benefit to your country have you been, if, after having but
just learned to be of use to her, in a military point of view, you
throw all vour knowledge to the winds by a hasty resignation?"
COL. JOHN WILSON. 177
"Have you become so demoralized, that you fear to longer en-
dure the privations and hardships incident to an active campaign,
and rather desire to return to your home, to the more agreeable
duties of civil life, while those, as little able to endure the bur-
dens of the war as you, remain, and earn for themselves a name
which shall endure as long as the Nation exists?" " Do you sup-
pose you have done your duty, your whole duty, and that you
could satisfy your conscience, that not a regret or shadow of
remorse would cross it, should you be compelled in future days
to carefully review your course of action?" " What answer
would you make to inquiries — ' Why did you resign? what made
you leave the army?' " etc.
These, and other questions of similar import, continually arise,
to none of which I can make a satisfactory reply; and till I can
do so, I shall consider it my duty to remain in the army, not
simply to idly remain, but to do my duty to my utmost ability;
to rise as high as I can, honorably and fairly; to return home
from the war, if God wills, with a conscience assuring me of
having done my duty, and having given all my power and
strength to the support of my country in her hour of need, and
having remained true and steadfast to the end. Rest assured,
then, I have no intention of resigning, although you well know
how much I desire to see you and my sisters again, to spend a
few days at home — a place I cannot but hold most dear — and
much more so, as I am daily convinced of the uncertainty of life,
and the uncertainty of my beholding you all together again on
earth. But I hope a way may be opened for me to get home for
a few days, and that before long. I will embrace the first oppor-
tunity to do so; and till then, ever believe me,
Your loving and affectionate son, JOHN.
Did our limits allow, we would gladly publish more of the
letters of this gallant Christian soldier. But these must suffice
to give a view of his military career, and of his qualities as an
officer and a man.
Possessing such rare talents, and distinguishing himself equally
in the camp and on the battle field, he rapidly rose in rank, and
12
1 i 8 cm.. .KHIN w CLSON.
we doubl not lull thai he would have filled with honor the high-
est position in the United States Army.
( )n the 17th of July, L862, he was commissioned as Major, and
as Lieutenant Colonel, September 24th, L862; which rank he
held till February 1st, L864, when he received his commission
as Colonel. Il<' was in command of the regimenl in 1*112. from
August 3d, till October 22d, commanding at the battle Antietam,
September 17th. Be was the only field officer present with the
regiment. From November 4th till December 25th, he was in
command, and was at the firsl battloof Fredericksburg. In L863
he was in command of the regiment from June 17th till August
10th, leading it at the battle of Gettysburg, which was fought
July 2d and 3d, 1863.
He possessed a constitution naturally very strong and health-
ful, yet he suffered from sickness during the encampment in the
swamps before Richmond. Without proper nourishment, and
unable to eat the only procurable food, he became so weak that
he was not able to march with the regiment when the army with-
drew from that position. For several days he found conveyance
with the wag-on train. He suffered also from an attack of camp
fever in July, 1862, but remained all the time with the regiment.
Col. Wilson yielded to none of the temptations of camp life,
but whatever he saw of evil seemed to be only a warning to him
to shun it. He refrained ever from innocent indulgences, that his
example to others might be the purer. An officer who was asso-
ciated with him from the beginning of his early career, said of
him, that " he was the most perfect man he ever saw.*' His com-
manding personal appearance; his tirmncss; his love of the pro-
fession of arms: his accurate know ledge and strict observance
personally of all duties connected with a soldier's life; his pure,
unselfish patriotism, and above all, his faith in God, eminently
fitted him for the position of commander.
He was always hopeful and confident of the success of tin;
army, and believed in the vigorous prosecution of the war. He
had no personal fear in conflict, firmly believing that his life was
in God's hands, and that under his protection he was as safe on
the battle field as he would be at home.
COL. JOHN WILSON. 179
He was entirely devoted to the interests of the men under his
charge, both as captain of a company and after his promotion to
the field. He was always interested for the religious character
of his associates in the army, an instance of which is seen in a
letter to his mother, written January 16th, 1864, desiring her to
present to a brother officer, whom he feared was careless about
religion, a Bible similar to one she had sent him. Of course, the
gentleman was entirely unaware of his Colonel's agency in the
matter, and received the book when he was in Albany, with evi-
dent pleasure and promises to read it. This officer fell in the
battle of the Wilderness.
He won, in large measure, the friendship and esteem of those
with whom he was associated. A letter written soon after his
death, by a brother Colonel, speaks of him as many felt: " I can-
not close this without adding something in memory of the brave
dead, my associate in the camp and on the field of battle, and
personal friend, Col. John Wilson. In his death, our beloved
country lost one of its firmest supporters and purest patriots; the
service an accomplished soldier, and a refined and Christian gen-
tleman. What the loss is to his family, the anguish of a mother's
heart, and the deep grief of affectionate sisters, can alone tell.
He was beloved by all who knew him personally, and honored
and respected by all with whom he met. In his death, I lost a
pure-minded and high-souled friend. No fitting eulogium can
be paid to the dead who die in the defence of their country.
Their deeds are more lasting than words, and no nobler epitaph
can be written than 'killed in battle, May 6, 1864.'"
Single-hearted himself, he never attributed unworthy motives
to others, and strove always to do his duty without sparing him-
self.
The chaplain of the regiment says of him in a recent letter:
" I think I never knew a man who so completely and truly made
duty his watchword, and never one who had so thorough a con-
viction, in all circumstances, that the place of duty was the place
of safety; and out of this conviction, I think, in great part grew
his remarkable coolness in danger. He believed that God
directed and ordered the events of life and death, and that we
L80 OOL. JOHK WILSON.
could not, by any action of our own, change them. The result
of this was a character which, in inhesitancy and directness, wbs
perfect ly ( Jromwellian.''
M.ij. Gen. \Y. S. Hancock testifies l<> his character as a soldier
in the following words:
"Col. John Wilson, of the Forty-third \<w York Volunteers,
was well known to me, and served under niv command, in the
Annv of the Potomac, for a period of more than a year.
"As his commander, I was early attracted by hi> many good
qualities, as a faithful and able officer, and had frequent oppor-
tunities to notice his character and conduct. In paying this slight
tribute to one who attested his devotion to his country by the
sacrifice of his life, I desire to express in the strongest terms my
appreciation of the many admirable and brilliant qualities he
displayed while under my command. His amiable and chival-
rous character, added to his gentle bearing, made him friends
wherever he was known; and when he fell at the ! Wilderness/
while leading his command against the enemy, he was only
exhibiting his accustomed example of daring courage and rare
devotion to duty. He was mourned by myself, and by every
officer and soldier with whom he had been associated."
The following arc the circumstances attending the death of Col.
John Wilson, as given by bis personal servant :
" On the morning of May 6, 18(54 (Friday), Col. Wilson was
slightly wounded in the calf of the leg during a hasty skirmish.
He paid no attention to the wound, which had no serious effect,
as he was in excellent health and spirits, up to the hour of his
receiving the wound which resulted in his death.
"This occurred on the same day between the hours of five
and six P. M., when the enemy made a most determined and
fierce attack on the right of the Sixth Corps. The division on
the right of Nlil's Brigade gave way, and the Second Division
bore for a long time the brunt of the battle.
"At the first attack, and while rushing to the front to place
his regiment in the most favorable position, Col. Wils<»\ was
wounded, and the rebels charged completely over him — for
awhile gaining ground. The Second Division rallying, drove
COL. JOHN WILSON. 181
the enemy from the position, recovering the person of their
beloved commander.
" It was found that the right knee was shattered by a rifle ball,
and he was immediately carried some three miles to the rear to
the Fifth Corps hospital — the enemy having in his temporary
march cut off communication with the Sixth Corps field hospi-
tal. At ten a. m. the following day the surgeons decided that
amputation might perhaps save the Colonel's life, and the limb
was amputated. As he was carried from the operating table and
laid beside Lieut. Col. Fryer, the latter said : ' I am sorry,
Colonel.' The heroic answer was : ' Major, it is all for the
old flas;.7
"About an hour after the operation, the Colonel was seized
with a violent pain in the left side, which continued to increase
in violence until about twenty minutes after three. This violent
pain seemed to be the direct cause of his death, which took place
at about half past three. His last words were addressed to his
faithful attendant, Moon, and were these : ' I can't stand it.'
" That evening the whole army train, with the wounded, was
to go to Rappahannock Station, but the enemy being reported at
the fords of the Rapidan the destination was changed, and for
some time it was uncertain where they were to go.
" Sergeant Sweeney of Company A, attached to the ammuni-
tion and supply trains of the Artillery Brigade, Sixth Corps, did
his best to bring off the body of Colonel Wilson. For some
time he was enabled to carry the body, which had been carefully
wrapped in blankets, but at about ten o'clock the medical direc-
tor ordered the body to be buried, which was done.
" The grave was marked with a simple head-board, and in
order to identify the spot a rifle was buried in the same grave."
Extract of a letter written to Mrs. Wilson by William Moon :
" As soon as I found out that the Colonel was wounded, I went
to the hospital where he was. I saw him on a table under the
influence of chloroform. After his limb was amputated, he
revived; I went to him, and he said he wanted me to stay with
him. After that they removed him to the tent where Major
Fryer was. We made a bed beside him for the Colonel. He
182 ool. a ni\ \\ n.xtN.
seemed to feel pretty well until aboul half past two, when he
was taken with a pain in hie lefl Bide. I wen) to the surgeon
and told him, and he gave me a mustard plaster to put on his
side. Thai did do1 ease the pain, :ni<l I went and told the sur-
geon and he came himself to sec him, and he gave him a pill,
lmi nothing could ease thai pain. Jus1 before he died he look
my hand in his, and said: ' Moon, I can'1 stand it.' Those were
the last words he said: lie died very easy. I think if any man
went t<» heaven he did."
When the gentleman who wenl to bring home the remains
arrived at the scene of the conflict (lie ground was in possession
of the enemy, as our forces, with the wounded, had withdrawn
to Fredericksburg. He was well acquainted with the country
aboul there, and procured a flag of truce from (Jen. Mkadk that
lie might bring ofl* Col. Wilson's body. The rebels refused to
acknowledge a flag of truce from any other officer than Gen.
Grant. It was procured, and he was enabled to find the grave
and bring away the body in safety.
The remains reached Albany on Wednesday. .May 25th. The
funeral took place on the following Sunday. .May 29th.
To appreciate the services of this distinguished officer, we
need only trace the history of the Forty-third Regiment that
was tired with his zeal and animated by his patriotic enthusiasm.
The regiment left Albany for Washington, Sept. 16th, 1861.
It was mustered into the United States seiwice Sept 2 2d, L861,
and was. by orders of the War Department, attached to the brig-
ade commanded by Brig. Gen. W. S. Hancock, Smith's Division.
It took part in all the movements of the Army of the Potomac,
from Centreville, via Alexandria, to Fortress Monroe and the
Peninsula, arriving in front of the rebel works, at Lee's Mills,
April 5th, 1862. April 16th it supported the batteries of the
division in their spirited attack on the rebel works, losing one
man wounded. April 2<Sth it covered a working party beyond
the picket line; skirmished with the enemy for an hour and a
half, losing one man killed, one officer and eleven men wounded.
On the withdrawal of the army from the front of Richmond, the
Forty-third held the extreme right of the line of the Chicka-
COL. JOHN WILSON. 183
hominy, thrice repulsing the famous Eighth Georgia Regiment,
and holding the ground until after dark, contributing greatly to
the successful withdrawal of Porter across the river. It lost,
in the action, forty-three men killed and wounded. Throughout
the famous seven days' battles, and in the subsequent campaign
of Pore before Washington, and McClellan in Maryland, the
regiment was present at every engagement from Golden Farm to
Antietam. While at Harrison's Landing the old companies were
consolidated into five, and five full companies were recruited and
officered in Albany, N. Y., to fill the regiment to the required
standard. These companies were mustered into the U. S. service
Sept. 14th, 18(32, and joined the old regiment in Maryland.
After the battle of Fredericksburg, where the regiment lost
twelve men killed and wounded, it was deemed advisable to or-
ganize a Light Division for the most arduous duties. The Forty-
third was one of the five regiments selected from the army to consti-
tute the infantry force. At the battle of Fredericksburg, the Light
Division carried the pontoons one mile and a quarter by hand
and at night, completely surprising the enemy. When the first
assaulting column on the morning of May 3d, had been repulsed
in its attack upon Marye's Heights, the task of carrying this
redoubtable position was entrusted to the Light Division. The
colors of the Forty-third were the first planted upon their part
of the works. The regiment captured in the charge two guns and
seventy-five prisoners, pursuing the retreating enemy to Salem
Heights, and the following night, together with the Sixth Maine
regiment, repulsing a brigade of the enemy who attempted to
cut off the retreat to Bank's Ford; losing in both actions, two
hundred men and eleven officers. In the second Maryland cam-
paign, the brigade to which the Forty-third was attached, marched
thirty-two miles in twenty-four hours. July 2d, 1863, it reached
Gettysburg to take part in that battle; drove back the enemy's
skirmishers on the extreme right and established a line, which
was held until the close of the engagement, losing one officer
and two privates killed. In the subsequent movements to the
Rapidan, the regiment bore its share of the dangers and hard-
ships. On the occasion of the brilliant affair at Rappahannock,
184 << >i.. -n >n\ \\ ii. -i >\.
resulting In the capture of four guns, two brigades of infantry
and eight battle Bags, the Forty-third drove the enemy's skir-
mishers on the extreme right, procuring a position for artillery,
and preventing the escape of anj pari of the force up the river,
thus contributing to the completeness of the victory. The lo-
in the action was four men killed and six wounded.
After the Chancellorsville campaign the Lighl Division was
discontinued and the regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade,
Second Division. Sixth Corps, in which it subsequently served.
Col. Wilson, during his whole connection with the regiment,
was never absent from it at the time of an engagement, and
passed through the following battles: Lee's Mills, April 29th,
1802; Warwick Creek, April 30th, L862; Siege of Yorktown,
1862; Golden's Farm, June 27th, 1862; Seven days' battles,
1862; Antietam, Sept. 17th, 18(32; Fredericksburg, Dec. 12th,
L3th, 11th. L862; Marye's Heights, May3d, L863; Salem Church,
May 3d, 4th, 1863; Bank's Ford. .May 4th, L863; Fredericks-
burg, June 5th, 1863; Gettysburg, July 2d, 3d, 1863; Rappa-
hannock Station, Nov. 7th, 1863; Locust Grove, Nov. 27th. L863;
Mine Run, Nov. 29th, 1863; Wilderness. May 5th and 6th, L864
He was in the service of the United States from August 3d,
1861. till the time of his death. May 7th, 1864.
Each of these names and dates is radiant with the valor, the
pure patriotism and the iron energy of our departed hero. Could
we give the minute details of the part be bore in these succes-
sive bloody scenes — could we depict his thousand acts of bravery,
of self-sacrifice, and of devotion to his country's cause, the his-
tory would present one of the most brilliant records of the war.
Of this remarkable regiment and its gallant officers, the Albany
Knickerbocker thus speaks, under date of May 17th. 1864.
FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT — THEIR GALLANTRY — HOW COL. WILSON
AND MAJOR WALLACE WERE KILLED.
"Few regiments engaged in the recent desperate conflicts at
the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court House suffered more
severely, or accomplished more brilliant achievements than the
gallant old Forty-third. Its previous record was a proud one,
COL. JOHN WILSON. 185
but its late daring demonstrations climax anything heretofore
undertaken by the noble boys. Capt, Wm. Thompson, of Com-
pany H, is now in the city suffering from a severe wound in the
foot, which he sustained the first day while in charge of a picket
line. From him we learn some of the actions of the regiment
during the fight, and also how his gallant Colonel and Major met
their deaths.
" The Forty-third Regiment was in Neil's Brigade, which was
deployed to the front as skirmishers on the first day, supported
by Seymour's Brigade. On that occasion the regiment lost only
four men. On the second day the regiment was formed in line
of battle for a charge on the enemy, who were undertaking to
execute a flank movement on the Forty-third. Col. Wilson see-
ing this, gave the order : ' Charge front to rear on eighth com-
pany;' and the order was no sooner uttered than he received the
fatal wound. He was carried from the field by a couple of his
men, when amputation was resorted to, and he died from the
effects. His only words were : ' I care not for myself, but my
poor mother.'
"About an hour subsequent to Col. Wilson being shot, Major
Wallace, who was in charge of his old company, was killed.
This company lost all but one man, Thomas Kelly, of Canal
street, in killed, wounded, or missing. The command now
devolved upon Lieut. Col. Fryer, who led the regiment in the
charge. They carried everything before them until they reached
the rifle pits of the enemy, into which they charged in a terrific
manner. Christopher Hackett, the color-bearer, was seen to
plant the colors on the enemy's works, but neither he nor the
colors were seen afterwards, and both are supposed to be cap-
tured. He was a brother of Miss Hackett, the celebrated singer.
Two rebel colors were captured by the Forty -third; one of these
was in the hands of Capt,-' Burhans, who was carrying it off,
when he himself was captured and taken off a prisoner.
"It was while superintending all these noble deeds that Lieut.
Col. Fryer received his mortal wounds, and from which he has
since died. The regiment lost all its field officers — killed. All
the line officers who entered the fight were either killed, wounded,
186 OOL. JOHN WILSON.
or missing, save (';i|)t. Visscheb and Lieut. Reid. The regiment
went in with about four hundred men, and came out with eighty-
six. This is a record that lew regiments can show, and one of
which our citizens and country should feel proud."
The bereaved family of the departed Christian soldier were
consoled by several touching letters from friends, and testimonials
to the worth of Col. Wilson. The following is from Prof. Mur-
ray, of Rutger's College, formerly Principal of the Albany
Academy:
Mrs. Wilson:
My Dear Madam — You ask me to write down my recollections
of your son. John Wilson, late Colonel of the Forty-third regi-
ment of New York Volunteers. The task von ask me to perform
would be a delightful one. were it ool that it recalls the memory
of his sad fate, and the irreparable loss which you and all of us
have sustained. Recollection travels backward, in the reverse
order from the march of events, and gathers up first the scenes
which last transpired. And now while I sit here, trying to col-
lect together the broken fragments which my memory retains of
his life and character, the first picture which presents itself is
one which I saw in April, 1864.
J was makings brief visit to my friend. Gen. Patrick, in the
Army of the Potomac, which then lay in its winter quarters on
the south side of the Rappahannock river. It was just prior to
the opening of the campaign toward Richmond, which resulted
a few weeks later in those terrible battles of the Wilderness, in
which so many gallant men, and Col. Wilson among the num-
ber, lost their lives. I remember that upon the one day of sun-
shine, out of the rainy ones I spent in camp, I rode out with
Gen. Patrick on a brief tour of observation. A young officer
from the west, whose name had scarcely been heard in the Army
of the Potomac, had just come to assume command of the cavalry
corps. My friend called to pay his respects, and we saw for the
first time Gen. SHERIDAN, whose name has since been heard in
every civilized land.
COL. JOHN WILSON. 187
We visited the head-quarters of the Sixth Corps, then under
the command of that prince of corps commanders. Gen. Sedg-
wick, whom the soldiers fondly called -Uncle John." As we
rode away from Gen. Sedgwick's head-quarters, I remember turn-
ing to Gen. Patrick and .saying: " General, I have.been looking all
day for fortifications, where are they?" " There they are," said
he, pointing to an opposite eminence, on which a regiment was
going through its evolutions. " Where," I repeated. ''There.
those fellows in blue, they are our fortifications." As we rode
past this regiment, its commander galloped up to us. It was
Col. Wilson, and this regiment was the Forty -third New York.
He took me into his tent, and we enjoyed a delightful chat on
our common friends, and on matters of common interest in Albany.
The Albany Bazaar had just closed its triumphant career, and
I remember with what delight he showed me the photographs,
illustrative of its scenes, which you had sent him. And as he
talked there of the dangers through which he had passed in the
war with his regiment, and spoke so bravely and hopefully of
the coming campaign, which they all knew would be a desperate
one, I thought then, and I think now, that I never had seen a
more noble, gallant looking officer. And when a few weeks later
I heard of his death, it was one of the saddest of the many tales
of sorrow which came to my ears at that terrible time.
My recollections of Col. Wilson, at the Albany Academy, are
of the most pleasing description. I remember him as a bright
little lad, when I first came to the Academy. I believe he had
already been a student there several years before that time.
Indeed, I suppose his education was begun as well as finished at
this institution. His classical training was chiefly conducted
under Prof. Miller, and was, as you may be well assured, ex-
tensive and thorough.
Among a class of young men, whose classical reading extended
to the Greek tragedies, and included selections from all the prin-
cipal Greek and Latin authors which are read in college, he was
selected as entitled to the Van Rensselaer classical medal; and
what was very unusual, he was in the same year the recipient
of the Caldwell medal for superior proficiency in mathematics.
188 OOL. JOHN WILSOIT.
A.8 a student, he was a universal favorite with teachers and
pupils. He had a manly independence about him which <■« >m-
manded respect. He was diligent and persistent in his duties as
;i student, not easily discouraged, n<>i easily elated, indeed, but
working on wiili a steady purpose and a persevering temper.
There were among his compeers young men more brilliant in
particular branches, and who acquired with less labor; but there
were tew who, in a happy balance of faculties, and in careful
habits of application, were in (he race of scholarship more likely
to succeed. He had a natural shrinking from prominence and
publicity, and hence I think his more public duties of declama-
tion and speaking at exhibitions, were always distasteful to him.
There were as his cotemporaries in the Academy an unusual
number of young men whose character and attainments were
notable. 1 could name many, a little older than himself, and
many of about his own age, who have already attained in busi-
ness and professional life, positions of great usefulness and
promise. There seemed to he a tone of manliness and earnest-
ness pervading the.se young men, even during their academic
career, which enabled one to prophecy their future integrity and
success.
And yet it is sad for me, when I look at this brilliant array of
young men. who were cotemporaries of Col. WlLSOH in the
Academy, to see how many have already been cut off. John H.
Meads, memorable to all who knew him for the loveliness of his
person and character; Orlando Meads, dr.. his brother: Hebee
Smith, who perished in the war; Richard M. Steong, another
costly sacrifice; Edward D. Wait, James II. Bogart, William
H. POHLMAN, ALEXANDER B. McDOTJAL, all Were his eonl einpo-
raries, and all are dead. All of them had the brightest prospects
in life: they had friends who loved them: they had careers of
usefulness opening up before them: and yet all. in their early
manhood, have been cut off. To those who, like Col. Wilson,
gave their lives for their country, we all owe a lasting debt of
gratitude; and it cannot but be a consolatory reflection, even in
this great sorrow, and under the sense of your irreparable loss,
COL. JOHN WILSON. 189
that his life was sacrificed in his country's cause, and that all
posterity will bless his memory.
With the kindest regards,
I am your obedient servant,
DAVID MURRAY.
Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. J., March 3, 18G5.
The following letter is from the warm heart of a loving friend:
New Orleans. June 24, 1864.
My Dear Mrs. Wilson — I think that I have never felt the utter
inadequacy of words to express emotions as I have felt them since
the sad news reached me of your terrible bereavement — of 30111*
almost second widowhood — in the loss of your noble son.
Terribly crushing, I know, the blow must have been on your-
self and your dear daughters, who had every opportunity to
know his excellence and appreciate his value, and could rejoice
that he was your own son and brother; for I have not myself
been yet able, to control my emotions, when alluding to him whom
I had learned to love so much. From his early youth I had
watched with delight the gradual, but sure development of all
those qualities of mind and physical elements which made him
so nearly a perfect man. For more than two years past John
Wilson had been, to my mind, the type of manly beauty in its
full development, while his mind and soul were of the character
to intensify the admiration and deepen the regard which obser-
vation of him in previous years had caused me to feel for him.
It has been to many, I doubt not, as it was to myself at times,
cause for surprise that John should have felt it to be his :luty to
leave the dear ones at home to do battle for his country and the
maintenance of the Right; but those who knew him best do best
know that it was probably the very strength of the temptation
to remain at home, and the strong reasons that could be urged in
its behalf, that caused him the more determinedly to resist it,
from a conviction that all had a duty to discharge in this terrible
struggle, and he became —
" More brave for this, that he had much to love."
190 OOL. JOHM mi.MiN.
He, more Dearly than any man whom I have ever known so
well, was described in these lines of Wordsworth :
•■ Whom neither shape of danger could dismay,
Nni thought of tender happiness betraj :
Who, n"t content that former worth stood last.
Looked forward, persevering in the last;
From well to better, daily Belf surpassed,
Found comfort battling in a righteous cause,
And. while the mortal mist is gathering, draws
Eis breath in confidence of Heaven's applause
No purer life, no braver .soul, no more manly form, no more
constanl heart lias been offered up sin.-c the commencement of
this struggle than him whose loss we mourn.
DO
•'He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow,"
is the touching description given by the evangelist in the ease
of the young man of Nain, when his body was met by the Sav-
iour; and how often have these words rung in my ears even
while your .son was Living, as I trembled in apprehension of the
result, and realized how much of the happiness of the circle at
home depended on the preservation of his life. Trembled, too,
because I knew he was not the man to save himself from any
exposure, for he had deliberately chosen his position, and from
it. no consideration of personal danger could for a moment swerve
him.
"I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.'* said the
Psalmist when mourning the loss of a beloved child, and this
thought will be your consolation in this your hour of deep afflic-
tion. In the beautiful words of Bishop Ileber:
" Wake not, O mother! sounds of lamentation!
Weep not, 0 widow! weep not hopelessly!
Strong is His arm. the Bringer of Salvation.
Strong is the word of God to succor thee."
May God enable you constantly to repose in the confident faith
that "He doeth all things well." For His own wise purpose He
has used the young life of your beloved son, so that it has been
of more value, than the combined lives of thousands, who have
sluggishly plodded out their three score and. ten.
COL. JOHN AVILSON. 191
(,'Men live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart throbs. He most lives
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.
And he whose heart beats quickest lives the longest.
Life is but a means unto an end; that end,
Beginning, mean and end to all things — God.
Judged by this, the only true test, your son was not cut off
with his labor unperformed, but with every duty discharged, and
his life-work done.
What a precious consolation you must experience as you now
reflect that your dear son had early given himself to Jesus, and
that, during the remaining years of your pilgrimage, you can
look forward, in the full assurance of faith, to the time that you
shall join the company of the redeemed ones and receive the
welcome of husband and children gone before — part of your
inestimable " treasures in Heaven."
" And when the Lord shall summon us
Whom thou bast left behind,
May we, untainted by the world,
As sure a welcome find.
" May each, like thee, depart in peace,
To be a glorious guest
Where the wicked cease from troubling,
And the weary are at rest."
That such may be the happy lot of each and all of us, through
the mercy and merits of Christ, I earnestly hope and pray; and
that God may vouchsafe to you and your dear ones the consola-
tions of His Holy Spirit, leading you in the green pastures, and
by the still waters of his grace, and enabling you, though you
walk through the valley of the shadow of death, to fear no evil,
but to find Him with you, and his rod and staff to comfort and
support you; that you may find him a very present help in every
time of need, is the earnest prayer of
Most sincerely your friend,
WM. EICHARDSOX.
Mrs. Ann Wilson, Albany, N. Y.
192 < "I . .i.-iiN w ii. SON.
The following is a most valuable testimonial to the Colonel's
( !hris1 i:m character:
Soi in Dedham, Mass., May 22, L86 I.
.My dear .Mrs. Wilson I have learned through the papers of
your sad bereavement, and though I know thai no earthly hand
can bring relief from so overwhelming a sorrow, yet I thought
thai ;i little comforl might be found for you in the wordsof sym-
pathy, ;iinl of testimony to the Christian character of your dear
son, which I could speak.
Sometimes there is fear in the minds of Christian friends al
home, lest their friends may not maintain their religious charac-
ter amidsl the temptations of army life; and when they are taken
away from us, the one source of consolation is in the assurance
thai they were ready for the greal change which has passed
upon them. But I can testify, as no one else perhaps is aide to
do. that John Wilson maintained in the army a worthy Christian
character, thai lie did not yield to its temptations, hut that he
was as good a soldier of Jesus Christ as he was of his country,
and this is saying a greal deal for one who was looked up to as
the •• besl Hold officer in the brigade."
1 have not yvi learned the particulars of his death, hut in rela-
tion to this subject I do not need to ask them, for I know how-
he lived] I know his faith in God; I know his tender conscience;
I know his noble heart, and everybody in the circle of his army
acquaintance knew his spotless life.
I am not mentioning these things for the sake of praising
him — that will not he lacking from other lips and hands — hut
that you. who are so deeply afflicted in his loss, may. with the
greater confidence, apply to him the words of inspiration: "Say
ye t<> the righteous it shall he well with him."'
I have, since his death, thought of a hundred incidents and
habits connected with my intercourse with him. while Chaplain
of the regiment;, and of one with peculiar pleasure: Whenever
we were on the march or in line of battle on Sunday, when no
religious services were practicable, he used always to say to me
at -mill' time when we halted, " ( !ome, ( 'haplain. read to the Major
and me a chapter or two in the bible," and those little Sunday
COL. JOHN WILSON. 193
bible readings are among the most pleasant memories of our
intercourse.
He always stood by my side when we had preaching, and his
voice was always heard in the song of praise to God at our
meetings. No one who knew him there will doubt that he
honored his Christian profession, and had a great influence for
good with the men of the regiment.
We think and talk a great deal of you all, and very much
desire to see you. It is the sweetest thought we have in such
sorrow, that the parting is not to be long, and that we shall all
soon be together at God's right hand.
Your friend, C. OSBORN.
Let me add the following merited tribute from the Common
Council of the city of Albany:
Albany, May 17, 1864.
At a regular meeting of the Common Council, held at their
rooms this day, His Honor the Mayor announced to the board
the death of Col. John Wilson, as follows:
Gentlemen of the Common Council:
The sad events of this war have taken from our midst another
brave, devoted and gallant soldier, whom we were wont to meet
in fraternal relations. It has pleased God, in his mysterious
providence, to remove by death our much esteemed fellow citi-
zen, Col. John Wilson, of the Forty-third .Regiment New York
State Volunteers, who died from the effects of wounds received
while gallantly charging the enemy's works at the recent battlo
of the Wilderness, in Virginia, thus adding another name to the
already long list of Albany's noble sons who have laid their lives
a voluntary sacrifice upon the altar of our country; therefore,
Besolved, That we recognize in Col. Wilson a young man of
the rarest excellence of character, whose gentlemanly deport-
ment, unassuming manners and social virtues endeared him to all
who shared his acquaintance, and who, although surrounded by
all the endearments of a most pleasant home, hesitated not, when
his country called, to sacrifice every personal interest, sever
13
19 | OOL. 3( H in w n.x >\.
even endearing tie, and exchange the comforts of a happy home
for i he hardships of t he tented field.
Resolved, Thai his was no ordinary sacrifice. Thai those who
knew his circumstances and relations in life best, can not bu1
appreciate the pure unselfish, devoted patriotism thai prompted
him to enter upon a career where, personally, he had everything
to lose and not hing to gain.
Resolved, Thai in his death our country has losl one of her
most earnest, faithful defenders, our city one of its brightesl
ornaments, and his family a mosl dutiful son and loving brother.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the bereaved
family in their severe affliction, and while we share with them
the sorrow, we may also share the abiding consolation that the
loss to us of one so noble, pure and virtuous, can not be other
than his eternal gain.
Resolved, That to his remains and memory are eminently due
the highest respect that a city can pay to her most valiant sons.
Resolved, That a committee of live be appointed to make all
necessary arrangements for the funeral of the lamented Colonel
Wilson, on the day to be appointed after the arrival of his
remains, and that the members of the Common Council will
attend his funeral in a body, and wear the usual badge of
mourning.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions lie signed by the
Mayor and Clerk, and sent to the family of the deceased.
The above preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted,
and Messrs. Amsdell, Johnson, Tracey, Judson and Bancroft
appointed the committee.
MARTIN DELAHANTY,
Clerk of Common Council.
COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN. 195
VII.
COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN
This able and distinguished officer was born in the county of
Cork, Ireland, in the year 1820. He was the son of David Bryan
and Mary Kirk Bryan, who emigrated to this country in the
year 1827, and settled in Albany, N. Y., where the family has
since resided.
The father of Col. Bryan died many years since, noted for his
integrity and industry, but left only a good name to his children.
His mother was the daughter of Capt. John Kirk, who owned
and commanded a merchant vessel, and like most of his family,
followed the sea. She still resides at Albany with her daughter-
in-law, the widow of Col. Bryan, a most worthy and enterprising
woman, who, upon the death of her husband, was left with four
children.
Col. Bryan spent his boyhood in Albany, where he received a
limited education in the schools of the city. He, however, greatly
improved himself in after years by devoting his leisure hours to
the cultivation of his mind. He entered into the employ of his
cousin, Col. John McCardel, of Albany, as a clerk, at the ago
of fifteen, and remained most of the time with him in that capa-
city till 1853, when he, through the assistance of his late em-
ployer, commenced business for himself. He became the pro-
prietor of a restaurant and hotel in Albany, in which business he
continued till his entrance into the service of the government in
1861.
From his youth, he was always a member of some military
organization. About the year 1850, he was chosen Captain of
the Albany Worth Guards, which company he commanded for
several years. By his skill and perseverance, he brought them
1 '.'I' 001/. MICHAEL K. BM W.
to a high state of discipline, when he was promoted to the office
of Major of the Twenty-fifth Regiment New York Militia.
Shortly after he was chosen to fill the office of Lientenanl Colo-
nel, .-Hid finally Colonel of this famous regiment, which, under
his command, became the most efficient and best disciplined regi-
ment of i he State, outside ofNeTi York city.
When Fort Siunler was fired upon in April. L861, he was at
the head of this organization; and on the 21st of April. L861, at
eleven o'clock, p. m., the order reached him in his place of busi-
ness, from Gov. Morgan, to at once proceed with his regiment
to Washington, D. C. He summoned his officers to his quarters
at midnight and issued his orders, and at eight o'clock a. m.. the
next morning, the regiment was in line, ready to take the Hud-
son River railroad cars to New York.
This memorable morning of the 22d of April, found many of
the members of the regiment in the workshop. When the order
reached them they rushed to the armory, put on their uniforms,
and took their places in the ranks. A majority of them were
laborers and mechanics; they were also husbands and fathers,
with those as dear to them as life, and dependent upon them for
support. Their wives and children only had time to bid them
"good bye" at the armory of the regiment; many of them not
having had time to go from their workshops to their homes,
before the regiment was to move.
About one o'clock the Twenty-fifth Regiment, under command
of Col. Bryan, left the armory and were escorted to the Hudson
River ferry boat by the entire tire department of the city, under
command of Chief Engineer McQuade, and Company 15. (apt.
AiNswoiiTii. The march through Eagle, State street and Broad-
way was a complete ovation. The streets were densely packed
with human beings, and the houses and house-tops were lined
with our citi/ens. Cheer after cheer rent the air. and at times
the wildest excitement pervaded the dense assemblage. From
the windows the ladies waved their handkerchiefs, while from the
tops of houses guns and pistols were tired, amid the vociferous
cheers of the spectators. The regiment, on their march to the
cars, halted in front of Stanwix Hall, on Broadway, for the pur-
COL. MICHAEL K. BUY AN. 197
pose of receiving their flag from Mrs. Mayor Thaciier. The
street was densely crowded, and after quietness had been re-
stored, Mayor Thaciier came forward and spoke as follows:
" Col. Bryan, Officers and Soldiers of the %bth Regiment:
" Mrs. Thaciier requests me to convey her compliments to the
regiment, and to say to you, that she presents you this banner
as a token of her appreciation of your high character as soldiers,
am! as an incitement to noble and heroic deeds. She bids you
beat it to the war, to watch it in the hour of battle as the emblem
of all that is dear to us as citizens and patriots. Never let it
go down, as long as a single man in the regiment shall survive.
Should a kind Providence spare you to return, we shall expect
you to bring it with you. Bring it though it may be riddled with
halls, but let it never eome back to us polluted by the touch of
a traitor's hand.
" Remember, soldiers, that the dear ones you leave at home —
your wives, your children, your sisters, your brothers and friends
are to share in your glory or disgrace. They weep at your
departure. They will pray for you Avhile absent; but should
you turn your back upon that flag or allow it to trail in the dust
through cowardice, they will spurn you forever.
" Farewell, then, noble patriots, farewell. God bless you.
Should any of you fall in battle, we will revere your memory
and testify our gratitude by caring for and comforting the dear
ones who, above all, will mourn your loss. Again we say, fare-
well."
Upon Mrs. Thacher delivering the flag over into the hands of
the standard-bearer, the band struck up the " Star-Spangled Ban-
ner," amid the vociferous cheers of the vast multitude. Colonel
Bryan, in behalf of the regiment, accepted the flag and made
the following reply :
" Mr. Mayor — When, on the 22d of February last, the regi-
ment paraded in their new uniforms, with which the men had
equipped themselves at their own expense, and which now ena-
bles them to promptly respond to their country's call, they may
have expected to receive some such mark of esteem and regard
from their friends. But little did they think that it would occur
198 < < >L. SUCH \i I. K. BE! \N.
on such :m occasion as this. The regiment was early in volun-
teering, bul is called away with unexpected suddenness, ;in<l
many arc unprepared excepl al heart. Ii was only Last nighl
thai the order for the departure of the regimenl to-day was given,
and il was received too late to make it generally known until
this morning; and many left their workshops in their working
clothes to respond.
•• A number arc without uniforms, 'ml all have good muskets
and stout hearts, and they will do whatever may become men in
their country's service. In their behalf, J accept this beautiful
flag, promising that wherever they go it shall go, whether on the
batl lelield or elsewhere; carried forward and upheld by the strong
arms of men. who will feel that in preserving it untarnished by
dishonor they will be doing good service in the most sacred
cause.
"For the sake of their owrn reputation — for the sake of the
esteem of their fellow-citizens — for the love of those nearest and
dearest to them, and in the performance of that duty which every
loyal citizen owes to the most glorious country in the world, the
regiment will, to the utmost of their ability, and with all their
hearts, protect these colors from insult and tarnish.
"And now permit me, your honor, to observe that the men under
my command have been called away from their homes very sud-
denly. Many of them have families that are dependent on their
daily labor for the comforts and necessaries of life. Thus sud-
denly ordered away, they have been unable to make such provi-
sion for them as the love of husband, lather, brother, or son dic-
tate. They are compelled to appeal to their fellow-citizens,
those who will remain at home, to see to it that they are not per-
mitted to want. It is not weakness to say that it is hard to pail
with our wives and our dear little ones; but an imperative duty
calls, and much, indeed all, of sadness on our part will vanish,
under the assurance that, although absent, those we love most
dearly will have kind and generous-hearted friends ever ready
to cheer and aid them.
" With this assurance, your honor, the Twenty-fifth will march
at the tap of the drum, wherever duty calls, in the service of
COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN. 199
their country, with light hearts and a determination to win vic-
tory for themselves, peace for their country, and honor for the
city of their homes.
" We venture our lives in this cause, and ask in return that you
who have fortunes, will risk those fortunes in sustaining us and
ours."
Immediately after the presentation of the flag, the regiment
resumed their line of march, and as they flanked into Maiden
Lane the wildest excitement ensued. Cheer after cheer rever-
berated through the street, and the soldiers left the city amid
the booming of artillery. They proceeded, by railroad, to New
York; thence by water to Annapolis, Md.; and thence to Wash-
ington by land. They arrived on the 27th day of April, 1861,
the fifth militia regiment that reached the National Capital, after
the breaking out of the rebellion.
Col. Bryan at once reported to General Scott, who assigned
his regiment to duty. He was received with much favor and
respect by President Lincoln, who visited every company in this
command, and shook hands willi every officer and private in the
regiment. On the 23d of May, Col. Bryan was ordered to cross
the Potomac into Virginia. At midnight he led his command
across the long bridge at Washington, and marched to Arlington
Heights. His regiment first took possession of the spot where
Fort Albany now stands, on the morning of the 24th of May,
1861. There they built that structure, and named it for their
own home.
Col. Bryan's command that morning captured a portion of the
rebel pickets, the first prisoners taken in eastern Virginia after
the breaking out of the Avar. Col. Bryan remained with his com-
mand at Fort Albany till the expiration of the term of three
months, when, on the first of August, he returned to Albany and
was mustered out of service with his regiment. During: this
short term of service he repeatedly received the highest com-
mendations from his superior officers.
Again, in 1862, he was ordered, on the last of June, to pro-
ceed at once to Virginia with the Twenty-fifth Regiment New
York Militia. He was stationed with his command during- this
200 COL. MIOHABL K. BRYAN.
three months' term of service, :il Suffolk, Va., where he was
assigned to the perforniance of outposl and pickel duty in that
Department. On the Ls1 of September, L862, he lefl Suffolk,
Va., with his command, and also with the Thirteenth New York
Militia, who were on the way to New York city, he having been
designated as commanding officer of the two regiments till they
should reach New York.
At Norfolk he embarked with his command (the Twenty-fifth
and Thirteenth New York Militia) onboard the steamship Baltic,
and started for New York. When the ship had proceeded about
one hundred and fifty miles, she struck a shoal about four o'clock,
p. m., and was stranded fast on the ground. She had lift ecu
hundred men on board, and was fifty-six miles from land, with
night almost upon them. The position was one of great peril.
All the efforts of the Captain of the ship and his crew to get
the vessel oil' proved unavailing. When it was about dark,
Captain Comstock, the commander of the vessel, announced to
the Colonel that they were in great danger, and without hope of
extricating the ship that night, and that the only course left was
to try to get word to some other vessels to come and assist them
and take off the men. The alarm gun was fired, and the signal
of distress given, when, finally, a schooner came in sight, and
took oft' as many men as she could carry, which was about five
hundred.
The vessel and the rest of the command remained all night,
without being able to obtain any further assistance. Everything
was thrown overboard to lighten the vessel, and the pumps were
worked all night, as the water was coming in fast. The next
day, about noon, another vessel came in sight, and about eight
hundred more of the troops were taken off the " Baltic." The
Colonel and about fifty of his own men, with the Captain of the
ship and crew, were all that were left on the ship. Night was
coming on, and no more could be taken off by the second vessel
that came to the rescue of the "Baltic." Col. Bryan, though
urged to leave the ship, said: " No; I will not leave as long as
one of my men is left on this ship!"
The reader can imagine the great difficulty of disembarking
COL. MICHAEL K. BEY AN. 201
from one ship to another, without the least accident, so many
men, unaccustomed to the ocean, and thus suddenly thrown into
the greatest excitement and peril. During all this time the
Colonel was the commanding officer on board of all the troops,
about fourteen hundred, and by his coolness and judgment he
succeeded in maintaining the most perfect order and discipline
among the men. All seemed to repose in him with entire confi-
dence. After the ship had been lightened of all its freight and
passengers, except the Captain, crew and about fifty of the
troops, she was finally got off the shoal. The Captain of the
ship gave to Col. Bryan the following letter of thanks, after the
rescue of his ship and the men from the threatening danger:
Steamship " Baltic," Sept. 2, 1862.
Sir — I can not allow you to leave my ship without expressing
to you my warmest thanks for the able and efficient services ren-
dered by yourself, your officers and men, during the perilous
condition of the ship the last twenty-four hours. The ready,
quiet and prompt action with which my every wish was obeyed,
and their coolness in the hour of danger, bespeaks the high state
of discipline your regiments have attained.
With respect, I am your obedient servant,
JOS. J. COMSTOCK.
To Col. Bryan, of the 25th JV. Y. M., Commanding, d-c.
In response to the above, Col. Bryan issued the following
order:
Head Quarters on board the Steamship "Baltic,"
September 3, 1862.
General Orders No. 4. The commandant, in General Orders,
desires to express to the officers and men of the Thirteenth and
Twenty-fifth Regiments New York Militia, his sincere and earnest
thanks, for the noble manner in which they conducted themselves
throughout the perilous hours while this splendid ship was cast,
away and disabled on Winter Quarter Shoals. Such conduct is
worthy of all praise.
202 COL. MI< 'I \i !■ K. BE! IN.
The commandanl also desires to express what he know- to be
the feeling of every one of his command, the most earnest thanks
to Capt Jos. J. Comstock for the cool, able, and judicious man-
agement of his ship, that, under the mere;} of an overruling
Providence, saved his vessel and all the souls committed to his
charge.
The commandant, trusting thai all who were separated by this
disaster may safely come bach again, with a grateful heart lakes
Leave of all outside of his immediate command, and will ever
hold them in remembrance as officers and men worthy of his
esteem, and the highest regard of their fellow-citizens.
By command of Col. M. K. Bryan.
J. M. KIMBALL, Adjutant.
In recording in this connection the uame of Adjutant J. M.
Kimball, we cannot suppress our strong desire to pay to him a
passing tribute of our high esteem and warm gratitude for the
services that he rendered in connection with this regiment, and
during the perilous scenes through which it passed. We thank
God that his life has been .spared, and that he has returned to us
to enjoy the blessing of that peace to which lie, during the war,
so patriotically and nobly contributed.
Gladly would we see a volume prepared and published to com-
memorate the lives and achievements of the living heroes whom
a merciful God has spared to us; and in whose memories the
details of their camp life, their battles and victories, are now
fresh, and could be easily recorded.
To these men we owe a debt of gratitude as great as to those
who have fallen — for they risked all for their country: and,
equally with the departed, manifested the greatest bravery and
the most enthusiastic devotion to the cause which they had
espoused.
On Col. Bryan's discharge from service and return to Albany,
he at once proceeded to raise the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth
Regiment New York Volunteers, of which he was made Colonel.
In the early part of the winter of 1862 he was ordered \o
Louisiana, where he was engaged in several battles with the
COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN. 203
enemy on his march up through the State to Port Hudson. He
"was ordered to take part in an attack on Port Hudson, La., on
the 14th of June, 1863, on which day, while leading his regiment
to the assault, he was wounded in the leg. He continued on his
march, after binding a handkerchief around the wound, till he
was struck with a grape-shot, which mortally wounded him, and
he died on the field at the head of his command.
Thus lived and died Col. Michael K. Bryan. In private life,
he was a good father and husband, and an affectionate and duti-
ful son. He was a member of the Catholic Church, and died in
its faith. The Republic will not soon forget the fidelity of him
and her other adopted children, who have shed their blood for
the maintenance of her honor and unity.
At the time of the death of this noble patriot, there appeared
in one of our papers a notice of him, from which we make the
following extracts:
"Our citizens were startled on Sa^irclay at the announcement
that Col. M. K. Bryan, Maj. James H. Bogart and Capt. Henry
Hulburt, of this city, had fallen martyrs to the cause of the
Union before Port Hudson, in the second attack on that strong-
hold on the 14th inst. Col. M. K. Bryan, in command of the
One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment N. Y. S. V., at the
time of his death, was about forty years of age.
"Col. B. was one of the most accomplished military men we
ever had in Albany. For twenty years past he devoted himself
to the service with an energy and will, that won for him the
respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. He held the posi-
tion of private for several years, and went through all the non-
commissioned offices, until he was elected to the command of
the Worth Guards, which position he held with honor to himself
and his command, until he was promoted to the Lieutenant Col-
onelcy of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, the lamented Col. Frisby
being then in command. When Col. Frisby was appointed
Brigadier General of militia, Col. B. was promoted to the Colo-
nelcy of the regiment, and remained in command until his appoint-
ment to the Colonelcy of the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth
Regiment.
204 aoL. .mm 11 \i.i. k. bri \n-
"When the rebellion first broke out, and Washington waa
threatened, in response to the ••all of the General Government
for immediate aid, Col. Bbi \\. with a patriotic ardor which all
will remember, called his officers together, and the services of
the Twenty-fifth were promptly tendered to Gov. Moboan, who
gladly accepted them. Col. B. and his men had not time even
to arrange their business matters before orders were received for
their departure. lint they did not hesitate. They abandoned
business^ families, friends, and all. and hastened to the defence
of the Capital. Arriving in Washington, they were hurried
across the river to Arlington Heights, being one of the first regii
incuts to march over the lone- bridge. They were direeted to
take position on the heights, which, at that time, was threatened
by the rebels, and immediately commenced the erection of the
fortification now known as Fort Albany, one of the most for-
midable and best constructed earthworks in the vicinity of Wash?
ington. The regiment reclined on the heights until the expira-
tion of its term of service, and then returned home, not having
been ensrao-cd in battle, but rendering most valuable services to
the country during its three months absence.
" When Washington was a second time threatened, and Banks
overpowered by superior numbers in the valley, another call was
made for the militia of the State. The Twenty-fifth Regiment
was in a disordered condition at the time, without uniforms, and
with thinned ranks. Col. B. resolved in his own mind, after
consultation with some of his officers, to again enter the field.
He devoted his whole time and energies to filling up the ranks
and placing the regiment on a war footing, and his indomitable
perseverance was crowned with success, for in a few days alter
orders were received, he left town at the head of nearly six hun-
dred men, and proceeded to Fortress Monroe, and from thence
to Suffolk, Va., where the regiment remained for three months,
and for the services rendered by it, received the highest com-
mendations of the General commanding.
"After returning home, Col. Bryan devoted himself to the
reorganization of the regiment, and was engaged in this work,
when Col. Corcoran announced his purpose to raise a brigade,
COL. MICHAEL K. BRYAN. 205
having received the consent of the War Department to do so.
Col. Bryan, deeming it his duty to again enter the service,
having received a request from Gen. Corcoran to take command
of a regiment, promptly accepted the proposition, and again gave
himself up wholly to the patriotic work. Those who knew the
man best, and how unceasingly he labored to fill up his com-
mand, will bear willing testimony to his zeal and energy in be-
half of the great cause of the Union. After his regiment was
fully organized, he received orders to report to Fortress Monroe,
and from thence went to New Orleans, having: been detached
from the brigade. Of the services performed by him in com-
mand of his regiment, during the Louisiana campaign, it is not
necessary we should speak in detail. It is sufficient to say, that
he was always at his post, performing his duty to the satisfac-
tion of his superior officers, and enjoying the entire confidence
of his subordinates. The manner of his death is stated in the
following letter, written by Surgeon O'Leary, of the One Hun-
dred and Seventy-fifth Regiment, to Reverend Father Wadhams,
of this city:
'"New Orleans, June 18, 1863.
" 'Reverend Sir — It becomes my painful duty to inform you
of the death of Col. M. K. Bryan. He was killed in the eno-age-
ment before Port Hudson, on Sunday morning, 14th instant. He
received two shots; the first supposed to be a round shot, graz-
ing the skin and fracturing both bones of the lower left leg; the
second, a grape shell, mangling the flesh and bones of the right
leg, below the knee. As near as I can learn, he lived about an
hour after receiving his wounds. He seemed to feel conscious
of his approaching end, and died like one going to sleep. I
have just arrived in this city with his remains, and shall send
them home at the earliest opportunity. Connected as I have
been, for the last two years, with the military career of the
departed, it was a crushing blow to see him laid in the cold
embrace of death. A nobler man never lived. A braver sol-
dier never wielded a sword. A truer Christian never knelt be-
fore his Maker. He has left this earth of discord and strife, for
the bright home of the saints and angels. Let us hope that his
206 OOL. Mini LEL k. BRYAN.
reward will be greal in Heaven. May God have
mercy on his poor family, and support them in this their dark
hour of trial.
'• • Believe me, dear Father, to be
" « your \ ery humble servant,
"<C. B. O'Leaet,
"'Surgeon 175/// Eegt. N. V. 8. IV
'• \ut one of those who Were present at the re-ideliee of the
gallant soldier, on the occasion of the presentation to him of his
military outfit, on the eve of his departure for the seat of war,
for a moment entertained the thought, that he would so soon sur-
render his life in battling tor his adopted country, and its honor.
They bade adieu to him with the full knowledge that wherever
lie might be assigned to duty he would distinguish himself. His
devotion to the Union, and his willingness to fight for it, had been
clearly demonstrated by the sacrifices he made when on two for-
mer occasions, he abandoned his family and his business and hur-
ried to the scene of danger, to meet the foes of our distracted
country and of liberty. If ever there was a pure patriot that
man was Col. M. K. Bryan. He was actuated by no mercenary
or sordid motives, and his works speak Louder than any words
we can utter. Like his lamented friend and associate, his tutor,
Fbisby, he felt that the country demanded his services, and he
cheerfully gave them to aid in crushing out the accursed rebellion.
Like the gallant Frisby, he will be mourned by every Albanian,
and the unhidden tears, as they trickled down the cheek of youth
and the furrows of age, when the sad news was announced Satur-
day, were silent but expressive messengers of the deep sorrow
that it occasioned. He died as a hero. His last breath was the
faint utterance of the departing spirit for his country. His mem-
ory will l<e cherished with reverence by all who honor the brave
and fearless soldier, living or dead, and his name shall be inscribed
on that immortal tablet which bears the record of patriotic devo-
tion to country.''
COL. HENRY VAN RENSSELAER. 207
VIII.
COL. HENRY VAN RENSSELAER.
Henry Van Rensselaer, the fourth sou of the Hon. Stephen
Van Rensselaer, by his second wife, Cornelia Paterson, the
daughter of Chief Justice Paterson, of New Jersey, was born
at the Manor House, Albany, May 14th, 1810.
His father and his ancestors, back to Killian Van Rensselaer,
who came to this country as early as 1642, bore the title of
Patroon. This title is derived from the Latin patronus, and iu
the time of the Roman republic was used to denote a patrician,
who enjoyed certain civil rights and privileges, and had a num-
ber of people under his protection. With the growth of the
empire, the jurisdiction of a Patroon in some instances extended,
so as to embrace whole cities and provinces. In Holland the
title designated the proprietor of a large estate in lands, occupied
and cultivated by tenants, and having connected with it many of
the privileges of the ancient feudal system.
For over two centuries this title has been transmitted down to
the present day, through the proprietor and representative of
the Van Rensselaer estate; and I may add that of our public
citizens none have surpassed those who have borne this title, in
their zeal to establish upon this continent constitutional liberty,
and maintain the authority of the Federal Government supreme
over all manorial privileges, and State sovereignties.
Among those who fought zealously for the adoption of the
Federal Constitution in this State, was the Hon. Stephen Van
Rensselaer, who was afterwards, in 1795, associated with the
Hon. John Jay in the government of the State of New York.
Notwithstanding the strong personal interest in his native State,
that his ancestral associations would naturally excite, still he had
the sagacity to see thai there could be but one great cation upon
this continent. He also bad the patriotism to feel that in an
hour of solicitude and trial like that, all personal aspirations
should be laid upon the altar of the national life and prosperity.
The influences of Henby's home were such as to awaken in the
youthful mind an admiration Ppr those patriotic and private vir-
tues which adorn human character, and which found so perfect
an illustration in the lives of his parents.
When only seven years of age, he lefK home with bis elder
brother to attend Mr. McCdllough's boarding school, at Morris-
town, X. J., and went afterwards with the same brother to Dr.
BENJAMIN Allkn's Academy, at Hyde Park. A few years later,
it being then decided that he should enter the Academy at West
Point, he was sent to begin his military education with ('apt.
Paeteidge, at Middletown. The pupils at this school, besides
being instructed in the ordinary military exercises, were taught
to prepare for the possible fatigues of a campaign by long pedes-
trian tours in different directions through the country, sometimes
marching as much as thirty or forty miles a day. After leaving
this school, Mr. Van Rensselaer held, for a short time, the
honorary position of Aid to Gov. Clinton, and at the age of
seventeen entered the Military Academy at West Point. Here
he first evinced a marked trait of character, which influenced him
in after life — a strong, ever-present sense of duty, which would
not permit the neglect of an obligation once assumed, and which
enabled him to form and hold resolutely to the purpose of com-
plying, in all respects, as far as possible, with what was required
of him. His love of order, diligence of application, and fidelity
to the most minute, as well as the more important details of duly,
enabled him to pass through the four years discipline of the
Academy without a single demerit.
Mi-. Van ReNSSELAEB did not remain long in the army, hut
having married in 1833 Miss Elizabeth E. Kino, daughter of
the Hon. John A. Kino, of Jamaica, L. L, he moved to Ogdens-
burgh to assume the charge of his father's estates in St. Lawrence
county: and in 1839, on the death of his father, became himself
the proprietor. For some years he devoted himself exclusively
COL. HENRY VAN RENSSELAER. 209
to the pursuits of agriculture, and to the discharge of the
numerous duties pertaining to his position. He was always ready
to assist, often to his own injury, in any enterprise that promised
to promote the good of the community. Generous, almost to a
fault, his hand was open alike to the calls of public and private
charity. His poor neighbor found in him a sincere and willing
friend, and the settlers upon his lands were treated with a uniform
liberality and consideration, which won their respect and affection.
Mr. Van Rensselaer was, from the period of his marriage, a
communicant in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and devotedly
attached to its interests. He allowed nothing to interfere with
what was not only a duty, but his highest pleasure, the service
of God; and no inclemency of weather ever prevented his punc-
tual attendance in the sanctuary. Simple and unostentatious in
manner, with a natural reserve, which shrank from disclosing the
communings of his inner life, he commanded universal respect as
a pure Christian gentleman; one whose constant endeavor was
" to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with his God."
In 1841, Mr.' Van Rensselaer was elected a member of the
House of Representatives from his district, being the only Whig
member ever elected by the same constituency. He served
through three sessions of the Twenty-seventh Congress with his
accustomed punctuality and diligence. But political life had
few attractions for him, and he gladly returned to his happy
home and ordinary occupations.
In the fall of 1855, he removed with his family to New York,
intending in the future to pass the winter there and the summer
at his home on the St. Lawrence. But soon after his departure,
his house at Woodford, on which he had lavished all the im-
provements that a refined taste could suggest, and where he
delighted to dispense an elegant and liberal hospitality, was
destroyed by fire, and New York became his permanent resi-
dence. There he led for some years a quiet and retired life, yet
always taking a deep interest in the political questions of the
day, and watching, with the sorrow of one devoted to his coun-
try, the growth of prejudice and treason, which culminated in
the great rebellion.
14
I'll) COL. HENRY v.w RENSSELAER.
I'lil when the fali of Fori Sumter fired the patriotism <>f the
north, true t<> liis early training as a soldier, and to his instincts
as a patriot, lie at once wrote to Gen. Soott, then in command
of our forces in Washington, to ask tor an opportunity as a sol-
dier, educated by the nation, to take some part in the impending
Btruggle. He received, in reply, a telegram saying, " We shall
be glad to lie aided by your presence;" and hastily completing
the arrangements tor Ins departure, he left New York on the
26th of April, 1861.
On reaching Washington, Gen. Scott received him imme-
diately into his military family; and. with the rank of Colonel,
made him chief of his staff. Of this position he faithfully and
intelligently performed the duties, until the relinquishment by
Gen. Scott, under the pressure of physical infirmities, of his
high command. He was. during these months, the constant com-
panion of the Lieutenant General, who recognized his moral
worth, and appreciated the affectionate respect and consideration
which he always received from him. Col. Van Rensselaeb was
an enthusiastic admirer of the old commander's personal charac-
ter and military achievements, as may be seen from the following
toast, which he proposed on the occasion of a dinner given by
the staff officers to Gen. Scott on his birth day: "The hero of
1812. and the conqueror of Mexico: Whilst Niagara's thunder
hymn is raised to heaven, his fame will not want a voice; and
while Mexico's snow-covered Popocatapetl props the sky, his
glory needs no monument."
It wras the General's special request, when he resigned his
position, that the gentlemen of his staff, who had rendered him
and their country efficient service, should receive subsequent
appointments suitable to their merits. And he was assured by
the President that his desire should be gratified, and that,
"except the unavoidable privation of his society, which they
had so long enjoyed, the provision made for them would be such,
as to render their situation as agreeable as it had been before."
Col. Van Kexsselaer accompanied Gen. Scott to New York,
and received from him, as he was on the point of sailing for
COL. HENRY VAN RENSSELAER. 211
Europe, October 9th, 1861, an autograph note of farewell, as
follows:
"Adieu, my dear Colonel Van Rensselaer. No General has
ever had greater cause to be proud of his staff than I have had
in you and my other dear friends — Cols. Townsend, Hamilton,
Cullum and Wright — all dear friends.
"WINFIELD SCOTT."
Upon the advice of Gen. Scott, Col. Van Rensselaer applied
for the position of Inspector General in the regular army, and
received his commission to that position, dating August 5th,
1861.
He was immediately ordered to make an inspection tour of the
west, having his head-quarters at Cincinnati, and he visited,
during the ensuing winter, most of the military posts of Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas.
In the spring of 1862, he received orders to report to Gen.
McDowell, then in command of the Army of the Rappahannock,
who was expected to take a prominent part, in cooperation with
General McClellan, in the movement upon Richmond. They
occupied Manassas and Fredericksburg, and were in daily antici-
pation of a farther advance, hoping, if possible, to reach Rich-
mond before the Army of the Potomac. But after remaining
inactive for some months, they were ordered back for the pro-
tection of Washington.
In August, 1862, Col. Van Rensselaer was again ordered to
Cincinnati, and the following summer, in addition to his other
duties, was appointed president of a board for the examination
of officers for colored regiments, a position which he filled at
the time of his death. His courteous, genial manners, and
kindly heart, won for him the confidence and esteem of all who
Mere connected with him, and during his residence in Cincinnati,
he formed many friendships which were an unfailing source of
pleasure to him in his leisure hours, and an unspeakable conso-
lation and solace during his last illness.
Owing to an attack of sickness, which rendered him unable to
discharge his duties, and which was probably the first symptom
of the insidious disease which several months later caused hi*
212 COL. HENRY VAN BEN88ELAEB,
death, he obtained a leave of absence, dating December 21st,
1863, and hastened home to spend Christmas with his family, it
being the tirst time since the beginning of the war thai they had
been together at that season. After several happy weeks, which
seemed to restore him to his usual vigorous health, he returned
to Cincinnati. But the separation from his family, the discom-
fort and loneliness of hotel life were peculiarly trying to his
mind, already harassed by many cares, and the close confinement
of his office exhausted his energies, until he had no strength left
to struggle with the slow fever, which was gaining a fearful hold
upon him. Yet, while contending against the double suffering
of feverish days and sleepless nights, be could not be prevailed
upon to neglect his official calls, which at that time were pecu-
liarly urgent, or to apply for another furlough. And morning
after morning found him seated at his desk, striving faithfully to
fix his mind, then weakened by disease, for the business before
him, until he was told by the attending surgeon that perfect rest
and quiet were essential to his recovery.
On March 16th his wife received a telegram, advising her to
come on, and although not apprehending any imminent danger,
she hurried there at once. Her presence seemed the gratification
of his only earthly desire, and, after listening to the many
details of home news, with loving inquiries after all those near-
est to his heart, he sank into a stupor, in which, with a few
intervals of consciousness, he remained while life lasted.
In his last delirious moments his mind still ran upon the pub-
lic interests which had so engrossed it — the state of the war, the
condition of the troops, and his own unfinished work, with which
were mingled words of advice and affection to the children, who
could not be with him. There was also a precious, golden
thread of higher thoughts, which showed where the mind
instinctively turned for comfort, in the approach of death.
The clergyman whose church he attended in Cincinnati, and
who was with him during his illness, gave a very touching account
of some of his last interviews with him, and spoke of him with
the utmost respect and affection, and as one whom he believed
to be a sincere and humble follower of Christ.
COL. HENRY VAN RENSSELAER. 213
During his lonely hours of suffering, the consciousness of a
Saviour's love was to his fainting soul as the " shadow of a great
rock in a weary land," and the gloom of death was brightened
by the presence of Him who has said, "I will never leave thee
nor forsake thee."
Col. Van Rensselaer died on the evening of Wednesday,
March 23d, 1864, at the Burnet House, Cincinnati. He was
buried in the churchyard of Grace Church, Jamaica, L. I., on
the following Sunday, Easterday, in the peaceful twilight, with
only his children and nearest relatives around his grave.
He sleeps in the Easter hope, that "they who have been bap-
tized into the death of Christ and buried with him, may at last
through the grave and gate of death, pass to their joyful resur-
rection."
This is a simple record of the life of a Christian soldier. We
cannot tell of battles fought, of deeds of heroism to command
silent admiration; but he did what he could. In his country's
first need, he was willing to go forth wherever he should be sent,
to give counsel or to aid in the camp or the field; and he unhesi-
tatingly sacrificed all the comfort and happiness of domestic
life to the simple instinct of duty, the duty every loyal man owes
to his country. Surely such a sacrifice, ending in that of life
itself, entitles the departed to the gratitude of a nation and the
admiration of posterity.
214 COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS.
IX.
COL. LEWIS OWEN MORRIS.
Col. Morris was born in Albany, N. Y., August 14, 1824.
Having descended from one of our oldest and most respectable
families, he inherited not only the gentle qualities of his ances-
tors, but also the spirit of heroic self-sacrifice and noble patriot-
ism for which, in the early history of our country, they were dis-
tinguished.
The first member of this family, Lewis Morris, came to this
country in the year 1672. He was a native of Monmouthshire,
in Wales, and commanded a troop of horse in the Parliament
against Charles I. Emigrating to the West Indies, he purchased
a beautiful estate at the Barbadoes, and became a member of the
Council. In the year 1654 an expedition was fitted out against
the Spanish Possessions in these islands, and Cromwell sent to
him a commission of Colonel. But when the British fleet arrived
the year following, Mr. Morris prized his services so highly
that he demanded a present of one hundred thousand weight of
sugar to pay his debts before he would accompany the fleet.
Accepting finalty the commission, he was present at the reduc-
tion of Jamaica.
He came to New York in 1672, and settled at Broncksland,
Westchester county; and soon after his arrival he obtained a
patent for his plantation. From 1683 to 1686 he was a member
of Gov. Dougax's Council, and ended his days in 1691, at his
plantation "over against Harlem," since known as the "manor
of Morrisania."
Lewis Morris, the great grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, was one of the noble men who signed the Declaration of
American Independence, and who pledged their lives, their for-
tunes, and their sacred honor in defence of their country.
COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 215
His grandfather, Capt. Staats Morris, eldest son of Lewis
Morris, served with distinguished valor under Gen. Wayne
towards the close of the Revolutionary War. A short time pre-
vious to this he had been united in marriage to a daughter of
Gov. Van Braam, of Holland, Governer General of the Dutch
Possessions in India. This gentleman came to New York during
the Revolution, and making this country his temporary residence,
he became the personal friend and associate of the Morrises and
other distinguished men of the Revolution.
The father of Col. Morris was Major Lewis Nelson Morris,
a graduate of our Military Academy at West Point. It is
recorded of him, that he was "a splendid man, a true soldier, an
ardent patriot, and an elegant gentleman." He took an active
part in the Black Hawk and Florida Wars, and for his gallantry
was highly commended in official reports. He married a grand-
daughter of Dr. Elias Willard, Surgeon in the Army of the
Revolution, whose wife was the daughter of Col. John Living-
ston. John was the brother of Col. James Livingston, who
commanded on the Hudson river below West Point at the time
of Arnold's treason, and by whose vigilance and skill, Andre
was captured.
On the 21st of June, 1846, while in command of the Third
Regiment United States Infantry, and leading his men to the
assault at Monterey, Mexico, Major Morris fell — having been
shot through the heart by a bullet from the enemy. For bravery
in the actions at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma he received
the brevet of Major. So highly was he esteemed in Albany that
the citizens ordered for him an elegant sword. But he did not
live to receive it, and it was presented to his son in his stead.
His remains were sent for, and buried with imposing military
honors. A suitable •monument was erected to his memory, by
the citizens of Albany, in their Rural Cemetery.
Col. Lewis Owen Morris, the subject of this sketch, spent
his early boyhood with his parents at Rock Island, on the Mis-
sissippi, where the "noise of hostile arms" reached his ears,
during the Black Hawk Avar. He returned to Albany to enter
upon his studies at the Academy. Ever intent upon following
216 COL. LEWIS O. MOKKIS.
tlif profession <>f his father, he devoted much time l<> those
branches of study, which would best tit him to filter the military
school al West Point.
In 1^4<>, upor hearing the sad tidings of his father's death at
Monterey, he determined to apply for a commission, without
delay, and join the army in the field. Through the efficient aid
of Bon. John C. Spenceb and Gov. M.uav. Secretary of War,
both personal friends of his Lamented father, he received, in the
spring of L847, a commission of Second Lieutenant in the First
Artillery. With this regiment, lie served until 1854. After
remaining just long enough on Governor's Island, New York
Harbor, to get his men in readiness, although then a mere lad,
he was ordered to cany a detachment of troops, by sea, to Mexico.
After being a few days out, the transport was wrecked on the
Florida coast. The coolness and ability manifested by our young
officer, on this trying occasion, were truly remarkable. On the
night of the wreck, while the crew and others were running to
and fro in consternation and uttering cries of distress, he passed
the hours of anticipated death on deck, with his men mustered.
and troinjr through the regular drill in order to keep them calm
and in discipline, prepared to avail themselves of any help that
Providence might see fit to send them. Daylight brought the
needed relief, and in as regular order as when embarking, the
men were transferred from the shattered vessel to the boats, and
every one was safely landed in Abaco, one of the Bahama Islands.
Thence they were carried to Charleston to await transportation
to their destined port. This delay prevented Lieut. M0BEI8 from
reaching his regiment until they had arrived at Vera Cruz, on
their way out of Mexico. But, while there, he was placed in
charge of the Mexican prisoners at the castle of San Juan D'Ulloa.
Here his duties were arduous and trying, and he suffered from a
severe attack of yellow fever. During his convalescence, his
devotion, to both officers and men, who were sick and dying of
that terrible scourge, was remarked by all, and long remembered
by many. On his return to the United States, at the close of
the Mexican war, a brevet was tendered him by the Secretary
of War. But with that keen sense of honor, which was so pecu-
COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 217
liarly characteristic of him, he declined the honor, saying: "I
have not won it on the iield, and I cannot wear it."
From that time he was almost constantly in active service,
either hunting the Indians through the everglades of Florida, or
on the Texan frontier.
At the beginning of the rebellion, in 1861, Col. Morris was
in Texas, in command of Fort Brown. At that crisis the officers
ami soldiers were rapidly yielding to the pressure around them,
and joining the Southern Confederacy. But to the everlasting
honor of the Colonel, we rejoice to say that he stood firm for
the United States. He was resolved to perish rather than yield
one iota to the infamous foes of his country; and out of all the
United States forces then in Texas his company was the only one
that refused to surrender themselves, or to turn over the property
of the Government to the rebels.
Col. Morris was afterwards ordered to North Carolina, where
he took an active part at Roanoke and Xewbern, under Gen.
Burxside, and afterwards he was with the forces of Maj. Gen.
R. G. Foster. Being held in high estimation by those in autho-
rity, he was designated to direct operations against Fort Macon,
N. C, which he captured and afterwards commanded. It was a
place of great strength, and its reduction considered justly one
the most brilliant achievements of the war.
Gen. Foster, in a letter to the Secretary of War, writes: "I
can bear testimony to the services of Capt. Morris, First Artil-
lery, who was, at the time of the siege of Fort Macon, in com-
mand of the Thirty-pound Parrot Siege Battery. This battery
being manned by his company, made such effective shooting on
the first day of the siege, as to disable the defence of the fort to
such a degree as to oblige its commander to surrender, without
waiting for the bombardment of the second day. I earnestly
hope that some token of appreciation of Capt. M.'s services may
be given to his name."
Coming north in the summer of 1862. he was tendered the
Colonelcy of the One Hundred and Thirteenth N. Y. Regiment,
which he accepted. In the short space of four weeks the regiment
was organized, equipped and on its way to the seat of war. This
218 COL. LEWIS <>. MoiMMS.
regiment was bhe first from this State <«» arrive in Washington at
a moment, when the city was menaced by a rebel foe. Col. M.
was highly commended tor his promptness by the War Depart-
ment. As an expression of their appreciation of the valuable
service he rendered the country by the timely arrival of his regi-
ment, it was converted into a regiment of heavy artillery (Seventh
\rw York Heavy Artillery), and stationed at Fort Reno, on the
defences north of Washington. Shortly after, other regiments
were added to Col. M.'s command, forming a brigade.
He remained at Fort Reno some months. Strong in will, yet
gentle and winning in his manners, he secured at once the respect
and love of those under his command. He was most assiduous
in the discipline of his men and unwearied in his efforts to make
them good soldiers. Fort Reno, the head-quarters of Col. M.,
was always the post to which those were directed who came to
witness the skill, discipline and efficiency of the Army of Wash-
ington. Hearing that the officers of his brigade were preparing
an application for his promotion, he modestly requested that it
should not be done, being always unwilling to receive any honor
of that kind, not won on the field.
Frequent raids by the rebel cavalry, and alarms of the approach
of Lee's army in force, gave him the opportunity to test his men.
He felt confident of them, and although so strict a disciplinarian,
he was idolized by them. He longed to lead them to the " front,"
and made frequent applications for orders, which at length arrived
on May 10th, 1864. Two days after, Col. M. joined the Army of
the Potomac at Spottsylvania. In that and the subsequent engage-
ments he participated, winning for himself the commendation of
all. Gen. Meade, in general orders, called the men of the
Seventh "veterans." Col. Morris was always so cool in the
hour of danger, and self-possessed when the storm of battle raged
the fiercest, that his example inspired the courageous, encouraged
the timid, and rebuked the cowardly.
One of the officers of his staff, writing to his family, says: "I
wish to relate an incident which will illustrate our beloved Colo-
nel's noble heroism and devotion to duty. We were charging a
rebel redoubt, and as the line advanced, the Colonel at their head,
COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 219
the men fell very fast. Col. M. noticing that as one fell, two or
three of his comrades would fall out to assist the wounded man to
the rear, he turned to the ranks, sternly forbidding the practice,
saying: 'Should I fall, let no one stop to assist me. Press
forward ! drive the enemy from their position, then take time to
care for me.' "
It was Col. Morris and his men of the Seventh who, at the
battle of Cold Harbor, June 3d, won the key of the rebel posi-
tion, captured several pieces of artillery, and took several hun-
dred prisoners. Major General Hancock, commanding Second
Army Corps, to which Col. Morris' Brigade wras attached, thus
writes of him after the action at Cold Harbor :
"I knew Col. Morris well, have known him for many years,
and served with him in Florida and was much attached to him,
which gives me a better opportunity of judging of his merits
than I would otherwise have had. He was brave, faithful in the
discharge of his duty, and at the action at Cold Harbor he won
renown. He had entered the enemy's works under a heavy lire,
and captured several pieces of the enemy's artillery and many
prisoners. The day previous, upon the Avounding of Col. Burke,
commanding a brigade in Gen. Barlow's Division, Col. Morris
assumed command, which he held at the time of his death."
Col. Morris' military ability was highly valued by all, and his
advice was frequently sought equally by his superiors in rank
and his subordinates. Gen. Barlow thus writes of him in a pri-
vate letter :
"It gives me pleasure to speak of Colonel M. as a most gal-
lant and meritorious officer, discharging his duty with fidelity
and success. In the action at Cold Harbor he behaved with dis-
tinguished bravery. With the Seventh Artillery he entered the
enemy's works, captured several pieces of artillery and several
hundred prisoners, and was himself training some of the enemy's
guns upon their own men, when we were compelled to evacuate
the place.
"On June 3d, I had requested him to go with me to the
advanced works for the purpose of fixing upon the ground for
some new trenches. &c. While thus engaged, he fell at mv
220 COL. l.i.w is <». UOBBI8.
side mortally wounded by a ball from one of the enemy's sharp*
shooters."
The death of this noble patriot cast ;i deep gloom oyer the
whole army. It was related by one present, thai when die Bad
news reached the men of his own regimenl many of them threw
themselves upon the ground and wept like children. And that
band of brave men, who the day before were ready to do and
dare anything when led by their heroic commander, were, in a
moment, <ast down and entirely unnerved. One thus explains
the feeling that prevailed:
"Our whole brigade was like a lifeless body, from which the
soul had just departed."
Thus passed away from earth Lewis Owen Morris, the worthy
son of a worthy and noble ancestry. As a soldier, he was the
bravest of the brave. As a patriot, his love of his country was as
pure as the light — no spot ever dimmed its lustre. As a friend,
his warm and generous heart attached to him every one with
whom he had any intercourse. As a husband and father, he was
all tenderness and affection. He leaves a stricken widow and
two dear children to mourn his absence from the family circle.
Were it proper to intrude upon the privacy of domestic relations,
we might till pages with a record of his kind deeds. But there
is one heart that fully knowrs his value; and knowrs, too, how
much earthly happiness, and how many fond hopes wTere extin-
guished, when his manly form fell upon the bloody field to rise
no more.
Of the last hours and Christian hopes of our departed hero,
we have an account in the following kind and consoling letter
addressed to Mrs. Morris by the Kev. Dr. Brown, pastor of the
Presbyterian church at Georgetown. D. C, the church which Col.
Morris attended while at Washington.
Georgetown, D. C, June 8, 1864.
Mrs. Catharine W. Morris:
My dear Fiiend — It was my privilege, during the eighteen
months past, to be intimately acquainted with Col. Lewis O.
Morris. The result was, that I learned to love him as a brother,
COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 221
and I think he loved me. The fact that I was a minister of the
Gospel was no barrier to the freedom of his visits to me, both
in my family and at my study. On my ministry, on the Sab-
bath, morning and evening and during the week, he was a con-
stant attendant. On the subject of personal religion we conversed
freely in private. I think I can say, then, with some confidence,
that I knew him. And from his own lips I have had the declara-
tion, months since, and with deep emotion: " There is nothing I
wish so much as to be a Christian." So matters stood when I
went down to the Army of the Potomac, nearly four weeks since,
as a member of the Christian Commission. Two days after, Col.
Morris and his command were ordered to the front. I saw him
at Spottsylvania Court House when he joined the arm}'-; and as,
by the singularly kind providence of God, we were thrown into
the same corps, division and brigade, I either saw him or had
news of him every day, until the last.
From the first he was in the front of the continuous fiofhtino-
going; on, and won for himself and his men the commendation of
all. Gen. Meade called them "veterans" in general orders.
They were said to "fight like tigers." I do not like the expres-
sion, but so soldiers speak. It was Col. Morris and his men of
the Seventh, who, at the battle of Cold Harbor, on Friday morn-
ing, June 3d, Avon the key of the rebel position, captured several
pieces of artillery, and took four hundred prisoners. But, not
being supported, they were compelled to abandon all but the
prisoners. I know this to be so, for I was at the time close at
hand, and heard the story from many of the actors and witnesses.
This was Friday.
Saturday morning, early, Gen. Barlow called on Col. Morris
to make with him an examination of the position; he was then
commanding the brigade. Our breastworks and the enemy's were
but fifty yards apart. No one dared show himself on either
side. The sharpshooters fired quickly at sight of a cap or a hand.
The two started, Gen. Barlow leading, hiding behind the breast-
works, and dodging from rifle pit to rifle pit. In passing from
one pit to another, Col. Morris for a moment was exposed, and
received his wound. The ball struck him in the left shoulder,
222 OOL. LEWIS O. MOBHT8.
ranging downward across the body, touching the spine in its
progress, and entering the right lung. I think (but do not know)
that he fell insensible. Dr. Pomfbet and I soon heard of his
wound, and ordered him brought to where we were- we could
not go to him. lie wa.s brought in about ten o'clock, insensible,
moaning and uttering incoherent sentences. Stimulants were
administered, and the surgeons in attendance examined his wound.
Jn about an hour consciousness came to him. He knew us both.
But his system did not rall^y. His body, below the wound, was
paralyzed. He had no pain, but suffered much from nervous
distress and difficulty iu breathing. He began praying for mercy.
I pointed him to Jesus Christ, and said, " Colonel, put your trust
in Him." "I do, I do," he replied, "He is my only hope and
trust." "Do you trust in him as your Saviour?" I asked. " Yes,
I do." I wished to be sure that this was so, and, though I was
weeping so I could scarcely speak, and his arm was on my neck.
I reminded him of former conversations on the subject, and of
what I had then said to him about saving faith in Jesus Christ,
and asked him if he understood. He answered: "I understand.
Jesus Christ is my only hope and trust. I do trust in him. I am
going home to eternal rest with my Saviour." Such declarations
as these were repeated again and again, mingled with messages
of love to the dear ones who were absent, and requests to meet
him in heaven. He was fully conscious of his condition, and
ready, even anxious, to depart. At one o'clock his spirit de-
parted, and, as I can not doubt, passed into the glory of the
saints in light. When we undressed him we found his Testament
in his pocket, and showing marks of use.
I hope that what I have written may, my dear friend, give
yon some satisfaction. I feel his loss deeply. He was as a
brother to me. 1 loved him, and I think he loved me. I need
not assure yon then of my sympathy in your second great sor-
row. But your hope is in the same Saviour in whom he trusted.
May that Saviour mercifully, graciously and most abundantly
sustain you. With profound respect and esteem, my dear friend,
Yours truly, FREDERICK BROWN.
COL. LEWIS O. MORRIS. 223
The "Albany Evening Journal " gives the following tribute to
the character of our departed hero, and also the account of his
funeral:
"Col. Morris was no ordinary man. His mind, naturally
vigorous, was strengthened by hard study, and enriched by libe-
ral culture. Strong in will, yet winning in manners, he at once
commanded the respect and affection of those under his command.
Although a strict disciplinarian, he was idolized by his men.
Cool in the hour of danger, self-possessed when the storm of
battle raged fiercest, he inspired by his example, encouraged the
timid and rebuked the cowardly. He was a stranger to fear, and
died gloriously in the field and in the face of the rebel foe. He
wras an ardent patriot, loved the old flag more than he did life,
and went into the war for its defence with his whole heart. In
the bright roll of martyr-heroes which history will exhibit to the
admiration of coming ages, few names will shine out with a
serener splendor than that of Col. Lewis O. Morris.
"June 11. Funeral of Col. Morris. The remains of this
gallant young officer were conveyed from the residence of his
brother-in-law, Dr. Vanderpoel, to the North Dutch church,
where the funeral exercises took place. They were conducted
by the pastor, the Rev. Rufus W. Clark, and were solemn and
impressive. Among those in attendance at the church were a
few members of the Seventh Artillery, who were wounded in
the recent campaign in Virginia, and who can now walk by the
aid of crutches. At the conclusion of the services in the church,
the remains were brought out and received with military honors
by the Twenty-fifth Regiment, under command of Col. Church.
The remains of Col. Morris were then conveyed to the cemetery.
The funeral escort consisted of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, pre-
ceded by Schreiber's band. Then followed the funereal car,
drawn by six gray horses, plumed. The coffin was covered bj
the flag for which he lost his life, and adorned with white roses.
The bearers were Generals Rathbone and Vanderpoel, and
Colonels Baker, Ainsworth, Young and Harcourt, flanked by
a detachment of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, and followed by the
horse of the deceased, led by his groom. The mourners were
224 OOL. LEWIS <>. UOBBT8.
followed by officers and soldiers of the army, who came hither
to pay the last tribute of respect t < » t li « ■ brave and lamented dead.
The committee of arrangements and the mayor and common
council followed in carriages. The streets through which the
funeral cortege passed were crowded with spectators, and grief
was depicted in almost every countenance."
COL. JAMES P. McMAHON. 225
X.
COLONEL JAMES P. McMAHON.
Patrick McMahon, a native of Pallas Green, county Limerick,
Ireland, with his wife and their three boys, John E. McMahon,
Martin T. McMahon and James P. McMahon, the subject of
this sketch, emigrated to America in 1839. They first settled
in Pennsylvania. There, the father being an intelligent and able
man, obtained employment, as an engineer, on the public works
of that State.
About the year 1852, he, being engaged as a contractor, in the
construction of the New York and Erie Railroad, removed to the
State of New York, settling in Cattaraugus county, where he
afterwards became extensively engaged in the lumber business.
He gave to his three sons a good education, and all of them
graduating at St. John's College, Fordham, near New York city.
Each of this noble trio has proved himself worthy of the great
paternal care and attention bestowed on their education. John
E. McMahon was, at the age of twenty-one, Private Secretary of
Gov. Seymour, in 1854. At the breaking out of the war, he was
in the successful practice of the law in Buffalo, New York, where
in the fall of 1862, he engaged in raising troops for the Corco-
ran Legion, which was to be commanded by Gen. Michael Cor-
coran. He was, on the 8th of November, 1862, commissioned
Colonel of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment New
York Volunteers, and served in Virginia till his death, by disease
contracted in the service, in the winter of 1863. He was a young
man of brilliant talents and attainments.
The youngest brother, Martin T. McMahon, having served as
Private Secretary to Postmaster General Campbell from 1853 to
1857, studied the profession of the law, and, about the year 1860,
15
226 coL. JAMES P. McMAHON.
went to San Francisco, California, where he was engaged in the
•
practice of his profession in copartnership with Ex-Governor
John B. Wixi.Ki;. When the call to arms came for men to
defend the Union, in L861, he raised a company of volunteers
and joined the Aiiuv of the Potomac, in the fall of thai year,
with the rani of Captain. Be was soon appointed on the staff
of General McClellan, and there remained till thai General was
relieved from the command of the Army <>f the Potomac, when
he was assigned to the position of Chief" of Staff on General
Sedgwick's staff, where he continued to serve till that gallant
soldier's death, in May, 1864. He continued in the service tili
he was mustered out, after the (dose of the war, as Brevet Major
General. After this period of four years service, he returned to
the practice of his profession in New York city, Avhere he is now
Corporation Attorney, an office of great responsibility and
importance, to which he was appointed for his worth, and the
courage and patriotism that he and his family had displayed
during the war. He is now only thirty-one years of age.
The other brother, Col. James P. McMahon, was born in the
county of Wexford, Ireland, in the year 1836, and came with his
parents, as already stated, to America in 1839. After graduating
at St. John's College in 1852, he was engaged in assisting his
father in the lumber business till 1856, when he removed to
Albany and commenced the study of the law in the office of his
uncle. Matthew McMahon, Esq., then a prominent member of
the bar in Albany. He was admitted to practice in 1860. He
remained with his uncle till the breaking out of the rebellion in
1861, when he prepared to enter the contest for the Union.
When in the summer of 1861, Gen. T. F. Meaghar commenced
to raise the Irish Brigade, he at once went to New York city,
raised a company, and joined the Sixty-ninth Regiment N. Y.
Volunteers (known as the First Regiment of Meaghar's Brigade),
with the rank of Captain.
After this regiment reached the front, Capt. McMahon soon
evinced great capacity and quick perception into military affairs,
and was selected by Gen. Meaghar as his aid, in which position
he acted for several months.
COL. JAMES P. McMAHON. 227
In the battle of Fair Oaks, on the 1st of June, 1862, he received
the thanks of his Brigadier General, and of his Division Com-
mander, Maj. Gen. Richardson, for his cool bravery and tact in
bringing a portion of the brigade through a heavy lire, and
securing for it a position of importance. As a recognition of his
services in this battle, in which he killed and captured more of
the enemy than his command, the brave Richardson called him
at the close of the day to take a place on his staff with the rank
of Major. There he remained, accompanying the General through
the Peninsula campaign, and being with him at the battle of
Antietam, in which Gen. Richardson fell mortally wounded.
Gen. Richardson was fondly attached to his young aid; and after
he was wounded, the few days that he lingered, he insisted upon
his remaining by his side till he died.
Shortly after the death of Gen. Richardson, he was appointed
Lieutenant Colonel of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment
New York Volunteers, which was raised at Buffalo by his brother,
John E. McMahon, for the Corcoran Legion. On the 20th of
March, 1863, Col. John E. McMahon, his brother, who was
Colonel of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Regiment New
York Volunteers, and attached to the Corcoran Legion, dying,
James was at once appointed to the Colonelcy vacated by his
brother's death. In April of this year (1863), he led the expe-
dition on the Edenton road, near Suffolk, where he surprised and
routed a much larger force than his own, comprising the Seven-
teenth Regiment Virginia Infantry. He captured their garrison
and equipments, and many prisoners, with a small loss to his
own command.
About a week afterwards his regiment was in a second engage-
ment on the Edenton road, repulsing the enemy and capturing a
line of their works, his command being the only one engaged
out of about ten thousand troops. For several days in Ma}r he
was engaged in active skirmishing on the Blackwater. He was
at the defence of Suffolk, Va., during the siege by the enemy
under Gen. Longstreet. On the evacuation of it by our army,
Col. McMahon's command was the last to leave, forming the rear
guard of the army.
228 OOL. i wil> P. M. M \IH)\.
The Legion was ordered thence ii» Portsmouth, where they
remained ii!l ordered to Centreville. For some four months,
they were engaged in following and fighting Moseby's band, who
were met by Col. McMahon's Regimenl al Snicker's Gap, and,
after a hard fight, dispersed and many of them taken prisoners.
In May. 1864, the Legion was ordered to join the Second
Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac, and marched with
(icii. Grant through t he bloody battles of the Wilderness and
Spottsylvania, in which Last-named battle Col. MrM \n<>\ lost one
hundred and twenty-five men of his regiment. He continued to
lead his small hut heroic band till the battle of Cold Harbor,
where the gallant young Colonel, while charging the enemy's
works at the head of his command, fell on the ramparts of the
enemy covered with many mortal wounds. At the time he had
the colors in his own hands.
Col. McMahon was devotedly loved by his men and officers.
The Surgeon of his regiment, Dr. Regan, of Brooklyn, when the
word reached him that the Colonel had fallen, wept, and said he
wished it had been himself instead of Col. McMahon. On the
day of the fall of this officer, it was impossible to bring oil' his
body or reach the spot where he fell; but a few days after men
from both armies visited the battlefield under a flag of truce,
when a rebel officer informed Adjutant Beattie of the One Hun-
dred and Sixty-fourth, where the body of his Colonel was buried.
The rebel officer said : " We hated like the mischief to kill him,
for he was a brave fellow. He was without immediate succor
within near range of our guns, apparently wounded in the thigh.
We repeatedly asked him to surrender, but he shook defiantly
his sword and shouted ' Never !' He also shouted to his men to
come on. We, therefore, had to fire on him and drive your fel-
lows back."
This rebel officer also told Adjutant Beattie (since Colonel of
the same regiment), that he had ordered him to be buried in a
marked spot, where his friends might obtain his body. He
pointed it out to the Adjutant, who removed the thin earth over
it. and identified his lamented friend and Colonel, and brought
COL. JAMES P. McMAHON. 229
away with him some strips of his under-clothing as the only
memento of his friend that he could obtain.
This hero's body is mingled with the sods of Virginia on the
field where he fell, and no mark now designates his grave from
the others that fill those bloody fields. His deeds simply told
are his eulogy. He and his two brothers, assisted by their father
and their uncle, Matthew McMahon, Esq., of New York, raised
for the Army of the Union, and took to the field, nearly two
thousand of their countrymen. Alas ! how few returned ! Not
one-fifth of them all !
After his death, Gen. Meaghee, in writing to a New York
paper of some of the officers who fell at this battle, says :
" Next came the news that McMahost, planting his colors with
his own hands on the enemy's works — planting them there with
a boldness worthy of the grand and soldierly name that he bore,
and whom perhaps the recollection of the Malakoff and its Irish
conqueror may have inspired, was stricken down by the bullets
he so splendidly defied. Who of the old brigade — the favorite
brigade of Sumner and Richardson — can forget the dashing,
handsome, and indefatigable soldier, with his strictly defined
features often illuminated with enthusiasm; sometimes express-
ing the scorn and haughtiness of a true-blooded Celt; with a
heart for hospitality; with a soul for glory; and hatred and sar-
casm for what was mean, and a quick look and blow for what was
treacherous ? Who can forget his fine bearing, erect and grace-
ful; the decisive character of his intellect; his high sense of
honor; his physical activity — all those healthy and superior gifts
which made him a soldier at the start, and qualified him, even in
the first hours of boyhood, to be a fit exponent of his martial
race and kindred ? Who can forget all this, whenever that grand
picture of McMahon planting the colors of his regiment in the
face of the fire storm, and foot to foot with the desperate foe, is
spoken of in the camp by the survivors of the Irish Brigade of
the Army of the Potomac ?"
A few words more will close the story of this brave man and
patriot soldier. His pure Christian character deserves a remark.
Amid all the temptations of camp life, he never for a day forgot
230 OOL. JAMES P. Df< M \lln\.
to bend bis knee to the < i c » « 1 of battles. He was a .sincere and
devoted member of the church of his fathers.
His father, who was most ardently devoted to his children, at
the time of Col. John E. McMahon's death, was Laboring under
a severe indisposition, :m<l the sad and early death of his first-
bora and noble boy, it is thought, hastened his death, which soon
succeeded that of JOHN.
There are now left of this family Major General Mabxih
McMAHON and three younger sisters — their mother having died
many years ago. Few families can furnish a prouder and more
honorable record of services to their country, than that to which
the subject of this sketch belongs. Honor to the memory of the
gallant and patriotic brothers who died for their country, and
respect to him who, though living, served his country no less
faithfully, but was more fortunate in surviving to behold the
restoration of peace and the Union, for which they all periled
life and everything that they held dear on earth.
OOL. JAMES D. VISSCHER. 231
XL
COL. JAMES D. VISSCHER.
Colonel Visscher was the son of John V. S. and Eleanor
Visscher, and was born in Albany, March 26th, 1829.
In childhood he was remarkable for his good conduct and
kindness of heart. He was hopefully converted at the first
union prayer meetings held in the North Pearl Street Baptist
Church, and united with that church under Dr. Hague. At the
time of his enlistment he was in the employ of Messrs. Weed,
Parsons & Co., and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.
He felt it to be the duty of every young American citizen to
give their service to their country, and he was among the first
who responded to the call for volunteers after the fall of Fort
Sumter. In April, 1861, he left home with the Burgesses Corps,
of which he was a member, to join the Twenty-fifth Regiment
New York State Militia, then at Arlington Heights, Va., and was
with them in crossing the Long bridge into Virginia. He
returned with the regiment after three months service, and
remained at home for one year very reluctantly. All that
deterred him from re-enlisting was the thought of leaving his
aged mother alone. He felt it would be breaking up his home
forever, as he was the only child remaining with her, one brother
being already in the field with the Forty-fourth New York State
Volunteers.
At last he decided that it was his duty to take an active part
in the struggle for the right, and the rest he would leave to God.
He knew in whom he trusted. He enlisted in a company to be
attached to the Forty-third Regiment New York Volunteers,
then in the field, and took command of company G., Sept 4th,
1862.
232 COL. .1 \mi> D. I [S8CHEB.
He was in all the engagements with the regimenl mil il the time
of bis death. After the battles of the Wilderness be waa pro-
moted to the Colonelcy of the regiment, May L2th, L864. He
waa loved and respected bj his officers and men for bis soldierly
conduct and ( !hrist ian \ in in 3.
He waa killed by a bullel from a sharps] ter in the attack on
Fori Stevens, Washington, July L2th, 1864. He breathed but
a few moments, "My 1 r mother, God help her," were his
Last words. He never went into an engagement without coin-
mining himself to his Heavenly Father. His body was embalmed
;ind Miit home, and was buried with military honors from the
church of which he was a member. His remains now rest with
hi- kindicd in the Albany Rural Cemetery.
Tlie following is an extract from the last letter that he wrote
to his mother:
Neab Petersburg, July 1, 18 64.
Having a few spare moments from duty, I take the opportu-
nity of writing. I thank God that he has preserved John and
myself amid all the dangers through which we have passed. I
trust all the future to Him, and hope, my dear mother, you will
pray for us, that God will spare us to return. But if it is His
will that either of us should be taken, may we all meet in
heaven. With love, your affectionate son, J. D. V.
The following remarks were made at the funeral of Col. James
D. Visscher, by the lie v. G. D. M. Bredgman:
"Of those whose names have given to the Forty-third Regiment
an historic interest — whose deeds have illumined its progress,
is that of James D. Visscher, so recently promoted to its colo-
nelcy, so suddenly released from its honorable duties, for the
glory which they wear and the rest which they inherit who go
upward from the midst of tribulation, having washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Land). At the com-
mencement of our civil strife he gladly went to the field of duty
with the military organization with which he was earliest con-
nected—the Twenty-lift h Regiment — and received his equal share
of the honors awarded it. On its return, after a brief term of
• --:•
COL. JAMES D. YTSSCHER. 233
service, he decided to enlist a company of his own, and threw
himself promptly, laboriously, into the work. No argument, no
appeal, could uproot his deep conviction or break the force of
his high resolve. He seemed, as he bent inward, to have heard
a call in his own soul to which it behooved him to give most
earnest heed. He saw everything dear and valuable in life and
society on these shores at stake; and though loving those who,
in a great measure, were dependent on him, with a rare devo-
tion, the spirit that was abroad in the air entered into and pos-
sessed his soul. A higher breath than- kindred and blood can
impart, from God and the time, blew through his breast till it
made the music there of the trumpet-stop. So was he stirred
from within to mix in this conflict of the land and age. So did
he assume his martial aspect, and the voice we had so often heard
in our Sabbath praises sunk to a deeper tone and mingled into
the grander diapason of a nation's righteous wrath.
"Unlike so many who have gone away from the restraints of
home and from daily converse with those who were their defence
against wickedness and shame, he bore himself commendably,
and, amongst the temptations which gather so thickly in the
camp, illustrated, to a high degree, the strength which flows from
a Christian's faith.
" It was my privilege, a little more than a year ago, to visit
his regiment in Virginia; and, while there, I witnessed a scene
that will always live in my remembrance. It was on a warm and
cheerful Sabbath morning, when, the usual inspection being over,
martial music sounded through the little valley along which the
regiment was encamped, summoning us, by its solemn strains, to
the usual religious services. As we gathered to the slope on
which such services were usually observed, we saw two persons
in that company whom we never more will meet on earth — our
brethren Wilsox and Visscher. The hymns were borne upward
chiefly on their voices; and when I addressed the regiment and
gazed into those two hearkening faces, it was with gratitude to
God that their lives were not in contradiction with their pastor's
words. Again, in the hospital, they stood with me in the eve-
ning of that day, leading our praises in that quiet hour, and lend-
234 OOL. -i wn> D. \ [880HE&.
ing to us, as to their Chaplain they bad always done, the voice
of their authority. I gratefully recall those scenes to-day; fo]
they serve to illustrate whal companions have affirmed of both,
thai they maintained ;i Christian bearing during their absence
from us. and help t<» confirm our faith thai death t<> them was
only translation to the sceneries and blessedness of the heavenly
estate.
"In the recent battle in front of Washington —almost in sighi
of the plumed statue of Freedom, whose elevation to her Lofty
height, while the nation, battles for the idea, is grandly signifi-
cant— our brother fell, bravely baring his bosom to the foe, and
interposing it as the living shield of our nation's capital. And
bo they both have passed away. Lovely and pleasant in their
lives, in their death they were not long divided. Each has made
bis name honorable and illustrious; and whilst the State blazons
their achievements on her historic annals, we will think of them
as not dead, but translated to that higher realm, where earthly
honors are lost to thought in the immortal dignity of being kings
and priests to God, who serve and reign forever and ever.
" So are we contributing, men and brethren, in these frequent
gifts of youth, so strong and brave, to that great sacrifice which
is to re-unite these separate fragments of our nation, and pur-
chase for us a better than our former peace. So are we hallow-
ing, in these graves of sons and brethren, the places along which
the roots of the great tree of human freedom shall run, and take
up a flavor and a richness to be unfolded in its blossoms and fruit
through coming ages.
» "We can appreciate the anguish which to-day heaves and
swells in the souls of the bereaved, as they think of him whose
mortal tabernacle lies still and cold, emptied of all that gave it
comeliness and made it dear. They think of his tenderness as
a brother, of his rare fidelity as a son. They think, perhaps, of
thai final appeal into which his spirit seems to have been
breathed for her, whose pangs at his dying have been heavier
than his own. But is there not a full, sufficient comfort in the
fact that his life was devoted to such high uses? Is there not an
adequate consolation in the Gospel which declares our Christian
COL. JAMES D. VISSCHER. 235
dead as never lost, but only taken up into the glories of the
heavenly world, whence they reach out inviting arms to us who
longer wait below? Is there not such a grandeur about our cause
as compels them, even in their deep grief, to confess that he never
could have fallen in a more glorious service, or won immortality
by a more honorable fate? May these abundant comforts which
God has given with this affliction be realized in all their fullness
by the survivors. May this bereavement be so sanctified as that
out of this death life shall spring, and in the beauty of spirits
chastened and purified by loss, the beauty of the Lord our God
shall be upon us."
236 COL. HOWARD CARROLL.
III.
COL. HOWARD CARROLL.
The following tribute to this distinguished officer is taken from
one of our city papers, and was written soon after Col. Carroll's
death:
" We are now again called upon to mourn the loss of one whose
death will leave a blank in society that will not easily be filled,
and will bring sorrow to many hearts. To the list of the Albany
dead — of those who have fallen the most gloriously, in the heat
of battle, in the hour of victory, with their faces to the enemy —
Ave have now to add that of Howard Carroll, Colonel of the
One Hundred and Fifth Regiment of our State Volunteers.
"Howard Carroll, when he entered the army, had been a
resident of this city about seven years, and, during that time, his
manly qualities and his enviable accomplishments had endeared
him in no ordinary degree to all who were fortunate enough to
have been ranked among his friends. He was a native of Ireland,
having been born in Dublin, and was a graduate of Dublin Uni-
versity. He was thirty-five years of age at the time of his death.
His family connections in Europe were of a distinguished charac-
ter; his mother, after whose family name he was christened,
being a relative of the Earl of Effingham, and his father's family
occupying a high social position in Dublin. But to the fortuitous
circumstances of birth he, of course, owed nothing here. His
position in society was won by his personal merit, and he needed
no extraneous aid. He was a man of large mind, of genius and
of originality, an elegant and accomplished gentleman, and in
personal appearance, as well as by reason of his education and
acquirements, he would have graced any society.
"By profession, Col. Carroll was a civil engineer. He had
COL. HOWAKD CARROLL. 237
graduated at Colleges of Law and Medicine, as well as of Engi-
neering, in Europe, but selected the latter profession as that
which he designed to permanently follow. For the past six
years he had been engaged on the Central railroad, and his ability
as a practical engineer rendered him a valuable assistant to that
corporation. lie materially aided in designing the wrought iron
bridges now in use on that road, and all those built under his
superintendence bear evidence to his efficiency and skill as an
engineer. He is spoken of as having been one of the most accom-
plished civil engineers in this country. Col. Hextz, the Chief
Engineer of the government of Prussia, where the railroads and
canals are under the control of the Government, visited this
country some time since to obtain information respecting our
public works, and becoming acquainted with Capt. Carroll, paid
a high tribute to his accomplishments, and bestowed a special
mark of consideration upon him, by forwarding him drawings of
all the public works built by the Government of Prussia.
" When the rebellion broke out, Colonel Carroll .was offered
the position of Brigade Quartermaster in Meagher's Brigade,
and finding his services would be valuable in perfecting the
organization of the brigade, he acted temporarily in that capacity,
but resigned after it had become a success, desiring some more
active and prominent position in the field, but always expressing
his determination to enlist in the service of his adopted country.
Subsequently, he was tendered the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the
One Hundred and Fifth (Rochester) Eegiment, a position he at
once accepted.
" After the regiment had been a short time in the service, its
Colonel, Col. Fuller, resigned, and used his best efforts to secure
the promotion of Lieutenant-Colonel Carroll to the Colonelcy,
expressing the opinion to the Governor and Adjutant General
that Howard Carroll was one of the most accomplished officers,
as well as one of the coolest and bravest soldiers in the volunteer
service of the State.
" Col. Carroll was at once invested with the command of the
regiment, and his subsequent career fully justified the judgment
of his former commanding officer. His regiment became famous
i
238 COL. HOWARD OABBOLL.
for its discipline and for its admirable conduct in the field.
Their beloved commander led t hem in the battle of Cedar Moun-
tain, and in all the fights in which McDowell's Corps, to which
they were attached, took pari in trout of Washington during tin-
lour or five days of Pope's retreat. The regimenl was distin-
guished for its gallant conduct in all these engagements, and
although cut down from its full complement t<> some four hundred
men, was ordered up to the support of Banks, and behaved so
well as to attract the attention of the glorious Hooker, who knew
when a commanding officer was a fighting man of the true metal.
'• When McClellan was invested with supreme command, he
at once recognized Col. Carroll's services by transferring his
shattered regiment to Hooker's division, and placing him with
the advance of the army in Maryland. The One Hundred and
Fifth was in all the desperate rights that marked the onward
march of our victorious General, after the tide of invasion had
been checked, and the triumphant enemy beaten back into Vir-
ginia, up to the battle of Antietam. During that bloody and
hard-fought struggle, Col. Carroll was ordered to make a charge,
with four other regiments, up the side of one of those steep
ascents, upon the summit of which the enemy had taken up his
position. The order was promptly obeyed. Putting himself at
the head of his little band of heroes, the gallant Colonel led
them once more, but alas ! for the last time, to victory. The
post was won. The enemy, in confusion, was driven from his
position. But even while the shouts of triumph went forth, Col.
( 'arroll was shot from his horse. A Minnie ball passed through
the calf of his left leg, entirely disabling him, and inflicting a
very painful, but, as was supposed, not dangerous wound.
"The Colonel was immediately carried from the field by his
men. to whom his devotion and bravery had much endeared him,
but. in the confusion of the day, and amidst the crowds of
wounded, he could obtain no proper care. His wound was
hastily and but partially dressed, and he was placed in an ambu-
lance and hurried off on a journey of over one hundred miles to
"Washington, without any proper care and attendance by the way.
This journey no doubt caused his death. When he reached the
COL. HOWARD CARROLL. 239
Capital, his leg was in a dreadful state of inflammation, and his
constitution was broken down by fever and exhaustion. He was
in too low a condition to render amputation possible, with any
prospect of recovery. He was placed in the hospital, and
received every attention, when attention came to late; although
even there, as we are assured, there is sad lack of proper surgi-
cal skill. The fatal blunder was in sending severely wounded
men so far, when Baltimore was only one-quarter of the distance,
or when they might have been rested and attended to him at
Frederick.
" Poor Carroll protested against his removal in an ambulance
over miserable roads, in such a condition, but he was helpless to
prevent the sacrifice of life, which his own judgment told him
must follow the ill-advised course.
"Upon learning that Col. Carroll was among the wounded, a
warm personal friend of the deceased, of this city, went on to
Washington to ascertain his condition. He found him in a very
low state, but left him, on Friday of last week, more easy, and, as
he believed, in a fair way of recovery. On Monday evening,
however, Col. Carroll died, having been gradually sinking since
Saturday evening.
" While the wail of bereaved hearts is going up from tens of
thousands of desolated homes; from the widow, who mourns in
her loneliness; from the mother, who weeps for her son; from
the orphan, who pines for a father's caress; from the sister, who
can never again know the blessing of a brother's love; a single
life may seem but of small moment, and the lamentations of
personal friendship may almost take the semblance of selfishness
amidst the general woe. But the officer to whose memory we
have paid but a feeble tribute, possessed so many qualities to
endear him to his friends — as an agreeable companion, an accom-
plished gentleman, and a true hearted man — that we may well
single him out among the many gallant dead, as one whose loss
will be very deeply felt, and whose memory will long be kept
green in many friendly hearts."
240 CHI.. CI.OKCK W. PRATT.
XIII.
COL. GEORGE W. PRATT.
We sincerely regrel that all the information that we have been
able to obtain of this distinguished scholar and soldier, is con-
tained in the following notices of the deceased, taken from our
daily newspapers:
"In the month of September, 18G2, Col. Geobge W. Pratt,
of the Twentieth New York State Militia, died in this city,
whither he had been brought from the battle field. His death
resulted from paralysis, caused by the explosion of a shell near
his person in the action of August 29th, while he was gallantly
leading his regiment. No wound wTas inflicted, but his whole
system was paralyzed, and he was insensible most of the time
after he was stricken down. lie died at the residence of his
mother-in-law, Mrs. Benjamin Tibbitts, corner of Hawk and Lan-
caster streets. He was a young man of great promise. He had
served as State Senator with ability and integrity. He was a
merchant of enterprise and wealth. He was of cultivated under-
standing and engaging manners. He had a knowledge of many
different languages, and was a member of the leading scientific
societies in this country and in Europe, and had received the
degree of LL. D. from a leading German University. His library,
in the department of Eastern literature, was the best in the coun-
try. He had the Bible in thirty-two languages. His military
ambition and his patriotism called him to the field on the out-
break of the civil war, and he hastened to the support of the
Government at the head of the Twentieth Regiment, of which he
was Colonel. He was only called to a three months service, but
he enlisted for the war, aud had served with distinction through
the long campaign, when he received his fatal wound on the dis-
COL. GEORGE W. PRATT. 241
astrous field of Manassas. He was beloved and confided in by
his soldiers; and the army will miss him, for he was one of the
class most needed — a high-toned, conscientious and gallant sol-
dier. He was but thirty-two years of age."
FUNERAL OF COL. G. W. PRATT.
" The day was pleasant, and an immense concourse of people
were in the streets to witness the imposing pageant. Flags
were hung at half mast; guns were fired during the day, and the
bells were tolled during the funeral march. The remains were
buried from St. Peter's Church, where impressive services took
place, under direction of Rt. Rev. Bishops Alonzo and Horatio
Potter. The procession moved from the church in the follow-
ing order:
Detachment of Police.
Military Escort.
Band.
Tenth Regiment N. Y. S. N. G., including the Albany Burgesses
Corps, Col. Ainsworth commanding.
HEARSE,
Flanked by Pall Bearers and the Masonic Lodge of Kingston.
Horse of deceased, led by private servant.
Col. Wright and Staff.
Brig. Gen. Sampson and Staff.
Historical Society of Kingston.
Mayor and Common Council of Albany.
Masonic Order.
Friends of the deceased residing in Kingston and Catskill.
Family and friends of deceased, in carriages.
Citizens.
" The whole was under the command of Col. Bryan, assisted
by Lieut. Col. Chamberlain and Quartermaster Rathbone, of the
Tenth Regiment. The line was formed on the south side of
State street, right resting on Chapel street, at half past one
o'clock. The procession moved down State street to Broadway,
16
■J\> CX)L. OEOBOE W. l'KATT.
up Broadway to Ferry, where a hall wras made to allow the mili-
tary and oilier associations to take the cars for the cemetery.
The steamer Manhattan arrived yesterday morning from Standout
with some six hundred citizens of thai place, Kingston and
vicinity. Among them were the Masonic Lodges of those pljices,
which, with the lodges of this city, constituted one of the mosl
imposing features of the procession. The pageanl was a fitting
demonstration of respect to the memory of a young and gallant
officer, and citizen of intellectual and moral worth."
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 243
XIV.
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK LYMAN TREMAIN.
From his Father. Hon. Lyman Tremain.
By the death of Frederick L. Trematn, my first born child
has been removed from my family, in the morning of his life, and
his name added to the honored roll of patriot martyrs who have
fallen in the recent struggle for national existence.
When one so brave and patriotic, so good and generous, and,
I may add, so talented and distinguished as the subject of this
memoir, gives his young life to his country, the promptings of
justice and patriotism alone, would require that some record of
his example and his services should be preserved.
The voluntary testimonials to his virtues, and to the estima-
tion in which he was held by his brother officers in the army,
and by others, who knew him intimately, have been so numerous
and emphatic, and the expressions of public sympathy and sor-
row so extraordinary and general, as to justify a more enduring
memorial than can be supplied by written letters, or the news-
papers of the day.
Nor, as I believe, can this labor of love devolve on any one
more fitly than on me. No earthly vanity, no vain desire to
obtain earthly fame for my gallant boy, exerts any influence up-
on my action. How vain and empty are earthly fame and worldly
honors to him whose remains are deposited in the tomb! How
hollow and unsatisfactory are these to one crushed and pros-
trate under a blow so severe and bewildering, as that I have
received!
Were it not for other duties and obligations, often would I
have been disposed to use the mourning lamentation of David
for his dead son:
B I I I. Hi T. OOL. PREDEEIOK L. TEEM ai\.
••() my son Absalom! my bod, m\ bod Absalom! would God I
had died for fchee, 0 A-bsalom, my son, my Bon."
lint Absalom lost bis life while he was engaged in a treason-
able conspiracy against the government ;ni<l authority of his
Royal hither, while my son offered his, in obedience to the •••■ill
of his country, ;in<l in the performance of the highest duty that
could rot upon him as a dutiful, Loyal, obedient and faithful son
and citizen.
While so much of my happiness, my hopes and my heart lie
buried with my brave boy, it may afford me some solace- - it is
the very least tribute I can offer to his memory — to perform the
melancholy office of doing justice to bis career.
It may serve to remind my descendants of the household
monument which can be seen in my family, so Long as that family
shall exist.
It may serve to teach them the wickedness and sin of treason
against a beneficent government! It may tend to strengthen
their love for a country, the preservation of which has demanded
so costly a sacrifice! It may stimulate them to take a higher
view of their duty to their country and their God! The bright
example of this young patriot may nerve their arm, and
Strengthen their heart, to offer any and all necessary sacrifices,
even the sacrifice of life itself, higher than which can no man
give, for the preservation of our country, our union, and our free
institutions!
Frederick Lyman Teemain was the eldest child of Lyman
and Helen Cornwall Teemain, and was born at Durham. Greene
county, X. Y., on the 13th of June, 1843. He died at City Point
Hospital, Virginia, on the 8th of February. 1<SIJ">, from a gunshot
wound received in battle, near Hatcher's Run, on the (Jth of Feb-
ruary, being twenty-one years, seven months and twenty-four
days old at the time of his death.
Of his ancestry, all that I propose to state in this connection
is that he descended, both on his father's and mother's side, from
revolutionary stock. His paternal great-grandfather, Nathaniel
TEEMAIN, was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who died,
highly esteemed and respected, at Pittsfield, Berkshire county,
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAEST. 245
Mass. His maternal great-grandfather, Captain Dax. Cornwall,
was also a soldier of the Revolution, and a worthy citizen, who
died at Cornwallsville, Greene county, N. Y.
In his boyish career, there is little to record, which is worthy
of special notice. While he was by no means precocious, he
was a remarkably bright, intelligent and active boy. His nature
was so genial and generous that he was always a favorite, not
only with his youthful comrades, but with all who were brought *
in contact with him.
He had a remarkable facility in the acquisition of knowledge,
and, apparently without effort, mastered whatever lessons were
required of him, in and out of school. In all boyish sports and
athletic exercises, he was an acknowledged leader. He displayed
then, and through his subsequent life, an unusual degree of me-
chanical ingenuity.
There was one trait in his character which was developed at a
very early period, and which became, afterwards, prominent and
extraordinary. This was his wonderful courage, coolness and
self-reliance. Many instances to illustrate this characteristic
might be related, commencing as early as when he was three
years old, but I refrain from giving them a place here, fearful
that their publication might be ascribed to an overweening
parental fondness. Quick in forming his conclusions, prompt in
action, fertile in resources, obstacles and difficulties served only
to stimulate him in the execution of his purposes, and rare, very
rare, was the instance, so rare, indeed, that no case can be now
recalled, in which he failed to accomplish, successfully, whatever
he undertook.
His religious education was carefully attended to, and, at an
early age, he received the holy rite of baptism, in the Protestant
Episcopal Church, at Oak Hill, under the ministration of the
Rev. L. A. Barrows. The following extract is from a letter
received from this faithful minister and good man, written at
Norfolk, St. Lawrence county, his present residence:
" We feel to deeply sympathize with you under the dark cloud
which this sudden and unexpected bereavement has thrown over
you. Since such is the melancholy fact, that a dear child, a
246 LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TEEMADT.
brilliant youth, in the defence <>f hia country, haa been called
from your paternal embrace, Lei faith lift the veil, and Hen in a
world of bliss, future seen..- more glorious than could have been
won here on battle fields. FREDERICK IS gone. I placed the
form of the cross upon his forehead, and. as in life, bo in death.
Let ns believe thai he triumphed over the spiritual enemy, and is
now rejoicing in the kingdom of God."
Here let me add that, after his death, there was found in his
camp tent, carefully preserved, a copy of the Holy Bible, given
to him by his dear mother, with a mark placed at chapters
Jive and six of Matthew, which contain that sublime and com-
prehensive epitome of man's whole duty, Christ's sermon on
the mount.
In November, 1853, he removed, with his father's family, from
Durham to the city of Albany, where he continued to reside until
his death. Here several years were passed in faithful and dili-
gent study, preparatory to his college education. The schools
he attended in the city were the Albany Boys' Academy, and
afterwards the Classical Institute, in Eagle street, of which Prof.
Charles H. Anthony was Principal. Under the instruction of
this excellent and faithful teacher he spent between two and three
years of his life. Between Mr. Anthony and his young pupil,
relations of friendship were contracted which continued in full
force to the end. The photograph of this teacher of his boy-
hood was found, after his death, among the valued memorials in
his army trunk.
In 1858, Frederick entered the classical school for boys,
under the charge of Mr. James Sedgwick, at Great Barring'ton,
Mass. In this beautiful New England village he remained, pur-
suing his studies and attracting the affectionate regard of teach-
ers and schoolmates, for one year.
In the spring of 1859, he became a pupil in the celebrated
school for boys, under the charge of the Eev. Thomas C. Reed,
D. D., at Walnut Hill, Geneva. He continued in Dr. Reed's
school until the summer of 1860, when several of his school
companions were examined for admission into Hobart College,
Geneva, and Frederick, who had formed very strong attach-
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMATN. 247
ments with them, also applied and passed his examination, and
having been found qualified, was admitted into the Freshman
Class and entered that college at the commencement of the col-
lege year in September, 1860.
The two years, or nearly two years of his college life were
marked by no unusual incidents. Many warm friendships were
formed, and his genial and unselfish character, as well as his
excellent natural abilities, were duly appreciated.
By the firing upon Fort Sumter his patriotism was aroused,
and he experienced an ardent desire to become a volunteer in the
Army of the Union. About this time the people of Geneva were
engaged in organizing an engineer corps, under the command of
Mr. Charles B. Stuart, formerly State Engineer and Surveyor.
Frederick desired to enlist, and applied to his father for his
permission; but, there being at that time no difficulty in procur-
ing volunteers, and his college career having commenced only
the fall before, the paternal consent was then withheld — not
finally, but for the present.
In December, 1861, the annual sophomore exercises in public
speaking took place, and Frederick was selected as one of the
thirteen speakers of his class to participate in them. In a letter
inviting his parents to attend, he writes : "I think you will not
hear any bad speaking; but, on the contrary, will hear much
good speaking on the occasion." The exhibition took place at
Linden Hall, in the presence of a large and intelligent audience,
and he acquitted himself quite creditably. In the " Geneva
Gazette" his performance was specially mentioned in compli-
mentary and flattering terms.
During: the summer of 1862, after the President's call for more
men appeared, Frederick, who had never for a moment relin-
quished his desire to enter the army, again urged his father to
yield his consent. The author was thus brought face to face
with the stern reality of war, and he was called upon to deter-
mine the question whether the application of this loved son
should be granted or denied. He had, from the commencement
of the great conflict, labored, to the extent of his ability, to con-
vince his countrymen that it was their duty to sustain the Gov-
248 LIEUT, col.. FREDERICK L. ti:i:m\i\.
eminent and overthrow the rebellion. He had exerted what*
ever influence be possessed, by public addresses and in various
other modes, to induce men to take the field againsl the enemies
of the country. The conviction thai it waa the solemn duty of
every American citizen to sustain the authority and preserve the
life of the nation at any ami all sacrifices, was as full ami com-
plete as the human mind was capable of entertaining. This con-
viction formed a pari of his very being, and he believed that, in
this great crisis of the nation's peril, his duty to his beloved
country was second only to his duty to his God.
Adherence to this convict ion had already caused the sundering
of ties and associations cherished through life, and thereby pro-
duced an amount of mental sutlermg capable of being endured
only by the consciousness of duty performed. More than one
year's terrible experience in the sanguinary struggle, had revealed
the dangerous character of the conspiracy formed to overthrow
the Union and our Republican institutions, and to strengthen the
belief, that without universal self-denial and united action among
the friends of the Republic, all would be lost, and once gone,
could never be regained.
Should he now refuse to make the sacrifice required, by per-
mitting that son to aid in the defence of his imperiled country,
a sacrifice which he had been asking others to make? Should he
withhold from the service of that country one who possessed the
ability and the desire to make himself useful in the contest?
Should he be subjected to the reproach of having urged others to
send their sons, brothers and relatives to the war, and yet shrink
from the application of the stern test of sincerity and patriotism
in the case of his own son?
Should he compel that son to feel and, perhaps, to admit, in
future times, that he was withheld from going forth to fight
against his country's enemies by his own father, and that father
one who had professed to be in favor of prosecuting the war
with all the power and resources of the nation?
After careful deliberation, aided by the best lights which his
imperfect human reason afforded, he resolved that his consent
should no longer be withheld, and it was granted.
LIEUT. COL. FEEDERICK L. TREMAIN. 249
And now, with the bright hopes and brilliant promises that
clustered around that gallant youth forever extinguished — now,
with soul and spirit crushed by the traitorous bullet which took
his young life — now, with the prop on which I had fondly hoped
to lean, in my declining years, shivered to atoms, the question
comes home to me: Did I right in yielding that consent? and
down, down from the inmost recesses of my soul, the still small
voice of conscience whispers an affirmative response.
The consent of his mother followed, and Frederick imme-
diately began his arrangements for the new field of duty, with
great earnestness and energy. He had already become a mem-
ber of Company A, of the Zouave Cadets, a uniformed company
in the Tenth Regiment of Militia, and had been engaged in
acquiring the drill and the necessary military science. This
company has become highly distinguished during the war. It
can point, on its muster rolls, to many names among the noblest,
most gifted and patriotic of the young men of Albany. It has
already sent more than ninety of its members to the field, each
one of whom has earned and obtained a commission, many of
high rank, and all of respectable position.
Having obtained from Hobart College, an honorable dismissal,
his attention was immediately devoted to the new regiment of
infantry, known as the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment
of New York Volunteers, which was then in the process of being
organized in the city of Albany.
For the purpose of organizing this regiment, His Excellency,
Governor Morgan, had designated a war committee, embracing
some of the most patriotic and influential citizens of Albany, and
the committee held daily sessions at the Mayor's room in the
City Hall. It was resolved to make this regiment one of the
best that had been sent forth from the State. The Governor had
entrusted to the committee the duty of recommending suitable
persons to obtain authorization papers, to recruit volunteers with
reference to having commissions, as lieutenants and captains,
issued to those who were able to recruit the requisite number of
men.
Frederick promptly applied to the committee, and was the
250 LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. THK.MAi \.
first person who received from the Adjutant General, on the
recommendation of the committee, authority to obtain recruits
tor the new regiment. He erected his tent in front of Capitol
Park, in State street, issued his posters, associated "with him
young Orb and young McEwen, (tin- former of whom has since
lost his life in the army, and the latter is now Judge Advocate
of the First Division, Second Army Corps, having been for some
time a prisoner at Ldbby Prison, Richmond) and proceeded, with
vigor and energy, to obtain volunteers. Indeed, the real man-
hood of his character was displayed from the moment he felt
the responsibilities of his position, and continued to manifest
itself, more and more clearly, in every subsequent stage of his
career.
The late Adjutant General, John T. Sprague, then a Major in
the United States Army, was on duty for the Government at
Albany, as an auditing and disbursing officer. The war com-
mittee unanimously designated him as the Colonel of the new
regiment, and he accepted the position. The Government at
Washington, however, soon after this, declined to relieve him
from duty in the regular army, and hence he was only enabled
to act as Colonel for a very few days. During that time, how-
ever, discovering the necessity of an Adjutant for the regiment,
and being acquainted with Frederick, Col. Sprague kindly ten-
dered him the position of Adjutant. It was accepted, and his
selection approved by Gov. Morgan.
In the time that intervened, prior to the period when the regi-
ment left Albany, which was about thirty days, the whole duty of
organizing it, and getting it into proper working order, devolved
upon the new Adjutant.
To the faithful discharge of these duties, Frederick devoted
himself, days and nights, dividing his time between the head-
quarters in Broadway and the barracks. How readily he mas-
tered those duties, and how well he performed them, may be
inferred from the frequent compliments bestowed upon him by
the committee, who were superintending his movements, and
who were surprised and gratified by the qualities he exhibited.
If any apprehensions had been entertained, by reason of the
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 251
Adjutant's youth, it is believed they were entirely and speedily
dispelled.
Lewis O. Morris, the Colonel, who was selected to command
the new regiment, was a valuable and accomplished officer. He
had been fifteen years in the army, and bore an enviable reputa-
tion as an artillery officer.
About the 19th of August, 1862, the One Hundred and Thir-
teenth Regiment, with ten hundred and sixty bayonets, left the
city of Albany, under orders to report at Washington. It was
one of the first regiments placed in the field, under the Presi-
dent's call, and received a beautiful stand of colors, as well as
the Springfield muskets, which had been promised to each of the
first four regiments. A finer regiment, or one carrying with it
so many good wishes and so much interest, on the part of Alba-
nians, never left our city.
When the regiment reached Washington, the officer in charge
of its defences, knowing the skill of Col. Morris as an artillery
officer, procured the assignment of the regiment to duty upon
the defences of the city, where it was, not long afterwards, con-
verted into the Seventh New York Artillery.
The ensuing fifteen months were passed by Frederick, with
his regiment, near Fort Reno, about five miles from Washington.
He applied himself diligently to the acquisition of the knowledge
required in the artillery service. Part of the time he was en-
gaged in teaching a school of officers in military tactics. He
devoted himself faithfully to the performance of his official
duties. Twice I had the pleasure of visiting him there, and
could not fail to discover that he was a universal favorite with
the officers and men.
He became thoroughly familiar with his new profession. About
the time of leaving the regiment, he happened one day to be
engaged with a brother officer in discussing the subject of being
examined, as to qualifications, before a military board in session
at Washington, when Frederick volunteered to be examined.
His duties called him frequently to Washington, and soon after-
wards he presented himself before the board, and was subjected
to a thorough examination, the result of which was that he passed
252 LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TKI'.M.UX.
the examination successfully, and was tendered, in a few days, a
Lieutenant Colonel's commission in a colored regiment, but
meantime he had received another appointment, which he pre-
ferred.
At one time he had a severe attack of typhoid fever, produced
by the miasma of the Potomac, to which he was exposed in the
discharge of Ins official duties, and under the advice of his sur-
geon, he obtained a short leave of absence and visited his home,
but soon returned to his duties with renewed zeal and energy.
In writing; to me that he had deemed it best for his health to
make a short visit home, his surgeon says:
" The Adjutant was quite unwilling to listen to the suggestion,
but deeming it best, I insisted, imperatively, and shall apply for
a furlough to-morrow.
"Regretting the necessity which separates him, even tempora-
rily, from the staff, on his own account, I should do myself
injustice, as well as injustice to my brother officers, if I omitted
to state that we shall wait anxiously to hear of his convalescence,
and to welcome him again to the regiment."
Frederick was a universal favorite among the common sol-
diers. He always treated them with kindness and justice. Quick
to discover real merit in a private, and mingling much with the
men, his opinions concerning promotions had great influence
with Colonel Morris, and many a deserving soldier has been
indebted for his promotion from the ranks, to the aid and recom-
mendation of the Adjutant,
He began, after more than a year had elapsed, and still no
orders to move came, to desire more active service. The con-
version of his regiment into an artillery regiment, thus placing
it in a higher branch of service, had been gratifying to him, but
he had not anticipated so long a continuance of garrison duty,
and, having; reason to believe that the regiment might remain
doing that duty for a long time, and perhaps until the end of the
war, his active spirit began to chafe under the monotony of his
present life. Animated by an honorable ambition, he could not
enjoy a life of inglorious ease.
He wrote several letters to the author, expressing these feel-
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 253
ings, and desiring his aid in obtaining a position where he might
have an opportunity to acquire distinction, and strike a blow at
the enemies of his country.
Influenced by these appeals, the author applied for, and, in
November, obtained, for Frederick, Presidential appointment
as Assistant Adjutant General, with the rank of Captain; an
appointment which was subsequently confirmed by the Senate.
I was present when this appointment was handed to him by that
devoted patriot and able cabinet officer, Edwin M. Stanton. He
observed, as he gave it, "I trust I shall hereafter have the plea-
sure of conferring on you higher honors;" to which Frederick
modestly replied, "I hope my future conduct will give you no
reason to regret the confidence reposed in me."
Frederick had learned of the reputation already acquired by
that brave and rising young General, Henry E. Davies, Jr., of
the cavalry service, and he asked for and obtained an order to
report to him for duty. His departure from the old Seventh
Regiment was the occasion for many regrets, with officers and
men, and with himself. The officers assembled to bid him an
affectionate farewell, and the regimental band serenaded him on
the eve of his departure. This noble regiment took the field
the following spring with more than one thousand seven hundred
and sixty bayonets, and of these brave men how few, either offi-
cers or men, are now surviving!
On the 12th of November, soon after his departure, Colonel
Morris issued an order appointing his successor, which was duly
made public, and contained the following handsome allusion to
the late Adjutant:
"The Colonel commanding, while he rejoices at the promotion
of Captain Tremain, regrets that it will send him to a new field
of duty, and sever his connection with this regiment.
"He will bear with him the best wishes of the officers of the
regiment for his future welfare and success."
Pursuant to orders, Frederick reported for duty to General
Davies, then commanding the First Brigade in the Third Divi-
sion of the Cavalry Corps. The new field of duty thus opened
to him, was specially suited to his taste and feelings. It was the
2.r)4 LIEUT. COL. FREBERH B L. TUKMAIX.
cavalry service, and the excitement, life and dash of thai arm of
the service were peculiarly adapted to Ins ardent and enthusiastic
nature. lie became devotedly fond of the cavalry service; the
remainder of his life was spent in it. and he became more and
more interested in and attached to it. An accomplished and
veteran officer, who knew him well, and who had been for
nearly a year in the same division with him, remarked to the
author recently, "Fbedebick was our bean ideal of a cavalry
officer. Brave, generous and chivalrous, he attracted our admi-
ration. We were all proud of him. He had no enemy in the
corps, and he achieved a reputation for gallantry equal to that of
any officer in the army."
In the month of April commenced those grand movements of
the cavalry which have become already historic. From that
time, down to his death, the active military career of Frederick
may be said to have been accomplished. He was an actor in
those mighty military movements on which depended the fate
of the nation. He was a soldier of the Republic in the great
Army whose tread shook the Continent of America, and whose
heroic deeds have excited the wonder and admiration of the
world.
To the pen of history belongs the noble task of recording the
military operations in which he had the honor to participate
during the ever memorable campaign of 1864. And yet, when
we consider the bloody and obstinate nature of the battles that
were fought; the glorious and unconquerable resolution whicb
was displayed in conducting the movements of the Union armies;
the immense loss of human life; the masterly combinations of
those armies; the vast extent of country which constituted the
field of their display; the number of those brilliant raids per-
formed by the cavalry alone, through the heart of an enemy's
country, each one constituting an interesting history of itself;
the toil, the sacrifices, the fatigue, sufferings, and perils to which
the heroic soldiers in those armies were continually subjected,
and to which, with unflinching fortitude and cheerfulness, they
submitted; when we consider, too, the innumerable deeds of
personal bravery, performed both by officers and men; the holy
LIEUT. COL. FEEDERICK L. TREMAIN. 255
and patriotic purposes by which the great body of those armies
was prompted; the unselfish willingness they manifested to sac-
rifice their lives for the preservation of the honor, the integrity,
and the unity of their country; and, finally, the glorious and suc-
cessful results of all these operations, we may well doubt whether
history will ever contain more than an outline skeleton of them all.
My allusions to these movements must, necessarily, be brief
and imperfect. A few weeks before his death, Frederick, at my
request, declared his resolution to prepare, at his first leisure
moments, a record of the battles in which he had been engaged,
but alas ! that leisure never came !
His reports, as Assistant Adjutant General, giving a history
of these movements, are not yet accessible to the public, and I
have derived no information from them. He participated in no
less than twenty-five battles and skirmishes during a period of
ten months. My knowledge of these is derived from his own
letters, dashed off in the midst of exciting scenes, from his con-
versations, and from information cheerfully furnished by culti-
vated and intelligent army officers, who were associated with him
at different periods of time during the campaign.
On the 22d of April, the Second Cavalry Division, which
included the Second Brigade, to which Frederick was attached,
moved from Warrenton to a place near the Junction — the whole
Division being under the command of Major General David M.
Gregg. Here it remained until the 29th, when it advanced to
Paoli Mills, and on the 2d of May moved over to Richardsville.
On the 4th of May the cavalry crossed the Rapidan in advance
of the infantry, and the whole Army of the Potomac crossed
soon after, in pursuance of General Grant's orders. This was
the beginning of the general movement of the army — the intel-
ligence of which sent a thrill of excitement throughout the
country.
The famous battles of the Wilderness soon followed. These
commenced on the 5th, and continued for seven days. They
were fought without artillery, under great disadvantages, in the
woods, with varied fortunes; and during their continuance were
displayed those wonderful qualities of courage and dogged reso-
25G likut. COL. kkki.kkh'K i.. ti;i:m\i\.
hit ion for whi*li ( reneral Grant has become bo distinguished, and
also the bravery and heroism, which have covered with glory the
Army of the Potomac. The loss of life was immense, l>ut the
rebels were driven from the ground, and our army moved <>n-
wanl in its progress towards the walls of Richmond, and towards
the accomplishment of the great object which current events
seem so plainly to indicate must ultimately be accomplished.
On the first day of these battles, the cavalry became engaged
with the enemy's cavalry and infantry in the vicinity of Todd's
Tavern, Dear Corbin's Bridge.
Severe lighting was continued by the cavalry for several days.
This was the first time Frederick was "under fire." His con-
duct on the occasion excited great admiration. He displayed all
the coolness of a veteran. His General, in speaking of his gal-
lantry soon afterwards, remarked, "that he was one of the few
men he had seen Avho did not seem to know the meaning of fear."
On the first day the cavalry were mounted, and the staff' offi-
cers were much exposed. General Davies and Frederick were
in front, when the enemy charged in and broke our skirmish line,
nearly capturing both of them. This cavalry engagement is
known as the battle of Todd's Tavern. It was during the pro-
gress of this battle that Frederick charged upon the enemy, at
the head of a column, breaking through their lines, and cutting
his way back to the main army.
In the evening of May 8th, an order was received commanding
the Cavalry Corps to proceed to Richmond and destroy the com-
munications between Lee's army and that city, and to form a
junction with Butler's army. The movement of the entire Cav-
alry Corps, commanded by General Sheridan, commenced on
the morning of the 9th. In the afternoon of that day the enemy
attacked the cavalry in the rear, and a severe fight occurred hi
which the rebels were repulsed with considerable loss. This
occurred at a place called Childsburg. The cavalry only took
with them on this march rations for four or five days.
On the 10th, another attack was made by the enemy, followed
up by continued skirmishing and fighting. Our cavalry suc-
ceeded, this day, in recapturing from the enemy about three
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMALN". 257
hundred and fifty prisoners, who had been captured on the
second or third day of the fight in the Wilderness. Among them
were two Colonels and Captain Wood, a son of the Honorable
Bradford Wood, of Albany. As may well be supposed, they
were delighted with the change in their condition. They were
on the point, when retaken, of being placed in the railroad cars
at Beaver Dam Station. Some of their guard fled and the rest
were taken prisoners. Our troops, on the same day, captured a
large quantity of arms, about a million rations, and destroyed
three locomotives besides three trains of cars. The night of the
10th they encamped within twenty miles of Richmond.
In the morning of the 11th, the First Brigade was detached
from the main body and sent to destroy the railroad at Ashland
Station and the bridge over the South Anna River. At Ashland
the contents of a Post Office were seized, and as a school for
young ladies was located here, the captured correspondence
afforded some amusement to the captors.
Frederick accompanied the brigade, and after destroying the
railroad at Ashland, he was sent, with two squadrons of cavalry
(about one hundred men) to destroy the bridge, when he was
cut off from the main body of the brigade, and was supposed,
for some time, to have been taken prisoner. He continued, how-
ever, on another route, destroying the railroad as they proceeded,
until late in the afternoon, when he succeeded in rejoining the
main column below, much to the satisfaction of his comrades,
who had despaired of seeing him and his little force again. The
same day a severe fight occurred at Old Tavern, with the enemy's
cavalry under the famous Jeb Stewart, who was killed.
That night the corps marched all night, and on the morning
of the 12th reached the Chickahominy river, near Meadow's
Bridge. Here a terrific battle ensued with the whole of the
enemy's cavalry force and infantry, which had been sent out from
Richmond. The enemy greatly outnumbered our forces, and,
during a considerable portion of the time, our troops were sur-
rounded, and fighting was carried on, around four sides of the
square where our troops were placed, but, under the command
of the indomitable Sheridan, they broke through the enemy's
17
200 LIEUT. 0OL. FREDERICK L. n;i.M\i\.
lines, and Id the afternoon, General Custeb having driven the
enemy from the bridge, our forces crossed the Chickahominy,
leaving no prisoners in the enemy's hands excepl those \\li<»
were wounded.
In this battle the fragment of a spent shell was hurled against
Frederick's person, inflicting a pretty severe injury, although
he treated it lightly in his Idler to his mother describing the
raid.
It was during this raid that he was sent in advance l<» place a
squadron on picket duty, and they came so near the city of Rich-
mond as to see the lights and the steeples, and to hear the bells
of the city. This engagement is known as the battle of Rich-
mond Heights. The enemy did not pursue, and that night the
corps bivouacked at a place beyond Mechanicsville. On the
night of the 13th the cavalry remained at Bottom's Bridge, and
on the 14th moved to Haxall's Landing, on the James river.
where our gun boats mistaking the advance guard for the enemy,
at first, tired upon them, but on being signaled the tiring ceased
and the tired and worn out troops formed the contemplated
junction with Butler's army.
Thus terminated one of the most extraordinary raids on record.
It will ever retain a place among the most brilliant achievements
of the Avar. A force of cavalry alone advanced through the
heart of Virginia, to the very gates of Richmond, cutting their
way through all opposing forces, breaking up the enemy's lines
of communication, removing forever all antiquated prejudices
against the cavalry, and establishing the efficiency and usefulness
of that arm of the service.
The successful accomplishment of this expedition seems more
like romance than sober reality. From that hour the rising star
of General Sheridan has been in the ascendant, and a grateful
people will ever cherish, with gratitude and pride, the recollec-
tion of the feats performed by him and his bold raiders of the
Cavalry Corps.
On his arrival at the James river, Frederick wrote a letter to
his mother, in pencil, giving a graphic account of the raid, which
was published, at the time, in the "Evening Journal." In
LIEUT. COL, FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 259
alluding to this publication, afterwards, he wrote with character-
istic modesty:
" I am sorry that any of my letters are published. I do not
write them for publication, and do not wish them published; I
hope that no more will be, for, if they are, I shall stop giving
any accounts at all."
To return to the cavalry: They laid at the James river two or
three days, to recruit the tired horses and men, and then moved
back, to rejoin the main army, crossing the Chickahominy by
night, at Jones' Ford, and returning by way of the Baltimore
Cross Roads and Cold Harbor. Daily skirmishes took place
with the rebel cavalry. They then went to the White House,
where they obtained supplies and rations, after which they
marched back and joined the main army near Hanover Court
House, on the 25th, having successfully accomplished all that
had been expected.
Immediately afterwards there was a general advance of the
army, and the cavalry moved down to Hanover Town, on the
Pamunkey river. After marching two days and one night they
met the enemy on the 28th, near Haw's Shop, when the most
severe and obstinate cavalry fight of the war occurred. It com-
menced at ten o'clock in the morning, and continued until six in
the afternoon, the fighting on our side being done principally by
Gen. Davies' Brigade, assisted, towards the close of the battle,
by Gen. Custer's Brigade, when the enemy were driven from
the field, leaving their killed and wounded in possession of our
troops.
Although Frederick distinguished himself in this battle, as
appears by a letter from one of the staff officers, yet, in his let-
ter home, he makes no allusion to his own conduct. In a letter
written to his father, on the 30th, he had, for the first time,
evinced some depression of spirits, but in a subsequent one,
dated June 3d, he apologizes for it, and gives a brief description
of the fight. He writes:
" I was feeling badly then, and the reason was that on the 28th
we lost Lieut. Wardell, of our staff. He was my tent mate, and
for a long time we had slept together and were very intimate
260 i.n i T. mi. FREDERICK L. Ti:r.\i\i\.
indeed. II<' was killed instantly while riding at the General's
side. The fighl of Hanover Town, on the 28th, is said to have
been the most severe cavalry fighl of the war. The fighting was
done principally by our brigade. We were in about eight hours,
and lost twenty-five officers and one hundred and sixty-eight men,
killed and wounded.
"The General was riding a while horse, and went up on to
the skirmish line with two staff officers, two orderlies and one
bugler. One staff officer was killed instantly; the other had his
horse killed, and the bugler was also killed. The General's
horse was shot through the tail, and a bullet broke his scabbard.
It is my duly to lie with the General always, unless sent away
specially, and, fortunately for me, I was so sent to another part
of the field, and was looking for the General when this occurred,
and in one minute more would have been in the same place, had
I not met him coming out when he stopped me.
" I send a rebel paper. You will see by it that they supposed
our whole cavalry force was engaged, together with two corps of
infantry, while actually there was only our brigade, assisted for
the last three hours by General Custar's Brigade, but the brunt
of the fighting was done by this brigade. They say they only
had one brigade, but in another part of the paper they admit
having several detachments of other brigades. We know, from
our prisoners, that their whole cavalry force was engaged, to-
gether with some mounted infantry. We found on the field,
after we had driven them from it, one hundred and sixty-six
dead rebels, and forty wounded ones, and as there are usually
eight or ten wounded to one killed, their loss must have been
immense.
" My horse was shot slightly in the neck. Since then we
have had several smaller fights, but I have not time now to men-
tion them."
This battle is known as the battle of Haw's Shop, or Bethesda
Church. Between this time and the Gordonsville raid, hereafter
mentioned, there was considerable severe fighting around Cold
Harbor, at Barker's Mills and on the Chickahominy, in which the
cavalry participated. The whole army moved down finally to
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 2G1
Bottom's Bridge. Before going to Bottom's Bridge, the cavalry
had a severe engagement at Sumner's Upper bridge, and, while
dismounted, held possession of it for some time, and until
relieved by the infantry.
We come now to another of those celebrated cavalry raids
which have given to Gen. Sheridan, and his famous Cavalry
Corps, a national and world-wide reputation.
On the 6th of June the Cavalry Corps left Newcastle, on the
Pamunkey river, and after marching days and nights, with only
four hours in the twenty-four devoted to rest, on the 11th met
the enemy at Trevillian Station, near Gordonsville, when a severe
battle ensued, which continued for two days, the enemy having
the advantage of fighting behind breastworks. We captured
several hundred prisoners, but finding it impossible to break
through their fortifications, our troops retired, and returned by
way of Spottsylvania Court House, a circuitous route, to White
House, where our wagon train was, consisting of about nine hun-
dred wagons loaded with supplies for the army. Gen. Grant
had meanwhile changed his base of supplies from White House
to James river, leaving the wagon train of the Cavalry Corps at
White Plouse.
The rebels, having the inside line, had also been marching
upon White House, hoping to capture this train beiore the arri-
val of the Cavalry Corps, but in this hope they were doomed to
disappointment. Our troops arrived a little in advance of the
enemy, and on the 21st a sharp fight took place at White House,
in which the First Brigade participated, which resulted in driving
the enemy from the field, and the occupation of the ground by
our victorious troops.
Our trains were forwarded to the army at James river. On
the second day's march. Gen. Gregg having command of the
Second Division, was detached with his division to cover the
right of the column.
About six miles from the main column he met a very heavy
force of the enemy's cavalry and infantry at a place called St.
Mary's Church, when another sanguinary and hard fought battle
262 LIEUT. OOL. FREDERICK L. TKEhUJN.
took place attended with severe loss. This occurred on the
24th of June.
The fighting on our side was conducted by a single division
against the enemy's entire corps, our troops and horses being
tired and worn out by the Gordonsville raid, as they had been
allowed no rest whatever.
In this battle Frederick again distinguished himself by his
coolness and bravery, having been charged with important and
perilous duties, and being exposed under such circumstances that
his commanding General afterwards expressed his wonder that
any mounted officer could survive, lie was charged with the
order to bring off the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, and remained
in the field until it had left.
Din-ins: this battle he rode within a very short distance of the
enemy's skirmish line, and by discovering their presence, was
able to prevent Gen. Gregg from mistaking them for our own
troops, and possibly falling into their hands, as the dust by
"which all the troops were covered had already deceived him.
During the months of July and August several severe skir-
mishes and battles took place, in which his brigade and he par-
ticipated, viz: At Ream's Station, on the 15th of July; at Malvern
Hill, on the 28th of July; at Lee's Mills, July 31st; at Gravel
Hill, on the 14th, 16th and 17th days of August, and again at
Ream's Station on the 21st, 22d, 23d and 25th days of August.
On one of these occasions, Gen. Davies being absent on sick
leave, and the brigade under the command of Col. Steadman,
Frederick had been ordered to the hospital on account of his
health, and was being carried in an ambulance. Hearing the
firms: of the guns, he left the ambulance and came to the nearest
body of troops, which proved to be the Tenth New York Cav-
alry, and here took an active part in the battle, firing with his
own hand, cheering the men. and exposing his person to the
enemy's fire. His conduct excited the enthusiastic admiration
of the men in the regiment, and aided in preparing them to give
him the warm welcome, which he subsequently received from
them, when he became the Lieutenant Colonel of that regiment.
On being spoken to on the subject, he remarked, that in the
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 263
absence of the General he felt that a peculiar responsibility-
rested on the members of the staff; that he knew the eyes of the
army were on the Second Brigade, which occupied an advanced
position, and had acquired a fine reputation, and that he regarded
his own honor as identified with that of the brigade.
The battle at Ream's Station, the latter part of August, was a
sanguinary affair, and Frederick was then brought alongside of
his old regiment, the Seventh New York Artillery. I learn from
Capt. O'Brien that Frederick volunteered to deliver an impor-
tant message to the officer commanding a battery, which was done
under a heavy fire.
He never returned to the hospital, but his health was so much
impaired that nothing but his indomitable resolution enabled him
to keep his saddle. In a letter to his father, dated August 31st,
he alludes in terms of warm admiration to the conduct of the old
Seventh at Ream's Station; naming several former comrades
belonging to it who were killed, and others taken prisoners;
mentions that the conduct of his own brigade had received much
credit in Gen. Hancock's official reports; remarks that there had
been considerable fighting for the Weldon railroad, in nearly all
of which he had the honor to participate, and thus alludes to his
own health:
" You can have no idea of the excessive fatigue to which we
have been subjected this month, and especially for an A. A. G.
I do not not want to take a sick leave unless I am actually
obliged to, for it is not considered very honorable to leave the
field upon the plea of sickness, when one is only about half sick.
There are so many shoulder-strapped individuals that are hiding
under the shadow of a surgeon's certificate, that I don't want to
be ranked among that class."
In a letter to his sister, dated September 3d, he says:
" Since writing to father three days ago, we have marched
nearly forty miles, and have had quite a hard fight — I fortunately
escaped. We lost quite severely, and this morning we returned
and camped in nearty the same place from which I wrote father.
We cannot tell how long we will be allowed to remain quiet;
indeed, since July 25th, we have not been forty-eight hours in
264 l.ir.lT. mm.. FREDERICK L. TKl.M \l\.
one place, and as you may easily imagine, we have had but little
time to write, while the wear, tear and fatigue have been terrible.
I have been so tired at times that J would go to sleep on horse-
back. Only last nighl I was so much worn out that I laid down
under a tree and went sound asleep while it was raining, and I
had not a thing over me. I could not help it.
"I write and tell you this, Xku.ik. so that you can have some
slight idea of the reasons tor my not writing you in answer to
your letters promptly, ami not because I am complaining at all.
"When we do get a chance to stop anywhere, I have a great
many written reports to make, and cannot neglect them, and after
they are done. I am so tired that I generally try and go to sleep
for a little while, and letter writing becomes next to an impossi-
bility. I am not very well, but am on duty, and shall remain so
as long as I am able.
■1 was very sorry to hear of G.'s sickness, and glad to learn
he was getting better. He should congratulate himself that he
was where he could be taken care of. Here, when one gets sick,
he gets very little care, I assure you. They do the best they can,
of course, but a tent and the ground make but an indifferent sick
room and bed.
" We have had some very hard fighting over this Wei don rail-
road, and you can congratulate yourself that you still have a
brother in the army. I have several times made up my mind
that you would not have long, but I have been so far spared. I
have not written you, Nellie, about anything else than myself,
but I know that I am the one that you want to hear about, and
so shall offer no excuse.'''
Fkedeiuck's duties as Assistant Adjutant General were con-
genial to his tastes and adapted to his capacity, hut yet they had
been exceedingly arduous and laborious. He was chief of the
brigade stall'. His labors during a march commenced early and
continued late. He thus explains them in a condensed form, in
an>wer to my inquiry on the subject:
"To attend to all the details of a movement; in battle, to
remain with the General, and if any orders are given, to give
them to the aids for the regimental commanders, or whomsoever
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 265
they may concern; to watch the lines, and whenever, in my opin-
ion, an advantage can be gained, to show it to the General, if he
has not already perceived it; and if the aids are all away on duty,
and an important order is issued, to carry it myself, and see that
it is obeyed; sometimes to push on one flank of the skirmish
line while the General is pushing on another, and in every way
to watch the effect of movements ordered; and, in fact, to be an
assistant to the General (on the field an order from me is the
same as one from him); and after a tight to camp the several
regiments; to see, personally, that a proper picket line is thrown
out; to make official reports of operations, and returns of killed,
wounded and missing, damage done, &c, &c."
Upon receiving the letters of August 31st and September 3d,
the author applied directly to the Secretary of War for a brief
leave of absence, which, having been promptly granted, Fred-
erick made a short but delightful visit to his home in September.
Recovering his health and strength, he rejoined the army in time
to participate in the battle of Davis Farm, on the Vaughn Road,
on the 1st of October.
For an account of his gallant bearing on that occasion, I refer
to the letter from Major Thomas, who served on the same staff.
A description of this brilliant affair was given in the New York
Herald. The first brigade were dismounted, and bravely resisted
an attack by an enemy largely outnumbering them; and then,
with a gallant charge, routed and drove them from the field.
He also participated in the first battle of Hatcher's Run on the
26th of November, and in the movement in the latter part of
November, by which General Gregg and his division advanced
to Stony Creek, destroying the bridge and several pieces of
artillery, capturing prisoners, and successfully accomplishing the
object of the advance.
On the 6th of December, orders were received for the cavalry
to move at three o'clock the next morning with six days' rations.
The movement was made when the weather was very cold, and
on the 9th a severe engagement took place at Bellfield. Major
Sargeant, of the First Massachusetts Cavalry, was shot while
riding by the side of Frederick during the fight — an event which
266 LIEUT. OOL. FREDERICS L. 'I "REMAIN.
produced a Berious impression upon his mind. It is understood
th.it the movement was eminently successful.
A full account of this aftair was given in the Herald, written
by its army correspondent. In the official report of the move-
ment, Frederick had the honor of being mentioned as ^having
behaved with the greatest gallantry and zeal, and having contri-
buted greatly to the success of the brigade by valuable service/'
The time was now approaching for severing his official connec-
tion us Assistant Adjutant General with General Davebs and Ins
brierade stall' — a relation cemented by their common sufferings,
perils, and glories. A vacancy had occurred iu the Colonelcy
of the Tenth New York Cavalry by the withdrawal from that
position of Colonel Irvine, the present accomplished and patri-
otic Adjutant General of New York. Lieutenant-Colonel A\ i.kv.
being about to he promoted to fill the vacancy, tendered the posi-
tion of Lieutenant-Colonel to Frederick. Colonel Avery had
become well acquainted with Frederick while he was Assistant
Adjutant General. General Irvine informs me that Gen. Gregg
also advised the selection of Frederick, as it would be an acqui-
sition to the regiment.
Having ascertained that all the officers of the regiment were
in favor of his appointment, he resolved to accept the position,
and without delay commissions were issued by his Excellency
Governor Seymour for Colonel Avery and Lieutenant-Colonel
Tremain, but a brief delay in mustering in became necessary, to
enable the regiment to become recruited to the requisite number
for mustering in the new officers.
FREDERICK, having resigned the office of Assistant Adjutant
General, seized the occasion to pay a holiday visit to his home.
He arrived the evening before New Year's, and passed a few
weeks there in a visit which will be cherished during life by
every member of the family, among their most treasured recol-
lections.
It was a subject of general remark that he had become much
matured by his experience in the army. While cheerful and
hopeful, he was yet grave and thoughtful, and fully impressed
with the duties and responsibilities of his position.
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 267
He returned to the army full of high hopes and expectations.
Fort Fisher had fallen; Thomas had achieved his great victory
over Hood; Sherman was advancing in triumph, and he confi-
dently believed that the end of the rebellion was at hand.
On his return he met at Washington, in the Invalid Corps, an
old comrade of the Seventh, and true to his nature, which led
him to promote the welfare of others, he wrote a letter of intro-
duction for him, invoking the author's kind offices in his behalf.
This was the last letter I ever received from him directed to me,
and I give it as a fair revelation of the kindness of his character.
" My Dear Father — I have the honor to introduce to you
Lieutenant , formerly of the Seventh New York Artillery,
and now of the Invalid Corps. He was wounded in front of
Petersburg in the famous charge of June 16th, of the Seventh
New York Artillery. The shell that struck him carried away the
left eye, and exposed the brain slightly, so that he can hardly do
night duty. He, therefore, wishes to be ordered on duty some-
where in New York State, where he can still do duty, but, if
possible, to some place where he can sleep at night, as the loss
of sleep gives him terrible pains in the head on account of the
exposure of the brain.
"He is a gallant officer, and has won for himself a Lieutenancy
from the ranks as a private, and deserves all the favors that loyal
men are able to grant him.
" If you in any way can assist him in the accomplishment of his
object, you will only be rendering a gallant soldier what is justly
due him. Your affectionate son,
"F. L. TREMAIN,
"Lieutenant Colonel Tenth N. Y. Cavalry.
" January 27, 1865."
When he joined the Tenth, and had been mustered in as Lieu-
tenant Colonel, he wrote a letter to his mother expressing his
pleasure at his reception by his new regiment, and his gratifica-
tion in being put in charge of an officer's school for instruction
in military tactics, which letter came to hand on the day he
268 LIEUT. OOL. FREDERICK I.. ti:i:m\i\.
received his fatal wound, I learn thai his home and his pleasant
\ i>ii were the theme of his constant conversation among his inti-
mate friends. He was kind and affectionate in his nature, and
was devotedly attached to every member of his father's family.
"Sir," said his i«'iii male to the author, •• I fell well acquainted
with every member of your family, from Fred's description and
frequent conversation."
()n the 7th of February, while engaged in court,] received
from Maj. Pease the following telegram: "February 6. — Fred
was seriously wounded to-day. \\ is thought not dangerously."
The next train carried from Albany, on their way to him, his
mother, Dr. Pomfret (who cheerfully consented to go, although
he was home on leave), and the author. We arrived in Wash-
ington the next evening, and immediately, through the War
Department opened a telegraphic communication with Gen.
Meade's head-quarters. The first answer was encouraging, hut,
alas! the next brought the fatal intelligence that Lieut. Col. Ti;k-
main died the same evening (the 8th) at City Point Hospital, that
his remains would be embalmed and forwarded north immedi-
ately.
Here let me draw a veil over what follows. The agony of
spirit, the bewildering effects of such a sudden and unexpected
blow, the crushing out of hopes, the bitterness of disappoint-
ment, the terrible reflection that we should never see him alive,
the extinguishment of light, and the darkness and clouds that
intervened, can be known or appreciated only by those doting
parents, who have passed through a similar furnace of affliction.
The circumstances attending his death may be soon related.
The movement which resulted in the battle of Hatcher's Run was
a general advance of the whole division on the morning of Feb-
ruary 5th, pursuant to orders. They weir on the march all that
day, ami early the next morning, while the brigade were pre-
paring for breakfast, the enemy broke in upon them, and a battle
ensued, which continued all day.
About twro p. m., while near Dabney's Mills, Frederick was
leading his troops on the extreme left, in the skirmish line, and
was about to make a charge, the cavalry being dismounted, when,
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 269
Gen. Davies having been wounded, Col. Avery was called to
command the brigade, and had sent a mounted officer to notify
Frederick that the command of the regiment had devolved upon
him. While Frederick had turned around partly, and was con-
versing with the messenger, he received the fatal wound from a
Minnie ball in his hip.
He left the field, accompanied by two men, meeting on his
way Col. Avery, who describes him as looking pale, and having
a smile on his face. In the ambulance he was overtaken by his
colored servant, and said to him, cheerfully, that they would
soon visit Albany again. He also, at the same moment, recog-
nized, his cousin, Maj. H. E. Tremain, of Gen. Gregg's staff,
while he was riding by with an important order from the Gene-
ral for reinforcements, hailed him, remarking that he was hit,
perhaps seriously, but he thought not dangerously, and then
urged him to go on in the performance of his duty.
He walked into the field hospital, where General Davies met
him, placed him upon a bed in a room by himself, and gave him
some stimulants. The surgeons extracted the ball that evening,
and pronounced it troublesome only, but not dangerous. He
was visited there by Major Pease, Major Tremain and others,
who, relying on the Surgeon's report, left him without serious
apprehensions. The next clay he was sent to City Point Hos-
pital, fifteen or twenty miles, where he arrived, cold and ex-
hausted, attended by his servant.
He was in much pain and not inclined to converse. The fol-
lowing day, the 8th, alarming symptoms appeared. He continued
perfectly conscious, made his arrangements to leave for home,
but was not made aware of the fact that his life was in danger,
and about five o'clock, just as his servant had given him some
water, he died, without a murmur or complaint having escaped
his lips.
A post-mortem examination revealed the fact that the wound
was necessarily mortal from the first. The ball, after performing
its course, had fallen back, and its location had deceived the
surgeons who extracted it, and who supposed it merely a flesh
wound.
270 LIEUT. OOL. FREDERICS I. TREMAIN.
The intelligeDce of his death spread :i deep gloom over his
entire brigade, officers :iii(l men. A meeting of the brigade
officers (a rare compliment in the army) was called and attended
by every officer not absent on duty, ;ii which jusl and excellent
resolutions \\ ere adopted.
The remains were accompanied from City Point by Colonel
\\i;i:v. Major Tremain and Dr. Clark. His countenance ap-
peared natural and life-like.
A military funeral took place on the L6th of February, with
honors suitable to his rank, under the charge of the Tenth New
York, commanded by Colonel Chamberlain, the Cadet Zouave
Company A acting a.s an escort. Everything that affectionate
sympathy could do to render honor to bis memory, was done by
his countrymen and countrywomen. Flowers were sent in
bountiful profusion from numerous male and female friends, and
these were, by fair and tasteful bands, beautifully arranged in
the form of crosses, wreaths, a trumpet and crown, while the
coffin was festooned, and covered with them in tropical abun-
dance.
After appropriate religious services had been performed at
the author's residence, the public funeral took place at St. Peter's
Church, tbe Rev. Wm. Wilson and the Rev. Wm. Tatlock officia-
ting. His Excellency, Gov. Fkxtox, accompanied by his staff' in
full uniform, honored the funeral with his presence. The names
of the military and civil bearers who attended will be recog-
nized as among the noblest youth in Albany. Sweet and solemn
music by the choir filled the church. The citizens of Albany
turned out en masse, filling the spacious church and the streets,
for lone distances. A large concourse followed the remains to
the cemetery, where, after the soldiers had fired appropriate vol-
leys over his coffin, it was consigned to the vault.
Thus lived and died my brave boy. around whom, for twenty-
one years, had clustered my cares, my anxieties, my hopes and
my affections!
No longer could we look forward with inexpressible joy to the
termination of this war. as an event which would bring back, in
safety and honor, the soldier we had furnished! The sound of
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 271
carbines and artillery can no more reach him! Henceforth, we
must be content to gaze on yonder mute memorials, his belt
and sash, his spurs and sword, and other precious relics, and to
feed on the memory of his virtues, his patriotism, and the noble
record he achieved! He died young; but how many of us who
survive have done more for our country and for humanity than he!
My work is ended. I believe this little history to be wholly
free from coloring, but if parental fondness has deceived me in
this belief, the offence, I am sure, is pardonable.
And now, may Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, grant
that this great sacrifice, although not " now joyous but grievous
may work out the peaceable fruits of righteousness," — that the
blood of this young martyr may aid in infusing fresh life into
our free institutions; — that this rebellion may be so completely
crushed, that in all future time, no second attempt will be made
by wicked men to destroy our Union by treasonable force; — and
may He hasten the day when our National Unity shall become
established on immutable and eternal foundations.
Omitting numerous letters from private citizens full of kind
and feeling tributes, I select a few written by military officers
whose position, as military men, brought them into close and
intimate relations with the deceased.
War Department, February 10, 1865.
My dear Sir — I am unable to tell how deeply my heart sym-
pathizes with you and Mrs. Tremain in the great calamity that
has fallen upon you in the death of your son. That he has fallen
upon the field of battle, fighting gallantly for his country, and
given his life as a sacrifice for national existence, may hereafter
be some consolation when time has embalmed his memory, and
assuaged the present agony of bereavement. I pray you, my
dear friend, accept the assurance of my commiseration, and I
trust that you will find support and comfort from that Divine
Providence, that has called your gallant son from the field of
battle to a haven of rest. Yours truly,
Hon. L. Tremain. EDWIN M. STANTON.
1'Tl' LIEUT. OOL. FREDERICK L, TREMAIN,
Head Quarters 2d Caa \i i.v Division, )
Ak\iv of Potomac, March 1, L865. \
Hon. Lym \\ Tremain:
.My dear Sir -I take the first opportunity of being aide to use
my pen, to express to you my sincere sympathy, on the great lose
you have sustained in the death of your gallant son. Lieut. Col.
Tremain.
I know thai I can say nothing thai will alleviate the suffering
caused by a blow such as thai you have sustained, lml while you
mourn his loss it will lie at least some consolation to know thai
lie fell fighting for the good cause, and that his name will lie ever
remembered among those of the gallant men who have given up
all, even to life itself, for the honor and safety of the country. As
a brave and gallant officer, one who already in his extreme youth
had won high military honors, and had before him a brilliant
career of hope and promise, his early death is deeply and sin-
cerely regretted by all his fellow officers, and by none more than
myself. For a long period lie had served upon my staff, and had
always deserved and obtained high praise for his knowledge of
duty, his cheerfulness and untiring assiduity, and the conspicuous
gallantry he had displayed upon every battle field. When he
was promoted to a higher position I regretted much that our
intimate personal relations should be disturbed, but I was well
aware of his high deserving, and knew that his promotion was
but a just recognition of his many good qualities.
During the short period he served with his regiment, he had
deserved the highest praise, and I looked upon his future ad-
vancement as secure, and saw that, if his life should be spared,
he had within his reach, the highest honors of the profession
of arms.
This, however, was not to be, and on the 6th of February,
while leading his regiment with gallantly and judgment sur-
passed by none, he fell before the fate that has already cut off so
many of our best and bravest men.
While avc mourn his loss, we must remember that his death
was as glorious as his life had been distinguished.
In the vicissitudes of war, should it be my fate to fall, I could
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 273
ask no death more distinguished than his; to fall at the crowning
point of a success to which his gallantry and good conduct had
greatly assisted, and to know that his farewell from earth and
welcome above would be the same — " Well done, thou good and
faithful servant."
With the most sincere regards, and the assurance of my heart-
felt sympathy in your affliction, believe me,
Very truly yours, H. E. DAVIES, Jr., Brig. Gen.
Headquarters Tenth New York Cavalry, ?
Before Petersburg, Va., March 11, 1865. )
My dear Sir — Although more than a month has elapsed since
the battle of Hatcher's Run, the last engagement in which your
son, our gallant associate, participated, and in which his young
life was laid upon the altar of his country, we, his comrades, are
but the more frequently reminded of the vacant place in our little
circle. Though his connection with the regiment had been recent,
yet, as Assistant Adjutant General of the brigade, we had met
him in social intercourse, and also marked his conspicuous bravery
on the field. From the highest to the lowest he received an ear-
nest welcome — not as a stranger, but as one who had been iden-
tified with us, of whose name and fame we were proud, and
whose reputation was hereafter to belong more exclusively to us
as a regiment. His honorable and unselfish ambition was partic-
ularly gratified, that his promotion had been effected without det-
riment to the individual interests of any of our officers, and which
was enhanced by his previous refusal of a proffered appointment,
which, if accepted, would have supplanted a competent and de-
serving officer.
He came among; us with an earnest intention to contribute the
whole of his ability and energy, towards improving the morale
and effectiveness of the organization with which he had become
identified. At times I could not refrain from smiling, at the very
earnest manner in which he endeavored to impress upon me the
fact of his being young — accustomed to habits of study and appli-
cation; his expressions of desire to share in the responsibility of
18
274 LIEUT. OOL. FREDERICK I.. TREMAIN.
Command, and that ii would be but necessary to merely indicate
any duty, which it were desirable thai be should execute.
A few days before the movement a system of evening recita-
tions of the officers in Tactics and the Regulations had been insti-
tuted under his charge. To this lie devoted himself in the same
earnest and conscientious manner in which he performed every
task. Among other lessons was that of acquiring a new manual
for the carbine, just introduced into the division. In this, to
the surprise of all, he became remarkably proficienl after ;i few-
hours' practice — his previous experience as executive officer of
the brigade having led me to imagine that he would be found
wanting in the practice necessary to an expert manipulation of
the piece; but to this, as all other duties of his profession, he
had devoted a pains-taking attention.
There was no trait of Lieutenant Colonel Tke.maix's military
character more prominent than an earnest purpose to contribute
his every effort towards the success of our cause, and which was
evinced on trifling occasions as well as in the crisis of an engage-
ment. On the morning of our first day's inarch, after a sleepless
night, owino- to the bad condition of the roads, wagons and ambu-
lances were continually being mired, thus delaying the column.
Although not under his charge, he labored assiduously in the
mud and water, and when extricated made sport of the plight in
which he found himself, with the consoling remark : " That he
had earned his pay for that day at least."
We were preparing our breakfast on the morning of the 6th,
when the engagement suddenly opened — he immediately prefer-
ring the request to be allowed the post of danger in command
of the skirmish line. Knowing his thoughts, I requested him
not to unnecessarily expose himself, with the reminder : " That
the Tenth had too often seen him under fire, to require needless
evidence of his bravery, in this, his first batl le as their Lieutenant
Colonel." Our regiment, at first held in reserve, was afterward
moved forward upon the line, soon after which, owing to the
wound received by General Davtes, I was notified that the com-
mand of the brigade had fallen to myself. I then dispatched a
staff officer to apprise Colonel Trematn of his being in command
LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN. 275
of the regiment, and while receiving the message he was struck
by a Minnie ball, and a moment afterward passed me, supported by
two men. I shall never forget the pale face, but cheery voice which
replied to my anxious inquiry regarding his injury : " That it felt
rather deep, and that the blood was running down into his boots."
I could not then realize, that it was the last time in life, that I
was to look upon the face of one who had become near and dear
to me, and whose irreparable loss was henceforth to be mourned
by an entire regiment.
We should be only too happy to contribute in any way to
assuage your deep grief, but in such affliction words are very,
very empty; and in enumerating the noble, manly characteristics
of the lost one, and while we look forward to the future, we are
but reminded of its brilliant prospect, had he been but spared
for its development. Yours, with sincere sympathy,
M. H. AVERY, Col. Tenth N. Y. Cavalry.
Hon. Lyman Tremain, Albany, N. Y.
LINES ON THE DEATH OF LIEUT. COL. FREDERICK L. TREMAIN.
BY ALFRED B. STREET.
Song for the young and brave !
A pean for his bright though brief career !
But a low dirge above his warrior grave,
The sudden closing to his opening year.
Grief twines with glory. While his morn was red
His Alma Mater's bovvers all greenly spread
Joy in his heart, fair fortune at his side,
Home with its joys and friends that loved with pride,
He turned from all to stem the battle tide
For his loved land, and for that land he died.
Amid the roaring rain of musketry,
And thunder-shock of volleys, the keen play
Of bayonet-lightning, his slight form we see
Full in the front, and where death's awful way
Was wildest ! Woe that he should perish there
In his fresh strength while sweeping upward road
With his good sword, to where Fame, bright and rare
For one so young, stood holding high in air
The laurel wreath. In strife how fiercely glowed
His heart ! in rest how full of love and mirth !
Blue shone the sky. and flowery smiled the earth,
For toward all human kind his heart in gladness flowed.
2*76 i. if.it. cm.. ii;i:i>i.i;i( k i.. ti.t.main.
The Baddle was 1 1 i -- throne, and he a king
When the fierce Bquadron dashed in thundering mighl
A cataract of swords and shots — awing
Of rushing Havoc — a quick cleaving flight
Of deadly levin ! Lo, a glorious raid !
And the galloping steeds and the rush and the clang
Of tin' ride over mountain, through forest and glade
And the keen thrilling peals of the trumpet ! How sprang
The hamlet in terror while on came the burst
Of tin- troopers and cheering and flame told the worst.
As they swept up the harvest and dashed down the wall
And, laden with spoil, skimmed away one and all
While the night rang with clash and deep thunder of bound
And flushed wide with torch-flame, and day heard the sound
From field and from village of wailing and wrath
And the foe sought in vain to block Sheridan's path.
And mid them our eager young hero ! no toil
Too great for his striving ; no battle-turmoil
Too fierce for his daring ; no duty undone
Till the goal of the striving and daring was won.
Oh, long lament for him, the youthful dead !
The bravest of the brave ! most kind and true !
The blossom scarce to perfect life had spread,
The sun had scarcely climbed the morning blue.
And yet so firm he looked at coming death
"With eye so dauntless, such untrembling breath
It seemed a mark of scorn. The bullet sped,
And hours rolled onward, while with creeping tread,
The shadowy foe approached ; and when the dart
Was reared to reach his young, warm, generous heart,
With tenderest love of friends upon his lips
He entered, undismayed, life's dread and dark eclipse.
Song for the young and brave !
Long as the land shall live he died to save
Shall honor cast fresh wreaths upon his grave.
Not lost his bright career ; it shines a light
To kindle other hearts with patriot might,
And when strife calls again, a beacon to the fight.
And not alone home's fractured altar shows
A shrouded radiance, a great nation knows
Her darkened orbs, and keeps them in her heart
And when the frowning clouds of War depart
Her grateful love will kindle them anew
And constellate their rays forever in her view
LIEUT. COL. MICHAEL B. STAFFORD. 277
XV.
LIEUT. COL. MICHAEL B. STAFFORD.
Michael B. Stafford was the son of Richard and Alice
Stafford, who emigrated from the county of Wexford, Ireland,
and came to Albany, N. Y., in the year 1822. Here Michael
was born on the 29th day of December, 1827. His father was a
shoemaker, and has resided in Albany since 1822, where he has
held the office of alderman, and been much respected for his
integrity and worth as a citizen. He gave his son Michael a
good business education, such as his limited means would allow,
and sent him to learn the trade of a mason, at the age of sixteen
years, with Adam Todd, late of Albany.
At the age of twenty-one, Michael left Mr. Todd, haviug
acquired a thorough knowledge of his chosen trade, and about
the year 1851 went to Corning, N. Y., where he commenced
business on his own account as a builder. He followed that
business till 1860, when he returned to Albany. He erected
many of the best buildings in the village of Corning, and was
regarded as a first class builder. He was prompt and upright in
all his dealings, but had not been successful in amassing any
considerable property, having met with some heavy losses in
business.
In his early manhood at Albany, he was a member of the
Albany Emmet Guards, and took great interest in that organiza-
tion, and was a good soldier. He was also Foreman of one of
the Albany fire companies.
When at Corning, he was chosen Captain of the Emmet Guards
of that place, one of the finest and best drilled militia companies
in the State. After holding that position for several years, he
resigned, and was soon after selected as Major of the Sixtieth
Regiment N. Y. Militia. This position he afterwards resigned.
278 LIEUT. OOL. MICHAEL B. STAFFOED;
()n I He breaking out of the war he was residing in Albany,
ami when t he Twcni v-til'i h Regimenl \. V. Militia (Col. Beyan)
w as ordered, on the 21s1 of April, 186 1 . to hasten to the defence
of the National Capital, he joined as a private in the ranks to
serve his country, Leaving his young wife and four little children.
He served his term of three months with this regimenl faith-
fully, ami. upon his return to Albany, was soon after appointed
to a Lieutenancy in the Eighty-sixth Regimenl X. Y. Volunteers,
which was raised for three years or the war. His regimenl was
mostly recruited in Steuben count}', where he had formerly
resided.
lie passed with his regimenl through the Peninsular campaign,
under Gen. McClkixan, and fought in most of the important
battles in Virginia during the year 1862. At the battle of Chan-
cellorsville he was Adjutant of the regiment, and was severely
wounded, and compelled to lie in the hospital for several months.
Upon his recovery, he again joined his command, and was at
once promoted to the rank of Major. He was in all the battles
under Grant, from the Rapidan to Petersburg, and was several
times slightly wounded. His regiment belonged to Hancock's
immortal Second Corps. He had his horse shot under him in
the bloody battle of the Wilderness.
On the 29th of November, 1864, while his regiment laid in
front of Petersburg, Va., and the enemy were throwing shells
which fell in his camp, he stepped out of his tent to give some
orders (he then being the Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment,
the commanding officer, the Colonel, having resigned), and was
struck with a piece of shell, which took off his hand, and cut a
fearful and mortal wound in his side. From this wound he died
in his tent, on the first day of December, after the most intense
suffering. Upon being informed by the Surgeon that his wound
was mortal, he called his officers and men around him, and bade
them stand by the flag of their country till victory should, as it
certainly would, crown their efforts. Then he bid them, each
and all, farewell.
The following letter he dictated to his wife and children in his
last moments:
LIEUT. COL. MICHAEL B. STAFFOED. 279
" Dear wife — I put you in the trust of God Almighty, for my
time has come. I have served my country as a man, and am
willing to die.
"Bring up my children in the fear of God, and sacrifice every
one for his country, if necessary. Tell my old father and
mother that I died as their son should die, with his head up and
his face to the enemy.
Yours, &c, MICHAEL B. STAFFORD.
Then, having received the last consolations of his religion,
according to the rites of the Catholic church, his spirit went to
God, in whose mercy he confidently trusted.
He left to mourn his loss his wife, Eliza Caeroll, to whom
he was married in 1854, and five children. The youngest of the
children was but four weeks old at the time of his death.
His patriotic services rendered to his country, and the sacrifice
of all the endearments of a loving family and life itself, are suf-
ficient to transmit his name and reputation to the future, and to
commend his beloved widow and fatherless children to the sym-
pathies of a grateful people.
I'Sd M \.l. CHABLE8 E. I'lavx.
XVI.
MAJOR CHARLES ELISHA PRUYN.
Charles Kijsma Pruyn was born in the city of Albany, Nov.
11th, 1840. He was the son of Col. Samuel Pkuyn, a gentleman
of superior intelligence and worth, and a descendant of one of
the oldest and best Holland families in the city. On his mother's
side, he claimed with just pride, descent from the Puritan family
of Putnam, among whom was Gen. Israel Putnam. From the
ancestors of both his parents he inherited the noblest qualities.
To the firm and persevering characteristics of the Dutch, were
united the energy, quickness and industry of the New England
stock. To all these were added the unyielding integrity, the
pure patriotism, and the high toned religious sentiments peculiar
to both races.
His boyhood was passed amid the quiet and happy scenes of
home, and was in no wise remarkable; though every careful
observer could have detected qualities in the youth, that gave
promise of a noble and useful manhood.
From his earliest childhood he was distinguished for strict
regard for truth, and his detestation of everything mean or dis-
honorable. If he discovered such traits in his playmates or
associates, he was disposed at once to discard them.
He was educated at the Albany Academy, and while he had a
quick apprehension and retentive memory, and made fair pro-
gress in all his studies, he excelled in elocution and mathe-
matics. He was very ambitious for a higher and more complete
education, and it was a great sacrifice to him to relinquish his
hopes in this respect, and at the early age of sixteen devote him-
self to business. He entered, at that time, one of the city banks
as clerk, but the disappointment of his expectations in regard to
-
ASTO?:, LS>*OX
jttLDEN FOONPATIOMS
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 281
his studies did not affect his outward conduct, or make him
indifferent to the duties of his position. He gave himself to
them with conscientious energy and perseverance, and, probably,
not one of those who daily mingled with him, was aware of the
struggle going on, in that young heart, between duty and incli-
nation. Perhaps the discipline was just what he required, for it
was evident that his character, about this period, became greatly
strengthened, and his parents were often gratified by the testi-
monials of his employers' approbation, in regard to his capacity,
fidelity and morality. The knowledge of business he thus
acquired was very useful to him, and he realized and confessed
the advantage of it afterwards.
In the army he was often banker and cashier of the regiment,
and, being prudent and judicious in the use of money himself, he
was very often the creditor of others, especially among the men
who had families at home, and were grateful for the loan of a
small sum of money. The kindness he showed in this respect
was highly appreciated, and won for him the deepest gratitude.
That he did not lose his regard for learning, by his business
engagements, appears in the fact, that of almost the first money
he received after he entered the army, he gave one hundred dol-
lars, towards the endowment of Rutger's College, expressing his
gratification that although he had never enjoyed the privilege
of a college education himself he could assist others.
He united with the Middle Dutch Church of Albany, when he
was fifteen years old, and was, successively, a scholar, teacher
and officer in the Sabbath School.
Though surrounded by many temptations, he so maintained
his Christian character that several gentlemen felt it a privilege
to have their sons associate with him. One gentleman, who had
the best opportunity to know the purity of his character, made
every effort to bring his own son, who was disposed to be very
wild and careless, under his influence, hoping it would have a
tendency to check him in his evil course. Charlie's mother,
who greatly feared his contamination, plainly told the gentle-
man her apprehensions. He replied: "You may rest assured
your fears for Charlie are groundless; he will never come down
282 M \.i. CHARLES E. PR1 v\.
to anything vicious: his morals are impregnable, and I feel sure
his course will always be to draw others up to his level."
His purity of mind was remarkable. His young companions
fell the power of this, and his presence was always a check upon
any indulgence of impurity. Probably to this, more than any-
thing else, next to the grace of God, was he indebted for his
preservation from the corruptions of the army. Nothing in his
character is more worthy of imitation by the young men who
read this sketch; nothing will so effectually furnish them for the
temptations of life as to be like him, "pure in heart."
Not long, however, was he permitted to enjoy his pleasant
borne and the peaceful pursuits of life. The trumpet of war
sounded through this once happy land; the hand of the parricide
was lifted against the bosom that had fostered it, and every pulse
of his ardent nature beat with the most intense emotion.
When the news of the fall of Sumter was received, his face
glowed with shame and indignation. He seemed to feel it a
personal insult, and for many days he was too excited to eat or
sleep. His first impulse was to enlist as a private at once, but
his parents, though fully sympathizing with his patriotic spirit,
were slower to feel that he Avas called to such a sacrifice. They
counseled deliberation and prudence. They felt that his qualifi-
cations entitled him to a position of greater influence, and they
hoped the terrible storm wrould soon be over, and then there
would be no demand for his services.
He respected and yielded to the wishes of his parents, but it
was evident he chafed under the restraint. His mother, who
knewr the decision depended mainly upon her wishes, and who
was watching him with intense and prayerful anxiety, at last
came to the conclusion that it was her duty to give her consent.
Hearing him restlessly pacing the floor one night, after mid-
night, she went up to his room and said: " Charlie, my dear
son, why are you so excited?" He answered: "Mother, how
can I help it; how can I remain here at home, and sleep quietly
in my bed, when the country is in such a state? Why, mother,
I don't want to go into the street any more; I am ashamed to
look people in the face; a strong, healthy fellow like me, staying
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 283
at home and enjoying all these comforts when the country is in
danger, and needs my services."
His mother then told him, that God had made her feel that it
was his duty to go, and that his parents had no right to interpose
obstacles in the way. She engaged to obtain his father's consent,
only stipulating that he should first endeavor to procure a com-
mission; but if he failed to do so in a reasonable time, she would
not object to his going as a private.
The change immediately produced by this conversation was
wonderful. He expressed the greatest delight and gratitude, and
at once set himself to work to obtain a commission in some regi-
ment already in the field. He went to Washington with letters
of the highest recommendation to the War Department, and he
received the promise of a speedy appointment. He returned
home and waited with the greatest impatience, and learned then
for the first time, how little reliance could often be placed upon
the promises, or assistance of strangers. He finally decided to
accept an appointment in a regiment then organizing at Pitts-
burgh. He was commissioned as First Lieutenant, Company A,
Ninety-sixth Regiment, N. Y. S. Volunteers, Col. Fairman,
October 17, 1861. The reo-iment did not go into the field till the
spring of 1862, when it entered upon the Peninsular Campaign,
under Gen. McClellan. But the time was not lost. He was
ambitious to excel in everything he undertook, and spent every
moment not necessarily otherwise occupied, in the study of
military tactics. The same earnestness and enthusiasm which
had always characterized him, now stimulated him to make him-
self thoroughly competent to fill any position. Every book that
could be bought, every device that could be employed — such as
miniature armies, &c, were brought into requisition to perfect
his education. How well he succeeded, his after experience
proved.
That he deeply felt his absence from home and his exposure to
temptations; that his army life was a duty he conscientiously
endured, and not a pleasure ministering to a roving and excitable
temperament, his letters fully proved. Very few young men had
such strong home attachments. Very few enjoyed more intensely
284 .MA.i. CHARLES E. ri;i 3 \.
the comforts, refinements and literary advantages of city life thai]
he did, and yel in all those scores of Idlers, ool one expression
of regret is found: and when his privations and sufferings wore
mentioned, it was always with some modification, and gratitude
for what blessings he had.
He was a very interesting and voluminous correspondent, and
his letters were the delight of the home circle. Always happy,
too. in the reception of letters from home, he seemed anxious to
do all he could to make up for his absence from those who loved
him so well, by giving them the most of the time he could com-
mand. A few of his letters will perhaps be interesting to the
reader. They will, better than any words of ours, reveal his
true character; his intelligence, his affectionate love for his
friends, and warm devotion to his mother.
He participated in the skirmishes of James river April 23,
1862, and of Bottom's Bridge, Va., May 20th, and in the battle
of Williamsburg, May 5th, an account of which he gives in the
following letter :
Four Miles from West Point, May 12, 1862.
Dear Mother — I wrote you a few lines last night, but it was so
dark that I fear I did not write plain enough for you to read. I
will try now to write a more detailed account of our doings. A
week ago Saturday, just as we were getting ready for inspection,
orders came for us to fall in and march. As we were only about
half a mile from the enemy's fortifications, which were concealed
from us by a narrow belt of woods, we supposed we were going
to attack them, and therefore left our knapsacks behind. We
halted just before we cleared the woods, and there heard that
the rebels had retreated, and Ave were to follow them up. After
leaving the woods, we entered into the enemy's works. We
traveled all day long, and at night rested on the ground.
The next morning (Monday), we started again, and traveled
very fast . healing the sound of cannon all the time. About three
p. m., turning a sharp angle in the road, we found ourselves in a
large field where immense bodies of troops were drawn up in
line of battle; and, advancing, we formed quickly into line.
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 285
Immediately an officer rode up, and told us to load as fast as
possible, the bomb-shells and shot at the same time whistling
over and around us. I saw one shell burst and kill three men in
the regiment right at the side of us. We were then ordered to
advance on the double-quick, and support a battery of the Eighth
United States Regular Artillery. This was a position of import-
ance, and consequently of honor. I have been told that we were
assigned this position by Gen. Sumner (who commanded, Gen.
McClellan not being present, though he came up soon after),
because we were so cool when forming and advancing into line
of battle. We stood in this position the rest of the day, the shot
and shell flying around us like hail; yet, very singularly, none
of us were hurt. It rained hard all day, and we were wet through
to the skin, cold and shivering. When we advanced, we threw
off everything — such as blankets, haversacks, &c, and we had
nothing at all to cover us, and nothing to eat. Just as it was
growing dark, we heard that our forces had completely defeated
the enemy, though our left had been terribly cut to pieces (we
were on the right); that Banks had taken Richmond, and that
the rebel army was flying in every direction. Cheer upon cheer
went up on that battle-field from thousands of throats. But now
came the hardest time for us. Tired, wet through, hungry, and
cold, we were forced to lie down, as we were, in the mud, with-
out any covering, and no fires. This was the worst night I ever
passed in my life, and I do fervently hope I shall never be called
to go through another like it.
The next day the sun came out warm and pleasant. As we
did not march until afternoon, I had an opportunity to see a part
of the battle-field. What I saw I cannot attempt to describe,
but never, never shall I forget it. I thought, what a horrible
thing is war ! And as I saw men lying dead, torn into all imagin-
able shapes by cannon and grape-shot, I thought of the homes
made desolate, and the hearts that would bleed, and the many
who would remember this day when they were made widows and
orphans, with sorrow as long as they lived. And I thanked
God most fervently that my poor life was spared, and that in
His great goodness He had not permitted me even to be wounded.
286 M \i. CHARLES K. l'l;i J \.
We marched on after the enemy, for the whole army was imme-
diately set in motion to pursue and cul them off; but we only
went about six miles, when we encamped for the night in a most
lovely spot, although i( was right among the abandoned forts of
the enemy.
On Wednesday we joined the division, and continued on our
march until we reached Williamsburg; there all I nit our brigade
stopped, but we continued on. Williamsburg is quite a Large
place, ami is beautifully situated. Now it is almost entirely
deserted by its inhabitants; half the houses are occupied by our
troops, and over a great many the red flag floats, denoting hos-
pital quarters. The rebels must have had a vast number wounded,
which their hasty (light compelled them to leave behind, 80 they
are now prisoners of war in our hands. Not only is Williams-
burg full of wounded rebels, but as we pass along the road, at
almost every barn, the hospital flag is hung out.
Our brigade was thrown in advance, after leaving Williams-
burg, and as we were the first Union troops that had passed that
way. it was necessary to be very careful. So our company was
detached and placed in front, to act as an advance guard, to scour
the woods, &c, which gave me a grand chance to see the coun-
try just as the rebels had left it. All along the road were strewn
clothing of every description, camp furniture, guns and ammuni-
tion, and occasionally a gun with the wheel broken, and caisson
dismounted, thus showing that the "chivalrous southerners" had
fled rather precipitously.
Towards night, we halted at a farmhouse by the road. Two
other regiments of infantry (besides pur brigade), two batteries
of artillery and a squadron of cavalry soon came up, giving us a
force of between six thousand and seven thousand. We killed
some cattle, built fires (which, however, we had to extinguish at
dark), cooked our food and slept. We remained at this place all
day Thursday. The reason for our not marching on I do not
know, but I think Gen. Keikn did not feed safe in advancing
further into the enemy's country without reinforcements. Indeed,
our position Mas one which demanded great caution, for we were
far from the main army, and only seven thousand strong, while
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 287
the enemy had been thirty thousand strong only a few hours before,
and were probably near by. Besides all this, we had no provi-
sions .
Friday, about noon, the remainder of our division came and
joined us, when we started and marched on a few miles. Night
coming on, we all turned into a field of wheat, or rather a wheat
field, and halted for our night's rest.
Here we were joined by the whole grand Army of the Poto-
mac, and also by Gen. McClellan, in propria persona. On Satur-
day a. m., we started. The army commenced moving at four
o'clock a. m., and yet ice did not leave till nine o'clock, and we
are about in the centre, so vast is this immense army. On the
top of a high hill, I had a chance, as we halted a few moments,
to look around, and on either side, as far as my eye could reach,
stretched this enormous column of men. It was a magnificent
sight. We traveled all day, and at night stopped about four
miles from West Point, where we now are. Gen. McClellan's
head-quarters are just across the road from our encampment.
Late at night, we got some crackers, dry, tasteless flour and
water, things made, as is stated on the box cover, October, 1861;
and yet how good they were, better than the nicest pastry I ever
tasted. Anything is good to starving men.
Sunday it was given out that we would not move, so we rested
ourselves after this hard week's work. We had sugar and coflfee
Sunday morning, and by great management on my part, I got a
few, dirty, nasty ginger cakes, such as in Albany I would not
think it possible to touch.
I attended divine service in an adjoining regiment, and it was
to me a rich treat. I rejoiced once more to hear the word of
God read and expounded. We expected to leave here this a.
m., but have, as yet, heard nothing of it.
I feel badly just now, for the mail has come in, and I have no
letter from home. If you only could know how I miss your let-
ters, and how happy it makes me when I get them, I am sure
you would write very often, and ask the rest to do so too. And
yet I know it is not your fault. There must be some mistake in
the mail, for I am sure you love me too well to neglect me; but
288 MA.J. CHARLES E. PRUTN;
I do so long to hear from home: two whole weeks since I have
heard one word. Love to all, and to you as ever.
Your affectionate ( 1IAKLIE.
On the 31st of May and the 1st of June, 1862, his regiment
was engaged in the terrific battle of Fair Oaks. In this engage-
ment the regiment suffered severely, losing one-third killed and
wounded. Lieut. Prutn had been quite ill and was entirely
unfit for duty, but no selfish consideration could keep him from
his post. He conducted himself with such bravery and devotion,
that he was mentioned in the official report of his Colonel, as
" deserving special commendation for his gallantry and soldierly
bearing."
The Ninety-sixth were in the celebrated " Casey's Division,"
which was in the advance, and within sight of Richmond at this
battle. By some strange and ungenerous misapprehension, Gen.
McClellan was led to censure this division in his first dispatch,
charging that it " broke unaccountably and discreditably." How
unjust was this aspersion was abundantly proved, when the sub-
ject was discussed on the floor of Congress. In that discussion,
the Hon. Mr. Van Wyck, of New York, "briefly recounted the
movements of Casey's Division from the 5th of May till the battle
of Fair Oaks; what losses it sustained from toil and exposure;
that it was halted amid the swamps of the Chickahominy, where
without tents, without blankets, without food, and without mur-
muring, they lay down on the banks of that deadly stream. That
Casey's Division had but 5,000 men fit for duty, while the enemy
marched from 30,000 to 40,000 men against him; that Casey's
men held the ground for three hours without being reinforced;
that eveiy rod of the retreat was covered with the rebel dead;
that our gallant men fell where the sleepers are many, with their
backs on the ground, and their feet to the foe; that nearly one-
third of Casey's men were killed or wounded, a larger propor-
tion than any other division had lost in a single battle during the
war; that while the history of centuries is being crowded into
days, hours and moments, he felt that the records of the house
MA.T. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 289
should do justice to the bravery and devotion of a gallant divi-
sion, that deserved so much of their country."
Mr. Pruyn's letters written immediately after this battle, agree
very remarkably with these statements.
June 3, 1862.
Dear Mother — Fearing you have heard of the battle of the
31st and 1st, and perhaps have heard that the Second Brigade of
Casey's Division was all cut up, I just write a line to tell you
that although our regiment is pretty well used up, your son is
alive and well; and that though the secesh bullets came round
thick and fast, killing and wounding our men without number,
the nearest I received to a wound, was a piece of lead through
my coat, but which never touched the skin. Thank God for my
safety.
Not only our regiment, but the whole brigade are cut to
pieces. Since the fight, several of our men have been out, and
find that the place occupied by the force opposed to us, is
literally covered with their dead, thus showing that our boys
done good service. I cannot write more now; this is only to
relieve your anxiety. The fight was right on our camp ground,
and we have lost everything. Over 4,000 of our wounded have
been sent off, and not nearly all are gone yet.
In haste, but affectionately,
CHAELIE.
The following, giving a more detailed account of the battle,
is one of what he called his "journal letters." These letters
were carefully written up from his memorandum book, and from
first to last would furnish a concise, correct and interesting his-
tory of the movements of the portion of the army with which
he was connected.
It is surprising that he could find time for letters like these,
but they furnish one of the many proofs he gave of his desire to
gratify and relieve his friends at home. His mother regarded it
as a religious duty to keep him acquainted with every minutia
of domestic affairs, believing it the surest way to keep alive his
19
290 JWAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN.
attachment to home. She was well rewarded by his carefulness
and attention to her wishes, in regard to a knowledge of his daily
movements.
In the AVoods, near Bottom's Bridge, Va.,
Tuesday, June 8th, 1862.
My dear Mother — Beginning at the date of my last journal
letter, Tuesday, May 13th. we left Rosser's Church about seven
o'clock. The day was scorching hot, and we did not reach our
final stopping place until two o'clock the next a. m. Just think,
nineteen hours under, part of the time, a burning sun, with a
heavy knapsack on your back. And yet we only marched twelve
miles. If we only could have started and marched right on, it
would have been tar easier; but the trouble was, with such an
immense body of troops the roads became blocked up, and we
could only march a few feet and then stop ten minutes or more;
and so on all day, not stopping long enough for the men to sit
down to rest. It was a terrible march. This place is called New
Kent Court House.
Saturday, 11th. — Had dress parade to-night, and just after it
was over we received orders to march. Started just at dark,
and marched till after midnight, when we stopped at a place
called Cross Roads. Our march was not fatiguing, as it was
night and cool, but a part of the way was through the woods,
and so dark Ave could not see where to go, and often we got into
mud holes. Laid down and slept this night with the bosom of
mother earth for my resting place, and the star spangled heavens
for my coverlid, and, what's more, slept sound and good. If I
am spared to return, I am afraid I shall have to go out into the
garden to sleep, for I don't think it will be possible to lie in a
bed in the house.
Sunday, 18th. — No work to-day. A splendid day, though very
hot. This evening, for the first time, the regiment had the
word of God read and expounded to them by our Chaplain, who
joined the regiment yesterday. It did my heart good, once more
to join with others in praise to the Almighty for His goodness
and mercy to us.
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRTJYN. 291
I have a new kind of bed, which pleases me very much. I
take my blanket and tie a rope to each end. These ropes I
make fast to two trees, jump in, bring the two sides of the blan-
ket together, get one of the boys to throw a rubber blanket over
this ball of humanity, and I am fixed for the night. Unless,
pcradventure, said ropes should break, which verily doth often
happen, in which case the young man, even he called Pruyn,
doth receive sundry bumps and bruises on head and body, which
doth not add to the serenity of his temper.
Monday, ldfh. — Although it rained hard this a. m., we started
and marched several miles to a place called Despatch Station, on
the Richmond and York River Railroad. Are now about fifteen
miles from Richmond, the goal of our expectations. Slung my
hammock, and laid me down to sleep.
Tuesday, 20th. — Was awakened this a. m. early, by hearing
some one say that "Capt. Lot" had arrived with his sutler's
wagon. I tumbled {literally tumbled) out of my hammock, and
started for the wagon. You must know that we men here are
like quadrupeds; we take one good shake on rising and we are
dressed. I have not taken off my clothes to sleep since I came
to the war. I purchased some ginger cakes at two cents a piece,
a can of oysters at a dollar, a few other things in proportion,
and ate a breakfast which I tell you was good. Long before my
breakfast was over, Capt. Lot had sold out, and started off for
another load.
Wednesday, 2\st. — Yesterday, about ten o'clock, we were
ordered out for a fight. Started with our cartridge boxes filled
with ammunition, and went at a rapid pace about two and a half
miles, when, coining into an opening in the road, saw two or
three regiments in a field popping away at some invisible enemy
in the woods, and from the fact that bullets would occasionally
and semi-occasional I y whistle around our heads, we were led to
conclude that said invisible enemy was popping at us. The
further to convince us that our conjectures were right, said enemy
let fly a few round shot and shell, which came in close proximity
to the heads of several members of the glorious Ninety-sixth,
and the hum of which has a very disagreeable sound to a man,
L".IJ M.u. CHAELE8 E. PE1 J \.
reminding him of wh&i might '»«• the consequence, it" he happened
to be in the spot where said shot or shell struck. Well, we st;ti<l
there, doing qo good, for we were qoI ordered further, bul
having tin- pleasure of knowing dial we were a good mark for
certain little pieces «>t lead, which the enemy were prone to Bend
us, with their Loving regards.
Finally our regimenl was put hack in the woods, and Co. A,
with Lieut. I'kiyn in command, scut up to guard a house where
lived a hoary headed secessionist, who, it was Bupposed, would
give information to the enemy of our strength, <fcc, unless he
was watched. He was not at all glad to see me, but that was
none of my business. I told him to keep cool, and placed 51
guard around the house, after which I requested my friend, the
host, to get me some dinner, for which, however, I paid him
liberally, and which pay, notwithstanding his patriotism, he wag
very glad to get. This sumptuous meal consisted of coffee made
of corn, parched and ground, without milk; bacon, fried, and
corn cakes, made of corn meal and water without any salt. At
night my friend had to give me supper, and, in the a. m.,
breakfast.
Thursday, 22d. — About noon this day was relieved, and the
regiment marched back, but not to our old camp, for since we
came down here the whole army has moved further down. We
were sent forward to drive in the enemy's scouts and pickets.
Fine weather in the a. m. and very hot, but in the p. m. rained
furiously and hailed. I had pitched my tent in a hollow, and
when the rain came I wTas flooded out, besides having my tent
blowrn down. I got rather wet.
Friday 23d. — Orders to march; started and crossed the Chicka-
hominy, which don't amount to anything. From all you hear
about it, one is led to suppose it is quite a large river, but it
turns out to be a little, insignificant stream. We traveled on
this day till night, and then encamped by the roadside, just as
we had marched.
Saturday 2Uh. — Rained hard all day. We heard heavy firing,
and were shortly ordered forward to fight, but again the enemy
had left before we came up, so we stopped and encamped regu-
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 293
larly, but "no rest for the wicked." About eight o'clock at
night the whole regiment was ordered out on picket, and wet,
tired, hungry and cold, we were obliged to go and stand on picket
all night.
Sunday 25th. — A lovely day; cleared off in the night. As I
am Acting Adjutant, I staid at head-quarters last night, which is
an old house that has never been finished. About noon we were
relieved, and marched back to camp, where the men had their
rations dealt out to them, which they were sadly in need of, poor
fellows, for they had had very little the clay previous. Here we
staid all day and that night, and our poor boys slept well on the
damp ground. It is the greatest wonder in the world to me that
any of us can stand what we do; 'tis true that two-thirds of the
regiment have given out and are sick in the various hospitals, but
the wonder is that any man can endure what we do.
Monday 26th. — Were ordered suddenly this a. m. to fall in and
march without our knapsacks — to " go forward and fight the
enemy." The boys started in good spirits, and on we went for
about two miles, when we found that again they had fled. With
sorrowful faces we turned and came back, put on our knapsacks,
and again went forward, till we came to a place called Seven
Pines, where we stopped. We are now so near Richmond that
it is impossible to make a long march unless we turn and go
back, which we have not done yet, and / hope neve?' will.
Tuesday 21th. — Remained in this place; heard of Banks' being
in retreat and defeated, which created a profound sensation in
camp. We have made a detail of fifty men from our regiment to
throw up earthworks, dig rifle pits, and cut down trees and form
what is called an abattis.
Wednesday 28th. — The regiment was ordered off on picket.
As Col. Fairman is division officer of the clay, Lieut. Col. Gray
takes command. I feel miserably sick and wretched; hope I
shall not have to give in.
Thursday 29th. — A sad day for our regiment; our Major was
killed. I wrote you about it the day it happened, and in the
"Herald," of 4th of June, you will find an account of it. Save
that paper for me. He is a great loss to us. We all loved him
204 M w. CHARLE8 E. PETJTN.
for liis many excellent qualities, and be was a man of great mili-
tary experience. I feel very badly to-day.
The place where we were was Fair Oaks Station. The name
will be borne in history as the battle of the 31st of Fair Oaks.
We were relieved near night, and marched hack to camp — not
our old one, but a new one. which had been laid out while we
were out on picket. And now as this cam]) was the battle ground,
I will tell yon. as well as I can, how we were situated. Since
leaving Yorktown, those divisions which were in the rear have
been in front, consequently we have been in front. That camp
Mas on the extreme left of our whole line of operations, and was
exceedingly weak, so weak that we often used to talk about it,
and wonder that our division was left so exposed. Our camp
Was close to our pickets, so that it might be said the whole divi-
sion was on picket all the time.
The few days we were there, we were literally on guard the
whole time. We sent oft' from each regiment one hundred men to
throw up earthworks, to protect us on our front, but which were
only partially finished at the time of the battle. We were called
up once or twice at night by alarms. Three times the day before
the battle we were out in line of battle; and every morning up
at three o'clock a. m. and formed in line, so you see how7 we had
to work.
Friday 30th — Hard at work, so hard that I could not stand it
any longer; worn out; used up- it's useless to try to keep up, but
I must try.
Saturday 3\st — I was busy this a. m. making out the regimental
reports, which must be sent in to the Brigadier General the last
day of the month. I felt miserable but kept up, hoping to got
some rest after that was done. Just after noon, I had stepped
to the Colonel's tent, and was standing talking with him, when I
heard the report of a cannon, followed by the whir of a round
shot, which passed right over our heads and struck the ground
about fifty paces to the rear of the tent. We looked surprised,
and began to talk of "What an excellent shot it was; " "It was
a beautiful line shot; " "If it had been a little lower," &c, when
the second report of a cannon and a second shot came whirring
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 295
past, but this time a little nearer. The Brigadier General, whose
tent was a few paces off, was standing near at the time; said he,
"this will never do, if we don't get out of this some of these
boys will get hit." He ordered me to form the regiment, (I was
Acting Adjutant) but, before I could do this, the pickets com-
menced firing. We had had so many alarms the last few days,
that we thought little of it, but still marched out and formed in
line in the road. At our first position in the road, the bullets
came around thick and fast, and one man was killed. From this
position we were ordered across the field. But when we got
part of the way there, we saw several little puffs of smoke at a
little distance, and the Colonel, suspecting the enemy was there,
formed us in line. The boys saw some men behind the fence,
but they had a white flag, and the cry immediately was "don't
shoot." But I remembered the treachery of the rascals, and
shouted, " It's them, but they are trying to deceive you, take
good aim and let them have it." If you could have heard the
volley that followed this order of mine you would have heard
something. As soon as our boys opened on them they rose up,
and then we saw what an escape we had had. There were sev-
eral thousand men there, and if we had gone down where we
were ordered, it is not possible that one could have escaped alive.
Oh! how they opened on us. It is a miracle that any of us came
off alive. Our boys dropped like sheep, but still they did not
flinch. They stood right up to it till the regiment which joined
on to us gave way, then our boys fell back to the rifle pits. Here
we only staid a short time, for we found the enemy had what is
called a " raking fire " on us, which swept down the ditch in such
a manner that one shot would wound or kill several. Here it
was that we lost the most, so we fell back to our former position
and made our last stand. Our men fought nobly, bravely; never
flinched under a murderous fire. I was proud of them. The
man next to me was shot down dead with the colors in his hand.
The Colonel caught them and looked around for some one to
take them. I sprang forward and took and held them till a ser-
geant came and relieved me. The color bearer who was killed,
was one that I had always taken a great interest in, for the reason
296 W \-i- GB ffiLE8 B. l'i:i I n.
thai I had promised his father, in Plattsburgh, thai I would
exercise a care over him. He did not belong to my company,
but that made no difference. Poor fellow, he died nobly, but
how I pity his poor father!
Perhaps it was caused by excitement, hut I really knew no
fear; and although the bullets flew around me thick as hail, I
thought no more of them than of so many pebble stones. You
may think I want to brag, but it is not so; and this is not my
case only. It" a man is going to show fear, he will do it before
the tight. Once in it, and there is no time to think of self.
How long we were here I know not. I was busy exhorting the
men to stand up to it, "give it to them," "pop them down,
boys," " take good aim and bring down one of the rascals;" until,
finally, on looking around, I saw that, with the exception of the
Colonel, two or three officers, and about a dozen men, we were
alone.
I looked across the open ground, and thought that my chance
of getting over it safely was out of the question. Actually, at
that moment, I would not have given two cents for my life.
Thus I soliloquized : " Peuyn, my boy, it's impossible for you to
get over there in safety. You haven't one chance in ten thou-
sand; but then you know, my boy, the rebels don't give quarter,
and they will be in here in less than two minutes; so, if you don't
get there, you're done for any wray. So here goes." I started;
I did not run, mother — I never will do that; but I walked, and
it did seem to me I never should reach the woods.
This ended my part of the tight. Our regiment wras all gone
in — broken and scattered. I met all that was left of it that night;
fragments that the Colonel had collected together and marched
about two miles to the rear. I reported myself to the Colonel,
and was highly commended by him. I had spent the time, after
the regiment was broken up till I reported to the Colonel, in
helping wounded men to different hospitals. I met a party carry-
ing Lieutenant Colonel De Forest of the Eighty-first New York,
•an Albanian, and showed them where a hospital was. He is
dangerously wounded in the lung.
Sunday, June Int. — The regiment was marched down to the
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 2 J) 7
■woods, back of the second tier of rifle-pits, and there encamped
as well as we could.
Now we fought well in our regiment — losing, in killed,
wounded, and missing, one man out of every four. The rebels
have possession of our camp, so the men have lost everything.
Lucidly, my trunk was in the wagon on the other side of the
river, but my knapsack and many other things are gone. I have
been honorably mentioned in the Colonel's report for "bravery
and soldierly bearing on the field," though I don't know for what,
unless picking up the flag and holding it, and certainly that
wasn't much. But now that it is all over, we are told by Gen.
McClellan in his dispatch that "the troops all did nobly, except
Casey's Division. Or, in other words, because six thousand men
did not beat back fifty thousand, they are cowards. This makes
us all sick of fighting. To stand in front of such a superior force,
and fight as we know we did, and then be branded as cowards, is
certainly too much to bear. And then to have it go before the
world over McClellan's signature, of course it will be believed,
and we shall be sneered at forever. Why it would have been
far better if we had not been in the fight at all, for then nothing
would have been said about us. Oh, it does seem to me I can't
get over this! If you see me coming home soon, don't be sur-
prised. But enough of it. It makes me so indignant I don't
wTant to think of it — if I can help it.
Monday, June Id. — The firing has all ceased, and we are yet
in the same place, but still they bring in the wounded.
Tuesday, 3d. — Made a detail of men to go out and bury
the dead. Several of our boys have been up to our old camp
and report that the rebels have carried off everything, or
destroyed what they could not remove. They say the stench is so
terrible, from the enormous number of dead unburied there, that
it is almost impossible to remain in the neighborhood.
Wednesday, 4th. — The rain came down in torrents. You folks
north have no idea how it can rain down here. Notwithstanding
the rain, wTe started to-day, and with sad and deeply mortified
feeling, went hack for the first time. In the afternoon, halted
near the Chickahominy, about two miles from Bottom's Bridge.
298 -Ma.i. u: \i;i.i> i:. ri;i ^ \.
()li! what a march this was. For some fifty yards we had to
wade through water over four feet deep, ami running .-wil'lly.
Some of the little drummer boys were almost drowned. Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, still here.
There is talk of sending us to Fortress Monroe, Norfolk, or some-
where. Our division is so reduced by Losses and sickness, that
we arc not considered tit for service in the lield.
But my job is done. I write all cramped up and am very tired,
and I guess you are too, by this time.
J am as ever, your affectionate son,
CHARLIE.
To those who knew Lieut. Prdtn, it was not surprising that
to be branded as a coward, so unjustly, should be intensely pain-
ful and mortifying; although the above letter does not indicate
the bitterness of the feeling that really existed in his mind. The
more he reflected upon it the deeper those feelings became, and
weak and depressed as he was, he had not strength to resist
them.
Referring to this in a letter written a day or two after, he says:
" This regiment which left Plattsburgh writh nearly nine bundled
men, can now muster for duty only about one hundred and fifty.
And yet wre were willing to toil and suffer and die if need be, till
since this battle. Now every one is utterly disheartened. How
much a few words from one in authority can do. Those words
of McClellan's so unjustly delivered — ' The men all done splen-
didly except Casey's Division' — this is w7hat has broken us down.
For whatever others have done, the Ninety-sixth New York fought
as well as men could fight, and only left the field wThen the enemy
was ou three sides of them, and then retired with their faces to
the foe, loading and firing as they walked, for they did not run.
" If the public need proof of what we did, we can give the best
of proof — our list of killed and wounded — one man out of every
four actually on the field — did any other regiment do this ? Our
division hardly six thousand strong, held in check more than
thirty thousand rebels. Did any other division do this ? Oh,
is it not hard after all this to be branded as coward* fn
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 299
'Tis true Gen. McClellan afterwards modified his report, and
retracted his charges, but too late for its effect upon this brave
young heart. The injustice had done its work, and he resigned
on the 17th of June and returned to his home, bringing with him
garments perforated by the bullets — which, however, through the
care of a kind Providence, were not allowed to touch him. It
is only justice to his memory thus to explain the cause of his
resignation, for by those who did not understand him, it was inex-
plicable.
But aside from these reasons, there were others which would
have fully justified the step. His father's death had occurred
the spring previous, and his mother had a great burden of care
and responsibilit}-, from which his presence might relieve her to a
great extent. He felt deeply his responsibility in regard to her,
and often debated what was duty* He had been willing, if his
mother desired it, to resign before this; but finding her willing
to sacrifice every personal consideration to her country's good,
he decided that the claims of his country were paramount.
When Col. Fairman transmitted to him his discharge, he took
occasion to write the following letter :
Camp Xixety-sixth Regiment N. Y. S. Volunteers,
Before Richmond, June 17, 1862.
Lieutenant Charles E. Pruyn :
Dear Sir — I herewith transmit your honorable discharge from
the service of the United States, and in so doing would express
my unfeigned regret at the loss of your companionship and ser-
vice as a man and officer. I cheerfully give my attestation to
your courage and devotion as a soldier of the Union, to which I
was witness in the terrific battle of Fair Oaks, before Richmond,
May 31st. And I shall ever remember you with peculiar inte-
rest as a soldier, who stood by my side while one out of four was
killed or wounded, and one out of three of our regiment was
lost in battle. With cordial wishes for your future success,
I am truly yours, &c,
JAMES FAIRMAN,
Col. 96th Reg't N. Y. S. Vols.
300 MAI. CHARLES E. I'Ki <> v.
Mr. 1 ' i : i vn very soon, however, fell that li<' had made a mis-
take in resigning. Before he reached his home he saw clearly
thai the injustice of a man did not affect the merits of the cause,
or the claims of his country upon his services, and he determined
to return to the army. Bui the seeds of disease, contracted amid
those fearful swamps, developed themselves immediately upon
his arrival home, and a serious illness followed. Vet. even while
prostrate with sickness, the old feeling came back thai it " was
a shame and disgrace for a young man like him to he at home in
comfort while the country was imperiled, and he Longed for
returning health that he might go back to duty."
One little circumstance will show how real this feeling was.
On the Fourth of July the procession passed his house, and he
being then quite sick, went to the front door to look at it. In a
few moments he came in, saying " that he could not stand there,
and that it made him indignant to see that it was possible to get
up so large a company of men in the city of Albany. No won-
der the South can beat us, when the men of the North would
rather stay at home and parade the streets."
While yet too ill to leave the house, he was offered the posi-
tion of Adjutant of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment
New York State Volunteers, then organizing at Plattsburgh.
He at first declined, but being urged very strongly, he at length
decided to accept it, and went for the second time to that place.
lie received his commission as Adjutant of the regiment July
16, 1862. His services in the organization of the regiment were
acknowledged to be invaluable — as, with the exception of one
person, he was the only officer who had any practical knowledge
of military tactics and discipline. His qualifications as a disci-
plinarian were found to be so desirable, that when the regiment
left Plattsburgh he was very strongly urged to remain as Adju-
tant of the post, and promised the position of Major of a new
regiment to be immediately organized there. Colonel Richards
strenuously opposed this, declaring it impossible to spare him.
Adjutant Pruyn saw clearly the advantages of the offer, but feel-
ing a just pride in the regiment which had grown into shape and
order under his discipline, and having a strong attachment to
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 301
, associate officers, he declined the proposition, and
.mil with the One Hundred and Eighteenth to the seat of war.
It is asserted by some of the officers who have had a good
opportunity to know, that the set of regimental papers, prepared
by him at this time, are the most complete and beautiful set now
on file in the Adjutant General's office.
The regiment remained in and around Washington, doing gar-
rison duty, till the spring of 18(33. At this time he was again
highly complimented upon his regimental reports, and was
assured, by the inspecting officer, that "he had the most exact,
well kept and handsome books he had found in his whole tour
of inspection." These little circumstances show that it was
characteristic of him to do everything in the best possible man-
ner. Exact and thorough in all he undertook, he established a
character for system and reliability among all who had any deal-
ings with him, rarely sustained by one so young.
Adjutant Pruyn was A. A. A. General, on Col. Wordrop's
staff, commanding brigade from June 20th to July 13th, and was
Post Adjutant at Gloucester Point, from July 14th to August
28th, 1863, when he received his commission as Major of the
regiment, upon the nearly unanimous vote of the line officers,
many of them with great magnanimity and from a true sense of
justice, waiving their own claims in his favor.
In the latter part of October, 18(33, a detachment of the regi-
ment was sent out on several dangerous reconnoitering expedi-
tions, under command of Major Pruyn. These expeditions were
accomplished with great credit and success, and the appreciation
of his character and services, by those under his command, may
be known by the following letter.
The value of this compliment was greatly enhanced by the fact,
that it was so arranged as to celebrate his twenty-third birth day.
Line Officers' Quarters, 118th Eegt. N. Y. S. V.,
Portsmouth, Va., Nov. 11, 1863.
Major Charles E. Pruyn, Commanding Detachment 118th Regi-
ment N Y. V., Intrenched Camp, Norfolk, Va :
Major — The line officers of your late command in Portsmouth,
302 MAJ. CHARLES E. PET J v
Va., highly appreciating your many good and noble qualities,
both as an officer and a gentleman, have decided to honor von
with a supper, and the pleasure of your company is respectfully
solicited, to attend the same, at the American Hotel, Portsmouth,
this evening.
We are, Major, yours, with the highest esteem,
M. V. B. STETSON.
J. W. ANGELL.
JOHN BliYDON.
From this time until May 4th, 1864, the regiment was en
camped at Yorktown and the neighborhood. During this inter-
val, they participated in several skirmishes, and attempted several
movements which failed in their aecomplishment. His health
■was by this time seriously impaired, and symptoms of heart
disease were developed, which made it dangerous for him to
continue in scenes of excitement. But no persuasion or advice
could induce him to resign.
On the 4th of May, the regiment embarked, being in the Eigh
teenth Army Corps, for the James River, under Gen. Butler
One of his "journal letters" gives a diary of this period till the
battle of Drury's Bluff, or Proctor's Creek, May 16th, 1864.
In this battle, the Colonel being absent, and the Lieut. Col.
wounded in the early part of the engagement, the command
devolved on Major Pruyn. How well he discharged his duty
may be judged from the fact, that his regiment was the last to
leave the field, and earned there a character for endurance and
bravery, that placed them in the foremost ranks of the heroic
defenders of our nation. In a letter written by Major General
Devens to Governor Fenton, when the regiment was discharged
at the close of the war, he speaks in the following terms of com-
mendation: "Participating in various affairs previously, at the
battle of Drury's Bluff, May 16th, 1864, this regiment dis-
tinguished itself for its great valor and pertinacity, and now the
reputation it has since enjoyed, is that of being one of the most
resolute regiments in the service. Out of about three hundred
and fifty men engaged, it lost in this conflict in casualties, one
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 303
hundred and ninety-eight men and thirteen officers; and it is a
most noteworthy fact, that having taken two hundred prisoners
from the enemy, the regiment had considerably more 'prisoners at
the close of the action, than it had men fit for duty."
The night after this battle he wrote the following hasty letter
to his mother, and, a few days afterwards, a long "journal letter,"
from which we will make a short extract, giving his description
of the battle. The difference between these letters, and the for-
mer ones written when he first entered upon active service, is
very marked. Three long years of experience and of suffering,
had subdued the buoyant playfulness of his disposition, and the
Holy Spirit had deepened his religious feelings, and taught him
to look upon the solemn circumstances in which he was placed,
in the light of eternity.
Near Bermuda Hundreds, May 16th, 1864.
My dear Mother — Thank God I am safe. Never before have
I so felt the kind protection of my Heavenly Father, and with
His assistance I will serve Him more faithfully than I have ever
done before. I am worn out, used up, sick, sick at heart, but I
trust a few days rest will restore me. We have been for eight
days fighting all the time, (bushwhacking) and had worked our
way up to within nine miles of Richmond, so that from the top
of a high pine we could see the place. We carried their outer
line of defences; but this morning they came upon us in over-
whelming numbers, and, after several hours murderous fighting
on both sides, they drove us back.
But our gallant regiment did nobly, and stood their ground
till the last regiment had left the field. Indeed, they stood their
ground till they were nearly all shot down. Oh, my heart aches
so to-night! Some of my best friends are killed. Those I had
learned to love so well are gone. Oh! when will this cruel,
wicked war end. We have lost heavily, I fear, but know nothing
except the thousand rumors that are floating around. But, still,
there is something for which we may congratulate ourselves.
This action has called away a large force, which would otherwise
have been with Lee, so Gen. Grant reaps the benefit.
304 M.U. CHARLES B. PSUYN,
I was nol hurt in the least. It was your prayers my dearest
mother, that saved me. Oh, I know it: I feel it. I trust J shall
live hereafter as a true Christian. Never before have J fell as I
do to-night. I am not excited as I write this, though all worn
out. Your good long letter just received; will study it. Yes,
1 will try. Ever, CHARLIE.
The following is an extract from his journal letter:
"May lUh. — The enemy continued to shell us all this A. M.
The Colonel pleaded sickness, and went into camp. Colonel
Nichols, who really is sick, came out and took command. I
was entirely used up, and was just going to report sick, when I
was detailed to take charge of the skirmishers of the brigade.
This being a post of danger, and of course of honor, I pocketed
my bad feelings and went out. I had several men killed and
wounded during the twenty-four hours. I was highly compli-
mented by Gen. Burnham, because I kept my line in good order,
and did not allow my men to fire unless they saw some one to
fire at. The trouble is with men generally, they keep popping
away when there is nothing to be seen, thereby wasting their
ammunition, alarming our folks unnecessarily, and revealing our
position to the enemy.
" To be in command of the skirmishers is very fatiguing; run-
ning around without a moment's rest, constantly under fire and
great excitement, without a chance to eat or sleep.
" Saturday night I went out with some of our men and brought
in a poor fellow of the Ninety-eighth N. Y., who had been killed
on Friday, but lay in such an exposed position that it was im-
possible to get at him in the day time. We buried him right by
our picket lines: a soldier's grave, with nothing to mark his rest-
ing place but a blaze on the tree near his head.
" My tour of duty was not off till Sunday afternoon, and when
I came in I was so entirely used up that I fell asleep the moment
I dropped on the ground, and slept through the heavy firing
which was kept up all night.
"Monday, v. m., May 16th. — Just at daylight there was a very
heavy fog — so dense you could not see six feet from you. Col.
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 305
Nichols woke me, savins- there was heavy firinsr on the risrht. I
grumbled a little at waking so early, saying it was only a false
alarm; but I soon found out my mistake. In a few moments
Wistar's Brigade began to lire, followed by the Eighth Connec-
ticut, and by the time we were up and ready for action, we saw
a heavy rebel line within six feet of us, charging down upon us
with tremendous fury. They had crept up under cover of the
fog, hoping to surprise us, but were in this disappointed. Our
boys gave them a tremendous volley, and, as they were so near,
and our men took good aim before they fired, the slaughter was
terrible. I could see whole lines of them fall at once. They
immediately broke in great confusion and ran; but about ninety
of them ran the wrong way (purposely), and came into our lines,
and gave themselves up as prisoners. Lieut. Campbell, and a
company of our regiment, were on picket when the fight began.
The rebels passed him in the fog without noticing him. Shortly
afterwards the Assistant Adjutant General on General Johnson's
(rebel) staff rode up, and taking him for one of his own men,
asked where Gen. Johnson's skirmish line was. Lieut. Campbell
told him to get off of that horse, and he would show him the
Yankee lines. The gentleman resisted, when Campbell pulled
out his pistol. He then said, " no matter, he would get off," and
Campbell, steering clear, in the fog, of the rebels, brought him
and his company all safe into our lines. I could tell of a dozen
such adventures, but have not time.
"Heckman's Brigade was broken, and Wistar's followed,
leaving the flank of the Eighth Connecticut exposed. They
stood it for a while, when they broke and fell back. Then we
had to take it. Imagine them all gone, and the rebels in their
place, protected by our own rifle pits, and all firing into the One
Hundred and Eighteenth, besides those out in front of us, and
you can have some idea of our condition at the time. But our
brave boys did not flinch in the least. They stood there loading
and firing with the utmost coolness, until finally orders were
given for us to change our front, and take up another position.
Even this left us open to a terrible fire, and many men fell here.
Just before we changed, Nichols was slightly wounded, and went
20
306 M U. < II u:i.i> l.. i'i:i i \.
to the rear, Leaving me in command. After a while we received
orders t<> fall back on :i line with the other regiments of our
brigade. Here we staid til) every other regiment had left the
ground, and then we fell slowly back about ;i quarter of ;i mile.
Here we halted, and this time the rebels did nol follow as. They
had been severely punished, and been taught to have some
respect for the One Hundred and Eighteenth New York. We
formed in line and remained here till late in the afternoon, and
the enemy shelled us, but did not do us much harm. Thus ended
the Wattle of Drury's Bluff, in which fell, of Union forces, nearly
five thousand men. all newspaper reports to the contrary not-
withstanding. Our regiment lost one hundred and ninety-six
men and thirteen officers — a little more than half of all thi men
engaged!"
The modesty with which he here alludes to his own position
at this time, and the utter absence of all attempt to magnify the
important part he took in this engagement, is certainly very
noticeable. Of the regiment — his " brave boys" — he was proud,
and could speak in terms of unbounded approbation; but of self,
not a word. His courage and patriotism were proved, not pro-
fessed. And certainly they were most conspicuous in this instance,
"when it is remembered that he was, at this time, in a very suffer-
ing ami precarious state of health.
The second day after this battle he was compelled to yield.
The excitement of the battle, the responsibility of commanding,
which he deeply felt, and the severe and exhausting labors,
brought on a violent attack of heart disease, and he was taken to
the hospital for the first time since he had entered the army.
His great danger was apparent to every one. and the surgeons at
once told him '-it was his duty to resign, and that he could not
possibly endure the excitement and fatigue of the army." lie
would not for a moment indulge the thought of resignation, and
insisted upon returning to the regiment after only eight days' rest.
About this time there was evidently a great change in his reli-
gious feelings. His letters indicated a depth of spiritual feeding,
and a desire for entire consecration to the will and service of God
such as he had not manifested before. The Holy Spirit made the
MA J. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 307
death of his associates and his own precarious state, the means
of impressing upon his mind the uncertainty of life, and he was
brought to a verv sweet and earnest submission of himself and
all his interests to the will of God.
While in the hospital he wrote several letters, from which we
make a few extracts :
" For the first time I am in hospital, but don't be alarmed. I
am not very sick. The trouble is, just as soon as the long marches
and fatigue attending them conies on, and the excitement of bat-
es D
tie, then my old complaint comes back. All I need is rest and
quiet, and it goes oft' again. I sometimes wish I could get
detailed for a few months, and I think I could be entirely cured.
But I hate to express such a thought even to you, for it is not
right to wish to be away at such a time as this; nor would I do
it, were it not that I know I am driving nails in my own coffin
by staying in this constant excitement. I will not resign — that
I have made up my mind to; but I have often, as I have been
lying here, thought if I could be detailed to take charge of the
Albany barracks, what a windfall it would be. But, then, I have
put away the thought as unworthy. A soldier in the field has
no right to be looking out for ' soft places.'' lam going back to
camp to-morrow any way, for I can't stay here in a crowded hos-
pital with wounded and dying men around. It is enough to
make a well person sick."
On the 31st of May, the Eighteenth Army Corps reinforced
the Army of the Potomac, and were engaged in the battle of
Coal Harbor on the 1st, 2d and 3d of June. When the regiment
was drawn up in line of battle, the first clay of this engagement,
Major Pruyn made an address to his men, which was said by
some of the officers who listened to him, to be one of the most
stirring speeches ever uttered; expressing the loftiest patriotism,
and the purest, deepest religious sentiments.
In a letter written to his mother the day before, while on the
transport, he said : "I have given up all speculations upon our
movements and prospects. I begin to see clearly that we are in
God's hands, and we must accomplish his purposes. Where we
are going, and what is before us, I know not, but I am happy
308 M \-i. < II &LE8 B. PBT J \.
.-Hid contented I have committed myself fully to the God of
battles and I knoM lie will do just whal is right tor me." Again,
•• We are all iii the keeping of the great Creator, and when He
Bees til this "cruel war" will end, and peace lie restored to our
land. I pray God that the time may soon come. It is my desire
and purpose, it' my lite is spared, to remain in the army till the
close of the war. Bui three years is a Long time, and I do
fervently pray that this year may bring peace."
During the first day's engagement at Coal Harbor, his horse
was wounded and disabled; and on the second day, he received
a wound in the foot; a hall passing directly through it. At the
time this occurred (he regiment was prepared to make a tearful
charge. He went to the rear, had his wound hastily dressed,
sprang upon his horse, rode as far hack as possible, and then
walked the rest of the way to the regiment. As he passed head-
quarters, Gen. Smith, who commanded the corps, saw him limp-
ing, and supposing he had just been wounded, sent an orderly to
assist him to the ambulance. Major Pkuyx thanked him, but
told him he was on his way backto his men: he could not leave
at that crisis. The orderly left, but in a moment returned with
a glass of brandy, saying, " Major (Jen. Smith sent this to you,
and says you are a brave officer."
While he was at the rear, the General commanding seeing the
hopelessness of the charge, had countermanded the order, but this
was not known to Major Pruyn till he reached the regiment.
Surely the history of the war does not furnish an instance of more
deliberate and determined abnegation of self ! Who can with-
hold his warmest admiration !
I)\ night hi> wound became so painful that lie was obliged to
yield and go to the held hospital. lie was now urged very
strongly to resign. His heart difficulty was greatly aggravated,
and being disabled by a wound, it was argued that he had no
right to remain any longer in the army. But no argument could
convince him. neither could he be induced to remain in the hos-
pital but a few day>. Unable to be on duty, and yet determined
to be neai- the regiment, he went back, and for a few days longer
staid in the chaplain's tent. Of this period the chaplain writes:
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 309
"We tented together for a short time, and I am glad I had this
opportunity to converse so freely with him as I did. For some-
time there was a visible change in him — more thoughtful, more
ready to converse on religious subjects. He often spoke of you,
and your prayers for him; of the Sabbath school, and his early
impressions there. I frequently found him reading his Bible,
and he read very attentively the little book, ' The Victory Now,'
which you sent him. One night, after we had prayed together,
he remarked, that he had never lain down to sleep since he came
into the army without prayer."
While in the hospital he wrote: "I write you from this hos-
pital to-day, but I expect to leave it to-morrow. The doctor
says it will be several weeks before my foot is well, and I cannot
think of staying away from the regiment so long. I am needed
there, and must go back."
He returned to the regiment on the 8th, and after staying with
the chaplain two days, he resumed the command. On the 11th
he wrote the following letter, the last he ever penned:
In the Rifle Pits, June 11, 1864.
My dear Mother — I received a few lines from you this a. m.
* * * # I joined the regiment yesterday. My foot is not
well, but I cannot stay back. It seems wrong for me to do so,
especially as the doctors tell me it will be four or five weeks
before it is entirely healed; but it is only a flesh wound, and if
it was on my lace or hand, would heal in a short time; but a
wound in the foot, no matter how slight, always takes a long
time to heal, as the circulation in that part of the body is so
slow.
My general health is tolerable. Of course, I don't feel as well
as if I was at home, and could get my sleep and meals regularly,
and where I would not have the care and responsibilities which
the commanding officer of a regiment always has, especially a
young man like me, entrusted with the lives of more than two
hundred men. But I do not mean to complain, but rather thank
God that he has kept me alive, and from being severely wounded,
as so many have been in this terrible struggle.
.", Ill U U. CH IRLES l. PE1 J n.
We had "iif poor fellow killed yesterday, our only casualty
during the day. Our regiment has now been in the rifle pits,
under constant fire, ever since we came here, ten days. Oi
course, we are protected by the breastworks, bul "familiarity
breeds contempt," and the men become bo accustomed t<> it thai
ihr\ get careless, .- 1 1 1 < 1 in this way many lose their lives. Besides,
it is impossible fur them to stay in the pits all the time, they
must Leave once in a while.
I thank you, dearest mother, for writing to m<' so often. Even
if ii is (inl\ a t'fw lines, it cheers me, and makes me feel better
when I am thus constantly reminded that the dear ones at home
think of me, and it seems to bring me near to you. As I lie on
the ground at night and look up at the stars, I think those same
stars arc Looking down on you, and I go to sleep, dreaming of
home and mother. Don't think me romantic; the army is the Last
place for that; and although I do feel anxious thai this dreadful
war should end, and that I may be spared to return to you, yet
I do not get homesick. I do not allow myself to do that. Love
to all. Your affectionate CHARLIE.
Yes, this was the last letter of the dear boy to his dear mot her;
the Last •' love to all" from him who indeed loved all, and was
ever ready to sacrifice his own interests for the welfare, of
others. IIi> hour was approaching; he had seen thousands die,
and now the moment for him to die is coming. His purity,
his Love of home, his undying affection for his Christian mother,
his ardent patriotism, hi- sense of honor, his noble and unsur-
passed bravery, could not save him. During the whole war, his
mother, who is as eminent for her pure and exalted piety as was
her son for his exalted patriotism, did all in her power for the
benefit of our soldiers, with the hope that God would return to
her, her own dear hoy. Daily did she pray for hi- protection.
Every moment he was on her heart. Every night she retired
anxious what tiding the morning would bring; but she could
leave him with God. She knew, by a blissful experience, the
-'let place of the Most High," and she could trust her Heav-
enly Father.
MA J. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 311
It will require but a few words to describe the last scene.
On the 13th of June the regiment re-embarked for Bermuda
Hundreds, and were immediately on their arrival ordered to
march upon and assault Petersburg. On the 15th of June, 1864,
Major Pruyn's regiment was ordered to make a charge on one
of the most formidable works before the place. While pre-
paring for the advance, the young Major stood erect before his
men, his countenance radiant with hope, and his eye flashing
with enthusiasm. Surveying the ranks, he uttered, in a clear
and ringing voice, the words, "Attention, Battalion!" He was
the next instant about to give the order, "Charge;" but, before
the word had escaped his lips, a shell struck him on the breast
and exploded. He uttered a single exclamation, "Oh," and
instantly expired. His body was terribly mangled, and, as his
comrades gathered around the lifeless remains, they wept like
children.
The sad tidings fell upon the devoted mother like a thunder-
bolt, and for a time she seemed crushed. All the past, the days
of his childhood, the period of his enlistment, his affectionate
and graphic letters, his heroic deeds, came rushing upon her
memory and overwhelmed her. But her Heavenly Father has
graciously sustained her; and all loyal men and women through-
out the land, all who love liberty and hate slavery, will thank
her for giving to the American Republic such a son. History
will perpetuate his memory, and posterity will applaud the name
of Charles Elisha Pruyn.
The precious body was embalmed and brought to his home.
On Monday, June 27th, 1864, it was my privilege to participate
in his funeral services, and in the presence of a vast concourse
of weeping friends, to bear testimony to his ardent piety, his
noble patriotism, and his eminent services rendered to his
country. His venerable pastor, the Rev. Dr. Wykoff, offered
an appropriate and fervent prayer, and, from his own warm and
sympathetic heart, commended the bereaved relatives to Him
who alone could give consolation adequate to the hour. The
remains were borne to their last resting place in the Albany Rural
3 \- m \i. ( ii \i;i.i> i:. 11:1 J \
Cemetery, under the escort of his former companions, the Zouave
('.•i.l. ts.
The oumerous letters received after he fell, bear most touch-
ing testimony to the grief his death occasioned; and it was a
proof of the maturity an. I excellence of his character, that
those who loved ami mourned him most, were the oldesl and
best in. n. .not only til' his <»\\n regiment, but of the whole
brigade.
One of the officers of the regiment, Capt. R. \V. Livingston,
whose opinion, from the dignity and excellence of his own
character, was particularly valuable, writes thus: "Though we
were so Dearly at the extremes, he being almost the youngest
and 1 quite the oldest officer of the regiment, 1 very early
learned to admire his capacity as an officer, and esteem his vir-
tues as a man; and, notwithstanding the disparity of onr years,
was proud of his friendship. I do not attempt t<» write words
of consolation. "While I have lost a dear yOung friend, you have
lost a mosl dearly loved son --a BOD who deserved all your love,
and fully justified your pride. His memory must he tenderly
cherished."
Rev. Dr. Van Santvoord wrote thus to his mother:
"I met one of your sons several times in Washington, but am
not positive whether it was Charles or not: but this matters
little, as I learn from various sources the character of your der
ceased boy for truth, honor, and all manly qualities, and the
deservedly high estimate in which he was held by all who knew
him. and that the path which he loved and strove to walk in, was
that which the Master pointed out and His own blessed footsteps
trod. To lose a son of whom this may be said, is a loss only in
name. To one lifted for heaven it is gain to die. and it were
hardly wise or well for us to mourn the entrance of our loved ones,
on I he possessioD and full enjoyment of the heavenly treasure."
Nor were these the sentiments only of such as had known him
in manhood, and after the development of his character. One
of his earliest companions speaks thus of him :
■ My Dear .Mrs. Pruyx — The valuable gift which you have so
kindly sent me moves me more than 1 can tell. Charlie's sword
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYX. 313
I feel unworthy of; and yet to no one out of your own family
could you have confided it to whom it would be more precious.
I shall cherish it as a memorial of one of the warmest friends of
my youth; of one with whom I have passed many happy hours,
and of one whose early death crowns a career so honorable, so
noble, and so patriotic, that I feel proud in having been for many
years his associate.
It seems but a few days since Charlie exchanged the oar of
our pastime for the sword of the soldier; and the same earnest-
ness and faithfulness that characterized the enthusiastic boy, hon-
ored and distinguished the career of the well-loved man.
As I look at the sword, I shall ever think of the bravery and
patriotism of my former companion; and with the remembrance
shall be linked appreciation of the regard that thinks me not
unworthy to be the recipient of so precious a boon.
Deeply sensible of your consideration,
I remain, truly and gratefully yours,
JOHN E. McELROY.
The excellent officer who succeeded him in the regiment
writes :
"I feel honored to occupy his position, and it is my highest
ambition to emulate his noble, Christian patriotism. Oh, that
he could have been spared to see the termination of this fearful
struggle! No heart would have rejoiced more truly, for none
served their country more unselfishly than he did."
Another writes :
" Major Pruyx's life cannot be measured by length of days,
for there are few among us, hoary with age, who have such a
record of duty and patriotism. The score of years and the early
death completes his life better than a century of mere existence.
To have been a noble boy, a dutiful, exemplary son, a Christian
man, and a zealous patriot, throws a halo of glory around the
sad, untimely death."
Soon after his death, the following tribute to his memory was
received :
."> 1 I MAJ. (II \i:l.i:s B. PBUTN.
HeADQI \i:i II- L18th \. V. S. V. 1
l\ mi; Trenches, Before Petersbi bo, \'a., J-
July 20*A, L864. J
Mrs. M wa Pri n. Albany, N. Y.\
Madam Enclosed I send you extract from General Orders
No. 80, Headquarters Department Virginia and North Carolina,
just received ;it these headquarters.
Ii will assure \<»u thai the Dame of your Lamented son is still
identified with the struggle, towards the success of which he
contributed his young life. The nobly fallen have not been
forgotten their memory has been most fittingly honored.
Alone; our outer lines their names have been sel gems of
encouragemenl to ourselves- -signs of warning to the foe.
It shall be our effort to emulate the brightness of their exam-
ple— their devotion — that their sacrifices may prove to have been
in behalf of a cause as gloriously successful, as it is gloriously
righteous.
I am, .Madam, most respectfully,
J. L. CUNNINGHAM,
Captain Commanding lltilh JV. Y. V.
[Official]
Head Quarters Department of Virginia ")
and North Carolina, i\ the Field, Va., V
July l.V//. 1864. J
General Orders No. 80. Iu honor of the memory of some
of the gallant dead of this army, who have fallen in this cam-
paign, the redoubts and batteries on the lines will hereafter be
known as follows, viz: — * * * * *
Battery No. 6 is named Battery Pruyn, after Major Charles E.
Pri v.\. One hundred and Eighteenth New York Volunteers. * *
By c mand of .Major Genera] 15. F. Butler.
(Signed) R. S. DAVIS.
Major and Assistant Adjutant General.
Referring to this, an officer writes: "Yesterday I visited the
battery which bears his name. It is one of the finest and most
complete batteries on this whole line. It is the centre and salient
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN. 315
battery, and in a very important position. At the point occupied
by this, ours and the enemy's lines are the closest together. A
very neat board marked " Battery Pruyn" has been placed over
the entrance to the work. I am glad I was able to visit this
place, but you may believe I had many sad thoughts and memo-
ries, caused by the visit. Charlie was more to me then, than I
thought him in life."
But these testimonials received, are too numerous to be further
alluded to. Seldom has a young man died of whom less of evil
could be spoken, or who was more affectionately remembered by a
larger circle of sorrowing friends. With a mind stored with use-
ful knowledge, with principles pure and unyielding; with a power
for influence, aud a capacity for command rarely seen in one so
young; and, above all, with a heart fired with the truest patriot-
ism, he was eminently fitted for the times, and seemed destined
to fill a higher position than he was permitted to attain.
But his young life has been freely given, with the many pre-
cious sacrifices this fearful war has demanded.
At a regular meeting of the Washington Lodge, No. 85, F.
and A. M., held at Masonic Hall, September 24th, 1864, it was
unanimously
Resolved, That the tidings of the untimely death of our
lamented l)rother, Charles E. Pruyn, Major One Hundred and
Eighteenth Regiment New York Volunteers, while in the dis-
charge of his sacred duty, have caused feelings of the deepest
sorrow. We mourn that a patriot so brave, so true to his country
and just to his God; a soldier so valiant, a son and brother so
devoted, so faithful and so beloved, should thus early be called
from a sphere of hope and usefulness.
Resolved, That in his death, a link in the chain of our brother-
hood is broken, and his memory will ever be revered by his
afflicted brethren and associates, as a devoted, ardent and faithful
brother, and warm friend and supporter of our institution.
Resolved, That we tender to the afflicted family of our deceased
brother, our heartfelt sympathy, and assure them of our high
appreciation of his noble qualities; and, while we bow in humble
submission to the chastening rod, we remember that it is an act
316 M \-i. CHAELE8 E. PE1 V\.
of 1 hat mysterious yei all-wise Providence which "doeth all
things well," and, though removed from his earthly labor, our
brother is called to higher service and angelic duties in that
"house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
W. E. MILBANKS, Secretary.
Mr. 1'iavN inherited from his father a decided military taste,
and lie was glad to join the Albany Zouave Cadets, soon after
their organization, as an amusement, never imagining that the
knowledge thus acquired would ever be brought into requisition
I'm' any higher or more important purpose.
He enjoyed his connections with this company, and was ever
ready to made any sacrifice to promote its interests.
The following resolutions, passed by the company after his
death, express their estimation of him:
Armory Albany Zouave Cadets, \
Co. "A," Tenth Regiment, X. G. N. Y. \
At a special meeting of this company, held at their rooms on
Friday evening, June 24th, the following preamble and resolu-
tions were unanimously adopted:
The tidings from the battle field before Petersburg, Va., brings
to us the painful intelligence of the death of our former associate,
Charles E. Pruvn. Major of the One Hundred and Eighteenth
Regiment N. Y. S. A"., who fell while bravely discharging his
duty in the service of his country; therefore it is
Resolved, That in the sacrifice of this noble young life, our
Nation has lost a brave man and a devoted patriot, and this com-
pany, of which he was an honored member, a friend and comrade
who was endeared to us by many ties of affection.
Resolved, That, though we have been called to grieve over his
untimely end, we still have the consolation of knowing his death
was the Christian's, his sacrifice the hero's, and that he yielded
up his life in the holy cause of defending the rights of his country.
Unsolved, That we tender to the officers of his regiment our
heartfelt sympathies for the loss they have sustained by the death
of their gallant officer.
MAJ. CHARLES E. PRUYN". 317
Resolved, That, though we feel the insufficiency of human
sympathy, we offer to the family of our departed comrade our
sincere condolence in their dark hour of trial.
Resolved, That desiring to pay a fitting tribute of respect to
the memory of our departed friend, we will attend his funeral
obsequies in such a manner as may be acceptable to the bereaved
family.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, properly engrossed,
be tendered to the family of the deceased; that a copy be for-
warded to the officers of his regiment, and that they also be pub-
lished in the daily papers of this city.
L. U. LEXOX, Captain.
W. N. S. Sanders, Secretary.
Other testimonials were received, equally earnest and flatter-
ing, with those already given, which our limits will not allow us
to insert.
But higher than all human praise, is the approbation of that
God whom our hero so faithfully served, and the love and wel-
come of the Saviour, in whom he placed his trust, and his hope
of immortal glory.
,'318 MAJ. QEOBGE B. DAWSON,
XVII.
MAJOR GEORGE S. DAWSON.
George Sewaed Dawson was born in Rochester, N. V.. Nov.
7. L838. After having acquired a thorough business education,
he entered the printing office of Weed, Parsons & Co. (of which
firm his father is a member)as an apprentice, and, having served
out his time, was eniraired in the office at the outbreak of the
rebellion. For a few months preceding the fall of Sumter, he
was a member of Company B, Tenth Regiment National Guards,
and from the happening of that event, he became fixed in his
purpose to take part in the contest. He offered himself as a
volunteer in the first regiments raised in Albany. N. Y., but
owing to the loss of vision in one of his eye-, caused by an acci-
dent in his early boyhood, he could not pass examination.
Grieved that he was thus precluded from taking his place as a
private in the ranks, he resolved, with the cordial acquiescence
of his parents, to solicit a commission, as the only mode of car-
rying oul his patriotic purpose. A commission of First Lieuten-
ant was readily secured for him in the Second Regiment of New
York Volunteer Artillery.
On the 6th of November, 1861, he joined his command,
which was rendezvoused on Staten Island, and the next day
moved with it to Washington, marching directly to Fort Ward,
iu the immediate vicinity of Fairfax Seminary, south of the
Potomac. His own company was detailed for Fort Ellsworth,
and subsequently, at different times, for two \e;ws, garrisored
Forts Worth, Reno, Ward and Cochrane.
Jn February, 1862, the Captain of his company (F) having
r signed, the Lieutenant was promoted to the vacancy, which
posit he held until he received the wound which resulted in
his death.
MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 319
The first active field service assigned the regiment was in
1863, during the famous but unfortunate campaign of General
Pope. It was ordered to proceed to Manassas, and vicinity, to
aid in protecting the trains running to that point. It was a
weary march for a regiment which had been strictly confined
to garrison duty for nearly two years, and which had had no
experience in the rougher work of war. But the order was
received with cheers, and the regiment went to its assigned
duty with alacrity, anxious to escape the monotony of garrison
life, and to share in the dangers and glory of the field. Before,
however, it had reached its point of ultimate destination, and
while marching cheerily forward, without the slightest suspicion
that the enemy was in the neighborhood in force, it was startled
b}^ a heavy discharge of artillery in front and on either flank,
as if it had been purposely permitted to enter a cul-de-sac
before beins: warned of its danger. It was the regiment's first
cr o o
experience of the iron realities of war, and although the shot and
shell came thick and fast, there was, at first, neither panic nor
alarm. No enemy was visible, and there was no evidence of his
proximity, except what was furnished by these iron missiles.
It soon became apparent, however, that they were nearly sur-
rounded by a largely superior force — at least ten to one, as was
afterwards ascertained. But for the impression that the regi-
ment wTas merely the skirmish line of a large force in the rear,
it would have been captured, as it might have been easily. This
impression, however, saved it from so sad a fate; and the officer
in command, Col. Waggoner, though illy qualified to take care of
his men in such an emergency, had the sagacity to see that his
only safety was in retreat — which he was enabled to effect for a
time, in good order. But when the retreat began, and the
enemy discovered that they had been approached by a single regi-
ment, without support — which they were slow to believe, as it
indicated a want of foresight wholly incomprehensible — they
sallied out of their earth works, with cavalry and artillery,
determined to punish the " impudent Yankees," who had, in
such insignificant numbers, bearded them in their stronghold.
For a while they were held in check by the timely arrival of
320 M \.i. GEORGE 3. D \w BON.
a section of the Eleventh (Havelock) Battery, which had been
surprised and routed, a few hours previously, by a superior force.
The two guns thus brought away in the retreat were pressed
into service, and were used effectively against the advancing
enemy. But ii was soon found impracticable to make a stand,
ami the retreat finally became a rout.
Capt Dawson's company was given the post of honor, the rear,
in the retreat, and was for a time 1 1 * • 1 < 1 well in hand; but the
rapid approach of a large force of cavalry rendered it apparent
that resistance would be useless, and soon every man was on the
look "Hi for himself. Unfortunately the Captain had been, a few
days previously, lamed bya severe kick from a horse, and suffered
greatly from this injury during the entire march. It soon became
evident to him that, however anxious he might be to escape, a
rapid retreat was impossible. Thus crippled, he was soon left
far in the rear, accompanied by a few of his faithful men, who
refused to leave him. With the rebel cavalry in full sight, and
only kept back by their pursuit of stragglers in the woods, the
Captain, unable to drag himself farther, sal down by the road-
side with no other expectation than immediate capture. To be
taken prisoner is anything but a pleasant prospect at anytime,
but at this particular juncture it was scarcely less to be dreaded
than death, for an order had just been issued, by the rebels,
threatening all captured officers serving under Pope, with "chains
and dungeons," in retaliation for that General's order to " live
upon the enemy."
But there was no alternative. He could not, to save his life,
proceed farther, and ordering his men to leave him and seek
their own safety, he prepared to surrender whenever his pur-
suers should so order. But at this crisis unexpected succor
reached him. Hospital Steward IIkald, of the Eleventh Bat-
tery, rode up at full speed on a horse which he had cut from
one of the caissons left upon the held in the rout of that bat-
tery, and discovering the Captain, whom he knew, and whose
helplessness Mas made known to him in a word, he magnani-
mously leaped from his horse, forced the Captain into the saddle,
in spite of his protest against availing himself of this mode of
MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 321
escape at the expense of the safety of his generous friend. The
only response was: "You certainly will be taken if you remain.
You are crippled and cannot escape. I am in full strength, and
know every foot of these woods for miles. Don't fear for me, I
can elude the rebels." Without another word, the generous fel-
low disappeared, and successfully eluded the enemy. Finding
himself thus providentially saved from the dreaded fate which
he supposed awaited him, the Captain made all haste to escape,
and was soon within the lines drawn up at Centreville, in suffi-
cient force to keep back the enemy. The Captain and his friends
at home had frequent opportunities afterwards to evince their
gratitude for this generous act.
In this escapade only two or three of the regiment were killed,
and forty or fifty taken prisoners. The incompetency exhibited
by the Colonel on this occasion and subsequently, led to his dis-
missal from the service.
The regiment rendezvoused at its old quarters, and continued to
garrison the forts south of the Potomac, until Gen. Grant entered
upon his final and triumphant campaign in the spring of 1864.
It then numbered over eighteen hundred men, and the order to
march was received with rejoicing, any change being preferred
to the monotony to which it had been so long subjected. Most
of the officers and men had entered the service from motives of
pure patriotism, having, with few exceptions, enlisted before the
oner of the large tempting bounties which were subsequently
paid; and they longed to share in the glory which they believed
awaited those who should distinguish themselves in the deadly
strife, which they knew was inevitable. But, alas! how few of all
these eighteen hundred strong men live to-day to wear the laurels
which they coveted. Company F numbered one hundred and
forty-seven men when it left Fort Cochrane, on the morning of
the 15th of May, and every man responded to his name at the
first roll call in the " Wilderness." But in less than thirty days,
and before their captain received his fatal wound at Petersburg,
it had more than once gone into battle with less than fifty, and
on one occasion only twenty-five were able, either because of
21
322 MAJ. QEOBGE S. DAWSON.
death, wounds or excessive fatigue, to follow their leader into
'.'the imminent deadly breach."
The Captain's first real experience of a close and sanguinary
encounter, was in the Wilderness, when the artillery brigade was
led against the enemy. It was in the night. The rebels were
approaching in unknown force from an unknown quarter. Some
of thi' commanding officers were as unused to the work as those
who cheerfully followed them, and in this night attack there was
more confusion than execution. It was no matter of surprise,
therefore, in the rapid marching and counter-marching to tind
the enemy, that friends were often mistaken for foes, and that
our own regiments sometimes lired into each other, thus, in many
instances, creating a panic and inextricable confusion. The
Second found itself in this dilemma, being fired into from the rear,
by the Seventh Artillery while pressing the enemy in front.
While no stampede was produced by this untoward event, sev-
eral of the Second were killed, and there followed a great deal
of confusion and innumerable conflicting commands.
When the enemy was repulsed, and something like order was
restored, Captain Dawson found himself with the colors of the
regiment and eighteen men, waiting orders. Communicating
with Col. Whistler, then in command of the regiment, the reply
was: "Hold your position until I rally the regiment around the
flag." Although, in this first test battle, the Captain evinced no
more courage than the mass of the officers and men of the regi-
ment, the coolness and thoughtfulness which he exhibited
attracted to him the especial attention of his Colonel, who highly
complimented him, and who ever afterwards leaned upon him
with the most implicit confidence, as one who could be depended
upon in the most trying emergency. This confidence was not
misplaced, and Col. Whistler afterwards remarked: "He never
failed me. I could always trust him. He was ever ready, on
every alarm, as if waiting for it; and at every call to arms, at
whatever hour, his was always the first company in line, himself
at the head of it."
The reader will remember the thrilling records of the exploits
of "the Artillery Brigade" in the battles of "the Wilderness,"
MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 323
while under the command of Gen. Tyler. It was, on all occa-
sions, given the post of danger, and took a conspicuous part in
all the terrible combats which will ever render " the Wilderness"
memorable in the annals of the war. Wherever that brigade
fought, the Second Regiment did its duty, and no company of
that regiment received higher praise than company F.
When the Artillery Brigade was broken up, as it was at
Spottsylvania, to give greater efficiency to the several corps, the
Second Regiment was placed in the famous Second Corps, Gen.
Hancock; in the First Division, Gen. Barlow; and in the First
Brigade, Gen. Miles — names associated with all that is chivalric,
heroic and daring in that ever memorable, bloody and triumphant
campaign.
It is not the purpose of this sketch to follow its subject
through all the minutia of his marchings and fightings and suffer-
ings in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania, the North Anna, the
Tolopottomy, and so on to Coal Harbor and Petersburg. It is
sufficient that he did his duty in all emergencies, and upon all
occasions. When his father went to visit him at Coal Harbor,
after the fearful battle, he met the Adjutant of the regiment in
the regimental tent hospital, in the rear of the army, and on
inquiring for George, the Adjutant replied: " He is well, and
when you hear what the Colonel will tell you of his bearing in
battle, you will be proud of him." It was, indeed, pleasant to
his father to hear his son thus spoken of by a fellow-officer; but
it was inexpressibly gratifying to see his men manifesting the ten-
derest affection for him, and to hear them speak of him as their
"brave Captain." They se.emed unable to say enough in praise
of him. " He always goes with us," said they, " and we are never
hungry so long as he has a crust in his own haversack, or a six-
pence to divide with us."
The Colonel, on the same occasion, said : "George, as a sol-
dier and gentleman, is all you could desire him to be. In battle
he is calm, deliberate, and brave as a lion. I can depend upon
him, and he has already earned his promotion." On another
occasion the Colonel said : "The sound of the first cannon, and
his first encounter with the enemy, seemed to change his whole
324 MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON.
character, and to transform him at once from youth to manhood.
I sometimes," said the Colonel, "when in garrison, had occasion
to hold him in check. The monotony of garrison life seemed
unbearable to him, and the duties assigned him there, while sel-
dom neglected, were evidently not what he coveted. He was
constantly longing for some more active service; and since that
act ive service has come, he has proven his fitness for it. He rose
with the occasion, and there is nothing within the range of his
duty in which I cannot implicitly trust him." This, coming from
an old soldier, a graduate of West Point, who had grown up in
the army, as his father and grandfather had done before him, was
certainly high praise. The promotion which his Colonel said he
had "earned" was conferred upon him, but the commission (of
Major) did not reach him until after he was disabled at Peters-
burg. The promotion was asked for by the Colonel as a reward
for his gallantry in the field, and its reception was a source of
satisfaction and pleasure to him in his subsequent weeks and
months of suffering.
The retreat of the rebel army from Coal Harbor, enabled Gen.
Grant to move at once across the James River, and against
Petersburgh. The Second Corps was in the advance in this move-
ment, and was hurried forward to open the campaign in this new
field, where, after many months of fighting, the war was to
be brought to a successful termination. It was expected that
the Second Corps would have been up in time to take part in'
the first movement upon Petersburg ; but the guide, either un-
wittingly or intentionally, took the wrong road, and kept back
the corps until after the attack had been made and abandoned.
It is painful to reflect upon the consequences of this mistake. If
the proper effort had been made, it is believed that the attack
would have been successful, even with the force employed. But
with the Second Corps in addition, there is no doubt that Peters-
burg would then have fallen. For Gen. Wise afterwards boasted
that the city was defended by raw troops, composed mostly of
clerks, mechanics, and other civilians of the place and vicinity,
who could not have withstood a determined and persistent attack.
And this boast was apparently confirmed by the fact that Kuntz's
MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 325
cavalry penetrated the town, and it was believed that he could
have held it if he had been properly supported by a single divi-
sion.
This failure gave the rebels time to reinforce from Richmond,
and when, on the 16th, the Second Corps moved against the
enemy, it was met by a formidable force, and encountered earth-
works which prevented a rapid advance.
On the afternoon of the 16th, the First Brigade of the Second
( !orps was ordered to advance upon a series of earthworks which
had proved exceedingly annoying through the day. The Second
Artillery was given a conspicuous position in this attack, and was
moving briskly to the charge when, on reaching the crest of a
hill within close range, it encountered a shower of shot and shell
which compelled a halt. The havoc had been severe in the
ranks of the regiment, and the men were lying down to escape
the death-hail, when Capt. Dawson was directed by the Colonel
to assist in concentrating a company (not his own) which had
become "mixed up."
He was engaged in this work, not legitimately belonging to
him, but necessary for the protection of the flank of the line,
when he received his wound. He was within a few feet of the
Colonel, who heard the peculiar thud which indicated the lodge-
ment of a Minnie ball, aud seeing the Captain waver, said: "Cap-
tain, are you hit? " The reply was: "Yes, sir, I believe I am;"
and, before falling, he walked a few paces to a stump, which he
took hold of and slowly let himself down behind it, as a shelter.
Instantly, a number of his men, forgetful of their own safety in
their anxiety and affection for him, rose from their reclining
position and offered to bear him from the field. But, aware of
the almost certain death which would result to them if they
should be permitted to do what they desired, thanking them for
their kindness, he declined their offer and ordered them back to
their places in the ranks, where they would be partially sheltered
from the fire of the enemy, which was so hot and impetuous
that it was impossible for the stretcher-bearers to render any
assistance to the wounded. Such relief as could be extemporized
was extended to them by those in their immediate proximity,
326 M u. QEORGE s. DAWSON.
but surgical aid could not be hoped for until after dark. A bast;
examination showed thai :i Minnie ball had penetrated the Cap-
tain's leu: just above the lefl knee, glancing downwards, proving
that ilic shol had been fired by a sharpshooter from the elevated
position of the earth- work which the regiment was facing. But
it was deemed a inert- flesh wound, and the only remark it elicited
from the Captain was made l<»a wounded officer near him: "This
books me for a thirty days' furlough."
It was soon ascertained thai oilier Albanians had suffered.
Near him lay the lamented Adjutant McDonald, of the Sixty-
first, mortally wounded, and Acting Lieutenant Maiiar, also of
the Sixty-first, with his leg shattered. The Adjutant lived but
a few tlays. The Lieutenant suffered amputation, and for a time
seemed getting along finely; but his constitution was too greatly
shattered, and he died at home in October.
It was late in the night — six hours after he had received his
wound — before Captain Dawson could be removed. Those were
terrible hours; not so much from the pain experienced, as because
of the anxiety endured. The shot and shell were flying incessantly
over the heads of the wounded, most of whom had been carried
or had crawled over the brow of the hill. The insatiable thirst,
which is the universal accompaniment of battle wounds, caused
incessant appeals for water. But, as the scene was described,
there were no murmurings nor outcries. On the contrary, there
was more of mirth than of grief manifested — each seemingly
anxious to cheer the others in their common sufferings. The
master anxiety during these trying hours was the fear that our
troops might be overpowered, and the wounded thereby fall into
the hands of the rebels. But while our brave fellows did not,
during that night, accomplish their purpose, they held their
ground, and under cover of the darkness, the wounded were
borne to the field hospitals of their several regiments. The sur-
geons of his regiment did what they could to ascertain the nature
and extent of the Captain's wound, and to guard against future
mischief. They decided, as did also the surgeons of the brigade
and division, that the hurt, though severe, would not compel
amputation. In twenty-four hours after receiving his wound, he
MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 327
was forwarded to the Second Corps hospital at City Point, with
strength enough to hold in his lap the head of a poor fellow who
had lost a leg. But whether because of the ride in an ambulance
for twelve miles over a rough road, or because the wound was
really worse than had been supposed, or because of an error in
judgment of the Corps surgeons, in twenty-four hours after he
reached the Corps hospital, it was decided, on consultation, that
the knee was so much injured that amputation was necessary.
The announcement was made to the Captain, and his only reply
was : "I am ready for whatever operation you may deem neces-
sary." Amputation of the left leg immediately followed — the
saddest reflection being that, although Avithin twelve miles of his
own regiment, no friend or acquaintance was with him to comfort
him in this hour of sorrow and suffering. Those, however, who
witnessed his bearing before, during, and after the operation,
said that no one ever evinced greater fortitude or passed through
the ordeal more cheerfully or unflinchingly. Only Divine aid
could have so greatly sustained him during this first great sorrow
of his life, and through the months of anguish which followed,
before he passed away to his final rest.
Within a few hours after the operation, he was placed on board
the hospital steamer to be conveyed, with hundreds of others of
the wounded, to Washington. Although the trip was made in
the usual time, when he reached Armory Square Hospital gan-
grene had set in, and the most unfavorable indications were
developed. His parents reached the hospital a few hours after
he did, and they were surprised at his apparent strength and
cheerfulness. Anxious to have the opinion of the best surgeons
in Washington, a council was held, and the decision reached
that the case was " almost hopeless." Fortunately he fell into
good hands, and although gangrene persistently returned at
intervals, at the end of four months his parents were permitted
to bear him home, with the assurance that " there was not a sur-
geon in the State so unskillful as to prevent a favorable result."
And so, for several week§, it seemed. He grew strong, was fre-
quently able to ride out, and looked forward with confidence and
hope to the time when he could take his place again with his
328 U u. QEOBGE B. DAWSON.
regiment, on horseback, and be "in at the death of the rebel*
lion." But it was not so to be. As was ascertained on a post
mortem examination, l>ut not dreamed of before, the bone of the
amputated Limb was so diseased, even at the time of highest
hope, that recovery was impossible; and, in spite of the beat
professional skill and the most unwearied care, the young soldier
died on the 6th of December, aged twenty-six years — five months
and twenty days after receiving the wound.
Although his friends are reluctant to lift the curtain which
encircled the death bed of their son and brother, his last hours
bore such beautiful fruit that, for the good of others, they con-
sent that some of the pleasant incidents which preceded his death
may be given.
During his entire illness he had been thoughtful; and one of
his first remarks, after his friends met him at Washington, was:
" Oh! this is hard to bear; but, Heavenly Father, thy will be
done." And when, after his removal to private rooms in "Wash-
ington, where the family could be together, he was never willing
to go to sleep in the evening, until after family worship, often
asking if it were not time for the service. When he was form-
ally told that he could not probably live over twenty-four hours,
he received the announcement with perfect composure. He
spoke to his friends cheerfully, and informed his father, minutely,
as to the condition of his company papers. "You will find
them all arranged perfectly," said he, " with but a single receipt
wanting, of clothing issued on the eve of battle at Coal Harbor;
and in regard to that, you will find full memoranda." Death
seemed to have for him no terrors whatever. The secret of this
calmness was revealed when his father said to him, "George,
can you now trust the Saviour?" His reply was: " Can I trust
the Saviour! Oh! yes, with my whole heart and soul."
During his last night, and eighteen hours after he had been
informed that he could not recover, he said to a friend who was
sitting with him: "This has been the happiest day of my life,
and you may say this to all my friends." And this was said by
one whose whole life had been full of sunshine, and to whom
the future of life was full of unclouded hope. The remark was
MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 329
a gratifying assurance that he " knew in whom he had believed,"
and that he deemed death but a messenger sent to open to him
the portals of a brighter and happier home.
His last hours were so full of serenity and peace that the
tears shed around his bedside were rather tears of joy than of
sorrow, and the prayers offered rather the expressions of
thanksgiving than of grief. While, at his request, the beauti-
ful hymn,
" Nearer, my God, to thee,"
was being; sung his countenance beamed with the enthusiasm of
holy worship; and when he became unable to repeat audibly
the words of the hymn, his lips moved in unison with the mea-
sure of the music. A few moments before his voice failed him,
he whispered: " O, sing to me of Heaven;" and that touching
hymn, which he had years before printed for the Sabbath school
with which he was connected, was sung, and he was enabled to
join in its singing to the close.
Requesting all but his parents to leave the room for a moment,
he again referred minutely to his company papers, yet unadjusted,
but which he had carefully arranged, and giving a few parting
directions, he seemed to have nothing more to say, and com-
menced singing, in a clear voice:
" Nearer, my God, to thee."
He sang through the words:
'' E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,"
when his voice failed him, and soon after, whispering the single
word, " higher!" he sank to rest, as if in a quiet slumber.
However much his parents and friends might regret that one
so loved should be so early called away from them, there could
be no real grief in the hallowed presence of such a death bed.
It will be forever a blessed memory. His patriotism and bravery
are a precious legacy. The uncomplaining patience which he
exhibited during his months of suffering, can never be forgotten.
The fact that he gave his young life to perpetuate the Union
330 MA.I. GEOBGE S. DAWSOX.
and to secure freedom to the enslaved, will ever be a proud boast
with those who bear his name. But lii.s trusting faith and his
happy death will constitute the brightest and pleasantest recol-
lection of his brief life.
When the intelligence of his death reached his regiment, deep
grief filled every heart, and this grief found but feeble expression
jn the following resolutions, adopted on the field of battle, near
the spot where he had received his fatal wound:
Head Quarters Second New York Artillery.
At a meeting of the officers and privates of Company F, Second
New York Artillery, held at camp near Petersburg, Va., on the
evening of December 9th, 1864, the following resolutions were
unanimously adopted:
Whereas, It would indeed be difficult to imagine anything cal-
culated to diffuse or cast a deeper gloom amongst us, than the
intelligence of the death of our late company commander, Maj.
George S. Dawson, long our associate in arms. In his skill and
integrity, our confidence was implicit. Ever ready to alleviate
our sufferings and contribute to our comfort, he nobly stood as
the champion of our rights and the defender of .our honor. On
many a well contested field (ever in the van), he has shared our
dangers and participated in our glory. In him we have lost an
able and efficient officer, whose military skill and courage has
won our confidence and admiration. Our loss is irreparable,
inasmuch as, by long association, he became blended in our wel-
fare. The noble and refined bearing which he at all times prac-
ticed towards us, made us feel toward and look to him as a com-
panion, rather than as a superior: Whereas, it has pleased the
Almighty Ruler of the Universe to take from us our late com-
mander, George S. Dawson, it is unanimously
Resolved, That his memory shall live within us. It will be
nourished by the recollection of his virtues, and his valor shall
ever be held as a pattern worthy of imitation.
Resolved. That we fully concur in the sentiment of our Colo-
nel, that the Second New York Artillery has, by the death of
George S. Dawson, lost one of* its best and bravest officers.
MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 331
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be duly forwarded
to family of deceased.
(Signed) Lieut. James Chichester and others,
Members of Company F.
RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE 2d N. Y. VOL. ARTILLERY.
Head Quarters 2d N. Y. Artillery, ?
Before Petersburg, Jan. 14, 1865. $
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in His Providence, to
call from this scene of war and strife to a far better and more
peaceful land, our beloved companion, Major George S. Dawson,
we cannot refrain from pouring out our sympathy with his afflicted
family and country.
In him the country lost a pure patriot and a brave soldier, the
regiment and his company a noble officer and a true friend. The
loss to his family we cannot estimate. We can only, while real-
izing, next to themselves, his loss, offer to them our heartiest
sympathy and regard, and promise them that through the short
remainder of our own lives, we will ever cherish, as a precious
relic, the memory of our well beloved and departed brother.
GEO. HOGG, Major, Cwrid'g.
Hugh Fitzsimmons, Lieut.
resolutions of the typographical society.
At a meeting of Albany Typographical Union No. 4, held on
Wednesday evening, December 7th, the following preamble and
resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, Our Almighty Father, who ordereth all things ac-
cording to the counsels of his own will, hath been pleased, in
his inscrutable Providence, to take unto himself our fellow
craftsman, George S. Dawson, Major of Second Artillery, New
York State Volunteers, who had endeared himself unto us by
his social virtues and manly qualities, and who had won our
admiration by his talents and heroic bravery on the field, where,
while gallantly leading his men in a charge upon the enemy
332 H a.i. 0E0BGE 8. DAWSON.
before Petersburg, on the L6th of June last, he received (he
wound \\ Inch, despite long and patienl watch and care, resulted
in his death, on the 6th of December instant; therefore,
Resolved, That we hereby express the deep sorrow his decease
has occasioned in our hearts, and convey t<» his family OUT .sym-
pathy with them in their bereavement.
Ursnh-, d. That in token of our appreciation of our loss, the
Charter of this Union be draped in mourning for thirty days, and
that we attend his funeral in a body.
GEO. W. QUACKEXBUSH, President.
G. Baker, Secretary.
RESOLUTIONS OF COMPANY B, lOTH REGT.
At a special meeting of Washington Continental Company B,
held at their Armory, Wednesday evening, December 7th, the
following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, In the inscrutable providence of God, this company
has again been called upon to mourn the loss of one of its mem-
bers, Major George S. Dawson, Second New York Artillery, in
the death of whom the ties that bound us together have now
been severed: a sincere friend, an active soldier and a true
patriot — one who has laid his life down on his country's altar,
has, we trust, ere this been the recipient of an everlasting
crown of never-fading glory in the mansions of the skies; there-
fore,
Resolved, That we tender to the family and relatives of the
deceased our sincere condolence and heartfelt sympathy in this
their hour of affliction.
Resolved, That this dispensation of Divine Providence will
remind us that we, too, must die, and of the certain decay of all
earthly greatness, and that " in the midst of life we are in death."
Resolved, That we are most impressed with the fact that
" death loves a shining mark," as is fully exemplified in the
instance at hand. It has taken away from us one of the best
members of our organization, one whose association with us
developed those qualities which are the attributes of an honest,
MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 333
upright and generous man, one whose memory will linger with
us until we, too, are summoned to pass through the " dark valley
of the shadow of death."
Resolved, That the members of this company attend the fune-
ral of our deceased comrade, in uniform.
Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolutions be
signed b}^ the President and Secretary, and a copy transmitted
to the family of the deceased, and published in the " Morning
Express " and " Evening Journal."
W. G. THORBURN, President.
J. A. Fassett, Secretary.
The following beautiful tribute is from the pen of Alfred B.
Street, Esq.:
GEORGE SEWARD DAWSON,
MAJOR SECOND NEW YORK ARTILLERY, DIED FROM WOUNDS RECEIVED BEFORE
PETERSBURG, JUNE 16, 1865.
Oue more true hero perished ! once again
We mourn our vernal flowers ! oh, fatal strife !
Our best and bravest crowd the battle-plain !
Carnage holds carnival ! the sword bears reign !
Peace droops in tears ! but not, but not in vain
The woe ! upon it hangs our nation's life !
For this the living ramparts rise, for this
The floods of living fire that wrathful dart
From the volcano of the nation's heart !
And those who act their stern but holy part,
Feel it is bliss to strive, to perish, bliss.
And he we mourn was one of those ; he sprang
When in his ear the land's loud war cry rang;
Sprang from the joys of home, the opening flowers,
The gladdening songs that make the hovering hours
So heavenly to the young; with one brave bound
He finds the battle's front ; a fiery flood
Pours on his scanty band; the waves whirl round
Our youthful Brave, — a maelstrom, seething blood, —
But firm he stands ; he breasts the dashing fire
Until the surges pile so fierce their ire
They hurl him back, but facing still the flow
With brow unquailing and unfailing blow.
Thy field, Manassas, saw no brave deeds done
Brighter than his ! and there his first green wreath he won f
334 MA.T. GEORGE S. DAWSON.
And thou, O, rod and t replied Wilderness !
Didst Bee him id thy midnight depths the same
In valiant Btrength; again fierce numbers press,
A legion, a vast legion breathing Same.
And he with not a score; Old Glory streams,
With scarce a uruard; to it he, burning, leaps,
His heart its guard; once more its splendor gleams,
Poised on that heart; the living torrent sweeps
Upon the grand Old Banner, but he rears
Its radiance still; in vain that torrent heaps
Its fury, still its starry blazon cheers
The few brave souls around him; from his post
His leader, " Stand, until my rallied host
Shall come !" and stand he did, and strike with heart and hand.
All through the crimsoned Wilderness he went,
With strength untiring and with soul unbent.
All through, all through, the same young Brave, the same !
Through the fierce hurricane of blood and flame !
But thou, 0 Petersburg ! oh, scene of dread,
Oh. scene of dread and woe, thou saw'st him fall !
Death rode triumphant on the fated ball;
Its fiery finger searched his life ! outspread
The healing-portals, healing not for him !
Oh ! many were the hours, long, dreary, dim,
He saw; and at his home, his shrouded home !
Hope now would smile, then painful doubt would roam
Around his lingering, suffering couch, while there
He lay with cheerful, meek, and patient air.
Resigned to all. Death slowly came at last, —
" It is my Saviour's will !" he said; then murmured, Sing
" Nearer, my God. to Thee;" and as he passed
;' Higher !" he said, and high, " higher" flew his heavenward wing.
Such was our youthful Brave ! and such as he
Boasts our fair land; no marvel she is free !
Free as the lightning round the mountain's peak !
Free as the air that fans Old Ocean's cheek !
And with a grateful, full, though bleeding heart,
She crowns with wreaths her every hero's brow !
Death, conquering death, how blunted droops his dart
To such, oh, gallant friend, oh, youthful Brave, as thou !
HIS BURIAL.
The following is taken from an Albany paper of the day on
which the last remains of the young soldier were conveyed to
the tomb:
„ MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON. 335
Burial of Major George S. Dawson. — The last sad tribute
of respect and love was paid, this afternoon, to this gallant
young soldier and officer. Under a military escort, consisting
of a detachment of the Tenth Regiment N. G. S. N. Y., and
another from the Veteran Corps, the battalion under the com-
mand of Major Stiles, his remains were taken to their last rest-
ing place.
The scene was solemn and imposing. As the cortege passed
along the crowded streets, the notes of the shrill fife and the
muffled rolling drum, sadly and solemnly announced to the casual
observer that another brave spirit had been yielded up upon the
altar of his country.
The coffin was enshrouded with the flag he so much loved, and
for which he perished. The pall bearers were officers of rank in
the Veteran Corps and the National Guard.
Besides the military, the funeral was largely attended by per-
sonal friends; and the members of the Printers' Union, wno knew
him well, united in paying the last tribute to the memory of a
beloved companion and true friend.
brevet (in memoriam) of lieutenant colonel.
State of New York, Executive Chamber, )
Albany, October 24, 1865. )
Dear Sir — I am directed by his Excellency, Gov. Fenton, to
forward to you a brevet commission — In Memorzam — for your
departed son, George S. Dawson, as Brevet Lieutenant Colonel
New York State Volunteers, for gallant and meritorious conduct
before Petersburg, Va.
The Governor has learned of the good conduct of your son,
and takes pleasure in thus recognizing the valuable services he
rendered the country in the severe trial to which it was exposed.
Very respectfully,
M. J. FARRELL, Col. & A. D. C.
George Dawson, Esq., Albany, N. Y.
336 MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED.
xvm.
MAJOR EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED.
Edward A. Springsteed, son of D. Springsteed, M. D., was
born in the city of Albany on the 31st day of January, 1840.
He was commissioned as First Lieutenant in the Forty-third
Regiment New York Volunteers, on the 17th day of August,
1861, under command of Col. Francis E. Vinton. He was in
the Army of the Potomac, First Brigade, First Division, Gen.
W. S. Smith, Sixth Army Corps, under Gen. Franklin. He
participated in several skirmishes, and in the battle of Lee's
Mills and Williamsburg; and in the seven days' fight, at Golden
Farm, Savage's Station, White Oak Swamp and Malvern Hill.
When the troops arrived at Harrison's Landing, it was found
that his regiment had been reduced to less than half its number.
He, with other officers of the regiment, were mustered out as
supernumerary, and he received an honorable discharge.
Soon after his arrival home, he volunteered his services asrain,
and was commissioned Captain in the One Hundred and Thir-
teenth (Albany county) Regiment, under the command of Col.
Lewis O. Morris. The regiment was mustered into the service
of the United States Aug. 19th, 1862. Col. Morris, who had so
soon noticed Capt. Springsteed's military qualifications, recom-
mended him and he was promoted to the position of Major.
The regiment left for the seat of war on the 19th, and arrived
at Washington, District of Columbia, on the 23d of August, and
wTas ordered to garrison the forts in the vicinity. Major Spring-
steed was assigned to the command at Fort Kearney. On Dec.
12th, 1862, the One Hundred and Thirteenth was, by an order
of the Secretary of War, changed from infantry to heavy artil-
lery. Major Springsteed was then placed in command at Fort
MA J. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED. 337
De Russy, which command he held for several months, when he
was again returned to Fort Kearney and appointed Brigade
Inspector. This position he held until the departure of the
regiment for the Army of the Potomac, May 16th, 18G4. He
was then placed in command of the Second Battalion of the
regiment. This command he held in the battles of Lauren's
Hill, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Coal Harbor, Milford Station,
and until the charge of the First Division, Second Army Corps,
under Major General W. S. Hancock, on the defences of Peters-
burg, made June 16th, 1861. At that time, he was wounded
and only escaped capture by his courage and coolness.
Major Springsteed gives an account of the battle and of his
wound, in the following interesting letter to his father:
Near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864.
Dear Father — I suppose that before you get this letter, you will
have heard that I am wounded, and of course you will be very
anxious to know how badly. I got a very painful, although slight
wound in the small of the back. The bullet came from the right
side of me, and struck my belt, cutting my pistol oft* and going
into the flesh slightly. The ring on my belt almost stopped the
ball, or else it would have struck the spine, in which case I
should probably not have been writing this letter now. I am at
the hospital and I think I shall be all right again in a few days ;
in a week at the farthest. About all I require at present, is rest
and quiet. I was with my battalion for about an hour after I
was struck.
I suppose you would like to know something of our move-
ments for the last few days. We left Gaines' Hill on the night
of the same da}' on which I wrote you last, and after marching
all night, crossed the Chickahominy the next morning, and about
six o'clock at night reached the James River at a point below
Harrison's Landing. We laid there all the next day, and crossed
the river at night. At one o'clock the next day, we marched
again, and reached here on the next morning, that is, yesterday.
We formed into line and advanced towards the enemy's works,
under the fire of two batteries. No harm was done, however.
22
MAJ. EDWARD L BPRIM08TEED.
We took up :i position about one ihou.-and five 1 1 1 1 1 1 < I l't • < 1 yards
from the works, and remained there until six o'clock, when we
were ordered to advance and take t!i«' enemy's works. We
advanced under a terrible fire from the batteries. When we got
near the works, pari of the I i 1 1< ■ gave way, and our regiment and
one or two others, were left alone. We advanced to within fifty
yards of the work, when we were obliged t<> stop. We halted
in ;i ditch which sheltered us from the enemy's fire. Soon after
we got into the ditch, I was standing up Looking at the enemy's
works, when I was struck. J supposed at first thai it was from one
of our own men in t he rear t rying to fire, over us, bul I soon found
out that the enemy had got around our right flank, and were
firing at us from the rear. The enemy ordered us to surrender,
lint we held out for nearly an hour; when seeing that it was
impossible to get away, I did not see anything else to do. I was
the senior officer then, but did not want to give up. The enemy
again ordered us to surrender, and told the men to throw down
their arms and come in and they would not tire on them. I
ordered the men to stay where they were, but some of them
threw down their arms and went in, and the resl soon followed.
J stayed there until nearly all the men were gone; when 1 thought
it better to risk the enemy's bullets than a prison. So J made a
dash through a space which the rebel line did not cover, and
succeeded in getting away under a heavy fire. I am very thank-
ful that I did get away, and that I am wounded no more. Col.
Beaver, the brigade commander, was wounded, and the next
commander killed. Col. Hastings is now in command of what
there is left of the brigade. One hundred and fifty men and
about ten officers, are all of the regiment that can lie gol together
this morning. Maj. Murphy is in command. .Major Pruym is
missing, and I think is either killed or wounded. It was a terrible
dav for our regiment. We lost very heavily in crossing the
field, but the men behaved splendidly. 1 have no doubt but that
we should have taken the works if it had not been for stopping
where we did, in consequence of some of the lines giving away.
I hope you will get this letter soon, so as to relieve your mind
in regard to my wound. Your affectionate son, EDWARD.
MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED. 339
He, with others, was taken to the army hospital at Washing-
ton. Not having been home for a long time, he obtained a fur-
lough for thirty days. A few days after his arrival home, he
learned that Lieutant Colonel Hastings had resigned. Although
he had not recovered from his wound, he took leave of his friends
to join his regiment, two days before his furlough expired.
When he arrived at Washington, the National Capital was
threatened by the rebels, and he was detained by Gen. Augur,
and placed in command of a brigade to defend the city. As soon
as the danger had passed, he asked to be relieved of his brigade
command that he might return to his regiment. His request was
granted, not, however, until he was made the recipient of a com-
plimentary order, for the manner in which he had conducted his
command.
After having left Washington, Major Springsteed wrote home
the following letter:
Camp near Spottsylvania, May 20, 1864.
We left Washington Sunday, and arrived at Belle Plain the
same day. The next morning I started with a part of the regi-
ment for the army: arrived the next day. The rest of the regi-
ment came up that evening. The next morning we expected a
battle, but it ended in a skirmish, in which we took no prisoners.
A few shells fell near us, doing no damage.
We are in the Second Corps (Hancock's), and Tyler's Divi-
sion. Col. Morris commanded the brigade.
The regiment is divided into two battalions, of which I com-
mand one, and Lieut. Col. Hastings the other.
We were ordered out this afternoon, expecting to march about
dark for some point at a considerable distance, but a little after
four o'clock we were double-quicked to the right of the turnpike,
where the enemy had attacked our line. We advanced through
a piece 'of thick woods, and soon met the enemy. They made a
hasty retreat before our advance, and we drove them nearly
half a mile. Then they turned on us, and we had a sharp tight,
in which I lost Capt. Morris and McCulloch killed, and Capt.
Bell wounded in the leg, which has since been amputated. I
340 M \i. l.i>\\ \i:i> \. BPRIN08TEED.
also lost a number of men. In Col. Hastings battalion, Lieut.
Ki:\\k was wounded in the bead. The loss of men and officers
in my battalion was the greatest Total toss, four officers and
forty-three men killed and wounded. As soon as this brush was
over, we fell bach a quarter of a mile, to the eresl of another
hill, and formed line again, our brigade having the right, and
Col. Tan.vat's the let'i of our division line. Mv battalion was in
a very strong position.
We had scarcely got in position before Col. Tannat'n brigade
was attacked, and had a severe fight at verv close ransre.
Although my left joined his right, the rebels did not attack as,
except to drive in our skirmishers. We were relieved on this
line about hall' past ten. and went farther to the right, remaining
until daylight. The First Maine lost fourteen officers, and four
hundred and sixty-one men.
Maj. Spbingsteed, while in command of his regiment, bravely
and nobly leading his men at the battle of Ream's Station, on the
25th of August, 1K64, received a wound from which he died a
tew minutes after. lie had been promoted first to Lieutenant,
and a few days after to Colonel, but neither of these commissions
ever reached him. He therefore never knew that his services
had been thus rewarded.
The following letters relate to these commissions:
Head Quarters 7th X. Y. V. Artillery, Camp )
near Petersburg, Va., Aug. 1st, 1864. \
To Ms Excellency Horatio Seymour,
Governor of the State of New York:
Sir — The Colonelcy and Lieutenant Colonelcy of this regiment
have become vacant. I have the honor to apply to you for the
position of Colonel. Being the senior officer of the regiment, I
naturally feel very desirous for the promotion. Believing that
the appointment would give general satisfaction to the officers
and men of the regiment, I respectfully urge that my request
be granted. Your ob't serv't. E. A. SPKLNGSTEK1),
Major 1th N. Y. V. Art., Comdg.
MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED. 341
If the Colonel is taken from the regiment, I think Major
Springsteed should be the selection, being the senior since the
discharge of Colonel Hastings, and the recommendations by Col.
Beaver and Gen. Miles, his brigade and division commanders,
being such as are entitled to great weight.
Respectfully,
W. S. HANCOCK,
August 1st, 1864. Maj. Gen. Comdg. Second Corps.
Adjutant General's Office, )
Albany, May 10th, 1866. ]
I do hereby certify that the preceding is a true copy of the
original on file in this office.
J. B. STONEHOUSE, A. A. General
Hospital First DrvrsiON Second Corps, ?
1st August, 1864. ]
Major Sprl\gsteed having been under my command for some
time, and particularly at the first assault upon Petersburg, I take
pleasure in testifying to his gallantry, coolness and capacity as a
commander.
He was wounded at Petersburg. I believe his appointment
will be a benefit to the service and to his regiment.
JAMES A. BEAVER, Col. UUh P. V.
Head Quarters First Division, \
August 1st, 1864. \
Respectfully forwarded. I endorse the recommendation of
Colonel Beaver.
NELSON A. MILES, Brig. Gen. Comdg.
Head Quarters Dept. of Washington, 2 2d Army
Corps, Washington, D. C, Aug. Uh, 1864.
This is to certify that I have known Major E. A. Springsteed
of the Seventh New York Artillery, about eighteen months,
during which time he was under my command in the defences
of Washington. He proved himself a good officer, one of the
very best in the command. Always faithful in the performance
342 M.u. EDWARD A. SPRINOSTEED.
of his duty, sober, industrious and always attentive. I do not
hesitate to recommend him for promotion to the Colonelcy of
liis regiment.
J. A. IIASKIXS, Lt. Col,
A. D. C, Chief of Artillery, late Comdg. Div.
Adjutant General's Office, 1
Albany, May 10//,, L866. \
I do hereby certify that the preceding is a true copy of the
original on tile in this office.
J. B. STONEHUSE, A. A. General.
MAJ. JAMES H. BOGART. 343
XIX.
MAJOR JAMES HENRY BOGART.
James Henry Bogart was born in the city of Albany on the
24th day of March, 1839. He was the son of John Henry
Bogart, who now resides in the city of New York. His ances-
tors were prominent citizens of Albany for more than two cen-
turies, and during this long period they had been identified with
the social circles and general interests of the city. In the peril-
ous days of the American Revolution, they discharged their duty
to their country with patriotic ardor and with signal success.
James inherited the virtues of his ancestors, and commenced
life with a high standard of moral integrity, and of intellectual
attainment before him. He was a dutiful son, a diligent scholar,
and a faithful friend. He was educated at the Albany Academy,
an institution that can boast of many men of high worth and
eminent distinction among its graduates. On entering upon man-
hood, he engaged in the business of engineering in company with
his brother, now a valuable officer in the service of the United
States Government, at Fortress Monroe. He devoted himself
with energy to his business, and accepted with cheerfulness the
cares and toils of life.
As years advanced, his high integrity and appreciated charac-
ter called him to a trust more responsible, and he was placed in
charge of one of the desks at the Assorting House; at that time
an office in Albany involving each day the management of vast
sums of money.
In his leisure hours he sought recreation in drilling with a
company of young associates, little dreaming then of the approach-
ing stern realities of war. Just at that time the discipline and
•"> I I MAS. JAMES II. BOG \KT.
achievements of the Zouaves excited great enthusiasm among
the young men of Albany, aud a company was organized. Of
thai joyous band who sought ;ii first only manly exercise, but
who aobly responded to their country's call, the sepulchre of
battle has received a tearful proportion.
Mr. Booart, besides being a youth of great promise and anient
patriotism, was a In I lower of the Saviour of the world. Attached
to the services of the Episcopal church, he became a member as
well as an attendant, and throughout life retained his fellowship
with that church. Those who knew him intimately, reflect now
with great satisfaction upon the fact, that the even tenor of his
life tlowed on with his Christian principles, and that the church
recognized him as one of those who gave a living testimony to
the truth as it is in Jesus.
But when the cry of war was heard, the heart of Mr. Bog art
responded to the call. He believed in the life of a soldier, and
as he had shared in the pageant, he accepted the reality.
So highly were his character and qualifications appreciated,
that he was at once commissioned as Adjutant in Col. Vinton's
Regiment. Several of our prominent citizens presented him
with a beautiful sword and other tokens of their warm, personal
friendship. The following correspondence passed between these
friends and Major BoGART :
To Major James II. Bogart :
In this time of our country's sorest need, we feel an especial
pride and joy in those of our own citizens, who have been swift
to fly to her defence and to lay their noblest offerings upon her
altar. We cannot forget those who, having cheerfully borne the
exposure of the camp and the perils of the battle-field, are ready
still, with unfaltering courage, to go where other trials and other
sacrifice await them.
And in presenting to 3*011 this sword, and other tokens of our
personal friendship, as well as appreciation of past services, we
would express our earnest hope that, under the guidance of the
God of Battles, the future may be still more glorious than the
MAJ. JAMES H. BOGART. 345
past; and that whether by an active life or in an honorable death,
the name of Jas. H. Bogart may be like that of the heroes of
old, " without fear and without reproach."
GIDEON HAWLEY,
J. H. TEN EYCK,
PETER GANSEVOORT,
MARIA PUMPELLY,
C. M. SANDERS,
MATILDA F. VAN RENSSELAER,
SARAH LANSING,
A. CRAWFORD,
F. TUCKER.
Albany, October 8, 1862.
Hon. Gideon Hawley and others :
Hon. and Respected Sir — Accept my grateful acknowledg-
ments for the honor bestowed in presenting me with those beau-
tiful emblems of your esteem and confidence, and may they ever
be consecrated to the cause of Freedom, Justice, and Humanity.
With earnest devotion, may this glittering weapon be wielded
in defence of our glorious Union, and may the time soon arrive
when the nation shall know war no more.
Through you, permit me to return thanks to other kind friends
for this high personal favor.
With sentiments of deep respect,
Sincerely yours,
JAMES H. BOGART,
Major 3d Metropolitan Guard, lti'Id JST. Y. V.
New York, October 11, 1862.
After having faithfully served his country in connection with
this regiment, and passed through the hardships of the Virginia
campaign, he resigned his position as Adjutant. Soon, however,
he was again in the service as Major in Col. Benedict's regiment,
a body of men whose valor and achievements reflected great
honor upon the sons of Albany.
The regiment was ordered to Louisiana, a State that had been
;;n; maj. james h. bogart.
singularly fatal to his immediate kindred, as one relative after
another had gone there, and me1 the last summons.
In the fierce siege of Port Hudson, Mr. Bogabt was one of
those on whom fell the heat of that terrible series of battles.
The enemy, in their powerful entrenchments, sustained by the
hope that Vicksburg Could not be conquered, made this siege a
work of destruction. Their tire swept the plain, and the record
of each day's progress was written in the sad sacrifice of human
life.
On Sunday, the 14th of June, 1863, a day when at least pious
and God-fearing soldiers are most reluctant to light, except in
self-defence, Maj. Bogart was ordered to advance against the
enemy. He marched across the plain, where showers of shot
were falling, and was struck by a shell, which tore away his sword
hilt, and carried it through his left hip. He felt that the assault
was well nigh desperate, and all his feelings revolted against a
Sabbath day attack upon that stronghold. But obedience and
courage are the duties of a soldier, and in no breast did they
burn with a purer flame than in that which was now heaving with
its last breath. Far from a Christian home, and dear relatives
and friends, at eleven o'clock on that Sabbath, dies Maj. James
Bogart, of Albany, in the twenty-fourth year of his age.
When sixteen years of age, he united with the church of
Christ, and ever lived faithful to his Christian vows. As a boy,
James was pure minded, truthful, affectionate and obedient. He
loved his home, loved his parents and devoted relatives. But
he also loved his country; and at the first tidings of rebellion,
the spirit of patriotism awoke in his breast, and he consecrated
himself to the protection and welfare of his country. His remains
lie in the Albany Rural Cemetery, by the side of other heroes,
waiting the last trumpet's peal, when to all believers in Jesus,
this corruptible will put on incorruption, and this mortal be
clothed wTith immortality.
The following account of his funeral appeared in the "Albany
Journal," under date of March 22d, 1864.
"The funeral of Major James H. Bogart, of the One Hundred
and Sixty-second Regiment, took place from St. Peter's Church
MAJ. JAMES H. BOGART. 347
this afternoon. The services at the church were conducted by
the Rectors, Rev. Messrs. Wilson and Tatlock.
"The funeral escort consisted of a detachment of volunteers
from the Barracks, under command of Major Van Slyck, pre-
ceded by Schreiber's band.
"The bearers were all officers in the service, Messrs, Watson,
Raymond, Green, Gross, Lennox, Russell, Thomas and
Gregory.
"The cortege passed down State street to Broadway, about
four o'clock, on its way to the cemetery."
The following notices of the deceased appeared in the papers:
"His friends have till this morning rather hoped than dared
to believe that there might, in the confused rumors of war, be
some doubt of his death. But the confirmation, as the first
tidings, comes from a source too sure and careful for error.
There is no eulogy born of the grave, even of a battle grave, to
be uttered of this young soldier, which would not have been
spoken of him while in the flush of life. It is not through the
curtain of the shroud that the truth of virtue is clearest seen.
His life was that of a pure and true hearted man. When the
first breath of war reached us, his heart gave its impulses to his
country, and believing in the right and chivalry of the struggle,
he was one of those who went to arms with a thought that under-
stood the hour and had the heart to meet it. His kindred saw
in his nature that which was true, earnest, sanguine. They gave
him up to his country's service with the consciousness that the
camp and the battle field work their dread results most deeply,
into genial and generous hearts as his was.
"He won our love by that which, in a young heart, always
attaches men for its rarity — the devotion to home, the attachment
to parents, the determination for independence, and that which
rises from the memories of the grave, like the Angel of the
Resurrection — the clothing of a young heart in the bosses and
with the promises of the Gospel.
"Grief has but a limited vocabulary. The words are few and
broken in which the heart tells its lamentation. Solitude and
sorrow blend their shadows. He shall have the never-forgotten
348 ft) U. JAMES II. BOGABT4
memory of an unfeigned love, and thai will not obtrude itself :
Imt he has in this city, amidst his associates, id tin' assemblage
of the young, in the association of his church, those who know
that the holocaust which these days arc offering, includes no
worthier name than of him who thus died in his duty.
Sentinel."
"Killed in the attack upon Port Hudson, June 14, JAMES EL
Bogart, of Albany, Major of the One Hundred and Sixty-second
Regiment New York State Volunteers, in the twenty-fourth year
of his age.
" The spirit of a gallant soldier, and, nobler name, of a Chris-
tian man, passed away when this young officer fell. Death came
to him in an assault which he felt to be well nigh desperate;
another offering to the demon of war made on the day sacred to
the Prince of Peace. Has it over occurred to those responsible
for this bloody fight that the time chosen for it might have some-
thing to do with its ill-success? From the age of sixteen Major
Bogart was a communicant of the Church, and was faithful to
his Christian vows. There are consolations, thus, for those who
mourn his departure. They can, with good reason, believe that
the natural body sown in his far-off lonely grave, will be raised a
spiritual body, in the awakening of the dead in Christ."
MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE. 349
XX.
MAJOR WILLIAM WALLACE.
Major Wallace was the son of Christopher Wallace and
Catharine Dinnen, and born in the city of Albany January 8th,
1835. His parents were natives of Ireland, and have been
respected citizens of Albany for the last forty years. The sub-
ject of this sketch received his education in a district school in
this city, where he made great proficiency in his studies. He
was a bright, active, mannerly boy, obedient and respectful to
parents and teachers, and grew up to manhood having the same
traits prominent in his character. At an early age he entered
the job printing office of Messrs. Weed, Parsons & Co., in this
city, where he served successively as apprentice, journeyman and
foreman of that extensive establishment; and with the exception
of a few months, continued his connection with that firm up to
the day he resigned, for the purpose of raising a company of vol-
unteers for the Army of the Union. In doing this, he was
actuated wholly by patriotism, and a sense of the duty that he
owed his country, in preserving her institutions.
Perhaps the only act of disobedience he committed towards
his parents in his whole life, was in giving up his situation, and
leaving his wife and only child, to assume the hardships and risk
of a military life in a time of war, which, as they apprehended,
lost to them a son, to his wife, a loving, kind, dutiful husband,
and left his only child (a promising boy), an orphan.
He commenced and was not long in raising a company of volun-
teers in Albany; and, being very popular among firemen, prin-
ters, and indeed every class of young men in the city, he was
not long in raising the number required to entitle him to the
commission of Captain, which he obtained in September, 1862.
350 MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE.
Eis company was known as Company F, and, at the time of bis
Leaving Albany for the seal of war, consisted of eighty-four men,
only five or six of whom wcif Itt'i ii» return to Albany and relate
their experience of the war. Four other Albanians, namely,
Visscher, Newman, Mitchell and Bubhans started at the lime
he did to raise cadi a company of volunteers, but Wallace raised
his in the quickest time, and by that means became the senior of
those captains in the regiment.
After joining the Army of the Potomac, his firsl engagement
with the enemy was at Fredericksburg, in December, L862, and
the second at the same place in May, 1863. Here he was taken
prisoner, and marched to Richmond, where he was confined a
prisoner of war, in Libby prison, for more than six weeks, ami
until an exchange of prisoners was effected by the commanders
of the two armies. On the march to Richmond, and while con-
fined in the Libby prison, he suffered great hardship ami priva-
tion. After rejoining his regiment, he soon after engaged in the
battle of Gettysburg, July, 18(53. Shortly after this, lie was
ordered to Elmira, N. Y., upon recruiting service, in which he
proved quite successful. After serving at Elmira for several
months, he was ordered to join his regiment, which he did at
Brandy Station, Va., where he remained during the winter, and
until the opening of the spring campaign, with Gen. Grant in
command of the Army of the Potomac.
Early in the month of April, 1864, he received the commission
of Major from Gov. Setmode, to take rank from the 1st February
before.
It will be recollected that on the memorable 4th May, 1864,
the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. Grant, crossed the Rapi-
dan. As soon as it was fairly across the river, and before Gen.
Grant had time to put his army in fighting position, he was
opposed by Gen. Lee, and a heavy column under Longstreet.
A desperate and bloody tight was the consequence, thousands of
lives being lost, and thousands of prisoners taken on both sides.
On the night between the 5th and 6th of May. Maj. Wallace
was in charge of a line of pickets, extending between the two
MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE. 351
armies, and by some mistake or blunder, a New Jersey regiment,
supposing them the enemy, opened a heavy lire upon the line.
Maj. W., in his endeavors to correct the fatal mistake (fatal to
others), and save himself and his command from total destruc-
tion, had a most providential and narrow escape. Several of his
men were shot down by their friends, and the full extent of loss
by this blunder has never been ascertained.
On the day following, the battle of the " Wilderness " raged
in its full fury, and thousands of the Union army lay dead and
dying on the ensanguined field. On the afternoon of 6th May,
while in front of his command, and leading them on to death or
glory, poor Major W. met his fate. He was killed by a gun shot
wound in the head, and is not known to have uttered a word
afterwards. The senior field officers of the regiment, Col. Wil-
son* and Lieut. Col. Fryer, also Albanians, had previously been
carried from the field mortally wounded. The Forty-third Regi-
ment was distinguished for the gallantry of its officers and men,
and had been frequently selected for posts of extra hazard and
danger, by which means it became decimated, whilst other regi-
ments escaped the peril. Not long previous to Colonel Wilson
being carried from the field, he, Lieut. Col. Fryer and Major
Wallace were noticed lunching together under the shadow of
a tree. This was the last repast either of the brave men ever
partook of, in this world.
Major W., as has already been said, was, from his childhood,
moral and sedate. Reticent in manner, he was, nevertheless,
witty, genial and agreeable in company. He had read a great
deal, and was well informed on most ordinary subjects. His
taste for reading, combined with his occupation of printer, gave
him facilities for improvement not possessed by other young
mechanics. He was brought up in the Catholic religion, and
was a zealous, sincere Catholic Christian throughout his whole
life; giving proof of the sincerity of his faith, by a strict
observance of the doctrine and discipline of that church, down
to the day of his death. The Catholic Chaplain of General
Meagher's Brigade frequently was the guest of Major W. in
camp. Owing to the location, and the circumstances attendant
352 h \i. \\ ii. 1. 1 am \\ m.i. \( i..
upon the great battle of the " W"il<I<-i-ii«-— — "' (the rebels retaining
for a long time, the possession of the field within their lines),
it was impossible l'<>r bis friends t<> recover the body of the
deceased at that time. It has since been ascertained that his
remains, with those of other brave Union men. ami rebels, were
buried, promiscuously, on the field, leaving no mark or trace
by which his grave could be discovered, or his person iden-
tified.
Major Wallace was a prominent leading member of the
Typographical Society of Albany, ami, at one time. President.
lie was also a delegate from that body to a National Convention
of Printers, composed of delegates from a lame number of the
States of the Union. He was, besides, an active, energetic mem-
ber of the tire department of the city for several years, having
served in Hook <fc Ladder No. 2, and was Secretary and Foreman
of that association at different periods.
The following resolutions were unanimously adopted by differ-
ent bodies, expressive of the high esteem in which our hero was
held by his fellow citizens:
ALBANY COMMON COUNCIL.
MoXDAY EVKMNC J/flf/dOt/l, 1864.
Alderman Johnson, from the committee heretofore appointed
on the subject, offered the following resolutions, which were
unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That the Common Council on behalf of the citizens
of Albany, deem it their duty to place upon record a memorial
of their grief and respect for the gallant ami patriotic Major
William Wallace, who fell righting for his country in the battle
of the '• Wilderness," on the 6th May inst.
Born in our city, on the outbreak of the war he raised a com-
pany for the Forty-third Regiment N. Y. S. V., being then twenty-
seven years of age, and was among the first to march to the field.
He encountered not only the dangers of battle but endured the
horrors and privations of the Libby prison. He had just attained
the rank of Major when he gave his life to his country, on the
dark and bloody ground of the "Wilderness."
MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE. 353
Resolved, That in the estimation of this Common Council, the
youthful hero, whose public life presents so noble a record, and
whose personal career was virtuous and honorable, deserves the
highest honors which a grateful people can offer to its patriot
dead. His body is buried on the distant battle field, but his
memory is cherished in the hearts of our people.
Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the minutes
of the Common Council, and printed, and that copies be sent to
the family of the deceased, and to his surviving comrades in his
regiment.
JAMES I. JOHNSON,
LEGRAXD BANCROFT,
JOHN KENNEDY, Jr.,
Committee.
ALBANY TYPOGRAPHICAL UNION.
At the first regular meeting (June 2) of Albany Typographical
Union, held since the sad intelligence was received of the death
of Major Wallace, the following resolutions were unanimously
adopted :
Whereas, We have learned with deep sorrow of the death of
our former President, Major William Wallace, who was killed
whilst in the performance of his duty, during the recent brilliant
movements of the Army of the Potomac : therefore
Resolved, That the lamented deceased was endeared to us by
the purity and gentleness of his character, respected for his
unobtrusive talents, and admired for his unselfish patriotism.
Resolved, That by his death our country has lost an ardent
defender — our city a public spirited and honorable citizen, and
our society an energetic and useful member.
Resolved, That we sincerely sympathize with the widow and
relatives of our deceased friend in their great affliction — trusting
that the nobleness of his death in defence of his country may, in a
measure, alleviate their sorrow.
Resolved, That the Charter of this Union be draped in mourn-
ing for the usual period: and that these resolutions be trans-
35 1 M.U. WILLIAM w M.I. ACE.
mitted to the family of deceased, and duly spread upon the
minutes. GEORGE W. QUACKENBUSH,
President.
,I\MI> O'Sl l.l.l\ \\. IlccoriJ/ii'J Si <ri fur;/.
IIim.K AM) LADDEE COMPANY", NO. 2.
At a special meeting of "Red Jacket" Company, Hook and
Ladder No. 2, held at their house on the 19th day of May, L864,
the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Resolved^ Thai we have heard, with dee]) regret, of the death
of Major William Wallace, former Foreman, and Honorary
member of this company, who was killed while marching with
his regiment on to victory, in the late battles in Virginia.
Resolved, That in the death of .Major Wallace, this company
has lost a warm and kind friend: his wife a loving and dutiful
husband; his son a loving father; his parents a faithful .son; the
country a true and faithful servant.
Resolved, That our former intercourse with him, as an officer
and member, is full of pleasant recollections; and that while we
cherish his memory and mourn his fate, our sorrows are mingled
with pride, that he laid down his life in defence of our beloved
country.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with his family, parents
and relatives of the deceased, and trust that to the condolence of
earthly friends, there may be added the Heavenly consolations
of Him "who giveth and taketh away," for his wise, though
inscrutable purposes.
Resolved, That the foregoing resolutions be engrossed, and
presented to the widow of the deceased: and that this house be
draped in mourning for the space of thirty days.
(Signed.) M. A. SHEHAN, Foreman.
N. A. FLNNEGAN, Secretary.
maj. miles Mcdonald. 355
III.
MAJOR MILES McDONALD.
This, officer was horn in the city of Albany, on the first day
of March, 1840. He was the son of James and Mary McDon-
ald, who came to this city from Ireland. His father died when
lie was a child. From his boyhood till his entry into the service
in 1861, he was employed in the telegraph office, at a small
salary, with which he assisted his widowed mother to support
the younger children.
He joined Company K, Sixty-third Regiment New York Vol-
unteers, as a private, in September, 1861, and proceeded at once
with his regiment to Virginia. He followed its fortunes through
the Peninsula campaign, under Gen. McClellan, and also fought
at Antietam. He was promoted first to Corporal, then to First
Sergeant, and, after Antietam, to a Second Lieutenancy, for valor
in that great battle. He fought at Fredericksburg, and was
wounded on the 17th of December, 1862, in that action. He
remained with the Army of the Potomac after being promoted
to First Lieutenant and Adjutant, and was a second time
wounded at Spottsylvania. On the 17th of June, 1864, he died
from wounds received the day before, in charging the enemy's
works in front of Petersburg.
On the 11th of June, 1864, he was commissioned Major of his
regiment; but his commission had not reached him at the time
of his death.
The following account of Major McDonald appeared in the
Albany " Morning Express," on Tuesday, June 21st, 1864:
DEATH OF ADJUTANT MILES McDONALD.
We have become so accustomed to hear of the death of friends
in the army, that it would almost seem that the frequent receipt
S56 M vi. MILB6 t£< I" >\ \i l>.
of such painful intelligence would, to a certain extent, blunl our
sensibilities, and fail to excite those emotions of sympathy and
sorrow that, In the ordinary course of life, follow the decease
of those we have known and Loved. And yet, whenever the
swifl electric messenger communicates to us thai another brave
fellow has sacrificed bis life upon the altar of his country, how
painfully sad are the reflections thai arise. Death loses none of
its terrors to those who are far away from the field of desolation
and carnage, even though day after day we receive intelligence
of the inevitable results of desperate and bloody conflicts. The
loss of a relative or friend, whenever it may occur, musl always
casl a cloud over 1 lie brightest vision, bringing in its train woe
and mourning.
Miles .McDonald is dead! So the telegraph announced to us
at an early hour Monday morning. And he died while battling
with the enemies of his country and liberty. Yes, he, too, has
fallen a victim to the accursed rebellion that has swept away so
many of the best and bravest of our people. While engaged
with the enemy in the battle before Petersburg, Thursday last.
he fell mortally wounded, and subsequently his brighl spirit
sped its way to that Great Ruler from whence it came. He was
a noble fellow, and as pure a patriot as ever offered up his life in
defence of the liberties of the people. When the Sixty-third
Regimenl was organized, lull of the enthusiasm and ardor that
distinguished his devotion to his country, he enlisted as a pri-
vate, and marched to the battle field.
It was in October, L861, he enrolled his name as a member
of Capt. Branagan's company, and when he left us the best
wishes and earnest prayers of hosts of friends, that he might be
preserved from the perils and dangers of a soldier's life, went
with him. There was no truer man in the ranks of that gallant
regiment. Hi- many noble traits of character soon made him a
universal favorite, and for his gallantry and heroic bravery at the
battle of Anlietam. lie was promoted to a second Lieutenancy.
His promotion excited the most profound satisfaction among his
comrades, who had learned to love him as a brother. At the
first battle of Fredericksburg he was wounded, and soon after
maj. miles Mcdonald. 357
was promoted to a first Lieutenancy, as a reward for meritorious
conduct. Subsequently, he was assigned to the Adjutancy of the
regiment; and it was while acting in this capacity, before Peters-
burg, he was killed. He was but twenty-four years of age, and
yet he was a most skillful and accomplished officer; and, had his
life been spared, would probably have very soon been appointed
Major of the regiment. When a boy, he entered the service of
the New York, Albany and Buffalo Telegraph Company as a
messenger, and retained that position for several years, winning
for himself the good opinion of the officers of the company, and
of the patrons of the line with whom he was brought in contact.
After surrendering this situation, he went to New York and
accepted a clerkship, which he held until a short time previous
to his enlistment in the Sixty-third Regiment. Although he
never enjoyed the advantage of a high school education, he was
possessed of line natural talents, and his letters to us show him
to have been gifted with more than ordinary ability. His last
epistle to us was published by us on the 2d inst., and will be
remembered by all our readers, as one of the most interesting
communications that ever appeared in our columns.
How peculiarly painful is the following paragraph, clipped
from that last letter:
" If then the brave are mourned so deeply by their comrades
in battle, who can paint the feelings of anguish and woe expe-
rienced by their families and friends at home, when the dread
news appear in the public print, with the short but fatal word,
'killed,' placed after the name of a husband, father, son or
brother. No more will the light tread of the departed cross the
threshold, watching with bounding heart the delight of the fire-
side group, eager to welcome the returning soldier. In place
of joyous meetings, we find nothing but lonely graves, in some
sunny spot of this once beautiful State, where it is affecting to
mark with what simple kindness the surviving soldier buries his
fallen comrade, selecting with nice care a favorite spot, as if to
allure the first bright light of the rising sun, to kiss the grassy
mounds, before its pure rays should rest upon any other object.
There is something beautiful in a soldier's grave. From its sim-
M \.i. WILES Mi l><>\ \ll>.
i ) I m - i i \ alone, it is more beautiful. The rustic head board, hastily
penciled, speaks more of patriotism and love of country than all
the monuments of cold marble, chiseled into most majestic form,
l._\ the skillful hands of the artist."
Those were the sentiments of Miles McDonald, the true-
hearted soldier and noble patriot. He now fills a soldier's gra> e,
and ma} "the bright light of :i rising sun ever kiss the grassy
mound before its pure rays rest upon any other object," is the
heartfelt wish of one who knew him from childhood, and has
watched, with pride and pleasure, his advancement in life.
It was but yesterday morning his mot her received a letter
from him, and while a brother was perusing its welcome pages,
the anxious mother, carefully scrutinizing the columns of the
"Express," discovered that short but fatal word, "killed," in
connection with the name of her dearly beloved child. The
agony of that discovery no tongue can tell. Let us draw a veil
over the sorrow-stricken home of the dead hero, and pray God
ih.it the heart-broken mother, and those now bowed down 'with
grief, m.i.\ receive that consolation which he who afflicts can
alone afford.
LINES OH THE DEATH OF MILES McDONALD, ADJUTANT SIXTY-THIRD
REGIMENT N. V. 8. VOLUNTEERS.
BY UK. I. WVKKM I :. M RGB ON OF THE REGIMENT.
Adjutant McDon \u>. says Dr. Reynolds, was with the Army
of the Potomac in every battle from Yorktown, under General
Geo. B. McClellan, to Petersburg, under Gen. U. S. Grant.
He was wounded twice previous to his death wound — at Freder-
icksburg, December 13, L862, and at Spottsylvania, May. 1864.
He died eight hours after he was wounded, and his last words
were, when told by the surgeon that he could not survive : "I
am satisfied; < rod's will be done I"
Toll the bell Badly, the young and the beautiful
Now lies a pale corpse in the Bcenea he held dear;
Toll the bell sadly, the brave and the dutiful,
War'- victim, before u*. is Btretched on the bier.
maj. miles Mcdonald. 359
The face that we looked on with pride and with pleasure,
From the eyes that admired it, full soon will be gone.
And that form, late the shrine of the world's best treasure*
A bold loyal spirit is lifeless and wan.
Toll the bell sadly, and toll the bell loudly !
The wailings to drown of the friends of the brave —
Who pictured his pathway to glory so proudly,
But who weep that fame's pathway led him to the grave.
Friends of his youth, and his manhood, round standing,
On him through your tears come now look your last,
On that mouth, once so smiling, that brow so commanding,
Ah! that eye by the signet of death is sealed fast.
Sad arc your hearts— sad the sisters, the brothers,
The fond ones he lived for, he doated upon;
But what is their grief to the grief of his mother,
Who weeps o'er the corpse of her young gallant son ?
Weep, he was worthy your pride and your mourning,
Weep, though your tears are as painful as vain;
Weep, for no more from war's perils returning,
Will he rush to your arms and embrace you again.
McDonald, when lifo-blood in torrents was flowing,
Was first in the charge of our loud-cheering band;
On our lines, when their shells the foemen were throwing
Impulsively brave, and unconsciously grand!
Yet was he gentle, and kind as a maiden,
Full of frolic and mirth, generous-hearted and free,
And many a heart that with trouble was laden,
Grew brisht in his sunshine, and glad in his glee.
There hang the green flags he gaily marched under,
There is the cap — there his belt and his sash,
And there is the sword whicli when bellowed war's thunder,
In the baud that's now lifeless, would quiver and flash!
Yes, scatter sweet flowers where valor reposes,
They are trophies becoming the brave soldier's bier;
And freshen your lilies and brighten your roses
With love's liquid gem, with affection's sad tear.
Well, he was worthy our praise and our sorrow,
His country's remembrance and friendship's sad sigh,
Only from this, some relief can we borrow,
The spirit survives though the body must die.
He has stamped on our bosom love's unfaded token,
And time will but make his remembrance more dear,
Whenever we meet his loved name shall be spoken,
When alone, we shall think of his worth with a tear.
360 MAJ« MILES M< I" >n AI.I >.
y. - when marble shall crumble and carved work be rotten,
Thai repels passera-bj from the haughty man's das-,
: Miii- McDonald shall not be forgotten,
II - name ami his virtues shall not p;i^ away
This country, when crushed shall be this sad rebellion,
His name -hall enroll 'mid her bravest and best,
Ami his smil in the bosom of God shall be dwelling,
Where sorrow is Boothed ami the weary have rest.
Toll ih>' bell sully, the crowd is now moving
Thai bears t<> his last borne tin- corpse of the brave
Thru let thi' pen of the poet, and the living,
Inscribe these true lines on the patriot's grave :
■■ Here lies M< Donald, a soldier true hearted
As ever for freedom the battle-field trod;
Here lies a Christian, who calmly departed
And unmurmuring gave his young spirit to God!"
In Cami\ mm: Pjbtebsbdeg, Va., July 9, 1864.
MAJ. GEORGE W. STACKHOUSE. 361
XXII.
MAJOR GEORGE WASHINGTON STACKHOUSE.
George W. Stackhouse was the sou of John B. Stackhouse,
and, in the spring of 1801, enlisted as Second Lieutenant in
Company A, Twenty-fifth New York Regiment. He was after-
wards made Captain, and in March, 1863, for his gallantry and
efficiency, was promoted to the position of Major, in the Ninety-
first Regiment New York Volunteers. He was with General
Banks, and fought with great bravery in the battles at Irish
Bend, Gonzales' Plantation, and in the three general battles at
Port Hudson. On the 27th of May, 1863, he was shot in both
thighs, and lingered uutil June 19th, 1863, when he died. He
leaves fond parents, and a wife and four little children to mourn
his loss.
Major Stackhouse was a faithful and earnest patriot, and an
honest man. His soldiers placed the greatest confidence in him,
and entrusted him with their money to send home. He sent
tens of thousands of dollars to his father, who kindly dis-
tributed the same to the families of the soldiers. When the
war closed, the veterans who returned presented to the father,
Mr. John B. Stackhouse, a valuable and beautiful watch, as a
token of their gratitute for his faithful services.
Major Stackhouse had two brothers in the army, James and
William. They were in the battles with him at Port Hudson,
and, on June 19th, 1863, James was badly wounded in the head,
but recovered from his wound.
I regret that I have been unable to obtain fuller information in
regard to this patriotic family, for they certainly deserve a more
extended sketch than this. But in the name of our city, our
State and our Nation, we tender to the survivors our heartfelt
thanks, for their noble contributions to our country's honor and
prosperity.
362 Al'.n. RICH \i:i> M. STRONG.
Will.
ADJUTANT RICHARD MARVIN STRONG.
From A bb \iia.m Lansing
Richard Marvin Strong was the second son of Anthoni M.
and S \i: \n M. Si R< >ng. lie was bom in (lie city of Albany, dune
loth. L835, and died in the military sen ice of the United States,
at Bonnel Carre, La.. May L2th, 1863.
He received the elements of his education at the Albany Acad-
emy, which lie entered at an early age, while it was yet under
the supervision of the late Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, and remaining
there during the succeeding administration of Dr. Wii.laim II.
Campbell, and for a shorl time under Prof. G. H. Cook.
When, in 1851, Dr. Campbell resigned his charge in Albany,
Richakd had made most valuable progress in his academic
course, and was nearly titted for college. Few connected with
the Academy at that time will tail to remember the class of
young men. well advanced in .study — the senior class of the
school — which the Doctor had gathered under his especial care,
and particularly instructed in the classics and Indies lettres.
Undoubtedly the instruction thus received by those young men,
who daily went before their principal with unfeigned alacrity,
and with the esteem and affection of children towards a father,
exerted an important influence upon their moral, as well as their
intellectual characters. Certain it is that there is not an instance
in which the subsequent life of any uiember of the class has put
to the blush its moral training. Its majority are still reaping
the earthly benefit of its admirable discipline, and delight to
recall it- pleasant associations. As a member of that class,
Richard's standing was second to none. The impressions he
then received, and the habits then formed, partially furnish the
explanation of his remarkably pure and upright life, and of the
ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 363
accuracy, industry and thoroughness which distinguished him in
all his relations.
In 1851, he received from the Academy for his proficiency in
mathematics, the Caldwell gold medal, and at the same time
his friend and companion, Charles Boyd, received the A' ax
Rensselaer classical medal. These rewards of .scholarship were
presented by the principal (Dr. Campbell) at the anniversary
exhibition, with evident pride and satisfaction. "These young
gentlemen," said he, as they stood before him on the stage, " have
never o-iven me a moment's uneasiness throughout all their
academic course." They both entered the junior class, at the
college of New Jersey, at Princeton, in 1852, and as they had
graduated from the preparatory school with the highest honors,
so they took at once the rank of the first scholars in their class.
They became members of the same literary society, were room-
mates together, and in 1854 graduated together; the one pro-
nouncing the valedictory, the other the mathematical oration,
the first and third honors of a large and intelligent class.
As a student Mr. Strong endeared himself to his class-mates
by his companionable and social qualities, as well as won their
admiration by his ability as a scholar. Prof. Stephen Alex-
ander, of Princeton College, says of him, in a recent letter:
"He greatly distinguished himself by his attainments in
scholarship while a member of this institution. The college
records exhibit his final standing (at his graduation) to have been
third in his large class, and within the veriest fraction of the
second position. Those who knew his previous history as an
academy boy, will not be surprised to learn that the honorary
oration assigned to him was the mathematical. Of his unexcep-
tionable conduct and his kind and genial manners, I have still a
lively recollection."
During his senior vacation he was invited by Prof. Alexaxder,
who was acting in connection with a large committee of the
American Association for the Advancement of Science, to accom-
pany him to Ogdensburgh as an assistant in an observation of the
annular eclipse of the sun in May, 1854, and accompanied him
364 mil'. RICH \i:i> M. STRONG.
together with Mr. William J. Gibson, to assist in those important
observations. Prof. Alexander, in his report, says:
••I was assisted in my observations bv two of my former
pupil- in the college of New Jersey, Messrs. William J. Gibson
and Richard M. Strong, both of Albany, New York. Their
presence with me, was n.ii only a mailer of sincere personal
gratification, bul was importanl also, as we were together enabled
to note Borne phenomena which might otherwise have escaped
iii.-. and they l»v their ai<l contributed not a little to the accurate
observation of those which 1 might have noted if alone."
A single incident of the college life of Adjutant Strong, will
serve to illustrate the force and fearlessness of his character, even
at that early age. He had been one of the founders of the
Kappa Alpha, a secret society in the college, and besides having
a strong attachment lor the society itself, and tor its individual
members — an attachment width lasted throughout his lite — he
had been an applicant to existing chapters in other colleges for
authority to establish a branch at Princeton, and he felt in a
measure responsible lor its .success and prosperity. The faculty
had concluded to suppress the secret societies, and. among others,
Kiciiard Strong was summoned before the President to sign a
pledge not to attend the meetings of any such society, and to
dissolve his connection therewith, so long as he remained a mem-
ber of the institution. He replied substantially to the demand,
that his obligations to his society were contracted when there
was nothing in the college rules preventing him from assuming
them, and that the standing and reputation of its members were
ample proof of its harmlessness. lie begged the President uot
to insist upon that which he should he obliged to refuse, and
declared that greatly as he deprecated the consequences, he
should prefer rather to sutler them, than commit himself to such
a pledge. A further interview was appointed with him at an.
unspecified future time, and the fact that he was not afterwards
called upon to sever his connection with the society, or to sign
the pledge proposed, shows the appreciation in which the worthy
President of the college held the character of the young man
ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 365
who preferred rather to suffer detriment to himself, than prove
false to a trust confided to his care.
Though he had few superiors as a classical scholar, Mr.
Strong was naturally inclined to the study of mathematics, and
the natural sciences, and his early preferences were towards
those pursuits as a profession. At one time he had determined
to become a civil engineer, but though his constitution could not
be called feeble, he was led to abandon this choice from a belief
that he was not sufficiently robust, to endure the hardships and
exposures sometimes attendant upon that mode of life. His next
choice was the law, and soon after leaving college he entered
the office of Reynolds, Cochrane & Reynolds in Albany, and
became at the same time a student of the law department of the
Albany University. He brought to the study a mind naturally
excellent, improved by careful training. He pursued his studies
with diligence, and the results were satisfactory to himself and
his instructors, giving promise of usefulness and distinction in
after life. His studies were interrupted for several months
which he passed in visiting Europe, traveling in Great Britain
and on the continent, and resumed again on his return. In 1856
he was admitted to the bar. His connection through relatives
with important mercantile interests in Albany, threw him at
once into practice, and his zeal and ability soon gained for him
an extensive business.
About a year after his admission to the bar, he formed a part-
nership with Frederick Townsend, now Major of the Eighteenth
United States Infantry, and William A. Jackson, afterwards
Colonel of the Eighteenth Regiment New York Volunteers, now
deceased, and upon the dissolution of the firm by the withdrawal
of those gentlemen to positions in the service of the Government,
he became associated with Mr. George L. Stedman, with whom
he was connected in business at the time of his decease. The
firm of Stedman & Strong having succeeded to the extensive
business of the firm of Shepard & Bancroft, Mr Strong was
enjoying the emoluments of a handsome practice when he gave
his services to his country. His ability as a lawyer was marked
and decided. He was accurate in his conclusions, and rapid in
\ I -II. RICE \SD If. BTBrf >NG.
reaching them. He analyzed facts with thoroughness, :in<l ar-
ranged ilit'in with method. Ili- counsel was clear and reliable.
It was always the deliberate conviction of his judgment after
careful investigation of the facts, and was often sought and fol-
lowed in preference to that of others of longer standing in the
profession. He presented an argument i<> the court with a terse-
ness, completeness, and ingenuity which always commanded at-
tention. Willi the members of the Albany bar he was a general
favorite, as he was among ;ill who knew him. Fond of social
enjoyments, cultivated ;in<l interesting in conversation, he was
welcome everywhere, and often gave himself to the social gather-
ings of the city. As a companion and friend, he was true an<l
unselfish. He was cordial withall, and where his affections were
enlisted, he was warm and enthusiastic. In countenance he was
genial and joyous, but there was an earnestness in hie expression
as in In- manner, which was the index of his character.
Mr. Strong's professional career was varied by attention to
other interests of a more public character. He possessed an
activity of mind, and a readiness of perception and execution,
w hich enabled him to attend faithfully and successfully to numer-
ous diverse matter- without neglecting his professional duties.
Ili- industry was remarkable. He wasted no time, and it was
surprising to see one so young, .so zealous, and so constantly
employed. In the truesl sense of the term, he was public-
spirited— not from ostentation, but from love of well doing and
natural energy of disposition. He was connected with many
important enterprises in his native <iiy. and the assurance that
he was actively engaged in any project was almost a guaranty
of its success.
Not Long after the commencement of his professional life, he
became a member of the First Presbyterian church of Albany,
Rev. Dr. John X. Campbell's. He was a faithful, earnest, and
exemplary Christian, ever mindful of the obligations of his reli-
gious profession, and living the life of one whose actions were
prompted and guided by the purest faith. When the project
of erecting a new Presbyterian church on Stale street, in Albany,
was canvassed among the members of bis denomination, he en-
ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 367
tered warmly into it and became a leading spirit in its accom-
plishment. In November, 1859, lie became one of a committee
of fifteen appointed from the different Presbyterian churches of
the city to carry forward the enterprise, and afterwards was
secretary of the committee.
Under his legal counsel and conduct the church was incor-
porated, the land was purchased, the edifice erected and the
pulpit supplied. In each step he not only performed his part as
a lawyer but as an enthusiastic lover of the work, and with a
refined taste and excellent judgment gave valuable advice in the
manner and economy of construction, and rendered efficient
services in the accumulation and management of the funds.
He was made a trustee of the church and remained one until the
time of his death. He entered the Sunday school, taking charge
of an important class of advanced scholars, composed of two
classes which he had previously instructed, every Sunday, and
which showed its confidence in its instructor by volunteering
unanimously in his regiment, and going with him to the war.
The committee to whose management this church enterprise was
given, threw the legal responsibility of the proceedings entirely
upon his shoulders. With characteristic energy he entered into
the law of the subject and in a few weeks had at his command
not only the statute law applicable, but its sources and history.
It was afterwards suggested to him that a volume on the subject
would have both a historic and practical interest, and he was
urged to undertake its compilation, and is supposed to have had
it in contemplation.
The rebellion of 1861 made hurried calls upon the time and
services of the efficient young men of the North. The Albany
Barracks were placed under the command of Brigadier General
John F. Rathbone. Air. Strong was then his aid-de-camp, and
took an important part in organizing the regiments formed there.
These barracks were the rendezvous of thousands of volunteer
recruits, who came without discipline, without organization and
utterly unaccustomed to the rigor and restraints of camp life.
There were frequently at one time from four to five thousand,
and the position of aid was no sinecure. Mr. Strong was not
mir. BICHAED M. STRONG;
unequal to the task: he had had military experience as a membei
of the Albany Burgesses Corps and the Albany Zouave ('inlets,
and in those model organizations had become proficient in the
drill of the company; he soon acquired the experience of a
general officer. When Gen. Rathbone was relieved of his com-
mand at the barracks, Mr. Stko.no received the appointment on
his start' of Judge Advocate of the Ninth Brigade New York
National Guards. His duties at the barracks ceased with the
departure of the troops for the field, and, the General Govern-
ment having, as it Mas supposed, sufficient for its purposes, he
returned to the practice of his profession impressed, however, as
he stated, with a sense of obligation to the country, and a deter-
mination to give his services, should the occasion seem to make
a demand upon them. On the organization of the One Hundred
and Seventy-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers, formerly
the Tenth Regiment National Guard of the State, he accepted
the laborious position of Adjutant, and turned his attention, with
his accustomed energy, to placing it on a war footing. On the
eve of departure, he addressed the regiment, publicly congratu-
lating the officers and men upon their unwearied and at length
successful efforts, to organize for the war.
They Left Albany in December, 1862, with the "Banks' expe-
dition." landed at New Orleans, and were thence sent to Bonnet
( ,11 ie. La., an important post on the Mississippi river, being one
of the main defences of New Orleans. Large numbers of the
unacclimated men of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh were
soon prostrated with diseases peculiar to the country and to camp
life; and Adjutant Strong, besides being the acknowledged
friend of the individual members of the regiment, became an
unwearied attendant upon the wants of the sick. His assistance
was freely bestowed on all sides, regardless of danger from infec-
tion, and the strain upon his strength. With a rare skill and a
joyous and genial manner peculiar to himself, he watched with
ami assisted in the care of the sick, and administered to the dying
the consolations of* that religion he had himself experienced.
His labors in this respect, while attending punctiliously to the
duties of his position, rendered him liable, through loss of
ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 369
strength, to take the fever, to which he has fallen a victim. In
a letter from Bonnet Carre, written on the day after his death,
full of tenderness and affection, addressed to the father of Adjt.
Strong, Dr. O. H. Young, assistant surgeon of the regiment,
says: "The tenderness of his heart and his unresting desire for
usefulness, prompted him to visit the hospital often, in the hope
of adding to the welfare of the sick soldier, and many will
remember the kind solicitude which made him their constant
visitor, and the cheerful words which infused new hope into
their drooping spirits. Indeed, the frequency with which Eich-
ard made these visits, had more than once attracted our atten-
tion, and creating some solicitude for his health, had made it
incumbent on us, as medical officers, to advise him not to spend
too much time among the sick and d}'ing. * * * * * On
Sunday, April 2(3, he and I sat together on a bench in front of
my tent listening to divine service. * * * * * Directly
after these exercises he complained of headache, and asked me
for professional advice, which was given, on condition that he
immediately abandon all official duties which rendered exposure
to the sun's heat necessary."
This headache, spoken of by Dr. Young, was the approach of
the fever, which soon assumed a typhoid form, and terminated
his life. In speaking of his last sickness, Dr. Young informed
his parents that it was not attended with physical pain. During
his last moments his physical prostration was too great to permit
his articulating, but his response to the question, whether he
desired to be remembered to his lather and family at home, was
audible and intelligent. He answered, said Dr. Young, distinctly
"yes," and a few moments after, with his brother's name upon
his lips, expired. His remains were encased in a metallic coffin,
and deposited in Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans, to await
their conveyance to Albany.
Thus has another valuable life surrendered itself a voluntary
offering to the institutions of our country, freely given in the morn-
ing of usefulness, with bright promises for the future unfulfilled.
The misgivings as to his physical endurance, which in earlier
years had swerved him from the pursuits of the studies which he
24
370 ADJT. RICHAED M. 8TKONG.
loved, bad no power t<> influence his action when he fell his ser-
vices were valuable t<> the country, bul he freely nave himself to
the risks of the field of battle, and the exposures of camp Life,
and in doing BO, none who knew him will say he was otherwise
actuated than by ;i sense of duty, and a desire to be of service to
his country, in whose institutions he had an unshaken faith. To
thai faith he has borne testimony with the seal of his life — a life
full of the brightest promise, and endeared to him by the ten-
deresl family affections, and throughout which, with all the
opportunities and successes which attended him, there is not one
moment over which his friends would desire to draw a veil. The
memory of his chaste and noble nature, like the lingering rays
of the setting sun, remains to soften the gloom his death has
caused, and is the assurance of a triumphant future. Sweetly he
sleeps the sleep of death among those,
" Qui fucrunt, sed nunc ad astra."
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ALBANY BAR.
At a meeting of the Albany Bar, convened in the Mayor's
Court Room, in the City Hall of Albany, to take action regard-
ing the death of Adjutant Richard M. Strong, ou motion of
Mr. C. M. Jenkins, Mr. J. I. Werner was called to the Chair.
On motion of Mr. J. B. Sturtevant, Mr. William Lansing was
appointed Secretary.
On motion, the Chair appointed the following committee on
resolutions: Messrs. William A. Young, John C. McClure,
Hamilton Harris, J. Howard King and George Wolford.
Hon. John H. Reynolds then addressed the meeting as
follows:
One by one, and in rapid succession, those who for a time
travel with us on the highway of life, drop down and are seen
no more. At short intervals of time, some, that we have known
and who have in some sort been our associates, disappear, and
we know them no longer. At a little greater interval, those
with whom we have been more intimate, fall by the way side,
aud then wc pause a moment and perhaps shed a few tears, and
ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 371
pass on, intent only upon reaching the end of our own travels,
and a season of repose which never comes. We find but little
time to linger beside those who falter, and less to stand around
the graves of the fallen. As we move onward, at intervals
which seem to grow less and less in duration, we are compelled
to pause, from time to time, for the reason that our most intimate
associates can no longer keep us company, but leave us to con-
tinue our progress as best we may. It is then that we tarry a
little longer, and feel it a duty to give some expression to our
regret and regard. We have met to-day to perform this duty,
in respect to one of our professional brethren, who, under cir-
cumstances of painful interest, has, in the very morning of life,
left us forever. It is not long since that, under like circum-
stances, we were assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to
the memory of another of our brethren, who in obedience to
the call of his country, left home and friends, and wore out his
life, in defence of the flag, which an army of traitors seek to
trample in the dust. And now, after a little while, we meet
again, to pay a like tribute of regard to one of gentle nature
and of high promise, who more recently gave up the pursuits
of an honorable profession, and severed the tenderest ties that
bind our common humanity, to brave all the privations and
dangers that attend the patriotic citizen and soldier, who takes
up arms in defence of the insulted flag of his country. It is
fitting that this mournful event should not pass unnoticed by
those who were bound to him in the ties of professional brother-
hood, who knew him intimately, and loved him well in life,
and whose early death falls with crushing weight upon so many
hearts.
At the early age of twenty-eight, Richard M. Strong died,
far away from home and kindred. We knew but little of his
days of sickness and suffering, or of the last hours of his life,
save that an unrelenting disease, in an ungenial clime, wasted
him away; and in his last moments his thoughts were turned to
loved ones at home, and his lips faintly murmured a brother's
name; and with this last effort of affection, his spirit passed to
" God who gave it."
372 AWT. BICHABD M. STRONG*
The story of his life la brief and simple. Ii is not marked by
u ii.m .urn urn incidents, which will attract the attention of the great
world. He did n<>t live long enough to achieve the high honors
of the profession i<> which bis life was to have been devoted, and
which his talents, bis industry, his manly and modest deportment,
his spotless character, his love of truth and justice, entitled those
who knew him best to predict for bis career. So much of pro-
fessional life as be was permitted to pursue, gave assurance that
all which would have followed could not have
" Unbescemed the promise of his spring." ^
II. began the study of the law in an office with which I was
connected; and I shall always remember him with affection as a
devoted, industrious, intelligent and faithful .student; full of hope,
and earnesi in the pursuit of all that learning which marks the
progress of a true lawyer, and gives dignity to a noble profes-
sion. He brought to that pursuit a mind capable of reaching a
high rank among men, who never fail to appreciate learning, to
reverence intellect, and to love and cherish all the higher quali
ties which adorn human nature. His early training, where his
superiority had always been acknowledged, fitted him to com-
mence his professional career under circumstances more favorable
to success than is common to most who enter upon a pursuit
where real merit is seldom unrewarded, and where few ever
attain a permanent position without severe labor and solid acquire-
ments. His practice at the bar, although not of long duration or
extensive in its character, illustrated the qualities of mind and
heart which commanded the respect and regard of all his brethren,
and which step by step, would have led him to high honors.
In early life he was frail and dedicate, and he was nurtured
with tenderest affection. At school he was patient, and diligent;
and not only won the regard of his associates, but attained a
position of acknowledged merit; and when his schoolboyand col-
lege *\-Ay< were over, he left behind him the marks of a superior
mind, and the remembrance of an exemplary character. To this,
all his early friends bear willing testimony. He sought our
profession as best adapted to his tastes and talents, and entered
ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 373
upon it with all the enthusiasm of youth, and with all the hope
and confidence which youth and conscious talents inspire. Sur-
rounded by every comfort which wealth and affection can give,
stimulated 1^ every motive of honorable ambition, he saw the
future bright before him, and, with just reliance upon himself,
looked forward to a useful and an honorable career in the pro-
fession of his choice. But an imperiled country called him to
other duties. He was among the first, when the sound of con-
flict reached us, to lay down the profession of the law, and
assume the profession of arms; and he has followed it with
fidelity to the same end to which we are all hastening. With
the brave men who have gone to the field of strife he sought
danger as a duty; and, if opportunity had presented, he would
have proved himself as brave in battle as he was patient and sub-
missive when disease wasted his life away. He was a Christian
gentleman and a Christian soldier. He followed with unfalter-
ing trust, the path of duty to his God, to his country, to his
kindred and his friends. He leaves no enemy behind him. All
who knew him loved him; for his nature was gentle and genial.
He was firm in honest purposes, quick to discern and defend the
right, and incapable of wrong. When such men die early or
late in life, there is a melancholy pleasure in bearing testimony
to what they were ; and to do so is a sacred duty to the living
and the dead.
The circumstances under which our deceased brother closed
his brief but honorable career, are peculiarly painful and impres-
sive, although death now meets us in so many startling forms
that we scarcely notice it until it comes very near. The stories
of blood and battle, of suffering and death, are daily brought to
our view, and yet scarcely arrest our attention. We look with
interest to scenes of conflict and carnage, where brave men
struggle and die amid the roar of cannon and the shouts of vic-
tory, but scarcely remember the unhappy patriots who, in a
distant clime, struggle with relentless disease, and who, upon
beds of suffering, turn once more to their early homes and kin-
dred in all the agony of loneliness and desolation. They are far
beyond all those consolations which attend the dying when sur-
;;, I aiut. I : i ( 1 1 \::i> Bt. STRONG^
rounded by the endearments of borne. Death is always a mer-
ciless visitor; but to one Buffering amid strangers, in a strange
land, becomes robed in his most ghastly form —terrible to the
victim, and agonizing to those who arc nearest and dearest to him.
We cannot turn aside the veil that hides the grief of the afflicted
household in which our lamented brother grew ii]> t<> manhood.
The father's, the mother's, the brother's and the sister's agony is
all their own. We may sympathize but cannot alleviate. We
may speak a word of kindness, and drop a tear of sympathy,
hut we only add our sorrow to theirs. God grant that this
household, and the many others that have, in these unhappy days,
Buffered a like bereavement, may find consolation from the only
source that can give lasting comfort to the afflicted.
And let ns who here grieve over the early dead, be ever mind-
ful of the admonitions which these mournful occasions give us.
Death meets us in all forms, in all conditions of age and station,
and on all occasions.
" Leaves have their time to fall,
And flowers to wither in the north wind's breath,
And stars to set; but all —
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, oh Death! "
This tribute of the Hon. Mr. Reynolds was followed by other
addresses, also most appropriate and eloquent, from the Hon.
Lyman Teemain, Mr. Rupus W. Peckham Jr., Hon. Deodatus
Weight, Gen. .John Meredith Read Jr., and Mr. Orlando
Meads.
William A. Young, Esq., offered the following resolutions,
which were unanimously adopted :
Another member of the Albany County Bar has died in the
military service of the country. Richako Marvin Strong, a
gentleman of much professional ability, of amiable manners and
strict integrity, beloved by his companions in arms, and by all
who were associated with him in the pursuits of civil life, in the
flower of his age, has gone from among us former. His worth
as a citizen and a lawyer, his valor and patriotism, have conse-
ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 375
crated his name and his memory in the hearts of his brothers of
the bar. In view of this mournful dispensation.
Resolved, That while contemplating with admiration and pride
the example furnished by the deceased, of conscientious devotion
to the Union and the supremacy of the laws, Ave deeply lament
the too early death of one whose cultivated mind and pure char-
acter gave promise of so much usefulness and distinction. His
intercourse with his brethren of the bar was marked, at all times,
by kindness and courtesy. Among his fellow-citizens, his daily
life was eminent for that uprightness and manly bearing which
are the outward manifestations of a heart imbued with the prin-
ciples of justice and right. His literary attainments and scholar-
like tastes were the graceful and fitting ornaments of his virtues.
Knowing the magnitude of the sacrifices at which he entered
upon the career of arms, we venerate the heroism and constancy
of one who was capable, when his country demanded his services,
of exchanging the delights of a home, where he had ever been
an object of the tenderest affection, the charms of study and the
rewards of professional industry, for the hardships, the perils,
and the sufferings of the camp and the field.
Resolved, That we tender to the parents and friends of the
deceased our heartfelt sympathies in the affliction which this mel-
ancholy event has brought upon them; and that we invoke in
their behalf the consolations which enabled our departed brother
to meet death with Christian fortitude and resignation.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the news-
papers of the city, and that a copy, signed by the officers of this
meeting, be presented to the family of the deceased.
In an eloquent sermon commemorative of Adjt. Strong, the
Rev. A. S. Twombly, his pastor, spoke as follows:
"In the prime of manhood, God has taken him away. With
many earthly hopes yet unfulfilled — a thousand manly aspira-
tions all unmet — just as the promise of his early culture ripens
towards its fruit — before life gives its best rewards — he dies !
But who will say that life in him, in any sense, was incomplete ?
Who will say that death has broken from the stem a life whose
summer time has not vet come ? This church, which owes much
\i-.ii . Ml II \i:i» M. BTRONG;
of its strength and its success to him whose name alone is left to
it. m.i\ seem all incomplete without bim. We, his associates and
friends, among whom he appeared pre-emineni for genial good-
ness, strength of judgment, and simplicity of character, may be
obliged i" leave unfinished bis share in the work which we
together had assumed. The Sabbath school — his pride and
car< — thai class which be took with him to the war, may uever
find a substitute for the place he occupied. And in the private
circle ol* his dearest friends, the years he would have lilled with
happiness for them, may seem all incomplete and vacant; even
as to all whose lives and interests his peculiar qualities seemed
to supply thai which he only could supply, his career may seem
bul the fragmenl of an earthly course. And why God called this
useful servant home so soon, why all this ripening power for
good should be so soon dissolved in death, we cannot tell; but
this one thing we know, in him, when God's eye searched, it
found the lull condition of a finished mortal life.
"Tlie earthly dates that limit his career between the times of
birth and death, are not God's boundaries; and the meanness of
our human computations, God makes manifest, in giving a far
grander finish than that of years or circumstances to his life.
■ For although on all life's ordinary relationships, his memory
sheds a fragrant beauty, yet our thoughts invest him with tar
richer usefulness, and his name will have far greater eloquence
for good, because religion lent her lustre to the fair graces which
adorned his life. That his life was rich in things that win the
hearts of friends, and touch the liner springs of feeling, none
who witness the universal lamentation at his death can doubt.
"The touching reminiscences preserved of him at home; the
Lonesome feeling there without him, together with the last word
on his dying lips (his brother's name), tell well enough of him
a- -on and brother. While for that trying relationship, existing
so 3eldom in perfection between a young church member and his
careless friends, let those to whom his presence was an admoni-
tion, and at the same time a delight, bear witness. Let the
(lower of his life and death on them attest his genial, unobtru-
sive, bu1 consistent character as a friend.
AUJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 377
" So, too, the record of his business life, for thoroughness, fair-
ness and ability, may challenge scrutiny. This, the resolutions
published by his associates of the bar full well attest. And let
our own church records show the value of his professional advice.
Let this goodly edifice, in which to-night we worship, speak, not
only from the accuracy of all its financial formulas, of his legal
skill, but also from its chaste adornments, of his care and taste;
thus proving that while apt and able in professional acquire-
ments, he was likewise talented and tasteful in all other branches
of a liberal culture.
"But above all signs like these, who to his record as a Chris-
tian would wish to add more signs of full-orbed life ? who most
anxious for assurance, could desire more signs of faith, humility
and sacrifice by which the Christian's earthly state is made com-
plete ? Not that all possible signs appear in him ; but that
enough appear, to show that by God's grace the germ of true
Christianity was in his soul, who that has heard him pray, who
that has watched his manly, Christian life ; who that has heard
of his pure motives in responding to his country's call, can for a
moment doubt ? Are not the«e outward indications of complete-
ness, clustered over and about his memory like flowers that tell
of a prolific soil ? And were all other indications wanting,
Avould not the last great witness of his life; would not the count-
ing of his life a willing offering, be sufficient testimony to the
full completion of this trial-epoch of his soul ?
" His fellow soldiers send back loving messages of his devotion
to the sick and suffering in that dreary hospital beneath the
southern palm, thus telling us where the seeds of his owu fatal
malady were sown. Thejr tell us how he sympathized with
others in their sorrow; how in camp he talked and prayed with
men (some of them from his old Sabbath class), when to indite a
prayer or sing a psalm, cost something more than time or talent.*
* A touching incident occurred to-day, in connection with this class. A pupil who had
volunteered for two years in another regiment, being at home on a short furlough,
entered the school and asked the superintendent for his former teacher, not knowing
that the class had all enlisted, and that their teacher was no more. What could more
forcibly illustrate our beloved brother's influence and power as a faithful teacher in the
Sabbath School >
378 UN i- wen \i;i> m. -i i:< >ng.
They tell us thai the "Crow al any time in his deportmenl could
be seen;" bo thai we ueeded not to hear the tidings of bus death,
to know assuredly thai life was not accounted dear to him. if that
he might complete his course with joy. [f t her* lore in addition
to the Christian impulse bj which he was hurried to the field;
if anything above thai sense of Christian duty, for which he gave
our land his Life, were wanting to attesl the fullness and com-
pleteness of his earthly course, these lasl days with the sick and
the disabled -his lasl words, all of which were breathed, do1 for
himself bul for another, would announce with unmistakable
authority hov truly he had counted all things loss, that lie might
w in the crown.
•• When we think of him, let not our eves he dim with tears —
luit let our hearts rejoice that God has made him able, thus to
finish his career with joy. Let his memory seem tons like some
perfected crystal formed from the agitated cooling of the ore;
each side reflects its own peculiar lustre, while together all the
rays perfeel a starlike form, whose gleams conceal all imperfec-
tions; and within whose heart a crystal germ of purity waits
hut the master hand to be made tit for coronets of kings.
"But yesterday our friend was like ourselves, imperfect, frail
and liable to temptation; upon his life the finishing touch had
nol yet come. To-day, by Jesus's handling, he is shining in
perfection in the diadem of God ! His mortal life was gladly
given fortius end; then why should we begrudge it! Everything
was laid for this ;it Jesus's feet : and why should we be sorry for
the sacrifice ! A joyous home, great hopes, strong friendships,
happy ties. — all counted loss, so that he might end his course
with joy! These are the signs of its completion, what can we
ask f>r more !
•• Not merely do the tears of all true patriots fall upon his
'tomb; not only does a star-lit and perfected manhood shine from
heaven upon n> to inspire with hope: but as a spirit, leaving in
it- flight sure signs of its redemption, his memory sheds a glad
assurance down. With Paul, his strength on earth through
Christ, was in the words : ' I count nol life dear unto me, so thai
1 finish my career with joy.' and with the Apostle he has proved
ADJT. RICHARD M. STRONG. 379
those words sincere; therefore to-day, with all the ransomed
hosts above, he finds ecstatic pleasure in that song of songs :
' The Lamb was slain.'
" My fellow-Christians of this church, he for whose loss these
tears of mingled grief and joy are falling, was, as you know, one
of the first enrolled among our members. He is among the first
to leave this membership for the Church Triumphant in the skies.
He who greeted me so cordially one year ago when first I came
to live among you as your pastor, will extend to me and you no
further proofs of his affection; he can offer now no further acts
of love; but may he not still live about us, radiant upon us from
that upper sphere? May not his death be like a cheerful light
upon our way, revealing to us what the Christian has to suffer
a rid to dare, and showing us the glorious crown he hopes to
wear ? May not this early gift of life to God nerve us as worth-
ily to finish our career ? Assisted by him, to look beyond him
to a greater sufferer, may we not in holy emulation also strive to
leave behind us equal proof, that Jesus will present our souls
upon His bleeding heart before the throne ? Then shall the
name of him who has departed become a sacred memory within
our souls; our loved and honored dead will touch us from the
past, and fill us with an ever-present and inspiring joy! He was
ours once in full companionship; he may be ours forevermore in
that far higher intimacy which death and a divine communion
can establish between kindred souls. Although his worthiness
makes our immediate loss the heavier, yet for this very reason is
his gain and ours the greater. He has finished his career with
joy — we in that completion may find all we need; may find the
very impulse that we lacked for giving up our life in true sur-
render unto God. Draw near, then, ye that mourn and be ye
comforted. We have no cause for grief; and surely he whose
requiem we chant needs not our tears!
" In that resplendent lustre of perfected souls, the spirits of
the just made perfect seem to listen as I speak! I seem to speak
of one among them, as if he heard me still! His voice comes
gently, like an echo from the sides, entreating us to get our lives
380 U'.it. RICH \u> M- STRONG.
in readiness i<> come. He tells us of the resl above; li«' chants
1 lie glory of his hot* perfected life.
"Thus would he hush our murmurs, quiet .-ill our fears, and
draw ii- sweetly to the love of Him whose life was freely given,
thai whosoever loseth life for His sake on the earth may lin<l it
unto f\ erlasting joj ."
'i'li.' following hymn (a favorite with Adjt. Strong, among the
-on-- of ilir Sabbath School), was sung by request on the eve-
ning of the delivery «»f this discourse :
Come sing t<> me of heaven
When I'm alicillt to die;
Sing songs of holy ecstasy
To wait my Mini mi high.
When cold and sluggish drops
Roll "ii' my marble brow,
Break forth in songs of joj fulness.
Let lica ven begin below.
When the last moments eome,
Oh, watch my dying
To catch the bright seraphic glow
Which in eaeh feature plays.
Then to my raptured car
Let one sweet song be given ;
Let music charm me last on earth
And greet me first in heaven.
Then close my sightless eyes,
And lay me down t<> rest,
And clasp my cold and icy hands
l pon my Lifeless breast.
When round my senseless clay
Assemble those I love —
Then sing of heaven, delightful heaven,
\l \ glorious home above
ADJT. JOHN H. RUSSELL. 381
XXIV.
ADJUTANT JOHN H. RUSSELL.
From Rev. A. A. Farr, late Chaplain of Eighteenth N. Y. Regiment.
Adjutant John H. Russell was the son of Mr. William and
Mrs. Catharine A. Russell, and was born in the city of Albany,
on the 21st day of July, 1836. His name is remembered by
hundreds here, who lamented his early death while they honored
him for his love for his country, and his devotion to her cause,
in the time of her great peril. On the breaking out of the
rebellion, in 1861, he was one of the first to offer his services to
the government, and was ready to leave home and friends, if he
could do something towards rolling back the dark cloud that
hung over the land, and threatened us with the loss of all our
cherished institutions.
When the Eighteenth Regiment of N. Y. State Volunteers
was organized, on the 14th day of May, 1861, he was unani-
mously elected the Adjutant of the regiment; and on the 17th
of the same month, was mustered into the service of the United
States. By applying himself to the work, he soon became an
accomplished officer. He was, in many respects, a model Adju-
tant. Being a good scholar and a very fine penman, and withal
very particular that every thing should be just right, he suc-
ceeded in securing the commendation of officers high in com-
mand.
Adjutant Russell was rather retiring in his manners, and had
but few intimate friends; yet, such was his general conduct, that
he commanded the respect of all.
He had never made a public profession of religion, yet he was
a firm believer in the doctrines of Christianity. He used often
Ab.IT. JOBuN M. i;i B8ELL.
to speak of his mother as a woman of deep piety , and he believes
she w as a i rest in a better \\ orld.
In the month of April, 1862, we were ordered to the Penin-
sula to join Gen. McClellan. Soon after we arrived there, Mr.
I.'i —iii. began to feel the effects of thai climate, in impairing his
health. And for some week- before his leaving the field, he was
much of the time really unfil for duty. Yet he was unwilling to
give up and be called a sick man, and, under these unfavorable cir-
cumstances, he continued to do his duty. As I was, at thai time,
occupying the same tent with him, I know how much he suffered]
The battle of Gaines' Mills was foughl on the 27th day of
June. 1862. Our regiment, with others, was formed in line of
battle about twelve o'clock, noon, and soon after we were ordered
to cross the Chickahominy, with the expectation of going into
the fight, which had already commenced. We crossed the river,
according to orders, and were soon in sight of the contending
forces. At about five r. m. wc were ordered into the battle, at,
double quick. Adjutant Russell was at his post, and without
flinching did his duty. But he was not permitted to remain long
with his comrades. He was wounded in the ankle by a Minnie
ball, yet it was probably a -pent shot, as it did not break the
ankle. Be was ordered to the rear, when the surgeon extracted
the ball, and thought the wound Mas so slight that he would
soon be al his post again. Thai night, about twelve o'clock, the
regimenl was ordered back to our camp, and, as we were return
Lug, we overtook Mr. Russell, as he was being carried back to
his tent. He was very cheerful, and thought he would soon bt<
in active service again. I took care of him for the rest of the
night, and he was \<vy comfortable. The next morning, as we
were expecting another battle, the Adjutant, with other wounded
and sick men. were sent to Savage's Station, where they might be
more secure, and receive proper attention. On Sabbath mor-
niiiLr. June 29, we commenced our retrogade movement, and when
we arrived at Savage's Station all the sick and wounded that
could be moved were put into ambulances and sent over to the
James river. Mr. Russell was of course one of the number.
After putting him into the ambulance with ('apt. Montgomery,
ADJT. JOHN H. RUSSELL. 383
of Gen. Newton's staff, I saw no more of him until the next
Tuesday. Then I found him at Carter's Landing, on the James
river; and this proved to be our last meeting. At this time he
was in good spirits, though very much fatigued, having remained
in the ambulance for two days, and the most of that time they
had been on the move. From this place he was taken to Harri-
son's Landing, where he was put on board one of the transports
and sent to the north. He thought if he could get home, where
proper attention could be secured, he would soon be well again.
But, when he arrived at Philadelphia, he was so much exhausted
that he could go no further. He was taken to the house of Capt.
Montgomery, his fellow sufferer, where everything was done for
him that human kindness could suggest. But his system had
become so much debilitated by disease that he did not rally, but
continued to fail, till the 28th day of July, 1862, he passed
away from earth — just one month and one day from the time
that he received his wound. Thus lived and died John H. Rus-
sell, Adjutant Eighteenth N. Y. Vols.
384 0 \it. .11 >n\ i». r. douw,
\\v.
CAPTAIN JOHN DbPEYSTER DOUW.
John DePeysteb Doi w was born in Albany, on the LOth oi
March, L837, and was the son of Volckert i'. and Helen L.
Douw. Reared amid the influences of refinement, intelligence
and Christian culture, he early developed traits that endeared
him n» all with whom he was associated. He early manifested
a frank and generous spirit, and was a respectful and dutiful -on.
a kind brother, and a warm hearted friend.
In entering the army, he was actuated by thepurestand Loftiest
feelings of patriotism, and his course was perfectly in accordance
with the wishes of his parents, who desired the family to lie rep-
resented in tin' recenl eventful period of our National history.
His military career, the valor with which he fought for his
country, and the hope that ever inspired his soul, may he learnt
from the following statements, furnished to his father by a dis-
tinguished officer, who knew and loved the departed hero:
Capt. Docw joined the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regi-
lnent N. V. S. Volunteers when that regiment first entered the
service, the 23d of August, L862, at Camp Schuyler, Herkimer
county, N. Y.. a- first Lieutenant of Company "I." He served
in that capacity until shortly after the battle of Antietam, when
his soldierly bearing and attention to duty attracted the notice
of Maj. Gen. Slocum, commanding First Division. Sixth Army
Corps. The General at once placed Lieut. Dorw on his stall' as
ordnance officer, which arduous ami responsible position he tilled
with credit, until shortly after the first Fredericksburg battle,
when he left his staff appointment to accept the Captaincy of
Company "K" in his own regiment, a promotion justly earned.
He took con imam 1 of his company, and led it in the terrible battle
A^z^t/^
~""f'''^- nun
MBL£ UfeKARY
ASTO*. LENOX
pt-DRN 'OUNDATIONSi
CAPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 385
of Salem Chapel, May 3d, 1863. All who are conversant with
the history of that engagement, know of the fearful loss of life
in the One Hundred and Twenty-first — the total loss being two
hundred and seventy men out of four hundred who entered the
fight, a greater loss than any other regiment has ever experi-
enced in one battle. Capt. Douw particularly distinguished him-
self at this time. He passed through the fiery ordeal unhurt.
He commanded his company during the memorable Maryland
campaign, that culminated in the glorious victory of Gettysburg.
He participated in all the various skirmishes after that battle until
the rebels were driven across the Potomac.
Again at Rappahannock Station Nov. 7th, 1863, he led his
company. The One Hundred and Twenty-first, about three hun-
dred strong, captured twelve hundred prisoners and four stands of
colors. Captain Douw received great praise from his command-
ing officer for his gallantry. This, with the exception of the
short campaign known as the Mine Run Expedition, closed the
operations of this portion of the army for 1863.
The winter of 1863 and 1864 was passed by the Captain in
fitting himself and company for the prominent part they were
destined to play in the great campaign of 1864. He was in every
battle of this campaign; the fierce struggle in the Wilderness,
and the desperate charges at Spottsylvania Court House. In the
last engagement he was one of that band of heroes who made
the famous charge of May 10th. The charging party consisted
of twelve regiments, three front and four deep. The One Hun-
dred and Twenty-first was in the first line and on the right, the
post of honor and danger. Their advance was irresistible.
Three lines of works were carried, fifteen hundred prisoners were
captured, the enemy's centre was broken and the victory almost
won. But the supports did not do their duty and the column,
surrounded, was forced to retire. The slaughter was awful.
Captain Douw came out of the fight uninjured, and in command
of his regiment; the field officers being both wounded and one a
prisoner. He commanded the regiment gallantly at Coal Harbor,
and during the early battles in front of Petersburg. At this
25
(AIT. .lMil\ I). P, IM'I W.
time M.ij.u- ( i m.i'in. having recovered from hi- wounds, resumed
hi- command.
The rebels again made a raid into Maryland and even the
Capital was in danger. The Sixth Corps wasorderded to Wash-
ington to repel the invasion. The enemy retreated and then
ensued long and weary marches. Captain Douw, always cheer-
ful, was the life of bis regiment.
The sun rose clear and bright on the L9th of September.
This was the first of the many glorious days of victory, thai
cleared away the cloud of defeat that bo long had darkened
•• Freedom's Banner" in the valley of Virginia, and that placed
the "crown of victory" on the stars and stripes.
The battle of Fisher's Hill quickly followed, and during both
of these battles, the Captain was always in the front rank,
encouraging and animating his men by his example. Strange
that one so regardless of personal danger, should have so long
passed unharmed. But his time was yet to come. The eventful
19th of October dawned, the last and most complete, the crown-
ing glory of the campaign. But what a sacrifice it cost. Alas,
how many of those who immortalized themselves that day. did
it at the expense of their lives.
Captain Douw was struck about nine o'clock, a. m., by a bullet
in the right leg. The bone was shattered, and he laid on the
field until late in the afternoon, when, the troops returning, he
was taken to a temporary hospital at New Town, whence he was
removed to Winchester, where his limb wras amputated. lie
lingered until six o'clock, p. m., October 26th, when he quietly
slept the sleep that knows no waking.
Thus passed away one of the noblest spirits this Avar has de-
stroyed. In battle, brave even to rashness; on the march, cheer-
ful: gentle, manly ami social, kind and considerate to all — quali-
ties that made all who knew him love him. His memory will
be cherished by his companions in arms as long as they live.
The Major of the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment
tlui- -peak- of his habit of daily reading the Scriptures:
"I have known Captain DODW since the regiment was first
organized at Camp Schuyler, as I was the First Sergeant in the
CAPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 387
company of which he was the First Lieutenant. During our term
last winter in quarters at Brandy Station we were together a oreat
deal, and became quite intimate. When the campaign opened in
the spring, we entered into a ' mess ' by ourselves, slept under
the same blankets, and endured the same hardships until Sep-
tember 20th, when I was detailed at headquarters of the division.
We each carried a pocket testament, and it was our custom every,
day after the campaign opened, to each read a chapter alternately
on arriving in camp, if not by the wayside while resting from
our march. We had shared each other's comforts, and more
than once had expressed a hope that we might outlive this
devouring war, and see tranquility reinstated, and meet each
other in quiet life, to relate and discuss the past events in our
military history."
The same officer gives the following account of Captain Douw
after he was wounded:
" We were repulsed immediately after he was wounded, and
thereby he fell into the enemy's hands. He was in their hands
about eight hours, and while with them was treated both kindly
and unkindly. He had in his pocket about one hundred and sixty
dollars. Before the enemy came to pillage him, he cut the seam
in his vest and placed nearly all of his money inside. But the
rebels were not content with the few dollars they found, and
made a more minute search, and succeeded in finding the whole
of it.
" About four p. m. the enemy was driven back, and he was
immediately carried to a house near by, which was occupied as
General Wheatox's headquarters. I was at that time serving
upon the staff of General Wheatox, and while at the house I
know he received every attention. He was somewhat depressed
in consequence of exhaustion. He told me he thought he should
get well, and asked me to write to his father and uncle, which I
did at once. It was on the 19th that he was carried to the house,
and on the morning of the 20th he was removed to New Town,
and thence to Winchester. I assisted in placing him comfortably
in the ambulance, and after bidding him ' good-bye ' he was driven
away, and I did not see him again.
DAFT. JOHN D. r. DOUW.
-• Dr. Benedict was with him at the time he died, and says a few
moments before he expired he asked him - if he were not dying.'
Benedict told him 'he was.' He then asked him to say the
Lord's Prayer, which lie did. and the Captain repeated it until
he breathed his last. Aiter he could not articulate aloud, he
repeated ii in a taint whisper until he passed from this life."
The following particulars of the wound and death of (apt.
DOUW have been kindly furnished by the surgeon who attended
him:
I saw and conversed with Capt. Douw on the morning of the
attack. October L9th, and we hoped at the time our regiment
would not be ordered out. He wished, if it were, to give me his
valuables for safe keeping. They were ordered in line almost
immediately after, and I was ordered to the Division hospital in
New Town.
(apt. Douw was wounded early in the action, eight o'clock
A. Mr, and remained on the field some eight hours, during which
time the enemy held the ground, and robbed him of his money,
&c. Judging from the nature of the wound, he must have been
resting in a sitting posture, on his left knee and right foot. The
ball entered the right knee joint, traversing and shattering the
femur or thigh bone nearly the whole length, and, after death,
was extracted from the groin.
lie was completely chilled when found by our men. The limb
was temporarily dressed, and he was brought to our hospital
about five o'clock p. m.
lie was cold and almost pulseless on his arrival, and it was
evident to the most casual observer that his system had received
a shock which must prove fatal. I examined the limb sufficiently
to learn that an operation was his only chance for life, and our
whole attention was given to stimulating the system, and bring-
ing on reaction sufficient to amputate. But we did not succeed
till he was removed to Winchester, fifteen miles. I put the limb
in a box, and placed him in an ambulance on a feather bed, and
he suffered no inconvenience from moving. I felt it to be my
duty to tell him his true condition, and did so, as gently as pos-
sible, advising him to have his father telegraphed for. He
CAPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 389
replied that he was confident he should recover, but would send
for an uncle in Philadelphia if he grew worse.
This was the morning of the 21st. I never saw him after,
but have conversed with the surgeons into whose hands he fell,
and can assure his friends he received every attention possible,
and everything was done that could be done under the circum-
stances. He rallied on the 22d sufficiently to undergo the ope-
ration, and bore up under it well.
80 "much time had elapsed that the limb was much swollen,
and it was not till after the operation that the course of the
ball, and the full extent of the injury, was known.
The tremendous shock to the system had been noticed and
commented upon by all; but when the injury was fully known,
his great depression was accounted for, and not, as before, attri-
buted to his exposure on the field.
He was cheerful and confident after the operation, — was at
times delirious, — was anxious to have his vote prepared and for-
warded, although he had already sent his vote about the 17th
or 18th.
I came to this regiment from the One Hundred and Twenty-
second, July 1st, 1863, a stranger; but soon made the acquaint-
ance of Captain Douw, as many in Syracuse were our mutual
friends.
He was respected and esteemed by officers and men, and his
friends have the sympathy of the whole regiment.
I found him a noble-hearted, true man, and wish no better
evidence of his goodness of heart, than the love and affection he
had for his family. How repeatedly has he shown me photo-
graphs of his parents, brothers and sisters, and would speak of
each in a manner, which in some measure enables me to imagine
how great is their loss.
LETTER FROM THE COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT.
Cherry Valley, June 15th, 1866.
My Dear Mrs. Douw — Lieutenant Douw, a few days after his
regiment had taken the field in September 1862, was selected
390 (AIT. JOHN |>. I-. DOT W.
by General Slooum, as division ordnance officer, a position oi
great responsibility. He was called upon to take the entire
charge of the arms and ammunition of the division, and to issue
and receipt for the same; in fact the efficiency of the division in
this most important particular depended almost entirely upon
his energy and activity. He filled this post to the satisfaction
of the commanding officer of the division and all concerned; con-
ducting his trains with great skill and prudence from Bakersville
Fredericksburg, Va., through the engagements which followed;
and on the unfortunate " mud-march." That he should have
accomplished this in the manner he did, is conclusive proof how
earnest and sincere he was in the discharge of his duties. In the
jpring of L863, just before the campaign opened, the proposition
was made to Lieut. Douw by Col. Upton, at that time command-
ing the One Hundred and Twenty-first N. Y. Vols., that if he
would return to his company he should be promoted to Captain,
The Colonel also expressed his great desire to have Lieut. Douw
with the command during the campaign.
The position held by Lieut. Douw on Gen. Slocum's staff, was
in many respects to be preferred to that offered by Col. Upton.
It brought him into intimate relations with the general officers
of the division; it gave him privileges of which an infantry
officer knew well the value: it ensured him daily comforts. Head-
quarter wagons arc the first up; headquarter tents the first
pitched; headquarters monopolizes the best camping ground;
idquartera guards the deepest well and the coolest spring —
i ml headquarters is best supplied by the commissary. The pro-
position therefore, to come back to his regiment and serve in his
company, was one which very lew officers would have accepted.
Indeed, I know of but one ease, where an officer having a staff
i ppointment, returned of his own accord to serve with the com-
pany. That is the case of Lieut. Douw. Many times have I felt
i he need of officers on staff duty, and offered them promotion,
and endeavored to excite their ambition by showing that on the
staff there was little hope of advancement, but all in vain. "I
cannot give up the social position — the comforts, the privileges
1 enjoy on the staff, for the sake of commanding a company — to
CAPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 391
march in the mud and dust, with but a soldier's fare and a
shelter tent to sleep under." Lieut. Douw gave up all these
advantages and voluntarily returned to his regiment, thinking it
his duty to be with the men, Avhom he had originally received a
commission to command, and to share with them their dangers
and privations.
Capt. Douw's relations with his company were of the most
pleasant character. Although a good disciplinarian, he was a
favorite with his men — a favoritism not gained by that familiarity
which was the misfortune of many volunteer officers, but obtained
by his strong love of justice, his anxiety that his men should not
be imposed upon, and his correct ideas of duty. Capt. Douw,
under the most discouraging circumstances, was always cheerful.
He bore the privations and fatigues of the most trying campaign
with a light-heartedness rarely seen in the service, and was proof
against its demoralizing influences. A strong attachment to his
o o o
home, of which he was ever fond of speaking, appeared to be a
shield which, constantly reminding him of all he held most dear,
at the same time turned away all temptations to dissipation. The
influence of the home circle was ever upon him, and distance and
danger only served to strengthen it.
From the battle of Salem Chapel, May 3d, 1863, in which
action his company suffered more than any in the regiment, until
the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19th, 1864, where he received
his mortal wound, Capt. Douw was constantly with his command
in every battle, skirmish or reconnoissance in which it was engaged.
In conclusion, I would add that I never knew an officer who,
dnring his whole service, more conscientiously performed his
duties. He was a good officer and a brave man.
I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
EGBERT OLCOTT,
Late Colonel One Hundred and Twenty-first New York.
Extract from a letter from Sergeant Stevens to Mrs. Douw:
" I never had any talk, on religious subjects, with your son, but
I always considered him a most exemplary young man. I thought
392 OAPT. JOHN !». I'. DOl W.
nothing strange of his not talking wit li me on serious matters at
the time I was with die regiment, for I was nol then a professor.
When we had preaching in our camp, t he ( laptain always attended.
I had :i \r\\ good opportunity, while I was with my company,
in become acquainted with him.
• Your son commanded the company to which I had the honor
to belong. I held the position of First Sergeanl in the company
until I was compelled, from wounds received in the battle of the
Wilderness, to Leave tor the hospital. I helped him to prepare
:ill of the company pay rolls, and clothing rolls; in fact, I assisted
him about all the company writing.
••In his death, the company sustained a great loss. We
regarded him with something more than the respect which is
due from a soldier to a superior; we looked, up to him as an elder
brother; one who took an interest in his men, very zealous of
their rights, ami prompt to have all wrongs redressed. He was
exceedingly affable to his men. willing to listen to and advise the
most illiterate or degraded of them.
"Upon the march, as well as in camp, he seemed to have the
interest of his men at heart. If there chanced to be one who
was slightly unwell, or who began to manifest signs of great
weariness, the Captain would shoulder his musket, give him some
words of cheer, and assist him in every way in his power. I
have been an object of his tender compassion on several occasions.
While the army was on the march from Warrenton to the Rapi-
dan river, I, from some unknown cause, had a very painful swell-
111- on my ankle; I could not wear my boots, and was compelled
to march in this condition. The Captain took my musket at once,
ami carried it until we halted for the night.
"Until noon of the following day, I marched in the same
manner, when we halted for a short time to prepare dinner. By
this time my ankle was swollen fearfully and pained me terribly.
"The sight of this aroused the indignation (a thing which we
seldom saw) of the Captain, towards the doctors, for not allow-
ing me to ride in an ambulance. He arose from his dinner
exclaiming, • I will not have my men march in that condition/
CAPT. JOHN D. P. DOUW. 393
went to the Doctor and told him so, and that afternoon I rode.
I seldom saw him on the march without a musket on his shoulder.
"After I was wounded the first time, at the battle of Salem
Church, our field hospital was on the Potomac creek, near where
the army was encamped, and the Captain came frequently to see
"his wounded boys," and talk with and cheer us. He visited
each tent to inquire after and ascertain the condition of all of the
men. Thus it was he became the much loved Captain Douw.
He was always willing to share the hardship of his men, always
cheerful and always at his post.
"Your affliction is indeed great, but you have the heartfelt
sympathies of the surviving members of company K. Long will
they cherish the memory of your son and their Captain."
His remains were brought home, and, on the 3d day of No-
vember, buried in the Albany Cemetery.
The following lines were written in memory of Capt. John
DeP. Douw, One Hundred and Twenty-first Eegment N. Y. S. V.,
died October 26, 1864:
i
A sad and melancholy year,
The year just past !
Hope feebly struggling on — and darksome fear,
Too oft, at last,
Cringing beneath the tempest, through whose rifts,
No sunlight flickers, while the black mass drifts,
Whirling along the battle glare,
Onward, to worse despair !
ii.
A dismal and a bitter year,
The year just gone !
The sepulchres of those we hold most dear
Lie thick; and thorn
The hearts that swelled to hear of brave deeds done,
Of ramparts carried, and of standards won,
By those of whom, the next hushed breath
Of rumor, told the death.
in.
We cannot laugh as gaily now,
As once we did;
When, with the New Year garlands on our brow
No low voice chid
394 OAPT. JOHN l>. P. DOUW.
Our merriment, or bade as hold our peace,
Am l think of some who evermore would cease
Prom joining in the carol
Wiih which we hailed the day.
IV.
now we sit a vacant place
Beside t he board; —
AimI there we Badlj miss a much loved face.
While memorj . Btored
With thoughts of other days, when, with us here,
He shared our sorrow and he Bhared our cheer,
I oi bids thai we should hope relief
From present bitter grief.
v.
But let us not too much rebel,
Though he is dead.
'Twas for his country's honor that he fell.
And though his head
Rests low beside the sword he so well drew
His spirit, now in Heaven, waits to view
That lastiii": peace on earth begin,
He nobly helped to win.
New Tear's Day, 1865.
CAPT. THEODORE C. ROGERS. 395
XXVI.
CAPTAIN THEODORE C. ROGERS.
Theodore Caldwell Rogers was born at Fairfield, Conn.,
December 3d, 1839. He was the oldest child of Rev. Ebenezer
P. and Elizabeth Rogers. He was educated principally at the
High School in Philadelphia, and at the Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute at Troy, where he fitted himself for the profession of a
civil engineer. He was a youth of ardent and generous feelings,
of brilliant mind, refined sensibilities and cultivated and winning
manners. In person he was tall, well formed and athletic, ex-
celling in all manly exercises, of more than ordinary vigor, and
a fine specimen of physical symmetry and strength. His mind
was well cultivated; he wrote in an easy and graceful style, was
a good speaker, and in all those qualities of person, mind and
character which give great promise of excellence and usefulness,
was unusually gifted.
After leaving the institution at Troy, he was engaged for some
time in civil engineering, with much success. He afterwards
received overtures from a promineut commercial house in
Albany, where his parents then resided, to become connected
with them, which he accepted, and the breaking out of the rebel-
lion found him just admitted to a partnership, with bright pros-
pects of mercantile success.
But the call of President Lincoln for volunteers to defend the
insulted flag of his country, awoke in the breast of young Rogers
a desire and determination to offer his services to his country in
her hour of peril. It was not the mere love of adventure, or
the passion for military glory which prompted his resolution.
He looked at the whole subject as a Christian as well as a patriot,
and having asked direction from God as to his course, he came
to the deliberate conviction that it was his duty to volunteer his
396 CUT. THEODORE 0. ROGERS.
services to the Government in the struggle lor (rational life and
unity which was impending. lie gave up at once his business
engagements, relinquished all his prospects of fortune, and
engaged at once in earnest efforts to enlist men for the service.
He received, in May, L861, from Gov. Morgan, a commission as
First Lieutenant in the Eighteenth Regiment New York Volun-
teers, then under the command of the late lamented Col. Wil-
liam A. Jackson, and entered at once upon the duties of his
station.
The course of Mr. Rogers, in thus promptly offering himself
upon the altar of his country, called out the warmest approba-
tion of his friends. Kindly offers of aid were tendered him on
all sides. The ladies of his father's congregation sent him a
handsome sum towards the expenses of his outfit. A number
of the most prominent and respected merchants of Albany, mem-
bers of the Board of Trade, gave him a public reception, and
presented him with a purse containing five hundred dollars in
gold. The following account of the proceedings appeared in the
Albany daily papers of that date.
PRESENTATION TO LIEUT. THEODORE C. ROGERS.
There was an unusually large attendance at the Rooms of the
Board of Trade this morning, and among the attendance a large
number of ladies — relatives and friends of Lieut. Rogers, who
had been attracted thither to witness the presentation of a purse,
containing gold coin to the amount of five hundred dollars to
that gentleman, from his friends and members of the Board of
Trade.
Jusl at the close of the business hour, the President of the
Board. .James N. Ring, Esq., called the meeting to order, and
after stating the object introduced Jeremiah Waterman Esq., to
Lieut. Theodore C. Rogers, when the former addressed the lat-
ter as follows :
"Lieut. Rogers — I have been requested, on the part of your
friends, members of the Board of Trade, to present you with a
purse of gold as an expression of their regard to you personally,
and of their appreciation of the devotion and loyalty which have
CAPT. THEODORE C. ROGERS. 397
prompted you to offer yourself as a soldier in these times of our
country's peril.
"For the sake of the land which we love, you have cheerfully
sacrificed a position of great promise, which you filled with so
much credit to yourself, and in which you have gathered around
you the respect and attachment of those who have known you
the best.
"You have given up at the call of your country the enjoyments
of your home, the society of your kindred and friends, the plea-
sant intercourse with those of us who have been associated with
you in business, and you have laid upon the altar of our beloved
land the best and noblest gift which the heart of a patriot could
give.
" You go from among us to encounter the privations and perils
of the field of battle, and to stand up for the cause which we
believe to be the cause of God, and truth, and justice; to pre-
serve from the hand of the traitor, the noblest form of govern-
ment which ever blest the world. But you go not alone — the
prayers and benedictions of your loving and beloved parents,
who have not withheld the best gift of their eldest son — the
blessings of the church with which you are connected, and our
best wishes, which we tender you at this time — these associations,
which you cannot and would not forget, will strengthen you in
the path of duty which you have chosen.
" We shall miss your presence in the places where we have
long and pleasantly been associated; but we shall rejoice that we
have so good a representative in other scenes, where the battles
of our country are to be fought, and where, we trust, the stand-
ard of our country shall wave in triumph.
"We are well enough acquainted with you to know that you
will do your whole duty manfully and fearlessly.
"The sacrifices you have made — the devotion to your country
which we have witnessed — tell us what we may expect, as we
shall follow you wherever your lot shall be cast in these times
of conflict.
" Here, as in other places, you will be remembered. We will
welcome you with joy and cordial affection, when, as we trust,
398 ' \rr. THEODORE 0. ROGERS.
you will return again with honor from the field of battle, or it'
we shall hear the sad tidings thai you have fallen in the conflict,
real assured thai in our hearl of hearts we shall ever cherish the
memory of 3 our devotion and \><\ altj ."
During the remarks of Mr. Waterman, quietness pervaded the
rooms, and upon concluding, Lieut. Rogers, with apparent feel-
ings of deep emol ion, replied:
•• Mr. \V \ii:i;m \.\. and Gentlemen of the Board of Trade:
■■ It is utterly impossible for me to express to yon the feelings
which till my heart on this occasion. That 1 should have received
from the honorable body which you so worthily represent, such
a manifestation of regard and approbation, is an honor which is
alike unexpected and undeserved. I have never doubted for a
moment, thai in obeying the call of our country to sustain her
government and defend her flag, I was simply discharging my
duty. You have been pleased to allude to sacrifices of a pecu-
niary and social character which this step has involved. Had
th.y been tenfold greater, this expression of approbation from
so many of our besl citizens, men whom my daily intercourse
with them has taught me to love and honor, would amply repay
me. The feelings to which you, sir. have given such eloquent
expression, are more precious to me than gold. In every danger
t<> which I may be exposed, in every duty to which J may be
called, next to the blessing of God, the consciousness of the
regard of this Board will be a source of strength and courage.
Jt is my prayer, it shall be my endeavor, thai wherever I may
go, I may prove myself worthy of their confidence and affection.
J thank you, sir. I thank the Board of Trade, who have honored
themselves and me in selecting you as their organ, for the senti-
ment- they have expressed, and the substantia] deeds of kindness
which they have done. I assure you and them of my sincere
gratitude, my profo 1 respect, tor their integrity, patriotism, and
honorable character, as merchants and as citi/ens. my hope that
they may all share in the richest benefactions of Heaven, and
thai we may be permitted to meet again in happier days, to ex-
change congratulations over the peace, unity, and prosperity of
our beloved country."
CAPT. THEODORE C. ROGERS. 399
The Board, thereupon adjourned, when a general mingling
took place, and the respective parties were congratulated.
Among the attendants were the Rev. Dr. Rogers and lady — the
parents of Lieut. Rogers and a large number of their personal
friends and relatives. The affair was highly creditable to all.
A few days since, Lieut. Rogers was the recipient of a sword,
belt, sash, epaulettes and revolver, from his warm friend Wm. P.
Irwin, Esq., of this city, and his full dress uniform from a portion
of the younger members of the Board of Trade — his more inti-
mate social associates.
In June, 1861, the Eighteenth was ordered to Washington,
and went into camp near that city. Lieut. Rogers marched
with his company to the seat of war, and remained with them
for more than thirteen months, with but a single furlough of ten
days, in January, 1862, during which he was united in marriage
to Miss Anna Victoria DeLong, of Cazenovia, N. Y.
His deportment as an officer and a gentleman always won for
him the respect of his brother officers, and he was a general
favorite in the regiment. In the fall of 1861, he was promoted
to a Captaincy. His regiment was attached to the Army of the
Potomac, and participated in the varied fortunes of that army.
It was a part of the reserve at the first battle of Bull Run, and
was engaged in the battles of Williamsburg and West Point. In
every field Capt. Rogers maintained an unblemished reputation
for bravery and coolness, was always at his post, and faithful to
his duty. His letters home during his entire term of service
breathe an exalted spirit of Christian patriotism and heroic
devotion to his country's cause. In the bloody and unequal
fight at Gaines' Mills, on the 27th of June, 1862, after three
hours of desperate fighting, as he was rallying his men for a
final stand against the advance of fresh troops, he was pierced
with a bullet in the groin, and fell still gallantly cheering his
men. His Avound was mortal, and he survived but a few mo-
ments. It was at the close of the day; the battle was lost, and
his men were obliged to retreat, leaving his body on the bloody
field. It was months before his family and friends could learn
any particulars as to his death, except the bare fact. But most
'100 0 Mi. I REODORE 0. BOG]
unexpectedly a friend, spending the winter :it the island of Nae
sau, became acquainted with a Colonel of the Confederate army,
who was at the island on his w&y to London, who was at the
battle of Gaines' Mills, and gave her the particulars of ('apt,
Rogers' death and burial. She communicated these to liis
father, then residing in N<\\ York, who at once addressed a let-
ter to this Confederate officer, then al London, requesting him
to communicate directly with him. The following is an exact
<-u|i\ of tli<' reply, received nearly a year after the event occur-
red which it describes:
London, May 9th, 18G3.
Rev. Dr. Rogers:
Sir —Your letter of February 25th, addressed to me at Nas-
sau, has just reached meat this place. J know of no prohibition
of duty to prevent my responding to the inquiries yon address
to me, relating to the death of your son. ('apt. Theodore C.
Rogers, who fell at the battle of Gaines' Mill, on the 27th of
dune Last. And, although your son was engaged, at the time of
his death, in that invasion which has brought desolation to our
homes and affliction to all our families, I am not unmindful of
the Legitimate claims of the widow and mother, and my heart
does not refuse its sympathy to a fallen foe, whose conduct was
brave and heroic. Late in the afternoon of the 27th of June,
on the extreme left of our line, iii front of the extreme fight of
the Federal forces, and in the last charge of our lines, I was in
command of a portion of Gen. Garland's Brigade. The Fede-
ral force had already commenced to retire, and our advance was
rapid and impel nous. At a point about one or two hundred
yards in our front, a young man. who was recognized to be the
Captain of a company, made an effort to rally his command,
which was retiring. He had his sword drawn, and could be dis-
tinctly Seen by us to appeal to his men to make a stand. Pie
partially succeeded, and when his company halted, and faced to
our Lines, he was in the front some tenor twenty paces, and was
thus thrown between the two tires. Our tiring was very heavy,
and it was plain to us that his fate was inevitable, and in a mo-
ment he fell. We were rapidly pursuing, but, as we passed by,
CAPT. THEODORE S. ROGERS. 401
I caused this young officer, whose gallantly had attracted my
attention, to be borne a few paces, and laid under a small tree,
supposing him to be wounded. I learned afterwards, from the
two men who carried him, that he died before reaching the spot
I had indicated.
Capt. Young, who resides at Henderson, Granville county, N.
C, was commanding the regiment in front of which he fell, and
he assumed the task of examining the body, to ascertain such
articles of value as might be saved from the seizure of the sol-
diery. I can not be precise as to all the articles found, as so
many like events have occurred since, but I remember a watch
was among them, and three letters, one from yourself, one from
his mother, and one from his wife. Those letters were read by
Gen. Garland and myself, with a view to ascertain to whom his
valuables might be sent, and all the articles, with the letters,
were entrusted to Capt. Young, who charged himself with their
transmission to the relatives of the deceased. About daybreak
the body of your son was buried, under my supervision, in the
same manner in which our own officers were interred. I did not
examine the body, which was covered when I saw it, and am
therefore not able to inform you of the nature and locality of
his wound. Nor do I know whether he ever spoke after
receiving it. * * * I have thus endeavored, sir, to respond
to your inquiries, and if there be any consolation derived by
you from the testimony of those who, by his position, were made
his enemies, this testimony to the brave and gallant conduct of
your son is readily accorded by, Yours, sir, very respectfully,
D. N. McRAE.
The watch spoken of in the above was conveyed to his
parents, after the close of the war, by Capt. Young. His naked
sword was carried from the field by one of his men, and for-
warded to his father. These are all that is left to them, except
the precious memory of a noble son, who was to them all that
a son could be to his parents, and over whose heroic death as a
Christian patriot they "sorrow not, even as those which have
no hope."
26
102 CUT. 1:1 GENE \ w S wi VOORD.
XXVII.
CAPTAIN EUGENE VAN SANTVOORI).
The subject of the following sketch was not a native of the
county of Albany, and hence it does not conic strictly within the
limits prescribed in the design of this volume; yet, as his homo
was almost on the line separating Albany and Greene counties,
and as lii^ father, the Rev. Staats Van Santvoord, had served
as a minister in the former county for upwards of twenty-five
years, in connection with the Reformed Dutch Church of Ones-
quethaw, and of Jerusalem for ten years of this period, it is
thought to he quite proper to embrace his name among the gal-
lant men, whose services to the country find here a brief memorial.
Eugene Van Santvoord, son of the clergyman mentioned
above, was horn :it New Baltimore, March 6, 1830. He enlisted
in the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regimenl \. Y. V. at Troy,
September 16, 1862, and was duly mustered in on Staten Island,
October 6, 1862. Starting as Sergeant Major, he was promoted,
for his gallant bearing and devotion to the cause he had espoused,
to the rank of Second Lieutenant, November 29, 1863; to that
of First Lieutenant, August 13, 1864; and to that of Captain,
.March 21, 1865.
His regiment, commanded by Col. Buell at the time, was at
once ordered to Washington, and after being encamped for
several weeks near Chain Bridge, was detailed to do provost
guard duty in the city. On April 15, 1863, it was ordered to
proceed to Norfolk, thence to Suffolk, and on the Edenton road,
on the 24th. it first found itself in face of the enemy, and expe-
rienced the shock and collision of opposing forces. From this
time till April. 1864, when the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth
Regiment was ordered to proceed from Florida, where it then
CAPT. EUGENE VAN SANTVOORD. 403
was, to Yorktown, Va., to form part of the Army of the Poto-
mac, and share in the grand, final struggle which was to result in
the overthrow of the rebel confederacy, this regiment was con-
stantly engaged in energetic and most efficient service. It made
several expeditions up the Black river; was at White House
Landing; at Hanover Junction; off Charleston Harbor, at Folly
and Morris Islands — at the latter place acting as a guard to the
men working in the trenches, and under a heavy artillery lire
from Forts Sumter, Gregg, Johnson and Wagner.
After Gen. Seymour's disaster at Olustree, they were ordered
to Florida, where, with other reinforcements, they had a successful
encounter with the enemy, driving him back with considerable
loss. Thence proceeding to Virginia, the regiment, as already
stated, became incorporated with the army under the immediate
command of Gen. Grant, and took part in that great series of
conflicts which, in the end, dashed the rebellion to pieces, as with
the crash of a thunderbolt.
The regiment to which Capt. Van Santvoord belonged, was
engaged in nineteen battles, besides several skirmishes, more or
less bloody, during the three years of its service. After joining
the Army of the Potomac, its record of actions in which it bore
itself with distinguished and uniform gallantry, is as follows:
Walthal Junction, May 7, 1864; Chester Station, Drewin's Bluff',
Bermuda Hundred, Coal Harbor (where Capt. V. S. received a
wound in the knee), Petersburg Heights, where, at the explosion
of the mine, his regiment supported the advance; Petersburg,
June 30th; Mine Hill, Dutch Gap, Strawberry Plain, New Market
Heights, Fort Fisher and Wilmington, N. C.
At the taking of Fort Fisher, Capt. Van Santvoord displayed
conspicuous gallantry, for which he received the warm com-
mendation of his commanding officer. By the blowing up of the
magazine of the Fort, after its capture, Capt. Van Santvoord
and many of his regiment, who were nearest the scene of the
frightful disaster, were completely buried in the masses of
earth and ruins which were hurled upon them by the terrific
energy of the explosion. Some seventy of his regiment, of whom
four were officers, lost their lives by this horrible catastrophe.
|ii| CAFT. EUGENE VAN SANTVOORD.
Among those reported killed, the "Albany Evening Journal"
included the oameofCapt. Van Santvoord, and for several days
bis family mourned him as among the victims, whom, having
escaped the fire of battle, a more dreadful fire was permitted to
Blay. Shortly afterward, his friends were gladdened by Letters
from him, apprising them of his safety. Among these, is one to
:i female friend, giving an account of the horrors of the explosion,
as well as of the capture of the Fort, some extracts from which
will be found to possess more than ordinary interest:
Fort Fisher, Federal Point, Jan. 20, 1864.
Dear A. — You are no doubt anxiously Looking for ;i Letter, as
you have by this time the accounts of the battle and victory at
this place. I would have written a day or two ago, but 1 was so
badly oil from injuries received here, that I was scarcely able to
scrawl a tew lines to mother to assure her of my safety.
We made the charge about eleven o'clock of the loth, and
even after we had taken a portion of the fort, the fight was kept
up inside till about six r. M., when the whole was surrendered.
Never during the war do I think there was displayed such stern
determination, and stubborn fighting on the part of our troops.
The ground we fought over was contested and yielded inch by
inch, and the fort itself is, I think, one of the largest and strong-
est in America. The sea and land forces together extended
nearly a mile, and at short intervals stood a bomb-proof that no
-Imt or -lull could knock down. The fort mounted between
sixty and seventy guns of heaviest calibre, and contained also a
great many Light ait illery pieces, great quantities of ammunition,
and small ainis. The prisoners captured amounted, as near as I
could learn, to about twenty-live hundred, officers and men, among
whom was .Major General Whitino.
It is decidedly one of the most brilliant victories of the war,
and no doubt one of the severest blows to the rebellion. The
worn-out victors lay down to rest inside the fort, rejoicing over
their hard-earned success. But great God! what a scene occurred
the next morning at seven o'clock! 1 was sitting with the regi-
ment ami talking to one of our officers, when the ground trem-
CAPT. EUGENE VAN SANTVOORD. 405
bled under me as from the shock of an earthquake. This was
followed by a most fearful explosion. I looked up and saw be-
fore me a huge column of earth, and the next moment found
myself buried alive. I have faced death, dear A., in a great
many forms, but never have I experienced before, or can I ever
forget the horrors of that moment. The first thought that
occurred was "have I escaped death in the battle yesterday to
die in this horrid manner?" I attempted to dig the earth with
my hands, but could accomplish nothing. I resigned myself to
die, when the thought struck me that I might not be buried so
deep, but that I could work my hand through to the surface. I
tried and succeeded. I instantly dug a hole with that hand to
my mouth, and oh what a thrill of joy I experienced, when I
inhaled the draught of fresh air that rushed in. I cried out for
help which was near at hand, and I was soon taken out with no
bones broken, but my left arm badly injured, and my body much,
though not seriously, bruised.
The oificer to whom I Avas talking at the time of the explosion,
had his arm broken. Our Colonel (now Gen. Alden), was blown
a great distance, and injured so badly that the surgeons think it
impossible for him to recover. Four of our officers were killed
outright, and five others badly injured. Between sixty and
seventy of our men were blown up, nearly all of whom were
killed. They have been digging out the dead, and I don't think
have found them all yet.
The sight the next day wTas horrible, to see the mangled
remains of so many of our brave boys, who had fought so gal-
lantly and survived the battle.
In the first part of the charge, we lost our brigade commander,
Col. Bell, who was killed while leading his brigade. His term
of service had expired the day previous; and he was urged not
to go into the fight, but he did go and was killed. We all feel
his loss most deeply, for he, as well as our Colonel, was beloved
by all. Ever sincerely yours, EUGENE.
In a letter written to his mother, from before Petersburg, after
one of the bloody struggles which marked the expiring agonies
of the rebellion, he writes thus:
406 0 M'T. EUGENE \ AN BANTVOdBD.
■■ Know in-- your anxiety to hear from me, now that we are in
from of the enemy, I snatch space to write you a few lines, as
there will be an opportunity to send them this evening. (), my
dear mother, the scenes of blood and carnage I have passed
through the last week, are fearful to look hack upon. Last
Saturday we were ordered out to attack the enemy, who were in
large force on the Richmond and Petersburg railroad. After a
fighl of four hours we drove them away from the road, burnt
the bridge, and tore up several miles of the track. Our loss in
killed and wounded amounted to six hundred. Sunday and
Monday we were permitted to rest. On Tuesday we were again
ordered out on the Richmond turnpike, ten miles from the city.
We were met by a large force of the enemy, and the battle com-
menced. I was placed on the extreme advance with my com-
pany, to support a battery, and was instructed to hold the posi-
tion as long as possible. The rebels marched up in solid column
to within about sixty yards, when they opened fire upon us. At
the first volley I was hit by a glancing shot and struck to the
ground; but my wound was slight, and I staggered to my feet
again, and cheered the boys on. I shall never forget the pitiful
looks of my poor brave men, as they tell killed and wounded on
all sides of me.
We held the position until the Major came and ordered us to
fall back, which we did, and were soon met by the Seventh
Connecticut, who were coming upon the double quick. Being
thus reinforced, we turned upon them again and drove them
away from the guns they were in the act of taking off the field.
I had out of my whole company, when the affair was over, only
fifteen men left. Some have since come up, but the greater por-
tion of my brave boys fell. I can scarcely keep back the tears
as I think of it. Men whom I had drilled and been associated
with so long, who loved and respected me, are now among 'the
slain. My clothes were pierced with bullets and almost torn
from my back; but all the injury I sustained was a slight scratch.
Dear mother, I feel thankful indeed to that Providence who
watches over us all, for my miraculous escape. I have not slept
CAPT. EUGENE VAN SANTVOORD. 407
for the last three nights, and I am now on picket duty and obliged
to be constantly on the alert to guard against an attack from the
front. Yours ever, EUGENE.
Such was the character of the service that, with his regiment,
he was called to perform during the fearful months that ended
so triumphantly for the national arms. In the toils, exposures
and perils of that memorable campaign, he performed his part
constantly and cheerfully, as a good and faithful soldier should,
and was cheered by the frequent and hearty encomiums which
his zeal and bravery won from those under whom he served.
The following testimonial from General Alden, who was in com-
mand of his regiment, will serve to exhibit the estimate in which
his character and services were held:
"I was, perhaps, as intimately acquainted with Captain Eugene
Van Santvoord as with any of the officers of my late command,
and the news of his accidental death, after safely passing through
the terrible three years' ordeal of tire and blood in his country's
service, occasioned no deeper sadness in the heart of any one
than in my own, except, perhaps, among his oavii kindred. The
Captain first entered the army with the One Hundred and Sixty-
ninth Regiment New York Volunteers, September, 1862, with
the rank of Sergeant-Major, and the facility with which he com-
prehended and discharged the duties of that office, gained the
confidence and respect of his commanding officers; and his
uniform courtesy and kindness won for him the respect and love
of all the officers and men of the regiment."
As a merited reward for the ability and fidelity with which he
discharged his various military duties, the Captain was speedily
promoted through all the intermediate grades to the rank which
he was finally mustered out of the service. As an Acting Regi-
mental Adjutant, as Company Commander, Captain Van Sant-
voord served with distinguished gallantry in many hard-fought
battles, in which he uniforml}^ exhibited the sterling qualities of
a brave and conscientious soldier.
Among the most prominent of Captain Van Santvoord's char-
408 OAPT. EUGENE VAN BANTVOORD.
acteristics as an officer, were extraordinary eoolnesa and bravery
in emergencies, and greal perseverance md letermination when
surrounded with difficulties and dangers — characteristics which
eminently fitted him for a successful military officer. While
under the mosl destructive lire of the enemy, he never lost his
si lf-command; and in the exercise of command over his com-
pany, he was -tern, emphatic, and unimpassioned. As a tactician
and disciplinarian. Captain Van SANTVOORD was rarely surpassed,
ready and prompt in the execution of all the commands of his
commanding officers, sympathizing and vigilant in providing for
the comforl of his men, and courteous and gentlemanly in all
his intercourse with officers and men, his memory will long be
cherished, and by none more than his late commander.
ALOXZO ALDKX, Brevet Brig. General,
Late Colonel 169^ JST. Y. Vols.
The manners of Captain Van Santvoord were frank and manly,
his disposition kind and genial, his heart warm and sympathetic.
These qualities made many attached friends in the army not only,
but in the circle of the home community where he was longest
and most intimately known. He was as generous as he was
brave, and as ready to render acts of kindness to those needing
them, as to face the enemy on a perilous field. Affectionate and
dutiful as a son. his memory will remain green in parental hearts
which his early loss has lacerated. Though not a member of
the church, his training had been a Christian one, and its influ-
ence was fell and shown amid all the exciting scenes and turbu-
lent transition- of his soldier life. In his communications to his
friends, he acknowledges with deep gratitude that overruling
Providence to which individuals as well as armies must owe
safety and success, and which had mercifully preserved him amid
imminent perils and fearfully frequenl deaths.
While encamped at Folly Island, he aided in extemporizing a
little chapel, wherein the worship of God might be statedly
observed during their stay in that quarter. lie had high regard
for the Chaplain by whom the services were conducted, aiding to
make his work pleasant and effective. And being fond of music
CAPT. EUGENE VAN SAXTVOORD. 409
and skilled in its performance, he organized a choir of singers
from his company, and himself led in that part of the stated
devotions. His little testament, which was his close companion
during the war, seemed nearly worn out with use, and various
folds are found in its leaves to mark passages from which, as it
appeared, he had drawn refreshment, or which had struck him
as specially applicable to situations of difficulty or danger. Be-
fore entering on an engagement where the hazards to life looked
most imminent, he was wont to put up an ejaculatory prayer to
Him who holds the issues of all lives, and then felt strong and
confident as he went forth to yield his life, if it were so ordered,
a sacrifice on the altar of his country.
But he passed safely through the war, and rejoiced to greet
rejoicing friends, the conflict ended and peace restored, in the
loved home of his childhood. The joy and gratulations, however,
were short-lived. Like Colonel Bowers and Lieut. Col. McKee,
and many another brave spirit, he escaped all the perils of war
and battle, only to be smitten down suddenly, when in the midst
of perfect seeming security.
Captain Van Santvoord was making his arrangements to go
into business with a friend, near Savannah, Ga., and a few days
from the time his death occurred they were to take their depart-
ure. On his way from New York, on the 13th of November, to
his home, business detained him for a night at Newburgh. After
retiring for the night, at his hotel, an alarm of tire was suddenly
raised, when rushing as it is supposed from his room, in his
haste and in the dark, he encountered and fell over the baluster,
being precipitated to the floor below, receiving fatal injuries, the
effect of which he survived only a few hours. His life was
quenched almost as suddenly as if struck out amid the actual
shock of the raging conflict. The pain of the blow had been
less to survivors in the latter case, for where danger is looked
for, and none are exempt, the mind is prepared for a result that
is not unexpected. But the same Providence, wise and kind,
controls death in whatever form it comes, and Faith, looking up
trustingly to the infallible Disposer, finds consolation still, in
uttering, " even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight."
•Ill) C \IT. w II I I \M .1. TEMPLE.
XXVIII.
(ATTAIN WILLIAM JAMES TEMPLE.
Our city has not given to the war a more brilliant intellect, or
more splendid mental attainments than were possessed by lliis
young hero. Though he died just as he was entering upon his
twenty-firs! year, still he lived long enough to prove his power
of thought, his capability of rapid acquisition in knowledge, and
hi- ability to attain the highest rank in any profession or depart-
ment of literature or science, to which he might devote his
energies. His genius, too, seemed to shed its lustre and its
refining influence upon his whole nature. Capt. Temple was a
gentleman of elegant and polished manners, winning address.
ami noble ami generous impulses. He partook of the traits of
hi- distinguished father, ( 'id. Temple, who was governed by a
high sense of honor, as well as a pure patriotism.
He was born in Albany, March 29th, L842, ami was the son of
Col. Robert Emmet Temple and Catharine James, daughter
of lh«' lair \V\i. James, of Albany. At an early age he was sent to
a boarding school, and was successively under the care of Air.
Watson, at Kimlerhook, N. Y.; Dr. Thomas Read, of Geneva;
and Mr. A. \. Skinner, of New Haven.
He entered Yale College, and left there in November, 1858.
At the commencement of the war. .Mr. Temple was a student at
Harvard College, and at the call of his Nation, he left all to serve
her interests. He enlisted in the regular army in 1861, and he
gave the fire of his genius, and ardor of his patriotic heart, to
the work of subduing the rebellion. Though but nineteen years
of age, he had the maturity of manhood, the skill of an expe-
rienced officer, and the bravery of a veteran in the service. Offi-
cer.-, who were associated with him, have said that they never
CArT. WILLIAM J. TEMPLE. 411
saw such coolness displayed upon the battle field as he mani-
fested. He moved among cannons and exploding shells with as
much ease and calmness as he would among a circle of friends in
a drawing room. Had his life been spared, he would doubtless
have dealt some heavy blows upon the monster that was seeking
to tear out the vitals of our Republic, and the soul of liberty.
But in the bloom of youth; in the dawn of his splendid genius
and unconquerable bravery; at the moment the inspiration of a
lofty patriotism filled his soul, he fell a martyr to the cause that
represents to the world liberty, education, religion and all the
elements that confer righteousness, peace and happiness upon a
Nation.
He was killed at Chancellorsville May 1, 1863, by a shot
through the heart, and was buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery
on the 25th of May, 1863. His funeral took place from St.
Peter's Church, and was attended by the Governor and his staff,
several army officers, and a large number of relatives and friends.
We regret that we have not been able to obtain the materials
for an extended sketch of this gifted, interesting and patriotic
young officer, and one that would form a just tribute to his
worth and valor; but after repeated and earnest efforts, we have
been able to obtain only the limited information that we present
in this brief article. We can only add the following extract
of a letter from Capt. Augustus Barker, relative to the death of
our departed hero, and an article and a letter taken from our
daily newspaper:
Capt. Barker says:
' It was only on my arrival from a Richmond prison, at Anna-
polis, where I met my father, that I first learned of the painful
tidings of Willie Temple's sad fate. A brother's death could
not have had a more melancholy effect upon me, as I had known
him so intimately, both at home and at school, and lastly at col-
lege. I knew him, not as a soldier, yet I have seen comrades
of his, whose praise and admiration of him testify to his earnest-
ness in his profession, his gallantry in action, his charms of
mind and person, which so endeared him to all around him, even
to his commander, Gen. Doubleday. I will mention the circum-
1 1 _' < \i I. vv ll l.l \M .1. TEMPLE.
Btanccs connected with bis last moments, thai can not fail to be
interesting to hi- friends, as showing the true, brave-hearted
Will. Temple. The battle was gro\n ing warm, and he was Lead-
i detachment of his regiment as Bkirmishers, t<> ascertain
the position of the enemy. On they went amidst 1 1 1 « - fire;
«• ing to n fence, they hesitated; and he, Leaping <>n top, sword
in hand, encouraged and cheered his men onward, when the
fatal bullet closed his Life forever.
\ more shocking blow could not have befallen the family."
The following appeared under date of May 6, 1863:
( apt I i Mii i . wasa young man of remarkably fine qualities,
ana with an intellect matured beyond his years. He possessed
a brave heart and the truest personal courage, combined with
gentle and polished manners, and. wherever he was known, was
universally a favorite. In appearance ho was strikingly hand-
some, with an expression of sternness or severity upon his brow,
which seemed like the stamp of matured experience upon the
fresh front of youth. His loss will be most sadly felt by near
and deal- friends, whose hopes and affections were thickly clus-
tered around him."
A correspondent, under the signature of T. W., wrote as
follows:
"Captain William James Temple, son of the late Colonel
Robert E. Temple, died of wounds received at the battle at
Chancellorsville, aged twenty-two. Soon after the rebellion
broke out. a modest, attractive youth introduced himself to me
at Washington, as the son of the late Colonel Temple, saying
that he desired to adopt the profession of his father. I obtained
for him a first Lieutenancy in the regular army, and he entered
the service animated by the aspirations which make heroes and
martyrs. When, a year afterward. I returned from Europe, I
inquired of Adjutant General Thomas, who had interested him-
self in securing commissions for several young men whom I
recommended, if he knew anything of Lieutenant Temple. He
replied: "1 have kept an eye upon your boys, being partly
responsible for them. They arc all doing well. Lieutenant
'I EMPLE is an excellent officer." Some three weeks since I met
CAPT. WILLIAM J. TEMPLE. 413
young Temple again. He had been on a brief visit to Albany,
and was returning to his regiment. He had been promoted to a
Captaincy, and was then just twenty-one years of age. He was
the same quiet, modest, gentlemanly person I first met two years
ago. reminding me, in his manner and expression, of an estimable
lady (his aunt, Airs. Tweedy) with whom his boy-days were
happily associated, and whose good precepts and bright examples
imparted to children all that is virtuous and graceful. Yesterday,
upon entering the Hudson river baggage car, at New York, my
eyes rested upon a square, ominously proportioned box, with
'Capt. William J. Temple, 17th U. S. Infantry, Albany,' inscribed
upon its lid. And there, cold, inanimate and disfigured, lay all
that remains of the gallant young officer who, with beaming eye,
elastic step and buoyant spirit, I had so recently conversed with.
It was a sad and startling transition, illustrating with appalling
emphasis the uncertainty of life — the inevitable reality of death.
He departed, in the glow of health, with an apparently bright
and happy future, but a feA\r days since; and now his lifeless
remains, 'smear'd in dirt and blood,' are sent home in a rude
box, for interment, where all inherit alike their ' body's length'
of earth."
1 1 I CAFT. \i 01 81 i - I. BARKER
CAPTAIN AUGUSTUS I. BARKER.
Augustus I. Barkeb was born in Albany on the 24th day of
April. L842. His mother, Jeannette James, daughter of the
late William James, Esq., died two weeks after his birth.
His early life was marked by no circumstances of peculiar
interest. Like s1 young men who had the means to obtain a
good education, he passed from one school to another, until he
entered Harvard University in September, 1859. He remained
in that institution until the year 1861, when he enlisted in the
sen ice of his country.
He firsl received a commission as Second Lieutenant in the
Fifth Regimenl New York Cavalry October 31, 1861.
His second commission as First Lieutenant, was dated May 3,
1862, and his third commission as Captain. October 24, 18G2, all
in the same regiment, and under the seal of Hon. E. D. Morgan,
Governor of the State of New York.
His promotion was quite rapid, from Second Lieutenant to
Captain within twelve months, and all through his own merit, no
influence having been brought to bear upon those in authority to
advance him in t be service.
Up to the time of his regiment's joining ( ren. Banks, it passed
a somewhat inactive life, and without any particularly exciting
incidents. Bui it was actively engaged in Gen. Banks' corps, in
his disastrous Virginia campaign, when he was so badly routed
by Stonewall Jackson. The cavalry, in this instance, saved
Gen. Banks1 army, they fighting the rebels in his rear, checking
them, and thus enabling the General to retreat to a point some-
where on the Potomac. Very shortly after this disaster, about
the 1st of August, 1862, (apt. Barkeb was taken ill with
CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER. 415
typhoid fever, and succeeded (in the saddle) in reaching within a
mile of Culpepper Court House, Va., more than a day's ride from
where he started, when he was obliged to alight, being unable
to proceed any further. Having had a soldier detailed to escort
him and assist him, he was placed under a tree by the road side,
and was left alone until the soldier went into the town to get an
ambulance, or other conveyance, (which was furnished after an
entire day's delay,) to take him to the cars for Alexandria. As
soon as his father heard of his illness, which was not until ten
or twelve days, he proceeded at once to Alexandria, and found
him in an extremely low condition, so much so that his physi-
cian informed him that there was no chance of his recovery. He
was then at the Marshall House, where Ellsworth was killed, a
most unsuitable place for a sick man, and his father took the
responsibility of removing him, in his low condition, to "Wash-
ington, having secured most excellent quarters in advance. To
his great joy, his son began to rally at once, and he improved
so rapidly that in a fortnight he was removed, by slow stages, to
Lenox, Mass., among the Berkshire hills. His health was
rapidly restored, and he rejoined his regiment the same year,
1862, November 16th, at Fort Scott, Virginia, near Washington.
On the 9th of March, 1863, he was taken prisoner at Fairfax
Court House, and sent to Libby prison, Eichmond. He was
exchanged on the 6th of May following, and rejoined his regi-
ment on the 27th of May.
In June, 1863, he wrote thus to a friend :
" At last I have entered the threshold of manhood and must
depend upon myself; but I shall never, I now imagine, rely upon
the profession of a soldier longer than the duration of the war.
I do not want to shrink from my present position until the Union
arms are victorious. North, South, East and West, and the Old
Flag floats once more over an entire unanimous people."
In July he wrote thus to his father:
Bivouac Fifth X. Y. Cavalry, )
Booxsboro, Md., July 7, 1863. )
My Dear Father — An hour ago we arrived here completely
fatigued and worn out, having been in the saddle two weeks and
■1 ]•; < \IT. w <;i vi i - I. BARKER.
two days, without food for men or horses, and with not more
than four hours' resl out of the forty-eight. I am now sitting
upon a bundle <>f wheat, writing upon my knee, in haste, as the
mail leaves in an hour; and after this day the Lord only knows
when and where we may halt again. No longer are we under
Gen. Stahl's command, as In- was relieved at the same time as
Hooker; but Gen. Kdlpatrick is our leader now, and we are as
proud to be led by him as he told us in an address after the
battle Hi Gettysburg, " be is proud to command us." No
longer does the cavalry roam about the country, a small, timid,
hesitating band, but it now comprises three grand divisions,
under Major General's Greig, Bupord and Kilpatrick. They
are so well organized and concentrated as to be irresistible,
when manoeuvered as they have been since the Northern invasion.
It would be utterly impossible for me here to give you any
idea of our late doings, but as soon as the communications are
established with the north, watch for Kelpatrick's reports and
the correspondence from the command. Within three miles of
Frederick city, General Stahl tinned his command over: and,
after a grand review of lour thousand five hundred cavalry and
.six pieces of artillery, by General Pleasanton, our chief, we
were sent oil* on our mission, which thus far has been a too
laborious one to last much longer. Out of the last seven days,
we have been engaged six in desperate fighting, and that, too,
against infantry; and, though we have accomplished our olloted
task, we did it at the sacrifice of some of our noblest officers and
men: our own regiment to-day, mustering one hundred and fifty
fighting men. out of three hundred and fifty who started out
with us two weeks ago. One officer killed, two wounded and
-i\ missing: just think of it! It would be impossible for me to
tell you of our hair-breadth escapes, but. father, I assure you,
thai never before, since my enlistment in this Mar, have I sat so
calmly upon my horse, resolved to light and die honorably, if
necessary, for my country.
Y< sterday we arrived at Hagarstown, and there awaited the
rebel army, in full retreat, anxious to save themselves by cross-
ing the Potomac. It seemed a cruel fate, that made it a duty for
CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER. 417
cavalry to oppose infantry, artillery and cavalry who were fight-
ing for life itself. After holding them in check for three hours,
we were compelled to yield gradually, (the only time thus far)
as their forces coming up rapidly, outnumbered us five to one at
the least. A sad and stubborn withdrawal was ours. Not to
speak of other regiments, which- lost equally, ours lost that day
one hundred killed, wounded and missing. In my own company
two sergeants had horses knocked from under them by shells,
one wounded, and how manv of the missing: ones are wounded
remains to be seen. I only had three men after the fight. I
found a bullet in my blanket, which was rolled behind my saddle,
and a round shot struck so near me as to spatter the dirt upon
me. I have to be thankful that I was spared when so many fell.
At the battle of Gettysburg, we fought all day and, by keeping
a whole division of the rebels in check, decided the day in our
favor. Then swinging around to the extreme left we cut our
way through the enemy, capturing three hundred wagons and
fifteen hundred prisoners of war, and gaining his rear. Thus we
inflicted a paralyzing blow upon the rebels and made them think
again before a third attempt to trouble us. I could write much
more but cannot. Your affectionate son,
AUGUSTUS I. BARKER.
Captain Barker was captured in the Moseby raid on Fairfax
Court House, of which his father gives the following account:
"The facts are these: My son, at the time he made the effort
to escape, was on a strange horse, without saddle, and surrounded
by fifteen or twenty rebel cavalry. Watching his opportunity,
he suddenly wheeled, and in the effort unhorsed several of the
rebels and succeeded in getting clear of them. He pursued his
course, with the rebels in full pursuit, and a dozen or more
shots were fired at him without effect. Coming suddenly upon
a rather formidable ditch, his horse bolted and threw him over
his head without injury of consequence. The rebels were upon
him in a moment, and knowing it was useless to resist he sur-
rendered. But for this unfortunate contretemp he would un-
doubtedly have escaped."
27
1 IS CAPT. \i Gl 8TUS I. BARKER,
In the following letter from Lieutenant A. B. Waugh, we have
an account of tin- death <>f this accomplished and brave officer:
Camp 5th New York Cavalry,
Stevensbubg, Va., Sept. 20, 1862.
!
Mr. Wm. II. Barker:
Sir It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death
of your son, Capt. Augustus I. Barker, under the following
circumstances: When the command left Hartwood Church and
crossed the Rappahannock, he was left behind in charge of the
men picketing the river, and, while on the march to rejoin his
regiment, he, with one man, being some distance ahead of the
column, was shot by guerrillas, concealed in the wood. Two
balls took effect, one in the right side and one in the left breast.
Some of his company, who were with him, carried him to the
house of Mr. Freeman Harris, living at Mount Holly Church,
about one mile from Kelly's Ford, on the Rappahannock. They
did all in their power to relieve him, but without avail. He died
at half past one on the morning of the 18th, being about twelve
hours after receiving his wounds. Sergeant McMullen, of his
company, was with him all through, and saw him buried just in
the rear of Freeman's house, and the grave marked. McMullen
came to camp yesterday, and I telegraphed you last night. I
have collected all Capt. Barker's effects, and placed them in
charge of Surgeon Armstrong, at the camp hospital at Culpep-
per Court House. If we move forward, or if we fall back,
before I hear from you, we will bring them with us. In the list
you will see two daguerreotypes. They were taken some two
months since, while he was officer of the day, and one is very
natural. His pocket book and watch I will also leave in charge
of Surgeon Armstrong, and a watch, which belongs to General
Stoughton, which he had in his possession. If you desire to
come on, please communicate with me, and any assistance which
I, or any officer, can render, we will give with pleasure.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. B. WAUGH,
2d Lieut. Co. L, hth N. Y. Cavalry.
CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BABEEE. 419
As soon as Mr. Baeker heard of the death of his son, he went
on to recover his body, and removed it to Albany, where the
burial took place, on the 10th of October, 1863.
The following obituary, and notice of the funeral, appeared in
the Albany ;' Evening Journal:"
" Capt. Augustus Bareee, of the Fifth Xew York Cavalry, died
near Kelly's Ford, on the 18th of Sept., 1863, in the twenty-
second year of his age.
"He was the youngest son of William H. Baekee, Esq., and
grandson of the late William James, of this city. He was
beloved by his comrades, as by all who knew him, for the man-
liness of his character and the generosity of his disposition.
His promotion was the just reward of his good conduct and
honorable service. His valor and patriotism had been tried in
many battles, and by the more dreadful horrors of Richmond
prison. He survived all these to perish, in the flower of his
youth, by the hands of rebel assassins.
"Capt. Barkee's funeral took place Saturday afternoon, 10th
October, 1863, at three o'clock, from St. Peter's Church. It was
largely attended. The funeral cortege consisted of a detachment
of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, the City Volunteers, Capt. Mae-
shall, preceded by Scheeibee's band. The remains of the gal-
lant officer were deposited in the cemetery."
Capt. Baeeee's patriotism was a strong feature in his charac-
ter. After recovering from a low fever, which brought him near
the grave, he returned with new ardor to his regiment. Soon
afterwards, being made a prisoner in Richmond, where he was
confined for two months, he came out with his heart still warm
for his country's service. When attacked by guerrillas, attended
by but one man, and the demand was made upon him to surren-
der, he replied "never" and received his death wound.
We regret, in the case of Capt. Baeeee, as in that of his gal-
lant relative and friend, Capt. Temple, that we are not able to
give a fuller and more detailed account of his life and military
career. But we cannot but hope that in the future, in some form,
the patriotic services of these noble officers in the American
army will be suitably commemorated.
420 CUT. JAME8 KENNEDY.
XXX.
CAPTAIN JAMES KENNEDY.
( \it. James Kennedy was horn in the city of Albany, Feb-
ruary 15, 1833. He was the eldest son of John and Elizabeth
Kennedy. In early life he received a fair education, and, as he
grew up, he manifested more than ordinary ability.
Before the war he was deeply interested in national affairs,
and was firm and zealous in the advocacy of his political views.
He possessed, in an eminent degree, the qualities of a leader, and
made his influence felt in whatever cause he engaged.
At the breaking out of the great rebellion, he was in the
Comptroller's office, and was filling his position with zeal and
fidelity. But when the flag of his country was insulted at Fort
Sumter, his patriotism was thoroughly aroused, and he resolved
to do all in his power to defend the flag and support the gov-
ernment.
At the call of the President for three hundred thousand men,
lie joined the army, and was commissioned First Lieutenant in
( lompany B, of the One Hundred and Thirteenth X. Y. Infantry,
on the 4th of August, 1862.
He served faithfully with his regiment in the defences of the
National Capital, until February 12th, 1804, when he was pro-
moted to the Captaincy of P>attery L, in the same regiment.
Soon after he left with his command for the front, where he dis-
tinguished himself on the bloody fields of Spottsylvania and
North Anna river, by the courage which he imparted to his
nun. as well as by his own unflinching bravery.
At (i>;i\ Harbor, on the morning of the memorable 3d of June,
in that terrible charge, when the gallant Seventh lost six bun-
dred of their brave comrades, he led his men over the enemy's
CATT. JAMES KENNEDY. 421
works, in the face of a battery whose every shot dealt death to
his fast thinning ranks, and there received the surrendered
sword of the officer in command.
Then quickly turning their own guns on the flying foe, he was
fast achieving a victory, when the enemy rallied, and charged
en masse on the unsupported band. They were forced to retire
to a neighboring wood to reorganize, when the Captain received
a severe flesh wound in his left thigh, from a case shot, which
exploded almost in his face. While being carried from the
held he exhorted his men to bravery, and said cheerfully, " I
shall soon be with you, boys."
He was sent home to recruit, but was so anxious to be at his
post that he joined his regiment on the 21st of July, in spite
of the advice of surgeons, and the entreaties of friends. From
this time to that of the battle at Reams' Station, he was in every
engagement. In this battle, August 25th, he received a severe
wound in the right hip, and was subsequently captured.
From Petersburg he was transferred to the horrors of the
Libby prison. Of that prison, a friend of the Captain writes:
" No pen has ever yet described, no heart, except it were walled
within, has ever yet conceived the terrible sufferings that have
been endured in that den of misery. A prisoner in the hands
of an enemy, defiant, imperious, cruel ! To know that the
weakened body will be denied the common necessaries of life,
and the prostrate spirit be trodden under the heel of tyranny!
Waiving all physical suffering, what loneliness of spirit; what
longings for active life; what agonies of suspense for the absent
and loved ones, have our brave men felt as prisoners of war! All
this was endured by the Captain without complaint. His forti-
tude was equal to his extremity."
His last act was to write to his beloved young wife, and two
of his letters came the day after the news of his death.
He died in Libby prison, of typhoid fever, September 10,
1864, at the age of thirty-two. His remains were consigned to
the earth by the hand of traitors, in the prison burying ground.
Capt. Kennedy was greatly beloved by his officers and men,
and when the tidings of his death reached them, many a veteran
122 0 U'T. JAMES B BNNEDY.
turned away, to hide emotions which are the involuntary tribute
to t he memory of the good.
Of him it ran be truly said he was among "the bravest of the
brave," and had it been his fortune to have been called to a
higher position, he would undoubtedly have enrolled his name
on the brightest pages of the Nation's history. It .should be
mentioned that a commission, promoting him to the rank of
Major, was made out, hut it arrived too late He was dead
when it arrived.
In the death of this pure patriot and noble hero, a wife mourns
the loss of a devoted husband, a little daughter of a fond and
indulgent father, and a large circle of relatives and friends of one
honored and respected as a citizen and soldier.
CAPT. HARMON N. MERRIMAN. 423
XXXI.
CAPTAIN HARMON N. MERRIMAN.
Capt. Harmon N. Merriman, son of Titus L. and Susan Mer-
riman, was born in Franklin, Susquehanna county, Pa., Septem-
ber 19, 1819. At the early age of fourteen, he made a public
profession of his faith in Christ, and united with the Presbyte-
rian church of his native town. While with his parents, and a
few years subsequent to his removal from them, Mr. Merriman's
occupation was that of an artizan; but shortly after becoming a
resident of this city he studied law, and was successfully engaged
in its practice when called by his country to enlist in her defence.
Mr. Merriman was a member of the Fourth Presbyterian church
of this city, and was for about eight years a teacher in its Sab-
bath School.
In the organization of the Tenth Regiment he took an active
and very efficient part; and Company H, of which he became the
Captain, was largely enlisted by his influence and exertions.
This regiment left our city for New Orleans in the month of
December, 1862, and it was almost immediately, upon its arrival
in that city, called to a perilous service. It was engaged in the
earliest assault against Port Hudson, that made May 27, 1863,
and it was while gallantly leading his company in that charge
that Capt. Merriman received a wound, which, although not at
the time supposed to be fatal, proved to be such in the end. He
was carried from the field of battle, and was for a short time an
inmate of the Military hospital at Baton Rouge. From thence
he sailed in the steamer "Thomas A. Scott" for his home. His
meloncholy decease on board of that steamer, together with the
circumstances of his burial, are thus related by Rev. J. Ford
Sutton, the General Superintendent of the United States Chris-
1 1' t < \ii. ll \i;m< »\ v mi i:i:i\i \\.
ti;m Commission t"« > r the Department of the Gulf. In a Letter
addressed to the afflicted widow, and dated at sea, Jul} L6, 1863,
steamer "Thomas A. Scott," he says:
• 1 1 becomes mj painful duty t<> announce to you the death of
your husband, Capt II. .V Merrjman, who died al sea yesterday
morning al bus o'clock, on board the 'Thomas A. Scott,' bound
for Niw York. I first saw Capt. Merriman flic night before his
death. I went into his state room and inquired after bis health.
He said : ' I am all right, but verj weak from the effect of my
wound.' I remarked that w< — that is, the ship's company and
myself, had just been holding a short religious service on the
quarter deck. Be replied : ' 1 heard von. and should like to have
been \\ ii !i von.' Seeing that be was very weak. I gave him a little
wine thinking to pursue the conversation further. But the wine
was too strong, and the servant had to be called in to dilute and
administer it to him, and the conversation was broken off. I
intended to have talked more with him the next morning in
regard to his religious feelings. But alas! he had been called
away half an hour before I came out of my state room. He
evidently died of exhaustion from the effect of his wounds. He
was full of hope that he would reach home, where he thought he
would soon recover. But the Lord came when he least expected
him. * * *
•At half past nine o'clock in the morning of the day on which
he died the body was brought upon the quarter deck, wrapped
in the American flag, and solemn and appropriate funeral services
were performed. Alter that we buried him in the deep — in the
Gulf of Mexico, with many tears of sorrow for the loss of our fel-
low-soldier, and with warm tears of sympathy for his widow and
fatherless children, mingled with many prayer- that God would
indeed be 'the father of the fatherless and the widow's God.'"
The annexe. I notice- of Capt. Merreman's death, taken from
the Albany Evening Journal and the Albany Morning Express,
are just tributes to his memory :
•• We are pained to hear of the death of Capt. Merrimax, of
this city, from wounds received before Port Hudson. This intel-
ligence will be the more saddening from the fact that he was
CAPT. HARMON X. MERRIMAN. 425
convalescing, and might soon be expected home. He was on his
way home, accompanied by Brigade Surgeon Blaisdell, of Coey-
mans, when on the second day out he died, and his body was
consigned to the deep.
" Captain M. labored with great zeal to effect a prompt organ-
ization of the Tenth when called into service, and shared in all
its toils and battles until he was wounded, gallantly leading his
company in one of the earliest assaults against Port Hudson.
He was an ardent patriot, and has given his life to his country.
His name will be associated with the heroes of the time, and be
placed prominently upon the long roll of our fellow-citizens
who, like him, have shed their blood for the Union and the prin-
ciples of Freedom, Humanity, and Justice."
From the Albany Morning Express :
" Dr. Blaisdell, of Coeymans, late Surgeon of the Seventy-fifth
Regiment New York Volunteers, arrived in this city yesterday
morning. The doctor left New Orleans a week a<ro Friday on
the steamer 'Scott,' in charge of thirty-four wounded officers and
sixty-one privates. Among the former was Capt. Harmon X.
Merriman, of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh (Tenth)
Regiment, wounded before Port Hudson. Soon after the sailing
of the vessel, it became apparent to the doctor that the Captain
was failing rapidly, and the Captain himself was perfectly sensi-
ble of his situation. He expressed a great desire and hope that
he might be spared to reach home and again see his family, but
was fully prepared for death. Dr. B. informs us that he never
met a man who seemed possessed of so firm a spirit and deter-
mined will. He conversed freely of his affairs, and even consulted
the doctor as to the propriety of saving his bod}r, and returning
it to his family. He died on Tuesday morning last, in the full
enjoyment of all his faculties. It was at first decided to preserve
the body and bring it home; but an examination of the ship's
stores, showed that it would be impossible to do so, as there was
scarcely a sufficient quantity of ice on board for the use of the
sick and wounded during the passage, and many other necessary
articles could not be procured. It became necessary, therefore,
that the remains of the gallant soldier should be committed to
426 cut. BAKMOfl \. MERBIM \\.
the deep. During the day all hands were summoned for the
funeral ceremonies. Tin- Episcopal service asms performed with
great solemnity, after which the body was given to the wide
waste of waters. Dr. BLAISDELL says it was the most melan-
choly duty he ever performed, and had there been the slightest
chance of saving the remains, they would have brought them to
this city."
CAPT. JOHN A. FEE. 427
XXIII.
CAPTAIN JOHN A. FEE.
John A. Fee was born in Albany, January 16, 1837. When
the guns which were tired against Sumter echoed through the
north, and were awakening responses in the hearts of the loyal,
Capt. Fee was at once aroused. Seeing the true position of
affairs, and comprehending something of the vastness of the
struggle upon which we were entering, he saw that lives would
have to be given, and blood poured out, before peace would again
smile upon our land.
Conceiving it to be the duty of every man, who had the inte-
rests of his country at heart, to give his services to the country
in the hour of her need, he would immediately have taken part
in the struggle, if the earnest persuasion of friends had not
deterred him. Restless under this restraint, and impatient at
being a spectator only of scenes in which he desired to be a par-
ticipant, he enlisted in October, 1861, in the Ninety-first Regi-
ment N. Y. S. V., then forming in Albany. He was at once
appointed Orderly Sergeant of his company.
Upon the filling up of the regiment, they were ordered to ren-
dezvous at Governor's Island, New York Harbor, and after a few
weeks detention at that place, they were ordered to Key West,
Florida, where he remained until September, 1862.
While at Key West, by his gentlemanly manner, his soldierly
bearing and strict attention to duty, he was called the model war-
rant officer of that post. He secured the approbation of his offi-
cers to such a degree, that a petition was sent to Gov. Morgan,
signed by every commissioned officer in the regiment, asking that
a commission be given Sergeant Fee. He was immediately
appointed Second Lieutenant in the Forty-eighth Regiment N.
428 (APT. JOHN A. IKK.
V. S. V., then holding Fori Pulaski and Tybee [eland, Ga. Join-
lug this regiment ;i stranger t<» all, by the exercise of those social
qualities with which he was so eminently gifted, he soon sur-
rounded himself by a circle of friends, and became one of the
leading spirits <>f i he regiment.
He remained at Tybee Island, where his company was sta-
tioned, uniil his regiment was sent to join the expedition under
Gen. Seymoi r, in which was fought the battle of Olustree. After
the batl le, Lieut. Feb was complimented for his bravery in action.
Returning to Tybee Island, he remained there (upon the resigna-
tion of his Captain) as commandant of the post until April, 1863.
While in command of Tybee Island, he received a special letter
of thanks from the commander of the district, for preventing a
vessel, supposed at that time to be either the "Alabama" or
■ Florida," from entering the harbor of Savannah, then held by
the rebels. Discovering her approach in the gray mist of the
morning, he gave her such a warm reception with his thirty-two
pounders that she quickly retreated.
The regiment being ordered to join Gen. Grant, they united
with the Army of the Potomac in April, 1863. At that time
Lieut. Fee received his commission as Captain. In the actions
that ensued. ( apt. Fee became conspicuous for his bravery among
a regiment of brave men.
Never absent or sick when an engagement was about to take
place, he was with his company as their leader in every engage-
ment in which it took part. He was always careful, too, of the
interests of his men. ministering to their comfort when sick or
wounded.
.M.idest. almost to a fault, in regard to his own actions, the
part he took had to be learned from others.
The fol lowing extracts from a letter, received from the Orderly
Sergeant of his company, after (apt. Fee's death, will show the
estimation in which lie was held by his company and regiment.
He write-:
• We arrived in Virginia April 23, and from that period until
June 30, the day on which (apt. Fee received his death wound,
the regiment had been marching, picketing, skirmishing, driving
CAPT. JOHN A. FEE. 429
the enemy from his works and occupying them; night and day
exposed to the incessant and unerring tire of his sharpshooters,
so that one could scarcely hold his linger above a certain eleva-
tion, without the certainty of having it shattered. Through all
this, Capt. Fee was the cool, intrepid and skillful commandant
of his company, ever among the foremost in the tight, inspiring
his men to deeds of heroism by his noble example and gallant
words of cheer; and well do they sustain in the regiment the
reputation which he and they so well have won.
"The hrst battle in which the Forty-eighth was engaged in
Virginia, was fought at Chester Hill, on the Petersburg and
Richmond railroad. We landed at Bermuda Hundred on the 6th
of May, bivouacked that night, and the next morning took up
the line of march. The day was excessively hot, and the roads
a mass of blinding dust. About two p. m. we came up with the
enemy, and engaged him, the fight lasting about three hours.
Our regiment took up a position in a broken field, to reach which
we had to cross a deep creek, penetrate a piece of woods, and
climb a steep embankment on the other side of the railroad,
exposed all this time to a very heavy fire. In the same field,
and within short range, was a portion of Stonewall Jackson's
famous old brigade. They had with them a battery of light field
pieces, and the work began a fair, stand-up field fight. Neither
side would 3 ield an inch. We kept them to their work while our
troops were destroying the railroads and bridges. The object
of the expedition having been accomplished, we received orders
to retire.
" On that day Capt. Fee acted with his accustomed gallantry.
Always exposed, and never flinching from the stern work before
him, he added another leaf to the laurels he had already won.
The Forty-eighth lost heavily, and our company lost twelve men.
" Our next engagement was at Drury's Bluff, fought May 16.
We captured the enemy's outer works, and moved forward
towards his next line, which was of the most formidable charac-
ter. Our line was thin, and our flanks were exposed. They
charged us six times in quick succession, and in great force, and
each time they were bloodily repulsed. At length they massed
430 CAPT. .lo||N \. IKK.
their forces on our right and left, and succeeded in crushing in
both Banks. An enfilading fire was the result, which it was im-
possible to withstand. A few moments before our flanks were
turned, Capt Fee was selected by the commanding officer of the
regiment to take his company and reconnoiter the enemy's posi-
tion i ir front. While doing so, he had one man killed and
five wounded. When we returned, our line was abandoned, and
the enemy had advanced beyond it <>n the right and left. It was
a critical position, and capture appeared inevitable; but owing
to Capt. Fee's coolness and skill, and the confidence his men
reposed in him, we succeeded in rejoining our regiment with a
loss of only eight or ten men.
• Our next engagement was the battle of Coal Harbor, fought
June 1st. On that day we man lied twenty-seven miles: men
died from exhaustion and sunstroke on the inarch. We arrived
at the scene of action at the very crisis of the battle, and when
victory was in the balance. Heated, weary and toot-sore, we
formed line of battle. At once the order was given, "for-
ward, double quick." The brigade dashed on with Avild and
deafening cheers, through the crashing of musket balls, grape
and cannister, and solid shot. There was between us, where we
formed our line, and the enemy's works, a ploughed field, half a
mile in width. Beyond, and bordering that, was a narrow belt
of woods, which we made penetrable, though one might suppose
a bird would find it difficult to work its wings there. Emerging
from these woods, the enemy, behind strong breast works, con-
fronted ns. We lost heavily before reaching this line of works,
but the boys never wavered and never flagged for a moment.
Although death was holding a high carnival there, they kept right
on: climbed the hill crested by the works; mounted these, and
either killed, captured, or put to flight their occupants. They
also repulsed every attempt on the part of the enemy, to recover
their tine position. In this battle, (apt. Fee was conspicuous
for his bravery; earning and receiving the thanks of his com-
mander, and the admiration of his men. It was by such reckless
bravery as lie displayed in this battle, that has secured his high
position in the regiment. We remained at Coal Harbor three
CAPT. JOHN A. FEE. 431
or four weeks; all the time at the front, picket firing and skir-
mishing, with occasional charging, when the army changed its
base, and by a flank movement we arrived in front of Petersburg.
From that time until Capt. Fee's death, we occupied the front
line of works. The day on which Capt. Fee received his wound,
June 30, there was a general charge to be made along the whole
line. We were outside of our works, to within a hundred yards
of the enemy's works. While getting into position, Capt. Fee,
and five of his company, were killed or wounded.
" Capt. Fee was wounded through the right arm and body by
a rebel sharpshooter; the ball in its course completely shatter-
ing the bone of the arm.
"The surgeon of the regiment, it is said, failed to treat the
wound properly. Instead of removing the arm, which should
have been done, or at least the splinters of bone, he merely
bound up the wound. In that condition, Captain Fee was
removed to Chesapeake hospital, Fort Monroe. He continued
to suffer from the 30th of June until the 11th of July, when one
of the splinters of bone, working its way out of the arm, severed
one of the arteries, and he nearly bled to death. When it was
decided that the arm must be removed, nature had suffered so
severely from loss of blood, that it was thought if attempted at
that time, the patient would die in the operation. Two days
afterwards it was decided that the operation should be performed.
When asked by the surgeon in charge, if he had courage to stand
the operation, his answer was, ' I have courage to stand any
operation you have courage to perform.' The surgeon said to a
relative of his afterwards, ' I never, in all my experience, saw
a man exhibit such courage under intense suffering, as that shown
by Capt. Fee.'
" After the removal of his arm, the surgeon saw he must die.
Although a man of strong constitution, nature could not stand
such drafts.
"During the day preceding his death, and until within a few
hours of that event, he was conscious, and supposed he was
going to recover. A few hours before his death, he became
delirious, and continued so until about an hour before he died,
.\;\-2 OAPT. JOHN A. FEB.
when consciousness again returned. During this delirium, he
was again on the battlefield, again in command of his company
Now they were charging the enemy, and now shouting when they
Ul.|V driven. Then the sharp, clear notes of command would
ring out in ilia) abode of sickness and death, and then some low,
murmured words of prayer would come from his lips.
•Within ;i short time of Ins death, consciousness having re
turned, he became aware that he was dying; hut he expressed no
regret, and manifested no shrinking from the foe whom lie had
met on SO many battle fields. He said he would like to live to
see the end of the war, but if otherwise ordered he was willing
to gO.
••The only anxiety evinced by him, was in regard to his mother.
He feared that she would grieve too much for his loss; that she
would feel too bitterly his death when he was gone. But he
committed her to the care of Him in whom he himself trusted.
Having given directions in regard to his effects, and having
sent messages of love to each of his absent relatives, he calmly
awaited the call of the Great Commander, whose summons we
must all obey. Almost his last words were, ' I have given my
life for my country.' "
CAPT. EDWARD B. CARROLL. 433
XXXIII.
CAPTAIN EDWARD B. CARROLL.
This brave young officer was born in the county of Tipperary,
Ireland, on the 24th of March, 1840, of poor, but worthy pa-
rents. The family emigrated to this country in 1850, and since
that time have resided in Albany.
When the rebellion broke out in April, 1861, their younger
son, Michael Carroll, entered the army in defence of the Union
on the 19th of that month, and was honorably discharged in
September, 1862. He was a color-bearer in one of the New
York Regiments.
The subject of this notice, the only other son of this family
then living, entered the Sixty-third Regiment New York Volun-
teers as a private in Company K, in September, 1861. This
regiment was composed of Irishmen, and was attached to the
famous Irish Brigade commanded by Gen. Thomas F. Meagher.
Young Carroll continued with this regiment through all the
campaigns of General McClellan in Virginia, and fought in
almost every battle of the Peninsula and at Antietam. He was
several times slightly wounded; but he was severely wounded
at the battle of Fredericksburg. In the winter of 1863, on
recommendation of his superior officers, he was commissioned a
Second Lieutenant. After the recovery of his wound received
at Fredericksburg, he joined his regiment in time to take part
in the battle of Chancellorsville. After this fight, owing to the
terrible destruction in the ranks of the Sixty-third Regiment,
several of the companies were consolidated; when he, with some
other officers, were mustered out of service, and he returned to
Albany to visit his parents.
There he remained till March, 1864, when he again joined the
28
■ l.'i 1 C \i'i. i:i>w kBD B. 0 kBBOLL.
Sixty-third Regiment as a private, and was al once promoted to
a Sec. mil Lieutenancy. Shortly after, for valor on the field, he
was promoted to a First Lieutenancy, and then to a Captaincy.
He passed through the blood} campaign under General Grant
from tlic Rapidan to Hatcher's Run, where he was killed in bat-
tle on the 3d of April, L865, only a few days before the surren-
der of t reneral Lee's army.
He bad been in more than twenty-five battles and skirmishes;
and after being several times wounded, lie fell at the head of his
command while charging the enemy at Hatcher's Run. lie was
mortally wounded by a bullet that Struck him in the fort head.
('apt. Cabboll was a silversmith by trade, and was an indus-
trious and exemplary young man. From childhood he was a
good boy, and delighted to assist by his labor his parents, and
did much to make them comfortable and happy.
His parents are Roman Catholics, and he adhered to the same
faith. Without fortune or influence, except what his good char-
acter gave him, he rose from a private to the position of Captain
in the celebrated Irish Brigade, where all were brave, and where
he was highly esteemed and greatly beloved.
CATT. DOUGLASS LODGE. 435
XXXIV.
CAPTAIN DOUGLASS LODGE.
The late Captain Douglass Lodge was born in Albany, New
York, September 22d, 1842. His parents were from Scotland,
and came to this country in the spring of the same year. He
received a liberal education in the public schools and academy.
In the year 1857, he became anxious to enter the Navy, and was
appointed from this (fourteenth) congressional district, to the
Naval School at Annapolis, Md. After being there a little over
a year, he became tired of the school, on account of its monotony
and the overbearing spirit of students from the Southern States,
who were in the majority. He returned home and engaged in
business in a commercial house. So rapid was his proficiency,
and so superior his business qualities, that in less than two years
he was sent out to travel for the house.
When the rebellion broke out, and the Government called for
the first seventy-five thousand men to put it down, he was among
the first to offer his services. Enlisting as a private in company
B, Twenty -fifth Regiment, he served his full term of three months
and aided in building Fort Albany, on the Virginia side of the
Potomac, across from Washington. Soon after the return of the
Twenty-fifth Regiment, he re-enlisted in the Forty-third Regi-
ment New York State Volunteers, for three years or during the
war, and was appointed Third Sergeant in company A. In
September, 1861, he was promoted to the office of Quartermaster
Sergeant, and he served in that capacity with credit to himself,
until April, 1862, when he was commissioned as Second Lieu-
tenant. The regiment was then in active service with the army
under General McClellan, in its marches across the Peninsula.
During this time he was promoted, on account of his bravery, to
436 OAPT. DOUGLASS LODGE-
the rank of Firs! Lieutenant, and, on the 3d of November in the
.same year, was again promoted to the position <>f Captain. He
was with his regimenl in all the hard-foughl battles, from 1 1 1 * -
time it went into service until after the battle <>!' Antietam, never
being absent from it a single day. It i.s aoticeable in his letters
to hia father, which were brief, that he made no complaints, but
with a firm hope <>f the ultimate Buccess of the army in putting
down the rebellion, waited and fought with patience throughout
the campaign.
Tlie army, under General McClellan, reached Yorktown in
April, 1862, where it worked hard ami Long against the enemy's
fortifications. The Forty-third Regiment was divided into com-
panies that did picket duty, threw up breastworks in the face of
the enemy's guns, and supported the artillery. Afterwards they
were ordered to Lee's Mills. From thence the regiment marched
to Williamsburg, a distance of fifteen miles, in one day. Here
they laid on their arms all the following night, and the next
morning acted as a support to that portion of the army under
( reneral Hooker who attacked and routed the enemy. The regi-
ment then moved on to Fair Oaks, thence to Seven Fines, and,
at last, reached the swamps of the Chickahominy, where they
lay for some time in view* almost of the city of Richmond.
Here they endured much suffering.
On the 27th of June, 1862, when the army was retiring from
before Richmond, his regiment was drawn up in line of battle
all day. The enemy with a heavy force, attempted to turn its
position, with a view probably of cutting off the retreat of
Gen. Porteb across the Chickahominy. The regiment held the
right of the line, resting on the above named river, with two
regiments from Vermont — to support if necessary; and for an
hour and a half it was subjected to an incessant and terrific tire
of musketry. Yet it stood its ground and the enemy suffered
severely, and at length was obliged to retire. Our army passed
on safely to Malvern Hill, on the James River. After the army
returned to the Potomac, Capt. Lodge was. with his regimen!.
ordered from Alexandria to the Shenandoah Valley to reinforce
CAPT. DOUGLASS LODGE. 437
Gen. Pope, at which time the brave and fearless Gen. Kearney
was killed.
From thence across the Potomac into Maryland, the regiment
marched to the bloody battle of Antietam. Here again the
soldier boy was at his post of duty and danger, supporting a
battery which was doing fearful execution among the enemy.
While thus engaged, he and his company were compelled to lie
flat on their faces, around and in front of the pieces, for several
hours. While the shot and shell flew thick and fast, an order
came for Company A to charge at double quick across the con-
tested field, in an oblique direction, towards a house that sheltered
part of the enemy. The shot from our own and the enemy's
guns, was so near the ground, that while doing this, they were
obliged to bend almost double in order to save themselves; but
regardless of danger, they charged and secured the coveted
place, holding it until night threw her dark mantle over that
dreadful day's work. Then they rested, and though in the pre-
sence of so much agony, and surrounded by such ghastly sights,
they laid down on that field of death, and slept as none but
soldiers could.
The army having been reorganized, under the command of
Gen. Buenside, was marched to Fredericksburg, where a des-
perate effort was made to disloge the enemy, but without success.
When Gen. Hooker took command, a second attack was made
by the Light Division, which was composed of the Forty-third
regiment, and several others under the command of Gen. Pratt.
Then they succeeded in storming and taking Marye's Heights,
back of the city. On May 3d, 1863, while making that des-
perate charge, Capt. Lodge was struck on the sword belt plate
and knocked down; but soon recovering his breath, he went up
to his command, and continued charging up the hill, in face of a
terrible hail of bullets from the enemy. His regiment had the
right of the line, and his company (A) the right of the regiment.
Quoting from a letter sent to his father after this fight, " now
commenced an exciting race between the gallant Sixth Maine,
Fifth Wisconsin, and our (Forty-third) regiment, to see which
could get their colors in first. The brave Sixth Maine succeeded
438 OAFT. DOUGLASS LODGE.
in planting their oolors in the fori <>n the lefi of us. Scarcely
had their standard touched the ground, ere Capt. Lodge sprang
upon the ramparts <>n our right, and planted our oolors on the
redoubl which we had Btormed and carried. Then cheer after
cheer was echoed uikI re-echoed from our regiment on the rebel
fort, i<» ili»' batteries <>n the liill in front of them."
Again the regiment rested until the next morning, when they
wire ordered to skirmish beyond these heights. Capt. Lodge
deployed his company, and moved through a deserted rebel
camp, w hen the rebels, in ambush, opened a heavy fire upon his
men. He gave his orders calmly, as a soldier should, until he
was seen to throw np his arms and fall with a faint moan; a hall
from (he enemy struck him on the left temple. It was more
than a man's lite was worth just then, to go and recover him.
Hi- men waited until there was a hill in the firing, and then crept
in on their hands and knees, to where their Captain lay, and
brought him out to the rear. He was sensible at times for
twenty-four hours, when death put an end to his pain.
Thus ended the earthly career of the boy soldier. Though
but twenty years old, he had all the experience of a veteran of
several years, having passed through the several grades, from a
private to senior Captain of his company.
Just before the regiment was ordered to that desperate yet
successful charge on Marye's Heights, he called his First Lieuten-
ant to him and said: "Lieut. Davidson, I feel that this may be
my last fight. I have been thinking so much of home and my
sici mother; I wish I was with her. If I should fall, promise
me that, yon will see that my body is sent home to my father;
and if you should be taken, I will do the same for you." He
called his company together before receiving orders to move,
ami told them what t hey were expected to do. "Boys," said he,
"I want you to follow me in the tight; if I fall, then obey the
next in command." And nobly they did follow their young Cap-
tain, for when the regiment came out of the conflict, it had lost
two hundred and four enlisted men, and eleven officers in killed,
wounded and missing.
In the concluding part of tin1 letter previously quoted, the
CAI>T. DOUGLASS LODGE. 439
writer says: "The lamented Capt. Lodge now rests in peace;
his soul has gone to Heaven to form one of the Christian band
who have died for their country. May their blood cement the
Union stronger in the bonds of love. He died beloved by all
his men. There was not a dry eye in the company when they
heard their Captain was no more."
His body was brought home, and now rests with that of. his
sainted mother (who soon followed him) in our cemetery. The
mother and the soldier boy she loved so much, though parted
on earth for a time, are at last united in Heaven, where there is
an eternal peace.
I Id 0 M"l - J( 'UN \. MORRIS.
WW.
CAPTAIN JOHN ARTHUR MORRIS.
The Bubjcct of this sketch was born in the city of Albany, Aug.
31, L835. The names of his parents arc Samuel Morris and Eliz-
abeth Mason. He was baptized in St. Paul's Episcopal Church,
by Bishop Kjpp, then of Albany, now of California. An affec-
tionate son and brother, intelligent and generous, he grew into
manhood with the affection of all around him. His social vir-
tues and manly character, with his fine musical abilities, drew
many a friend to him. He was a bookbinder by trade, and ex-
celled in thai department. Being an active member of the
Washington Continentals, Co. B, at the commencement of the
Avar, he took an active part in endeavoring to organize the Tenth
Regiment National Guards, and urging the Government to accept
their services. r>ul finding this a hopeless case, he took the first
opportunity presented of entering the service.
On the issuing of General Order No. 52, dated Head-quarters
Slate of .New York. A. G. O., Albany, July 7th, 1862, he com-
menced recruiting for the Tenth Ward company, of the "Albany
County Regiment," and was mustered in First Lieutenant, Com-
pany ( '. August 7th, L862. Upon a vacancy occurring in the
regiment, he was made Captain. August L9th, l'sli2, the day the
regimenl left Albany.
The regiment, originally an infantry, was changed to Seventh
Heavy Artillery (One Hundred and Thirteenth), and was engaged
in garrison duty, in several of the fortifications in the vicinity
<u' Washington, and finally ordered to the front. They were
assigned to Gen. Tyler's Division, and on Thursday, May 19th,
1864, the rebels attempted to reach the rear of the right Hank
of Gen. Grant's army, when they were met by Gen. Tyler's
CAPT. JOHN A. MORRIS. 441
forces. After a severe battle, in which the Seventh and Second
bore the most conspicuous part, the rebels were repulsed and
forced to abandon their bold attempt. The Second and Sev-
enth, it is said, fought with the utmost fearlessness and courage.
Capt. Morris was faithful as a commander, and served con-,
stantlyin the regiment until May 19th, 1864, the day upon which
he met his death. The regiment was sent into battle, and after
charging through a wood and across an open field, the command
was halted on the top a ridge, back of the line of fire, and then
ordered to lie down. The men had dropped down, and Capt.
Morris, while exposed to the enemy's fire, was shot by a bullet
from the rifle of a rebel sharpshooter, which pierced his heart.
He died without a struggle, on the field of Spottsylvania, Va.
He was buried the next morning, at or near the division hospi-
tal, by Chaplain Calder. His remains were brought to Albany,
by his brother, in the fall of 1865, and buried in the Eural
Cemetery, with military honors. Company B, Tenth N. G., and
returned members of Seventh Artillery New York Volunteers
formed the escort.
Capt. Morris was a man of strict integrity and high moral
character. His comrades in arms, among whom is Capt. George
H. Treadwell, of the same regiment, unite in pronouncing him
a devoted patriot, a brave and faithful soldier; while friends in
civil life bear with them the consoling thought that he acted a
noble part in life, and leaves a fragrant memory behind him.
At a meeting of Protection Hook and Ladder Company No. 1,
of which he was a member, among the resolutions adopted were
the following:
Whereas, We have received the sad intelligence of the death
of our esteemed fellow member, Capt. John A. Morris, of the
Seventh New York Artillery, while bravely leading his command
into action in the engagement near Spottsylvania Court House,
on Thursda}', May 19, 1864; therefore,
Resolved, That though we feel assured that he willingly
offered up his life on the altar of his country, and died where
his gallant nature prompted — at the post of duty, facing the
enemies of his country, and in the hour of victory — yet the pride
•1 12 OAFT. JOHS v. MOBBI8.
we feel in his devoted patriotism La mingled withsadneeB for the
Loss of a comrade, whose generous nature, social \ Irtuesand manly
oharacter endeared him to all.
Resolved, Thai in tne death of Captain John A. Morris, the
country Loses a devoted patriot and a brave soldier, and this com-
pany one of its m08l active and useful members, who, since its
organization, had been foremost in everything that contributed
to advance its interests; and that while we view with admiration
the noble example he has left us, wre deeply deplore his early
death. M. HIGGINS, President.
R. T. BRIGHTMAN, Secretary.
Albany, N. Y., May 23, 1864.
CAPT. JOHN McGUIRE. 443
XXXVI.
CAPTAIN JOHN McGUIRE.
On the 15th of April, 1865, just as the great southern rebellion
was breathing its last breath, Captain John McGuire, of the
One Hundred and Seventy-lifth New York Regiment, after having
escaped the perils of many battles during three years' service,
was killed by guerrillas, about twenty-five miles from Golds-
borough, N. C, while in the performance of his duty.
Captain McGuire was born in the town of Belturbet, county
Cavan, Ireland, in the year 1829, of poor but pious parents.
His father died while John was a child, and, in 1845, his widowed
mother and John with his sister, now dead, came to Albany.
Soon after their arrival in Albany, in 1846, John procured
employment in the store of Mr. Kerr, who formerly kept at the
corner of Pearl and Howard street. There he remained, helping
to support his mother, till April, 1861, when the summons came
for the militia to hasten to the Capital to defend it against the
rebels. John was a Sergeant of the Albany Worth Guards, a
company of the Twenty-fifth Regiment New York Militia, com-
manded by Colonel Bryan. On the 22d of April, 1861, he left
his employment and served with that regiment during its first
three months campaign in Virginia. During his absence in Vir-
ginia, his poor mother died, and he procured a furlough to come
to Albany to bury her.
He left his situation at Mr. Kerr's, at a great sacrifice, to obey
the call of his country.
Upon the return of this regiment to Albany, he procured
employment in a clothing house in New York, at a good salary,
where he remained till June, 1862, when the Twenty-fifth Regi-
ment New York Militia was, a second time, ordered to Virginia
■ HI C \l'i . Jl 'UN M« Gl IRE.
by Gov. Morgan. Be joined them, and was at once appointed,
1,\ Colonel Bri w Sergeanl Major of the regiment, which posi-
tion he filled with credit. Upon the return of the regiment to
Albany, in September, 1862, heal once joined the One Hundred
and Seventy-fifth Regiment New York Volunteers, which Colonel
Bri \\ was then raising at Albany, and was appointed First Lieu-
tenant, and afterwards promoted to Captain, in the same organ-
ization. He served with Colonel Bryan till the Colonel's fall,
at the attack on Port Hudson.
After the capture of Port Hudson, his regiment was ordered
to the Shenandoah valley, where he served under General Shese*
dan. He remained with the army of the Potomac till Lee's Bur-
render, when he was scut t<> North Carolina, where he fell, pierced
with three halls, two through the breast and one through the
head.
He leaves no father or mother, brother or sister, wife or child
to mourn his untimely end. But he leaves in Albany, and where*
ever he was known, those whose eyes will till with tears as the
tidings of his death reaches them.
Captain McGuire was a model young man. Surrounded by
temptation, he was never known to take a glass of strong drink,
or utter a profane word. In his manners and in his intercourse
with all, he was a gentleman and had a kind word for every one.
He lived a devoted and humble Christian, an honor to the religion
of his fathers. lie was an intelligent, accomplished and brave
soldier, and died, a warm patriot, in the service of his adopted
country. Though he loved with enthusiasm the scenes of his
native land, and hoped that he might one day aid in erecting the
flag of freedom and independence over the graves of his fathers
and kindred, still he proved by his acts that he was ready at all
times with his life, to maintain the honor of his adopted country.
CAPT. NATHANIEL WRIGHT. 445
XXXVII.
CAPTAIN NATHANIEL WRIGHT.
Captain Wright was born in the State of Ohio, in Kirtland,
Lake County. In 1853, when about seventeen years of age, he
came to Albany, to act as clerk in the store of his uncle, the late
Nathaniel Wright; in whose employ he continued until the
death of his uncle. Afterwards he was in the employ of his suc-
cessors, Messrs. Woodward & Hill, until he offered his services
in the cause of his country.
Although not a professor of religion, he was a young man of
good moral character, strict integrity, generous impulses, and
was beloved in an unusual degree by those who enjoyed his
acquaintance. In fact, there was something peculiar in his frank
and yet reserved and quiet manner, that inspired a very warm
friendship, so that " Natty," as he was familiarly called, could
always count upon the aid of his friends.
His peculiar personal popularity was evinced by his success
in recruiting his company at perhaps the most difficult time
during the war; and it was evidently appreciated by his superior
officers, as he was sent back to Albany to recruit the regiment,
when the Government decided to make of it a heavy artillery
regiment.
As to his motives in volunteering, I feel confident they were
those of the purest patriotism: and this is confirmed by the
fact that his services were so highly valued and so promptly
rewarded by his advancement, both in position and salary.
He was mustered in the service of the United States, August
11th, 1862, as First Lieutenant, Battery F, Seventh Regiment,
N. Y. V. Artillery, Col. Lewis O. Morris. He was first stationed
at Fort Pennsylvania, and afterwards at Fort Reno, where he
1 \<] CAFT. N \! n \Mi'l. W SIGHT.
remained until May 15th, L864, when he was ordered with the
regiment to report to Gen. Meade Id the Army of the Potomac.
Arriving al Spottsylvania about midnight, May 17ih, they were
assigned t<> the Second A.rmj Corps, Gen. Hancock. After par-
ticipating in the following desperate engagements: Fredericks-
burg Road, May L9; North Anna River, May 23d and 24th;
Tolopotomy Creek, May 31&1 and June 1st; Coal Harbor, June
3d i" LOth; Petersburg, June L6th; Petersburg affair, June 22d;
Deep Bottom, July 26th and L'Tth: Deep Bottom, August 12th
to L8th; he was killed at Ream's Station. August 25th, 1864,
and as <'iii forces were driven hack, his body fell into the hands
of tin- enemy. He was shot through the bod}r, and as Major
Mi i:i'tiv raised him up, he stretched out his hand, and grasping
the hand of the Major held it until he expired. He died like a
hero, without a murmur, and deserves a far more extended sketch
than this brief tribute.
CAPT. JOHN SULLIVAN. 447
XXXVIII.
CAPTAIN JOHN SULLIVAN.
This brave young man was born in the town of Belturbet,
county Cavan, Ireland, in the year 1837, and was the son of
Ann and Francis Sullivan, who are still living in Ireland. The
father of John was a small farmer, and possessed of too limited
means to be able to do more for his children than give them a
good common education, and then leave them to seek their for-
tunes as best they could.
At the age of nineteen, John emigrated to America, and came
at once to Albany, N. Y., and entered the employ of Mr. Michael
Ceummey, his brother-in-law, as a baker.
Soon after he came to Albany he joined the Albany Mont-
gomery Guards. He took great interest in the improvement of
the company in discipline and efficiency, and became an excellent
soldier himself. On the breaking out of the rebellion, this com-
pany being attached to the Twenty-fifth Regiment New York
Militia, he was ordered with that regiment to the defence of the
National Capital, and on the 22d of April, 1861, he left Albany
with his company, as Orderly Sergeant, and served three months,
when he was mustered out, the term of service of the regiment
having expired.
In September, 1861, he joined the Sixty-third Regiment New
York Volunteers, and was, upon the organization of that regi-
ment, appointed First Lieutenant of Company K. He was at
once ordered to Virginia, where his command was assigned to
Gen. Meagher's Irish Brigade. He passed through the cam-
paigns of the Army of the Potomac, in 1862, in Virginia, being
engaged in most of the battles fought under Gen. McClellan,
from Yorktown to Richmond.
I |S ( \ii. JOHN 81 I i i\ w.
At tin- battleof Antietam be was in command ot his company,
and fought with greal gallantry, losing more than half of his
men, killed and wounded, and all the officers of his company.
II. was soon after promoted t" tin1 position of Captain, and
in \t fought at the battle of Fredericksburg, where on the L9th
of December, L862, he fell mortally wo led, just as the fight
w;i~ closing. He died <>n the 21st of December. His remains
were brought t<> Albany, where he was buried with military
honors.
In his native land, and during his residence in Albany, Capt.
Sii.i.i\an bore an irreproachable character, and was greatly
esteemed by his associates, and respected by all who knew him.
He was a sincere and devoted Christian, and received, at his
death, the consolations of the faith of his fathers.
His love and affection for his parents were conspicuous even
in his last moments, when he remembered them with words of
tenderness in his dying prayer.
Such is the brief history of one of our adopted citizens, who
laid down his life t<> preserve :in<l perpetuate the American
Republic. All honor to bis memory!
The following account of this gallant officer appeared at the
time iu one of our papers:
••The circumstances attending the death of this gallant and
much regretted officer ;uv peculiarly afflicting. He had escaped
without a scratch the bloody field of Antietam, :ui<l in the terri-
ble slaughter before the enemy's works back of Fredericksburg,
he :il-<> escaped uninjured; but while marching at the head of
the remnant of hi- regiment, iu the afternoon of this fatal day,
it was ordained that he should fall. He was struck on the upper
part of the right thigh, by a round shot (twelve-pounder), shock-
ingly fracturing the bone, rendering amputation impossible. lie
was told by the attending surgeon that he must die; that if the
limit was disjointed at the hip, he could not survive the operation.
He received the Bolemn announcement with the courage and firm-
nese for which he was distinguished in the fearful ordeals he had
■I through, and declared he would not consent to lose the
limb, but ■would prefer to die with both legs on." He lived
CAPT. JOHN SULLIVAN. 449
about fifty hours after receiving his wound, when his gallant
spirit forsook its frail tenement, and sped its way to brighter
realms. No officer in the Irish Brigade was more sincerely loved
or respected than Capt. John Sullivan. By his cheerful and
unassuming maimers he endeared himself to all, and in the Sixty-
third Regiment his loss is deeply and sincerely deplored. His
body was embalmed, and his friends telegraphed to of the melan-
choly event. His relative, Mr. Michael Crummey, immediately
proceeded to the camp, near Falmouth, to perform the melancholy
duty of taking it home. The respect he was held in by the bri-
gade was evinced by their spontaneous turn out at his funeral.
The remnant of the officers and men of the Sixty-ninth, Eighty-
eighth, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, One Hundred and Sixteenth
Pennsylvania and Sixty-third, formed the escort from the camp
to the cars. The following officers acted as pall-bearers: Capt.
Saunders, commanding Sixty -ninth, and Quartermaster Sullivan,
same regiment; Capt. McXamara, commanding One Hundred and
Sixteenth; Capt. Smith, commanding Eighty-eighth, and Capts.
Cartwright and Gleeson, of the Sixty-third. Lieut. Col. Cart-
wright, and officers of the Twenty-sixth Massachusetts, were
among the others of the brigade who followed in the sad cortege,
testifying by their presence their admiration of the gallant dead,
and sympathy with their brothers of the Sixty-third, in the loss
of a true and brave soldier."
29
450 c.MT. BOBEBX B. EVERETT.
XXXIX.
CAPTAIN ROBERT BARTLETT EVERETT.
Captain Robert Babtlett Evebett was born on the 17th of
May, L824, a1 New London. X. II. At an early age he removed
with his parents to this State, and up to the date of his enlist-
nunt resided in Watervliet engaged in agrieultural pursuits.
On the 8th of October, 1862, he was mustered into the United
States service as Captain of Company F, Thirtieth Regiment New
Fork State Volunteers. The regiment was then in the field,
having served out about one year and a half of its tnree-yeav
term. He joined the regiment early in the fall of 1862, and was
present at the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and
several minor engagements. At the time the Thirtieth Regiment
was mustered out, Captain Everett, with his company was trans-
ferred to the Seventy-sixth Regiment New York State Volunteers,
in which organization he remained until the time of his death.
Captain Everett was killed on the 1st of July, 1863, at the
battle of Gettysburg, while leading his command into action.
He was struck in the head by a Minnie ball and killed instantly.
1 Ii- body was never recovered, as our troops were obliged to fall
back from the spot, and there was no mark to distinguish the
errave.
CAPT. ROBERT H. BELL. 451
XT,
CAPTAIN ROBERT H. BELL.
Robert H. Bell was born in England, Lancashire, of English
descent. He came to this country when about nineteen years
old, and was a resident of Philadelphia for a number of years.
He then married and came to this city. He was a wood-carver
by profession, and was connected with the Fire Department.
For some time previous to the breaking out of the rebellion, he
was Foreman of Company No. 8. At the commencement of the
rebellion, when the Twenty-fifth Regiment responded to the call
for troops, he left his home and friends to join in defending his
0 adopted country. He served at. first as a private in the ranks of
Company K, of Twenty-fifth Regiment. At the end of three
months he returned to his home and friends, and resumed his
occupation.
As the war progressed, a call was made for more men, and
Albany again nobly responded. Men were commissioned to
recruit companies for the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment,
and among the first to enroll his name and fill his company was
Captain R. H. Bell, of Company F. He again went forth to
fight for his country. He was a kind and courteous officer, and
beloved and respected by his men. He made every effort to sus-
tain the responsible position he held, and was ever at his post
when duty called.
The regiment left this city August 19, 1862. Arrived at Fort
Reno, and there remained on garrison duty until May 15, 1864.
They then received marching orders, and left the fort on Sunday
morning, and arrived at Belle Plain. They were engaged in the
battle of the Wilderness, and on the afternoon of the 19th Capt.
Bell received a very severe wound in the left leg, and was taken
from the field.
452 (AIT. BOBEBT II. 15KLL.
His leg was amputated, :m<l the same day he was broughl to
Washington to the Army Square hospital. He lingered until the
20th of June, when his spirit took its flight to the other world.
Hi- body was embalmed and broughl home, and was received by
his former friends and associates. His brother firemen conveyed
bis remains to the Bleecker street Engine house, where it lay
until the L'Tth of June, when the funeral services took place at
two o'clock. His remains were then taken to the Cemetery for
interment, followed by a large concourse of friends and citizens,
who came to pay their last tribute of friendship and respect to
the srallant dead. lie left a wife and two children to mourn his
Loss.
CAPT. DAVID BURHANS. 453
XLI.
CAPTAIN DAVID BURHANS.
Gait. David Burhans, of Company H, Forty-third Regiment
N. Y. Volunteers, was born in the town of Bethlehem, Albany
county, N. Y., June 24, 1840.
After the death of his father, which occurred on the 28th day
of February, 1854, when David was but thirteen years of age,
the maintenance of the family devolved upon him and his elder
brother, then sixteen years of age; and most faithfully did the
noble boy perform his share of this duty.
His honesty and integrity soon secured to him a situation, as
a messenger to carry the reports of the proceedings of the Legis-
lature to the New York papers. Next, he obtained the appoint-
ment of mail agent from New York to Troy. He continued in
this service until the autumn of 1862, at which time he left this
position for the tented field, at the head of a company, which he
had raised almost entirely by his own perseverance.
On taking leave of his townsmen, they presented him, as a
token of their regard, with a sword, which he carried with honor
through every engagement of the gallant Forty-third. His com-
mand also presented him with a valuable gold watch.
He served with his company and regiment, in the Army of
the Potomac, in succession under Generals McClellan, Burn-
side, Hooker and Meade, and participated in the battles of
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappahannock
Station, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and other engagements
previous to the battle of Po River, where he fell, in the front of
that conflict, on the 10th of May, 1864.
He was a young man of unblemished reputation, and highly
respected by all Avho knew him, for his many virtues.
45 1 LIBl l. CH \i:ii> W. HEALD.
tLIL
LIEUT. CHARLES WESLEY IIEALD.
I. ii i i. Chaeles W. Heald was born September 28, 1818, in
Granville, Washington county, N. Y. His parents. John E. and
Olive A. Heald, were both descendants <>t' Revolutionary heroes.
IIi~ early life was a continued struggle with poverty, ami often
jn childhood he was hut scantily supplied with the necessaries
of life.
Hi- lather died when he was hut a lad. yet young HEALD nobly
struggled with adversity, and aided in the support of his
widowed mother and the younger children.
His thirst tor knowledge was very early developed. After
exhausting the meagre facilities afforded by the common school,
he. with a scanty wardrobe, went to Poultney, Vt, to secure an
academic education.
After leaving Poultney, he commenced the study of medicine,
hut owing to interruptions to which he was subjected, by tie'
necessity of working with his hands and teaching, to procure the
means of sustenance, he did not finish the required course until
In- was about thirty years of age.
In 1848, he graduated at the Medical College. Castleton, Yf.,
and immediately commenced the practice of medicine at West
Haven, \'t.
He had a trying field of labor, hut was wry successful, ami
obtained a high professional reputation. He had a robust frame,
firm health, and was untiring in his duties, responding cheerfully
to calls by night or day.
After a few years' residence in West Haven, he removed to
Albany, in hopes of bettering his fortune. Here he found the
profession full, and he had not patience to await the gradual
LIEUT. CHARLES W. HEALD. 455
appreciation of his skill. He manifested also an instability of
purpose, that in fact was his greatest enemy to success in life.
Changing his profession, he applied for and received a license
as a local preacher from the Washington Avenue M. E. Church;
but he soon saw, that the ministerial office was not his calling.
Subsequently his attention was turned to the legal profession, and
he graduated at the Law University of this city in 1857.
Mr. Heald was a great reader, and his reading was so varied,
and his memory so retentive, as to secure for him a familiarity
with a most extended range of subjects. Few persons, with the
limited advantages that he had enjoyed, were so familiar as he
was with general literature. His library was well selected, and
contained many rare books.
On the breaking out of the rebellion, Mr. Heald, true to his
patriotic instincts and antecedents, was among the first to oiler
his services in the cause of the Union.
He entered the army in May, 1861, as Second Lieutenant in
the Eighteenth Regiment N. Y. V., and served with the regiment
ill the famous battle of Bull Run. He was the first man who
was heard to call in question the patriotism and military ability
of Gen. McClellax. He believed that rebels should be treated
with severity, and when Virginia slaveholders came into our
camps hunting their run-away negroes, and were aided in their
pursuit, Lieut. Heald was most eloquent in his denunciation of
such a course. He did not approve of that mode of suppressing
the rebellion.
He was remarkably frank and outspoken, and often declared
that the war would never be a success, on our part, until a differ-
ent system was adopted by those having control of our armies.
His controversies were frequent and very spirited; and finding
himself uncomfortable, he resigned late in the autumn of 1861,
and returned to his home in Albany.
He soon, however, again entered the service, this time as a
private in Eleventh Battery. His knowledge of medicine soon
brought him to the notice of his surgeon, and he was made Hos-
pital Steward. His health failing, he was honorably discharged.
After remaining at home for a time, he enlisted again as a private
156 l.I KIT. (ll AKU'.s w. BEAU).
in i lif Second Artillery, Capt. Dawson. Hereon account of his
medical skill, be was much of the time detailed <>n service with
the sick and wounded.
While in this company, he saved the lamented Capt. Dawson
from capture, if doI from death. Overtaking the Captain on
foot, disabled by the back of a horse, the Doctor dismounted and
gave his horse t<> tin1 wounded officer, just at the approach of the
enemy. The Captain escaped, while Dr. Heald took to the
woods, and after three days wandering, avoiding pickets, he
reached the camp, having been several times tired on by rebel
guerrillas. This most benevolent and heroic act, we have already
referred to in the sketch of Capt. Dawson.
Be served in this company until the autumn of 1864, when,
worn out and reduced almost to a skeleton by the chronic
diarrhoea (that scourge that during the war made more sad hearts
than any other disease), he came home to die. He lingered, sur-
rounded by his family and friends in Valatie, until the 14th of
January, 1865, when death released him from his pains. He
died a beloved and consistent member of the Fourth Presbyterian
Church of Albany, and in the full hope of a blessed immortality.
Generous in spirit, faithful in the performance of every duty,
cool and brave upon the battle field, he won the affection and
esteem of all who knew him. Such, too, were his intellectual
gifts, that he would have risen to eminence in any depart-
ment of literature or science, had he devoted his life to a single
pursuit; but so versatile was his genius, that before he could
attain an exalted position in one calling, he would enter upon
another.
His passion for books amounted almost to a mania. He hun-
gered and thirsted for knowledge, and in its attainment every
desire of his nature seemed to be satisfied.
He has left in manuscript many lectures on a great variety oi
subjects, exhibiting much research and scholastic learning; bul
he has fallen. When the cause of human liberty demanded his
services, his prospects for life, his passion for books, his family,
were all laid on the altar of patriotism, and the name of Charms
Weslei Heald .elds another to the list of martyrs for freedom.
LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON. 457
ILIII.
LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON.
Lieutenant James Williamson was born in the town of Kil-
marnock, in Ayrshire, Scotland, N. B., on the 2d of October,
1829. His parents were Andrew and Margaret Williamson.
He was a very affectionate son and brother. At the age of
twelve years, he was religiously impressed, and he always said
that it was then that he received " the truth as it is in Jesus,"
although he did not make a public profession until he was in his
nineteenth year. Then he united with the State Street Baptist
Church, but afterwards associated himself with the State Street
Presbyterian Church, when it was first organized. He was
elected as one of the first trustees of the church, and was inti-
mately identified with all its interests. He was ready to do any-
thing for its welfare, and for the cause of Christ, that he ever
ardently loved. When upon the battle field his thoughts ever
reverted to the spot he so clearly loved.
His integrity and truthfulness, his open and manly adherence
to principles, the large and generous sympathies of his heart for
the suffering and the oppressed, won for him a large circle of
friends. Although a native of a foreign land, which he always
cherished with a loving heart, yet he was ever true to the gov-
ernment and institutions of the land of his adoption. These he
ever upheld when assailed, and he threw himjelf at last, with
enthusiasm, into the contest when they were in danger. It was
this devotion to his country that induced him to sacrifice all the
pleasures and comforts of his loved home and the gains of a
lucrative profession, in the hour of its peril.
He was chosen First Lieutenant in the Tenth Regiment of the
New York State Militia, in the city of Albany, on the 8th day
158 I Hi T. -i \mi> w II. 1. 1 kMSON.
of July, 1861. Preparatory to the leaving of the regiment Cor
the seal of war, ii was changed to the One Hundred and Seventy-
get enth Regiment \'\\ STork State Volunteers. He then enlisted
as First Lieutenant of company 1>, <>n the L4thof October, L862.
The regiment lefl Albany on the L6th of December, and arrived
ai their headquarters, at Bonnet Carre, on or about the 21st of
January, L863.
The first battle in which he was engaged was at Ponchatoula,
on the 24th of March, 1863. The second and last battle in which
he was engaged, was that at Port Hudson, on the 27th of May,
1863. Company D went in with fifty privates, one Corporal,
two Sergeants and Lieutenant Williamson. There he was shot
through the brain, while gallantly leading his men to the charge,
and he died instantly. He was buried under the shade of an old
tree. Two weeks afterwards his remains were taken up and
conveyed to New Orleans. There they remained until the
autumn of the same year, when they were brought home to the
city of Albany, and arrived on the 15th of December. The
funeral ceremonies were observed on the 16th of December, at
the Albany Rural Cemetery, where his remains now rest.
Besides a numerous circle of warm friends. Lieutenant Wil-
liamson leaves an afflicted widow, who mourns the loss of a most
devoted husband; but, as she trusts in the same Saviour who
sustained him in the last hour, we believe they will yet meet to
part no more.
To this brief record we gladly add the tributes to the departed
from the State Street Presbyterian Church and the St. Andrew's
Society of Albany, and an interesting letter from Colonel
AlNSWOBTH.
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the State Street
Presbyterian Church, held June 11th, 1863, the following memo-
rial was ordered entered upon the minutes:
Killed in battle before Port Hudson, May 27th, 1863, Lieut.
James WILLIAMSON, Co. D, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh
New York State Volunteers (formerly Tenth Regiment, National
Guards.)
1. The associates of Lieut. Williamson, of the Board of Trus-
LIEUT. JAMES MrILLIAMSON. 459
tees, of the State Street Presbyterian Church, have met this day
to give expression to their sense of sorrow at the death of another
of their number. Within two weeks of the time that Adjutant
Strong died in camp, Lieut. Williamson, his friend and com-
panion in arms, has perished on the field of battle; and although
we would bow in humble submission to these successive bereave-
ments, yet we are filled with the deepest grief and solicitude.
2. James Williamson was elected a trustee of this church at
its organization — he was intimately identified with all its interests,
and deeply concerned in its prosperity — with a clear head and a
ready hand he thought an 1 labored for its welfare. He loved
it with a strong and pervading love; and he looked back towards
it from his distant field of labors with lonoino- and regret.
Knowing all this, and knowing that no church ever had a more
faithful and vigilant trustee, we are deeply sensible of the loss
we have sustained in his death.
3. Because he had become endeared to us all by personal
friendship; because we appreciated his kind and hearty and
unselfish nature; because we knew his uprightness in business,
his benevolent disposition, and his pure and faithful Christian
character; we loved him while living, and we mourn for him now
that he is dead.
4. We rejoice that Lieut. Williamson possessed that patriot-
ism which led him to volunteer for the defence of his country;
that he was willing to devote a life so precious to a cause so
holy, and that in the performance of his duties as an officer, he
was enabled to render such noble service; and although the per-
formance of these duties cost him his life, yet we cannot regret,
as he did not withhold the sacrifice.
"To the wife, who has been left a stricken widow, by this
bereavement; to all the relatives and friends of our deceased
associate, and to the soldiers whom he led in battle, and who are
now deprived of his faithful and capable oversight, we extend
our heartfelt sympathies; and we pray God to give them that
consolation which they need, but which the ministry of man is
powerless to bestow.
460 ' I'' T. -i iMES w hi i tMSON.
»;. \\Y direct thai a copy of these minutes be transmitted to the
familj of the deceased and pubUshed in the papers."
R. L. JOHNSON, President.
John ( '. Mi( i.i be, Secretary.
iwir.i ii; TO THE LATE LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON.
Ai a special meeting of the members of the Si. Andrew's So-
ciety of the city of Albany, held on the evening of June 15, L863,
ih.' following preamble and resolutions were unanimously
adopted, viz :
\\'/n i-'tis. We have learned with sincere regret that Lieut.
James Williamson, one of our members, fell in battle before
Port Eudson on the 27th of May, 1863, and being desirous that
Borne memorial, expressive of our deep and lasting regard for
him be entered on our minutes, therefore
Resolved, That we bear our cordial testimony to the numerous
excellencies of our deceased brother in public and private lite;
his integrity; his truthfulness; his open and manly adherence to
principle; the large and generous sympathies of his heart for
the wants of the suffering and the wrongs of the oppressed; the
purity of his character; the suavity of his manners and that fine
combination of moral and Christian qualities which endeared him
to those by whom he was intimately known.
J !< solved, That we desire to express with feelings of admira-
tion his ardent devotion to his country, which induced him, in
the hour of its peril, to renounce the gains of a lucrative pro-
fession, ami the comforts of a loved home, at the call of patri-
otism; and feel that in the death of this gallant officer, whose
career ha- been thus briefly, though honorably closed, the nation
has lo-t an ardent and devoted friend.
Hi solved, That we record it with satisfaction that, though of
foreign extraction, and always cherishing with a loving heart the
land of his birth, he was, in the truest sense of the word, " an
American;" affiliating himself in heart and soul with the Govern-
men! and institutions of the land of his adoption, upholding
them in the exercise of their functions, vindicating them when
LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON. 461
assailed, and throwing himself at last with his characteristic
enthusiasm into the contest when these were imperiled; and we
hallow his memory, and will resolutely defend that paternal gov-
ernment under which it is our privilege to live, and to which we
owe the enjoyment of all our social and civil immunities.
Resolved, That we tender our affectionate sympathy to the
bereaved wife, and supplicate in her behalf the support of reli-
gious consolation; to the numerous relatives and friends of the
deceased; and desire also that his early and lamented death may
be blessed to the members of our Society, in gathering up those
solemn lessons of duty which it is designed and fitted to convey.
Resolved, That a copy of the resolutions be transmitted to the
widow of the deceased, and that they be inserted in the daily
papers of the city.
JAMES DUNCAN, President.
Peter Smith, Secretary.
Letter from Col. Ainsworth:
Mrs. Williamson:
Respected Madam — I beg you will pardon me for addressing
you at this late hour a few lines respecting my friend and com-
panion in arms, your dear lost husband. I feel it is due to
community to perpetuate the memory of those who well perform
their part in life, as an example to others that may come after
them.
It was not my good fortune long to enjoy an intimate acquaint-
ance with Lieut. Williamson. It commenced with his military
life, a life brief and simple, not marked by uncommon incidents
which attract the attention of the great world. He did not live
long- enough to achieve the high honors of rank to which his
soldierly bearing, his talents, his industry, his manly and modest
deportment, his spotless character, his love of truth and justice
entitled him.
It seems as but yesterday I beheld him in the morning of life,
surrounded by every comfort which means and affection can
give; stimulated by every motive of honorable ambition, as ho
162 LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON.
s.iw the future bright before him. aud, with a just reliance upon
himself, looked forward to a useful :m<l honorable career. But
:m imperiled country called him to other duties. He was among
the first, when the sound of conflict reached us, to assume the
profession of arms in defence of the Nation's flag; and with the
brave men who went forth to the field of strife, he sought danger
as a duty, and proved himself brave in battle as he was patient
and submissive.
He was a Christian gentleman, a Christian soldier. He fol-
lowed, with unfaltering trust, the path of duty to his God, and
to his country, and leaves no enemy behind him. All who knew
him, loved him, for his nature was gentle and genial. He was
firm in honest purpose, quiek to discover and defend the right,
and incapable of wrong: and Avhile it was no part of his ambition
to win applause, he was entitled to and received the universal
respect of his brethren in arms. When such men die, there is a
melancholy pleasure in bearing testimony to what they were,
and to do so is a sacred duty to the living and the dead.
His Captain being one of those wrho were left in New York on
our sailing with the Banks' expedition for New Orleans, and
subsequently wounded in battle, when he was sent to the hospital
in New Oilcans, gave Lieut. Williamson command of the com-
pany, most of the time, up to his death. On our arriving at New
( Orleans, we were ordered to march up the coast to Bonnet Carre,
La., an important post on the Mississippi river, being one of the
main defences of New Orleans. Large numbers of our men were
soon prostrated with disease peculiar to that country and to
camp life, and Lieut. Williamson, besides being the acknow-
ledged friend of the individual members of the regiment, became
an unwearied attendant upon the wants of the sick. His assist-
ance was freely bestowrcd on all sides, regardless of danger
from infection. With a rare skill, and a joyous and genial man-
ner, peculiar to himself, he watched with and assisted in the care
of the sick, and administered to the dying the consolation of that
religion he had himself experienced.
The circumstances under which Lieut. Williamson closed his
brief but honorable military career, were peculiarly painful and
LIEUT. JAMES WILLIAMSON. 463
impressive to me, and his loss to the regiment deeply felt by all.
He fell on that fearful day, the 27th of May, 1863, while leading
his company amid a shower of iron hail, as the regiment charged
upon the works of Port Hudson, being struck in the temple by a
grape shot. He died as a soldier would prefer to die, on the
field of battle, amid the smoke and flashes of artillery, the shouts
of contending armies, and the roar of musketry, listening, as
death steals over him, for the glorious shouts of victory. I doubt
whether a braver or more heroic spirit has perished in our coun-
try's conflict. "Peace to his ashes." Albany may well feel
proud of such a patriotic hero, yielding up his life for their
country. May He, who has promised to be the widow's God, be
your consolation and abiding reward.
I have the honor to be,
Yours, very respectfully,
IRA W. AINSWORTH,
Late Colonel 111th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.
Albany, July 4, 1866.
4(5 1 LIEUT. W I I.I.I AM II. I M w
XLIV.
LIEUT. WILLIAM II. POIILMAN.
William II. Pohlmax was born in the i>lan<l of Borneo, Jan-
nary 10th, 1*42. Ho was the only surviving son of the late Rev.
Wm. J. Pom. max and Theodosia R., missionaries of the Ameri-
can Board of Foreign Missions to China. His parents were
devoted to the sacred cause of extending Christianity among the
heathen.
He was also a nephew of the late Eev. John Scudder, who
went to India as a missionary in 1819, whose memory is warmly
cherished in that country, as well as in the churches of America.
Indeed, Williams ancestors, for several generations back, were
distinguished for their piety, usefulness and high social position.
Dr. Nathaniel Scudder and Col. Philip Johnson were the grand-
fat hers of his mother. The former, an eminent and beloved
physician, was unintentionally shot in the Revolutionary Avar,
and was, it is believed, instantly killed. He died universally
lamented, and his funeral sermon was preached by the Rev.
John Woodhull, D. D., who succeeded the Rev. William Ten-
xant as pastor of the Freehold church, situated near the Mon-
mouth battle ground. Dr. Scudder was an intimate friend of
Mr. Prime, the grandfather of the Messrs. Prime, the distin-
guished editors of the New York " Observer." As a token of
affection for his friend, Mr. Prime named one of his sons
Nathaniel Scudder.
Col. Philip Johnson fell a victim to his country's cause, in the
fatal conflict on the 27th of August, 1776. Like his descendant,
he was a zealous and courageous patriot.
The father of William, the Rev. William J. Pohlman, the
devoted missionary, when he offered himself to the American
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 465
Board, said to them: "Appeals press home upon me from all
quarters. Three worlds unite in urging me on. Heaven, earth
and hell beseech me to go forth to the help of the Lord against
the mighty. The heavenly host are looking with intense inte-
rest, to see whether the command of Christ is obeyed by me.
Multitudes, ready to perish, call me to make known to them the
gospel of Jesus. Oh, then, send me, send me, send me. For
necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not
the gospel to the perishing heathen."
Willie's mother, Theodosia R. Scudder, was the youngest
sister of the Rev. J. Scudder. She devoted herself, in her
youthful days, to God's service. Her paternal grandfather was
a man of fervent piety, remarkably gifted in prayer, and rich in
good words and work.
While the Rev. Mr. Pohlman was in India, he lost his beloved
wife by death, and found it necessary to send his children, Wil-
liam and Mary, to this country, to the care of a favorite aunt,
Mis. McClure. Perhaps there is no trial so severe to a mis-
sionary as to part with his children. Willie was then three
and a half years old. The ship being detained at Java Head
two weeks, the father desired once more to look upon his loved
ones, but the second parting was more trying than the first.
WllIe hung around his father's neck, weeping and wanting to
go back to his Amoy home, and the dear father had to untwine
those gentle hands, and go back to his desolate home to see the
empty crib and the vacant chair belonging to the little ones. His
only source of comfort was the mercy seat. He writes at this
time: "I can add my testimony to the tens of thousands of
God's people as to the all sufficiency of the grace of God, and
the comforting influence of the holy spirit, under the most try-
ing circumstances, and in times of the most bitter grief and
anxiety of soul."
The children arrived safely, and were tenderly cared for by
their father's favorite sister. Under the religious influences of
Mrs. McClure, William was hopefully converted to Christ, and
devoted himself to the foreign missionary work. He united with
the North Dutch Church of Albany, at present under my pas-
30
Mill. \\ III I \M II. l'< HII.M AN.
toral care, and be continued bis membership \\ iili this church up
in i h« time of his deal h.
Having completed his preparatory studies, be entered Rutger's
College, New Brunswick, V J., in the Gill of 1859. He very
,,,,,M became a great favorite with the students, and was beloved
an.l esteemed by all \\ bo knot* bim.
William was quietly and successfully pursuing his Btudies,
preparatory to the ministry, when the firsl gun from Sumter
aroused the people to arms. II«' fell that his country Deeded him,
and for a time there was ;i struggle as to whether he had best go
mi in bis course of preparation, or enlist in defence <>f his count ry.
He presented his case in fervent prayer to Almighty God, and
after ;i certain period thus spent, he Baw clearly that his duty
was to 6ght for his adopted country. Had anything been want-
in-- at that time to fan into a flame the fires of patriotism in the
breasts of any of the sons of Rutger's, it was when the venerable
and uoble President Frelinghuysen, with his own right hand,
which has since forgot its cunning in the grave, raised the banner
of freedom on the college green, and under its waving folds, his
voice rang out in clarion tones for freedom, and law and right,
Said he, •• we must fight ; there is no alternative. The rebellion
must be crushed; and then we shall once more become a happy
and united people."
Among the first to respond to the call of his country, was the
much loved William Pohlman. He enlisted as a private in the
First New Jersey Regiment, Go. (i. May 28th, 1861, to serve
three years. He served with bis regiment until January 1st,
1862, when his peculiar qualifications pointed him out as fitted
for something better, than the mere ordinary duties of the camp.
Upon the formation of the Signal Corps, he was therefore trans-
ferred tn that efficient arm of the service.
He performed with great ability the duties incumbent upon
bim, in all the campaigns that followed until January 17th, 1863,
when he was promoted to a Lieutenancy in the Fifty-ninth Regi-
ment New York State Volunteers, and shortly after was appointed
Acting Adjutant. Though a stranger to the regiment, his good-
ness of heart and firmness of spirit soon made him friends and
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 467
admirecs, and it was not long before they learned to love him,
and to anticipate great things from the brave and noble boy.
Not one of the thousands who have laid their lives upon the
altar of their country — now alas drenched with so much precious
blood — was ever actuated by purer motives or more lofty
patriotism.
Haviug joined the Army of the Potomac, Mr. Pohlmax parti-
cipated in its campaigns and battles, from the time of the disas-
trous battle of Bull Run to the fearful engagement at Gettys-
burg. Just after the battle of Bull Run, he wrote to a favorite
cousin the following letter :
Arlington Heights, July 29th, 1861.
Dearest Cousin — You need not have made so many excuses for
not answering my letter before, for I always know that there
must be some good reason when my friends do not immediately
reply to my missives.
I meant to have written to you when I last -wrote to Theodore,
but we received such sudden orders to march, that it was impos-
sible.
May be that I shall yet be spared to see you, but the chances
are rather the other way. There is going to be a terrible war,
Rosey, dear, and thousands of souls will be sent to their last
account before its close. If you could hear the women of the
South talk; if you knew that kind and affectionate wives sent
their sick and feeble husbands to the war; if you knew that
sisters put the musket into their brothers' hands, and bid them
God speed; if you could see the dark eyes of striplings gleam
at you; you would wonder where and when would be the end.
God alone can foresee the sequel. We have already had a sam-
ple of what kind of fighting will be required in this conflict,
and although our men fought like brave and noble men, they had
to give up. Every inch of ground from here to Florida will
have to be overcome with force of arms. Our First Regiment
was the reserve heretofore, and consequently it is not improbable
to suppose that we will be the advance now; if this should be
the case, it will be a miracle of grace if many of us return to our
468 LIEUT. WILLIAM II. POHLMAN.
friends. I am aot now writing, cousin dear, either to frighten
\nu or to make you feel bad, but simply to show you how 1 1 1 * •
case stands, so thai you may be prepared for the request I am
going to make. I <l(>iil)t nut thai you, as well as many others of
my friends have been surprised at the step I have taken in com-
ing to this war: that J should have left such a good, dear sister
as Mary, to take up anus in defence of my country. Although
many of my friends blame me for doing it, I can truly say that I
did it from a sense of duty, and was perfectly conscientious in
all I did. God knows that I love Mary, although it may seem
otherwise, and I would give all I am worth for her good. I
know that her whole life is wrapped up in me, and if I should
fall it might be the means of killing her. May God forgive me
if I should he the means of breaking not only her heart, but also
the heart of mother. Now, Rosey, dear, I have always felt as if
you were my sister and it seemed so natural to think and speak
of you as one of our family. Shall I ask too much of you, when
I ask you to be a sister to Mary; to comfort and cheer her if I
should fall, and if it should break her heart, will you, if possible,
be with her at the last ? You may think it very strange that I
should write you such a letter and make such a request; but I
can't help it. I have been thinking of this matter a great deal
Lately, and I wanted to share my burden with some dear one
whom I could trust. You have been the first one and only one
to whom I have imparted my feelings, but who could so sympa-
thize with a sister placed in such circumstances, as one who also
has a brother in the army. I have been trying to find the
Twenty-seventh New York, but as yet have not succeeded.
When I do find it, I shall make the acquaintance of your brother
and give him your message.
Now I must stop, so give a kiss to the baby and ever remem-
ber me as one who loves you.
WILL H. P.
July 30lh. — Please give lots of love to Ed. Thank him for
his kind letter to me. I meant to write him a good Ions; letter
to-day; but I feel very unwell, and I can hardly keep in any
position.
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 469
Lieut. Pohlman wrote frequently to his beloved sister, and
his letters are so graphic and full that they furnish the best
account that we can give of his military life. The following are
extracts from them:
. Arlington Heights, July 31, 1861.
Our regiment was too late for the Bull Run tight; but we had
plenty to do in guarding the retreat of our flying army. If we
had been two hours earlier, we might have turned the tide of
battle; for it was only the reinforcements of the enemy which
gained them the victory. It was such a defeat as I hope will
never again happen to our army.
We have on these heights a most splendid view of the city
and river, with the surrounding country, and it looks so peaceful
and quiet that one would hardly imagine it was the seat of war,
if it were not for seeing so many uniforms. This war is a dread-
ful thing, sister, dear! So many orphans left; so many turned
out of peaceful and happy homes, to seek shelter wherever they
can find it. Then, of all wars, civil and intestine war is the
most to be dreaded; where those who wTere once brothers are
now arrayed against each other, seeking to take lives which they
were bound to protect and cherish. But then our country and
her laws rnust be sustained at any and every cost, and it will be,
as long as there are two millions of men to suffer and die for
her. God has never yet let the unjust cause triumph for a long
time, and we will eventually come out conquerors.
Fairfax Seminary, August 22, 1861.
Three hundred of our regiment are here sick in the hospital,
none of them dangerously ill, however, the prevailing complaint
being chills and fever. I have not been affected in the least,
and have been perfectly well ever since I enlisted. We have
some splendid rooms for a hospital, being those which were used
for the purposes of the students. This cluster of buildings, con-
sisting of about twelve separate houses, was called the Fairfax
County Episcopal Theological Seminary. Not only did south-
erners patronize it, but also northerners, for many of the stu-
■ 171) Mil T. W II. I- 1 AM II. mill. MAN.
denta were from the aorth. Ai the approach of the troops, the
buildings were deserted; most of the students, I suppose, taking
up anus in defence of secession. The buildings arc well fur-
nished and well adapted for the purposes of a seminary. There
is a nice little chapel, containing a fine organ. We used the
place and inst rument lasl Sunday, and J till you it seemed so
natural to hear the Btrains of an organ again. There is a Large
library of religious books in one room. In the same room there
is a (lollies press lull of women's clothing, and on a bed, neatly
made up. there lies a Mack eloak. wit h a white collar pinned fast,
and a breast pin to hold it together whilst the owner was wear-
ing it. It looks just as if the lady had come in, in great haste,
and having thrown it oil', had fled. This is the way with almost
all the deserted houses avc find. The occupants seem to have
left in great haste and terror. We are about two and a half
miles from the enemy's pickets. Every once in a while our
pickets meet the rebel pickets, and they exchange the courtesies
of peace times, that is, they smoke and talk together just as if
they were friends.
Fairfax Seminary, September 5, 1861.
Ai present we are kept very busy in building forts and breast-
works. About three and a half o'clock every morning we have
to get up and get our breakfast; then off we march to the
trenches and dig from six till nine a. m. At twelve we go in
again and work till three. By that time we are pretty well tired
out. Our forts begin to present a very formidable appearance,
\ on may imagine, when I tell you that twelve hundred men
work (per day) on Fort Taylor, which is being built by our New
Jersey Brigade. The other fort, which the New York, Michi-
gan and Maine hoy< are building, has three thousand two hun-
dred men working a day on it. We are going to mount some
very heavy guns on these forts, when they are finished, wTith
which we expect to give the secessionist- a good dose, for they
are only two or three miles away from us. They are building a
Port just opposite to ours, and with a glass we can see distinctly
what the rebels are doing. We scare them often, by making
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 471
them believe we are going to fire on them. The other day some
of our boys got four wheels, and mounting a stove pipe on it,
placed it in the middle of the road, about half a mile from the
nearest enemy's battery, and then they went through the motions
of loading and tiring. The rebels were watching us, and it
would have made you laugh to see the renowned " Southern
Chivalry" take to their heels and run. Very soon they blazed
away at us with seven rifled cannons. Then you would" have
laughed harder than ever to see our boys scatter. But we found
out all we wanted to, viz: if they had cannon there or not.
Why, for a week we expected an attack at any moment, and our
company were kept under arms for seventy-two hours, twenty-
four of which were very rainy; but they never came very near
us. But the Third Regiment had a skirmish with them, in which
they lost three men killed and nine wounded.
Fairfax Seminary, October 8, 1861.
You ask if I am not tired of a soldier's life, and if I am not
anxious to return home again. I would like very much to be
able to see you all whenever I wanted to, but would never con-
sent to giving up now. I am not sick and tired of a soldier's
life, and the charm has not worn off. There are hardships and
toils without number; there are weary marches and sleepless
nights; there are dangerous watches and midnight alarms; there
are times when both food and water are scarce; there are want-
ing all the refinements of home life; death itself must be looked
for at any moment; but, in spite of all these disadvantages, my
courage has not failed me, and I am this minute as confident that
our cause will eventually succeed, as I was when I first started.
Very many rushed into the army without considering what they
would have to endure, and, consequently, would give all they
possess if they could get free. Thus far I have found nothing
different from what I expected.
The work of missions to which Wm.Pohlman had hoped to
devote his life was dear to him even while in the army, as the
following extract will show:
472 i.ii.i r. *l II- 1. 1 AM ll. POHLM w.
Fajsfax Semenakt, November 1, 1861.
This morning ] was detaclted for extra duty, which consisted
in packing up the library :ui<l curiosities belonging to the Semi-
nary. There are about ten thousand volumes, -nine of them very
old. One book was almosl seven hundred years old, haying
been printed in the year L200. I worked all the morning, and
gol the missionary relics and pictures all ready to send off
There were curiosities from China. Africa, Asia, and t'vny oilier
pmi inn of the globe where the missionaries of the Episcopal
Church have established stations. Then there were the pictures
of all the missionaries who had gone forth from the Seminary.
No work which I have had to do lias so suited me as that in which
I was engaged to-day. Many an old memory came up to my
mind, as I looked upon the faces of those who had taken up
their cross and labored and died, in their Master's cause, on
heathen ground, and I could not but exclaim: "O, what a glorious
cause to engage in! "
Fairfax Semixary, November 29, 1861.
Thanksgiving day passed in quietness, and, by some wonderful
chance. I did not happen to be on guard duty, so I had the day
to myself. Our bill of fare was not so very extensive, but then
we imagined that we were iu some vast eating saloon, and so we
kept calling for "bean soup, bread and strong butter," and that
besl of brewed liquors " water." Then, as no darkies came forth
at our summons, we would, forsooth, be our own waiters and
help ourselves to the above mentioned dainties. "Well, it is a
good thing to have a fertile imagination and a good appetite, but
every once in a while I got thinking of my last Thanksgiving
dinner, and then I had to gulp the food down the best I could.
That Thanksgiving day. you remember, I spent so pleasantly at
Aunt H.'s house. Whal changes have transpired since then!
Then we were in the midst of peace, and our flag was honored
throughout the whole world. Now there are wars and rumors
of war. Our national emblem has been disgraced, not by a
foreign foe, but by those who ought to cherish and defend it.
Many a life and many a river of blood will be required before
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 473
that stain shall be washed out; and there are many thousand
brave hearts willing to cease to beat, if, by this means, our
original honor and glory shall be restored. Many may talk
about this war soon ending, but, in my opinion, there will have
to be more than one hard fought battle before the end comes.
Thank God, we are now gaining many victories and are striking
the secessionists some pretty hard knocks.
You have, doubtless, heard of our last grand review at Mun-
son's Hill. It was a splendid affair. The President and General
McClellan were present and reviewed us. There were between
seventy-live and eighty thousand troops. Our, First Xew Jersey,
regiment has received the name of doing the best marching and
presenting the finest appearance of any regiment in both reviews.
While we were passing the point where General McClellan,
the President and staff were standing, our line was perfect.
General McClellan turned to the President and made the
remark, "That is it, that is first rate." I tell you we do look
finely when we get all our accoutrements on.
Fairfax Seminary, December 11, 1861.
Yesterday the Inspector General gave us a visit. Everything
we possessed underwent a strict examination, but no fault could
be found with us. I only wish that you could see our regiment
and camp grounds. Strangers who have visited almost all the
camps around, say that ours is the cleanest they have seen, and
that our men look the neatest. The Inspector and Colonel were
so pleased with us that they gave us to-day as a holiday.
Things in this neighborhood remain quiet. There is not much
excitement, except when we go out on picket dut}'". Our com-
pany just came in on Saturday. We were outside, and only
about one mile from the rebels, who have lately made some
daring and successful attacks on our pickets. Our pickets were
doubled, and the utmost watchfulness and caution enjoined. We
wanted to have a little brush with them, but were disappointed.
When we returned, it was only to prepare for a review by Gov.
Morgan. He looked natural, and as noble as ever. What a
good thing that Xew York has such a man at the head of affairs
17 1 LIEUT. WILLIAM II. POIILMAN.
during this time of discord and rebellion. The old Empire
State has done nobly in the cause of freedom and constitutional
riffhts: and if there should be need of more aid, I am sure New
York would be equal for the emergency.
Last Friday afternoon our whole division was drawn up to
witness a military execution. This is the first time I ever saw
anything of the kind, and it was a very impressive scene. The
prisoner was a cavalryman, who had attempted to desert to the
rebels with very correct and valuable information concerning our
pickets. He fortunately did not succeed in his designs, but was
arrested by our troops. After a fair trial, he was condemned to
a speedy and terrible death, at the hands of his own comrades.
The procession passed along the lines in the following order:
1st, Provost Marshal; 2d, music of the cavalry; 3d, the firing
party (consisting of twelve men and a Sergeant); 4th, coffin in a
wagon; 5th, prisoner and Chaplain; 6th, escort of cavalry. As
the solemn train moved slowly, each regimental band played, in
succession, the dead march. The prisoner was deathly pale, and
I think he fully felt his situation. At last, the spot was reached,
the coffin was placed upon the ground, the prisoner, blindfolded,
sat upon his own coffin. The executioners stood twelve paces
from him. The silence of death reigned amongst the thousands
drawn up to see the scene. A volley of carbines broke the still-
ness, and all was over. Thus die all traitors.
Camp of the U. S. Signal Corps,
January 1, 1862.
You have, very likely, heard before this, that I have been
detached from my regiment and company and am now a member
of the United States Signal Corps. We came into camp on
Monday afternoon, and have been very busy ever since getting
our camp fixed up in style. Soon everything will be settled, and
I think I shall like my new business very much indeed. We
have a beautiful situation for a camp on the summit of George-
town Heights. A splendid view is stretched out on every hand.
Our duty consists in warning friends of the approach of friends
in the time of an advauce movement or in time of battle. Then
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 475
we hold conversations with each other, at the distance of miles,
by means of flags during the day, and torches at night. On every
expedition, both by land and sea, a number of our signal boys go.
Camp of the IT. S. Signal Corps, )
January 21, 1862. )
The winter campaign has commenced — "merrily goes the ball."
The secession forces in Kentucky have been defeated, and we
rejoice in a splendid victory. Uncertainty and anxiety pervade
our whole camp. Here we are away from our regiments and
companies. The army is under marching orders, and we know
not when or where our respective regiments will move, and if a
tight comes off, we cannot be with our comrades in the deadly
strife of arms. We have no chance of striking a blow at a rebel
for our cause. We are, of course, doing a very great service to
the United States, but then one does so hate to be away from
comrades in the hour of danger.
-
Camp of the U. S. Signal Corps, )
February 2, 1862. $
We get along finely in our new camp. The signals are being
learned rapidly, and soon we expect to be of some service in the
war. Every day parties of us are sent into Virginia to practice
with flags, by means of which a conversation can be kept up at
the distance of miles. We are beginning to learn how to take
care of horses, which is a good thing at least. How I wish that
you could look in upon me some day just about dinner time.
You would, no doubt, laugh heartily. Sleeves rolled up, face
flushed, a large knife in one hand and a frying pan in the other,
from which the odors ascending inform the spectator that a beef-
steak is going through the culinary process. You can't imagine
what a nice cook I am. I can give steaks the most finished
touches, potatoes and onions a fine brown turn; fishes, omelets,
&c, &c, undergo scientific processes. In every thing that I turn
my hand to, I always think of my dear sister, far away. Yes, in
times of danger and in times of rest and quiet, during the long
and tiresome march, during the death-like silence of my lonely
•ITt! I. ill l. H II I l HI II. POHLMAN".
picket tour, amid the roar of cannon, amid the scenes of distress
and anguish, amid the dead, dying and wounded, my thoughts
have ever turned to you, my dearest earthly friend. Though far.
away from you, enduring hardships and prival ions for my country's
li >r, Burrounded by rough and rude men. yet, still, I have my
thinking moments, and many a kind thought t'<>r home and home
scenes. Ah! how can one forget the kind, good wishes, the
heartfelt and sincere prayers of an only sister? Though years
intervene, separated by oceans, yet thought knows no hindrance
but death. It traverses distance, is undimmed by age.
( amp of the U. S. Signal Coups, )
February 8, 1862. )
Glorious good news has just arrived; another important Union
victory in the south. Fort Henry taken. This will lead to
important results. The roads arc yet impassable in this direction,
consequently artillery is at a stand still. When the roads are
better an advance is expected.
Camp of the U. S. Signal Corps, )
February 25, 1862. )
Nine of our Lieutenants and twenty-two privates left early
this morning. They took their baggage with them, and are
going to join Hooker's Division on the upper Potomac, near the
rebel batteries. When any of the corps leave camp in that kind
of style, you may soon expect a fight. It is a common report
that the batteries, extending for a distance of five miles, are to
he attacked. Another large detachment is to leave in the course
of a week, as I think something is going to happen.
How did Washington's birth day pass off in Albany? I spent
mine by standing guard, in all the rain, for it was a very un-
pleasant day. You know we are situated on the very summit
of Georgetown Heights, and thus occupy a position which can
be seen for mile- from both sides of the river. Well, Major
Meteb thought we ought to have some kind of display; so, as
soon as it became dark, the hill was illuminated with scores of
Lights, sky-rockets, &c, &c. The night wasvery misty, and, con-
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 477
sequently, I fear the big show could not be seen a great distance.
There were, besides the fire works, the usual attendants of sing-
ing, speechifying and eating.
Camp of the U. S. Signal Corps, )
March 6, 1862. J
We are constantly employed now, having one hundred and
thirty horses to take care of every day. Then there are camp
and guard duties to perform, and we have to drill both in the
saddle and out of it. How you would have laughed at my
maiden efforts at horsemanship; but I am getting bravely over
my timidity, and can manage a horse finely. This is quite a feat
when you understand the properties and virtues of a Government
horse. You have to watch every motion, or you may get a sly
kick or a tremendous bite, and when in the saddle, look out for
breakers ahead, or you may find yourself on the ground rather
sooner than you expected.
Yesterday our whole corps was turned out to attend the fune-
ral of one of our poor fellows, who was killed by one of the
horses. Poor boy; he was a German, and had not a friend in
this country. He was killed in the performance of his duty,
and had a soldier's funeral. The excitement in our camp is, and
has been, great; great is not strong enough, it is intense. We
have every thing packed and ready to start, at half an hour's
notice. Some great move is to be made on the Potomac, and
the services of the Signal Corps will be required. Some of our
boys went oflf about a week ago, and many more leave to-mor-
row. McClellan gives the orders and we obey. I wish you
could see our outfit. First and foremost, each Lieutenant has
two men to accompany him, one of whom carries a copper can-
teen, which holds one gallon of turpentine. He also carries
a canvass haversack, which contains the necessary trimming
instruments. The other one carries a long sort of bag, in which
are the flags, pole, torch and lance. We are armed with Colt's
best navy revolvers, and have a large Bowie knife, which is so
made that we can slip it on the end of our pole, and thus use it
as a lance. The Lieutenants carry the best kind of marine
I 78 LIEUT. WILL] \M II. POHLMAN.
glasses, [magine us rushing through the country thus accoutred.
We seem to attract universal attention wherever we go.
Fairfax ('<u i:t Hoi 8E, \ \.. March 16th, L862.
After an eventful week. I find time to Bend you a few line
as to let you know that [am in perfect health, and never fell
better before in my life, ll is now about three o'clock in the
morning, and I take the chance of sending you this, as I don't
know ulirn I can write again. We leave at six o'clock to go
we know not where. Without bloodshed we have the rebel
stronghold, and ■■ Manassas is ours." Our signal boys have been
busy night and day. and I am very tired and sleepy. Been up
almost all night. I have a splendid little horse, which I call
Charlie. He has already done much in the way of traveling,
and can begin to count our journey by hundreds of miles. If
Charlie feels as willing to do his duty to his country as I do, all
will be well.
Steamer " Knickerbocker," Chesapeake Bay, ?
March U. L862. ]
We are far out in the Sound, with vessels on every side of us.
One looking upon the scene would think that these vessels Were
laden with happy pleasure seekers. But appearances are oft-
times deceitful. Instead of being crowded with a happy,
thoughtless throng, there are stern and stout men, loyal hearts,
anxious to offer their all a sacrifice upon their country's altar.
We see determination written on every face. We hear senti-
ments drop from their lips, rather detrimental to the interests
of rebeldom. 1 am connected with Gen. Porter's Division; so
whenever you hear of him. and the troops under him, you may
know that I am somewhere around. Our present destination is
Fortress Monroe; I know not where we go from there.
Afternoon. — Land, ho! The renowned Fortress is in sight,
and active preparations are going on previous to disembarkation.
We are busily engaged in signaling, so I must stop now.
Fortress Monroe. — Here I am at last. I have always had
high expectations concerning this stronghold, and thev have all
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 479
been realized fully. It is a beautiful place. I have been not
only all through the fort, but also, through the town of Old
Point. We are truly getting South, for the trees are budding,
and many are in blossom. There are lots of flowers, and I have
heard more than one feathered songster singing beautifully. I
have had a good look at the Monitor (termed by the rebels "the
cheese box"). A queer looking craft she is. I have also seen
the top works of the "Cumberland" and "Congress," and the
rebels and their fortifications on Sewell's Point. We are ordered
to saddle up and go, so farewell for the present.
Hampton, Va. — Seated in the midst of the ruins of this once
beautiful little town, I am going to inscribe a few lines to you,
my darling sister. Every moment we expect to go. Our horses
are all saddled, and everything is in readiness. Report says that
our destination is Great Bethel, which the rebels are evacuating
as speedily as possible. My little horse is as lively as ever, not-
withstanding rough knocks. He and I took a stroll through the
village this morning, and he took it into his head to run away
with me. Well, I gave him the rein, and away we tore along at
a mad pace through the fields. Fences don't trouble him much;
over he goes. Field after field was passed, where remains of
rebel camps were to be seen, but just like themselves, among
the things that were. Charlie, my horse, got tired after awhile,
and we took a slower pace back to the village.
Little Bethel, Va., April 3, 1862.
Our present camp, or rather bivouack, is in the midst of a
thrifty peach orchard, many of whose trees are in full blow.
The ruins of burnt houses still surround us, and I suppose will
continue to be with us as we go further into the secesh territory.
What an enemy Ave contend against — an enemy who will fire his
own homestead, kill his own cattle and destroy his crops, so that
the contending faction may derive no benefit from them. Almost
the whole Army of the Potomac has been transported hither, and
we expect to advance soon. Gen. McClellan arrived at Fortress
Monroe to-da}*, and we expect some excitement soon. We had
a grand reconnoissance the other day, in which we advanced some
480 LIEUT. WILLIAM H. rollI.MAN.
four miles beyond Big Bethel. The rebels absquatulated rather
suddenly wheu they saw our boys coming along al a charge.
They did not make a stand once, bul scouted away before our
skirmishers at a tremendous pace. We always travel with the
staff of Borne General or other, thus we have a first rate chance
to sec all that's worth seeing.
Near Yorktown, April 11, 1862.
I am now sit ling in a field in front oi* Yorktown, and as
my Bister is doubtless feeling somewhat anxious about me, I
will improve the present time in writing her. This has been
a da\ «•!' resl tor us and for our horses, and I am Mire we need it
badly enough. Day after day, and night alter night., we have
been busy, signaling orders and news. 1 have pretty thoroughly
traversed this neighborhood. Our stations are continually changed
about, so that we are one day here, another, there. For three
or four days we were on the beach, signaling with the fleet of
gunboats, and 1 tell you we had a line opportunity for seeing the
strength of the rebel works. They are tremendous, and every
day thousands of their men are at work upon them. Troops are
constantly coming in from liichmond and Gordonsville, so that
by this time they must have one hundred thousand men within
their fortifications. Why, during one morning, by the aid of a
good glass, we saw sixteen of their transports come into York-
town loaded down with troops. Then, again, they have an
enormous quantity of guns of heavy calibre. Considering all
things, this place is their Sebastopol. I think they have placed
their last hopes on this stronghold. If Ave conquer, secesh is at
a discount. You must not think that we arc lying idle all this
time while the rebels are strengthening their position. Not so.
Our boys are working like bees on our entrenchments — forty-two
thousand men are digging to-day. Our heavy artillery is con-
stantly coming up from Fortress Monroe, and our balloon is
making daily reconnoissances of the opposite positions. By the
May. yon ought to see the rebel balloon. It is worth a quarter
to sec it. Such a queer shape — looks exactly like two Sibley
tents with their bottoms sewed together. Well, one of the
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMA3ST. 481
secesh gentlemen undertook to ascend in this nondescript; but
as fate would have it, a few of our sharpshooters happened to be
on picket, very close to the aspirer, and he had only arisen a few
rods, when such a volley of bullets whistled around him that he
was glad enough to cry to be let down. I don't think he saw
much.
Tidings of glorious good news have reached us, and it makes
us feel anxious to do something, not only for our country, but
so as to avenge the deaths of the brave and valiant western men,
who fell at Island No. 10 and in Tennessee.
Near Yorktown, May 2, 1862.
I am now very near the enemy. Three of the rebel batteries
are within eleven hundred yards of us, and they are very careless
as to how they sling their shells around us. Continually are the
shells and shots flying around us. I have become quite used to
the explosions, and can always manage to get down flat before
they reach the vicinity, though I must say that it was rather
difficult at first to get down in time. Our station is just under
cover of a piece of woods, which alone conceals us from the view
of the rebels. Redoubt A is on our right, and Battery Sixth on
our left. Our line of fortifications is as powerful as extensive,
and I think will soon be ready for operation.
May 4th. — Yorktown evacuated; rebels in full retreat; our boys
close on their heels; skirmishing between our advance and their
rear guard. All is excitement among the troops; thousands upon
thousands pressing on to Richmond. We, as well as others, have
our duties to perform, so farewell for the present.
May 5th. — We are ordered off to Gloucester Point, which is
opposite Yorktown, in order that we may open communication
with the gunboats.
New Kent Court House, Va., May 15, 1862.
Within one week the rebels have evacuated Yorktown, Glou-
cester, Norfolk, Williamsburg, West Point and New Kent Court
House. Such reverses can do nothing less than demoralize the
secesh army. When last I wrote you, I was on my way to Wil-
31
482 I.IEIT. WILLIAM II. POIILMAN.
liamsburg, where we gained a glorious victory. The dead rebels
covered the -round like dead leaves. The battle field was an
awful sight; but the least said of this will be the better for the
sensitive heart of my .sister. I cannot write more, as I am very
sleepy and tired, having been up all last night.
Eight Miles fbom Richmond, May 30, 18G2.
On this beautiful Sabbath morning(so different from the quiet
Sabbaths of by-gone days, when we used to proceed through the
streets of Albany to the music of the tolling bells), I take up my
pen to answer your last dear, good, long letter, which arrived
last night You can't imagine how much joy your epistle gave
me. All day long we had been riding through drenching rain,
with the further inconvenience of wading through mud, which
possessed the virtue of having a very solid consistency. Wet
through to the skin, tired and muddy, I had just kindled a roar-
ing tire in the midst of a Virginia wood, and was trying to dry
on one side as fast as the other side got wet. Just at this moment
two letters were handed me, one from your own dear self. I
forgot all my trouble, and commenced reading immediately. My
little horse (who was enjoying the fire equally with myself,)
seemed to share my pleasure, for he would occasionally look over
my shoulder and rub his nose against my cheek. This morning,
which I suppose is so quiet in the northern homes, is full of life
and motion. Contrary to the customary rule of observing the
Sabbath as much as possible, a military necessity has compelled
the troops in this vicinity to move forward three miles, so as to
hold the position which our boys fought for yesterday. The
roads are lined for miles with troops, artillery, baggage wragons,
ambulances and dead carts.
We expect the order to move every moment. We hope soon
to be in Richmond, but at what a cost, we know not. The latest
reports state that the citizens are leaving Richmond; this looks
as if they meant to make a stand of it. Hope so, at any rate.
We had quite a brisk skirmish two miles from here, yesterday,
in which we scattered the rebels, killing and wounding about
one hundred and fifty. Our side lost only about ten killed and
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 483
wounded. This morning the rear guard of the enemy were
busily employed in tearing up the railroad track. They have
also placed obstructions in the James River, so as to hinder the
passage of our gunboats. Notwithstanding all their reverses, the
few remaining inhabitants are thoroughly impregnated with the
cursed Southern sentiment. Few, very few remain behind to
run the risk of exposing their opinions. Rich and poor, equal
in this time of their adversity, alike tramp off towards Rich-
mond (a rather critical refuge.) Almost everything is left
behind. Rich furniture, splendid crockery and cut glass ware,
most beautiful silk dresses and velvet traps. Well, we formed
our station on top of the house, and were working away finely,
when all of a sudden, whiz, whiz, whiz came a volley of rifle
bullets from the woods. Fortunately none of us were touched,
though the bullets came uncomfortably close. Ten of us resolved
to drive the enemy from the woods; so we mounted, and making
a good wide flank movement, we came upon their backs. The
rebels skedaddled without firing a shot, leaving us sole possessors
of the bloodless field. We were unmolested afterwards.
Savage Station, June 5, 1862.
Oh, if I could but forget the dreadful scenes of the past few
days. Another awful battle has taken place and we are again
victorious; but oh, what a sacrifice ! The people at home read
of the fight and our success, and they all rejoice. Processions,
parades, fireworks and thanksgiving, are the order of the day;
then those who have lost no dear ones, forget everything except
the victory. It is not so here. True, we rejoice at our success;
but the groans of the wounded, the last words and looks of the
dying, the awful scenes of the field of carnage can never be
obliterated. Poor fellows ! even in their dying moments, they
are faithful to their country. I have seen the eyes of more than
one dying boy brighten, as I recounted to him the brave deeds
of his regiment. The troops are full of fire and eagerly await
the next great fight, which I only wish would end the war in
Virginia. I can't see why the rebels hold out so long. They
must see their cause is lost, yet many of the prisoners we have
.\S\ 1. 11:1 T. WILLI \M II. rom.M w.
taken are actuated by the keenest hatred The women are ten
times worse than the men. I have argued with many a pretty
Southern girl, and then on parting have had the exquisite plea-
sure of hearing her Bay, thai she hoped the confederates would
kill me and the repl of the cowardly Yankees.
I'. S. Stbam < i 1 n Boat Mahaska, July 5, 1862.
What exciting times we have had since last J wrote yon, you
can hardly imagine. Truly it has been one continual struggle
for the dear old flag and the preservation of our Union. Did
yon receive my last lew lines telling you that a fight was going
on? One week ago yesterday our army commenced its memor-
able retreat from in front of Richmond. We have whipped the
rebels seven or eight times since we began to retreat. This
shows of what material our army is composed. How I wished
that you could have seen with what gusto our boys sailed into
the rebel vanguard. We scattered them time and again with
immense loss. But, although, we have gained so many cheering
victories, yet it has been at a sacrifice on our side. Regiments,
brigades and divisions are badly cut up.
U. S. Steam Gun Boat Mahaska, July 10, 1862.
Our northern boys have now immortal names and imperish-
able glory. All praise to the now silenced noble hearts. Grief
and sorrow for those poor maimed fellows, who once wounded
in their country's cause, were fated to fall into the hands of the
ruthless southern soldiery. God ever keep me from again be-
holding the agonized features of our poor bleeding comrades, as
we were compelled to leave them to their fate. One thing is
certain, our troops will never forgive the southerners for tiring
into our sick, whilst they were hobbling and crawling away.
In Camp, Near Alexandria, Septmiber 4, 1862.
I have nothing to tell you about except defeat, scenes of
blood and almost miraculous preservation from death on my
part. Three times have I witnessed our whole army overcome,
viz : at Bull Run, on the Peninsula and in the valley of the Shen-
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAX. 485
andoah. Many a time have I been in extreme danger, when it
might almost be said that I fairly lived in an atmosphere of shot
and shell, yet am I uninjured, and unto God would I give all
the praise for His watchful care and protection over me. When
last I wrote I had expected to go to Aquia Creek, but instead of
doing so we were shipped to Alexandria and had no sooner set
foot on shore, than we were immediately sent out to Manassas
where the fight was raging. For over a week we have been
where the booming of cannon and the whistling of shells have
been our music, now we make our final stand for the defence of
cur Capital and the homes of the beloved north. Here on the
verge of the loyal States, two hundred thousand lives stand
ready to die for our Union. Three hundred thousand of the foe
press onwards — God help the ship, the staunch old ship Union.
Near Axtietam Creek, September 18, 1862.
I am going to tell you good exciting news. Yet, while we
rejoice at an auspicious event, let us think of noble lives lost, of
honorable wounds received for our country's sake. Twice have
we whipped the foe within four days. Yesterday occurred one
of the greatest battles fought during the war, and that is saying
a great deal. At daylight the slaughter commenced, and con-
tinued with uninterrupted violence through the day, ending after
the shades of night began to fall. Regiment after regiment,
brigade after brigade, division after division, corps after corps
went up the hill to the fight. Now advancing, now retreating,
backwards and forwards all day long. But when the sun hid
itself from view, we saw our worn out and powder blackened
soldiers upon the crest of the eminence, which had been in pos-
session of the rebel forces at the beginning of the conflict. We
are all rejoiced at the success. The enemy's dead strewed the
plain in vast numbers, far exceeding our loss. But we have suf-
fered largely in valuable officers, both wounded and slain.
September %\st. — I have spent these three days on top of a high
mountain, from which we can overlook the movements of both
armies. It is a most beautiful and romantic position and one in
which I have always loved to be placed. The pleasing silence is in
1 86 l ii i T. Wll.l.lWl II. POHLMAN.
Midi great contrast to the noise and bustle of our army and army
movements. You know, dear sister, how I used f<> love the
country; well, I love it still, with nil its quiet and beautiful
scenery. How I wish thai you were bymyside on this glorious
Sabbath morning, so thai we could together look down on the
hostile armies. Many :i poor fellow is lying in t be village below,
this day, thinking of the loved ones al home; and 'tis pitiful to
see tin' shadows of death slowly stealing over so many youthful
faces, when we consider that there may he wives, mot hers and
si8ters, far away in 1 he loyal North, who on this holy day are
praying tor the welfare of the absent soldier. It has been said
that the heart grows hard and heeomes steeled to the continued
right of bloodshed. However true this may be in some cases, it
fails in mine, for I cannot get accustomed to such scenes as I
have so frequently witnessed.
Hooker's Head Quarters, January 10, 1863.
This is the 10th of January, 1863, and I am just twenty-one
years old. Strange how time creeps on. Although so many
years have elapsed, yet does my whole life appear as a dream
which ean easily he recalled. Events of my earliest childhood
Beem as though they had happened but yesterday. However
hard it may he to credit, yet it is the truth that scenes and
actions of days spent in the far off regions of Heathendom are
still fresh in my memory. I ean almost imagine that I am again
with lather and yourself in the little boat, which propelled by
the strong arms of a Chinese boatman, slowly used to transport
ns across the harbor to the Island of Ko-long-zoo, where I col-
lected shells and seaweed to add to my stock of playthings. I
believe that I owe all my military hankerings to those same shells,
for you know how I used to spend hours upon hours in forming
my line of battle with buttons and shells. I little thought then
that a practical demonstration awaited me. Then again I remem-
ber how I, in company wTith mother and our little brother, used
to promenade backwards and forwards on the piazza, which over-
looked the water. How that brother and I quarreled over our
childish games ! Then that sad event Hashes up distinctly, when
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 487
that brother died, and was laid out in his coffin awaiting burial.
My last distinct recollection of the land of Cathay is the saddest,
viz: my last look into mother's coffin. Ah, what a loss that was.
Many a tear have I shed in secret for the loss of that dear, sainted
mother. Ever since I have arrived at man's estate, I cherish
these memories of by-gone days, and I think they soften the hard-
ness of a soldier's nature.
Near Falmouth, Va., May 5, 1863.
Some very queer and strange scenes have we passed through
within the past seventy-two hours. For three nights I have slept
only about two hours, and during the day time we have been
under constant fire and excitement. Our brigade is completely
worn out. Thus far I have been miraculously preserved. On
all sides of me have our brave boys fallen; but not a shot has
been designed for me. We charged the enemy's works in rear
at Fredericksburg, at half-past seven a. m. on Sunday morning,
but were repulsed. At twelve m. made another terrible charge
on their right flank, and carried all the lines of their works.
Such a glorious old charge you could scarcely imagine. To be
sure many a poor fellow fell, but we gained the day. What suc-
cess we have met with on the right, I cannot tell, but am quite
confident that the fight is not finished. We expect to pitch over
into Fredericksburg again in a day or two — may we be successful.
We don't mind wounds or even death itself, if we can only con-
quer the enemy. They seem to be badly off for provisions. An
old woman offered me a ten dollar U. S. note for a pound of
coffee. I did not happen to have it for her.
I suppose you would like to know why we came back from
Fredericksburg. I will tell you. After we had captured the
fortifications, one single brigade was left to hold the city — the rest
of the troops pushing on to form a junction with Hooker on the
extreme right. No troops were left in the rebel breastworks,
and only our weak, decimated brigade, numbering about two
thousand men, to hold the city. Well, everything passed off
quietly during the night. Early in the morning, with the peep
of day, a large force of the enemy came rushing into their own
I III T. WILLI iM II. POHLM \\.
works, drove our pickets in. and though! they were going bo
conic righl into the town, but oot so. Our two thousand rifles
were too many for them, and such a hoi fire as we poured into
them, would have made your eyes -land out. The approach to
the town from their works is by a few narrow causeways over a
canal, and placing our hoys in advantageous positions, avc kept
them at bay for twenty-four hours, hut it was of no use. During
the night the enemy were reinforced, and we were forced to
retreat across the Rappahannock. I was very sorry that it was
but what could two thousand men do against eight or ten
thousand. Our retreat was orderly, no haste. We did not lose
a thing:, or leave a wounded man behind.
May 6, 1863. — It storms terribly; a great fight is going on
on our right; Hooker is at Lee again; pray that we may be vic-
torious: the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry drown the
tumult of the storm. Don't feel anxious about me; I will write
a- soon after the battle as I can.
Near Falmouth, Va., May 15, 1863.
We are having terribly hot weather for marching, but this I
do not mind, for I am so anxious to accomplish something before
the rebels have entirely recovered from their last great victory
over the Potomac army. Two or three more such victories will
be apt to use Gen. Lee's army up. We did just mow the enemy
down. We undoubtedly suffered severely, but they must have
lost immensely. If Hooker only keeps at work, and don't let
the rebels rest, we may yet expect great things. We can die
hut once, and if we die in battle for the Union, why, we fall in a
glorious cause. I don't think our boys are much demoralized,
from what I can sec. In ten days the army will be in as good
condition to tight as ever, so far as number and feeling is con-
cerned. This last fight makes the thirteenth battle I have been
engaged in since the opening of the war. Quite a veteran, am
I not ?
Falmouth, Va., May 24, 1863.
Glorious good news has reached us within the past few days,
in reference to Grant's operations in the south and west. We
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 489
hope and pray that the news is true; but there are so many false
reports afloat now-a-days, that we hardly know what to think.
Here everything remains in statu quo — not a sign of a move. I
wish that we could strike a decisive blow soon.
Falmouth, Va., June 6, 1863.
We expect to have another fight pretty soon. Our forces are
again across the river. We are expecting to be in Fredericks-
burg before forty-eight hours more. Our orders were to start at
two ox-lock this morning, but the order was countermanded.
Before I write again, I hope to be able to tell of more glorious
deeds accomplished by Union arms and valor. You must not be
alarmed if you do not hear from me very soon, for in the stir of
battle it is difficult to collect one's ideas and time.
Thoroughfare Gap, Va., June 21, 1863.
Here we are, safe and sound, but that is all I am able to tell
you; for to what place we are bound, or what we are to accom-
plish, is more than I can tell, but we hope for the best. I think
we are here to cut off the retreat of the rebels when they come
from Pennsylvania and Maryland. We have undergone some
very severe marches and hard times for our country's cause.
Union Town, June 30, 1863.
Almost worn out from our constant marching, we are at last
in a friendly neighborhood, and breathe a good Union atmos-
phere. You cannot imagine how good we felt to see the people
greet us kindly, and freely offer us almost everything they had.
The rebels are at Westminster, only seven miles off, and only
three miles from the Pennsylvania border. We hope to draw
them out in a day or two. The country all through here is
beautiful. It seems a pity that it should ever be traveled over
by an invading army. I hope we will be able to bag the rebels.
As I have said before, do not be alarmed about me. Remember
that I am in God's hands, and that the same being who has
brought me safely through thus far, can, if He so sees best, pre-
serve me unto the end.
490 UEl T. ^\ I I.I.I \M II. I'OIII.M AN.
Bui the last closing tragedy draws Dear. Our hero, after
passing through the toil, hardships and perils of thirteen hard
foughl battles, appears before us in the bloody field of Gettys-
burg. Our forces, weary, hungry and exhausted by their long
marches under the burning sun. wheeled into ranks to receive
the Bhocks of the rebel artillery. Those memorable three flays
of July, when heroism and brave endurance won such triumphs,
will uever be forgotten by a grateful people. On the 2d of
July, the valiant Colonel of the regiment was severely wounded,
and Lieut. Pom. man was the only field officer lift during the
remainder of the battle. How keenly he felt his responsibility,
and how well he discharged his duties, his men relate with pas-
sionate pride. How could they falter, when, wherever the peril
was greatest,
" There was no braver sight
Than his young form, steadfast 'mid shot and shell."
But late in the afternoon of Friday, July 3d, a Minnie ball struck
his arm, and frightfully shattered it. He was at once urged to
withdraw from the front, but he answered, "No, never while I
have a sound arm left to fight with." An hour later his sword
arm failed him, and another ball, glancing from his swordhilt,
which it shattered, pierced his right wrist, and severed an artery,
thus disabling him from service. At this crisis his noble nature
-hone forth with new lustre. To the soldiers, who would have
borne him from the field, now almost won, he said, "Boys, stay
in your places. Your country needs every man of you." Thus
lie left them, bul not until he had groped about in his blindness,
to recover, if possible, the sword given to him by his adopted
mother. It- eni]it\ scabbard, battered and blood-stained, with
the glorious motto engraved upon it, unmarred: "For God and
your country," is now the most cherished relic to her who filled
a mother's place to the orphan boy. He reached the camp,
having fainted on the way from loss of blood, and was laid by
the side of his beloved Colonel. So careful was he of the feel-
ings of his friends in this city, that he withheld his name from
the newspaper reporters, lest the tidings of his wounds might
-hock those who were deaf to his heart.
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 491
In a characteristic note dictated the following day, after first
speaking of their glorious victory, he added, "The usual good
fortune which has attended me in thirteen battles of the war,
has forsaken me in the fourteenth engagement. I bear honor-
able wounds in my country's cause." Our hero was tenderly
cared for, and under the influence of a home presence, and while
hoping soon to welcome a beloved only sister, he seemed to
rally; but on the night of the 20th he sank rapidly, and at 11
o'clock in the forenoon, July 21st, his noble spirit went to its
reward. His nearest relative says of her patriotic and christian
brother: " We could not wish him a prouder record, nor ask for
him a worthier death."
' Great God of night !
Accept our sacrifice;
Bid thou our country rise,
The joy of longing eyes,
The home of Right.' "
The following is an extract of a letter written by a dear cousin
of the deceased, and published in The Princetown Standard:
We found Mary (the sister) in the greatest distress. She felt
her loss the more because she was not able to get to her dear
brother. The news which first arrived was that Willie's
wounds were slight, and that he wanted somebody to come on,
so that he could be removed to his home, in Albany. His adopt-
ed brother went on immediately, and then he begged for his sis-
ter. Three telegraph messages in succession were sent to her,
none of which she received. Letters were written on three suc-
cessive days, each giving particular directions to his sister for
her journey, urging her to come on, which all failed to reach her,
until after the intelligence arrived that the dear boy's spirit had
flown.
I hardly know where to begin to tell you about Willie, but
will commence at the time of his first wound.
The Captain of his company (his intimate friend) being mor-
tally wounded, the command devolved upon him. He bravely,
at the head of his men, cheered them on, fighting with all his
might. At length a shell hit him, shattering his left shoulder
492 i.iii r. H ii ii \m ii. rom.M w.
and arm, which hung powerless by his Bide Bis men urged him
to leave the field, bul he said, ■• No1 while I have my sword arm
Left." For an hour, he bravely rushed on to victory, when :i
Minnie ball penetrated his righl wrist, and passed up his arm,
shattering his sword in pieces. One of his men wound his hand-
kerchief round the arm, and pushed his ramrod in tin1 wound.
in keep it from bleeding. They now proceeded to carry him off
the scene of action, but the brave, noble boy said "No, every
man is wanted; go back to your post," and notwithstanding all
their entreaties, he insisted upon walking. He walked three
miles, tainting once by the way. He happily fell among very
kind friends, who did everything in their power for his comfort.
The reporters came repeatedly, and begged him to have his name
put among the wounded. No, he would not, for his wounds
were, he thought, slight, and it would needlessly alarm his
Mends at home, and he expected so soon to be taken to them.
AVhen the Surgeon extracted the bones from his shoulder, not
a groan or sigh escaped his lips. The Surgeon asked, "Doesn't
that hurt you, Adjutant? " The reply was, "Of course, a little."
I know he must have used all his fortitude so that his dear sist< r
might not hear how he suffered. On Monday, the day before
he died, he longed so for his sister. He did not expect to die,
neither had those about him the least idea that he Avas so near
his end. He had a long talk with his adopted brother, until the
fever flushed his face, when he was requested to desist. He then
dropped asleep, when his wound commenced sloughing, as it is
termed. It means that a second bleeding takes place, an outward
and inward hemorrhage, and the dear boy slept away his life.
He was called by name several times, but he took no notice. The
steward stooped down and shouted in his ear, "Adjutant." He
opened his eyes for a moment and then (dosed them again. A
short time before he died he raised his head, gave the order
"Cease firing," dropped it again, and in few moments expired.
He was not the only one who died on that day. There were
over one hundred and fifty wdio were wounded in the same battle,
and whose wounds were all. as they thought, getting along well,
but jusf between two and three o'clock the barometer fell, and
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 493
immediately the wounds of the more than one hundred and fifty
commenced sloughing, and every one died. It is said that such
a thing; has never been known before.
The body was embalmed and sent to Albany, and reached Mrs.
McClure's on Saturday evening. It was a comfort to have the
precious remains at home, but oh, how unlike Willie! The
funeral services were very interesting. Dr. Sprague opened
with a prayer. Mr. Nevius followed with a touching address,
and Dr. Clark, of whose church W. was a member, closed with
prayer and the benediction.
Mr. Nevius referred to his deep attachment to the father
(with whom he was formerly associated in the missionary work
in China) and of that love having been transferred to the son.
It was truly a comforting address. A flag was thrown over the
foot of the coffin with a broken scabbard upon it. At the head,
a beautiful wreath of flowers was placed.
His cousin, Joseph Scudder, did not receive the news in time
to attend the funeral. He came in the evening. He said if he
had known Willie was dangerously wounded, he would have
gone on immediately. He referred to a satisfactory conversation
he had with W. after his visit home, in February, on his way to
join his regiment. He went from home to Governor's Island.
Chaplain Joseph Scudder is now stationed at Governor's Island,
and was formerly Chaplain of the Fifty-ninth New York State
Militia, with which Lieutenant Pohlman was connected at the
time of his death. Mr. Scudder remarked that as they parted,
he said, " Willie, live for Jesus." He answered, "Yes, I will."
Mr. S. says that he has not the least doubt that the precious one
is now happy, and he is as perfectly assured of this as if he had
been with him at the last, and heard from his own mouth that
he was going to Jesus.
The following tribute to our departed hero has been received
from a college classmate:
My acquaintance with William Pohlman began September,
1859, at which time we entered the Freshmen's class of Rutger's
college at New Brunswick, N. J. We soon became well
49 I 1 III T. N\ I 111 AM II. I'< >I 1 1 M \\.
acquainted, and our acquaintance rapidly grew into a strong
friendship, which continued until he Left die college in the spring
of L861.
He was, in many respects, a remarkable young man. The
first prominent characteristic that our would notice in him
was his sprightliness ami vivacity. He was very quick in his
movements, ami all his actions showed that lie possessed an
energy that might he quite irresistible. Hi- continual good
nature made him a most pleasant companion, and this alone won
for him many friends. He was always ready for fun; was noto-
rious in his class for his perpetual good humor and pleasant wit;
and in all college sports, none was more eagerly sought or better
liited to take the lead than Pohlman.
Combined with this natural buoyancy of spirit and activity of
body, was a natural quickness of mind, which made study no
real task for him. His power of quickly grasping and thoroughly
comprehending a subject, was indeed wonderful in one so young.
For him a few moments would be sufficient in wdiich to acquire
a perfect knowledge of a lesson, which it would take most of his
classmates an hour to learn, and his recitations were almost
invariably perfect. This quickness of mind, combined with a
most excellent memory, an ambitious zeal and an indomitable
perseverance, soon ranked him among the best in his class, and
we all looked upon William H. Pohlman as one who, if spared,
would make his mark in the world.
But these are intellectual graces. There are also graces of the
soul which as far outshine the intellectual, as the noonday sun
excels in brightness and glory the midnight star. These spi-
ritual graces Pohlman possessed in an eminent degree. His
whole walk and conversation evidenced true piety of heart. As
he entered upon his college course with the design of preparing
for the ministry, his whole energies while in college, were bent
towards the attainment of that object. He was always in his
place at the college prayer meeting on Friday afternoons, and
his fervent prayers and earnest exhortations often warmed our
hearts and encouraged us to renewed diligence in the Master's
service. It may be proper also to state here, that as he con-
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 495
templated entering upon the foreign missionary work, he was
one of a faithful few who sustained a missionary prayer meeting.
This little band often met in his own room, and on those occa-
sions fervent prayers were offered to God in behalf of the mis-
sionary cause.
A prominent and well known characteristic was his love of
everything that was honorable and manly. He despised mean-
ness, in any shape or form, and nothing would so rouse his indig-
nation and scorn as the commission, by any one, of a cowardly
and ungentlemanly act. He was generous to a fault, always
ready to use any means in his power to accommodate a friend, or
relieve any one in distress.
Such were some of the characteristics of William H. Pohl-
man. Every one who knew him could not but love him, and all
saw before him a bright career of usefulness, when he should
enter upon the labors of the minister of Christ. But God, in
his providence, ordered otherwise. He had scarcely passed
through two years of his collegiate course, when the trumpet
of war sounded through the land. Traitors were aiming deadly
blows at the life of the Nation. Men were needed to punish
them, and save our Government from a horrible death, and
Pohlman was the first, among a number of others in Rutger's
College, to shoulder his musket and rush to the field of battle.
Friends and relatives expostulated, entreated him not to go, but
in vain. He saw his duty before him, and that duty must be
performed. He fought bravely. For two long years he patiently
and patriotically endured all the toils and privations of a sol-
dier's life, when, at the battle of Gettysburg, July, 1863, he
received the wound which soon after caused his death.
Thus terminated the glorious career of one of Rutger's noblest
sons; the devoted Christian student; the patriotic Christian sol-
dier. God's ways are mysterious; but He cloeth all things well.
Yet who would say that it were doubting God's goodness, as we
stand by that silent grave, to wish that William H. Poiilmant
might have lived to become, what he bade fair to be, a faithful
servant of Christ.
496 LIEUT, will. i \m ii. POHLMAN.
The following account of the conversion, .- 1 1 1 < 1 Christian charac-
ter of Mr. I'oiii.m an. has been furnished by aD esteemed fellow
citizen, Mr. Am chony:
Albany, March 7, 1866.
Mrs. J. McClube:
Madam In compliance with your request thai I would furnish
von with the incidents relating to the conversion and the earlier
Christian life of your nephew and my former pupil, William II.
Poklman, I would present the following statement:
I think it was in the autumn of 1856, that, near the close of
the day, I was in company with George Blake, (afterwards
Sergeant Blake, Eighteeth Regiment New York Volunteers.)
when he expressed a desire to converse on the subject of reli-
gion. Gladly accepting the proposition, I induced him to Lead
the conversation. This was done with a view of eliciting the
train of thought that was evidently passing through his mind,
and with the hope of bringing our discourse to a profitable issue.
The result was what had been anticipated. He left me, im-
pressed with the necessity of immediate action. It was not long
that I was obliged to wait for the joyful announcement that he
had yielded to the claims of his Saviour.
Soon after this, knowing that your nephew was very intimate
with George, I took occasion one day to inform him of what
his friend had done, and how he had been blessed; reminding
him that the way of salvation was no less open to him, than to
the one who had already begun to walk in it. He gave me
encouragement to believe that he would think seriously upon
what had been said. He was faithful to his promise, and in a
few da}rs he too brought me the pleasing intelligence that he
had accepted Christ as his personal Saviour, and was resolved
henceforth to live to His honor and glory. This interview, as
well as the preceding one, was marked by perfect calmness on
both sides. My own mind was entirely free from excitement,
and I wished that his should be so too. There is every reason
to believe that it was so. He had evidently been doing what
he had for a long time felt it his duty to do.
His friend George wras soon made acquainted with the stand
LIEUT. WILLIAM H. POHLMAN. 497
that he had taken; and it was resolved that we three should
institute a private prayer meeting. In a short time we had an
addition of one or two more; and the systematic study of the
Bible was .superadded to the exercise of prayer. Many a plea-
sant and profitable hour was spent in this way; and William
was never willingly absent from our little circle. Here I had
an excellent opportunity of studying the inner spiritual life of
every member of my class; while the daily walk of each one, as
manifested in the school room, could easily be compared with
the standard which a profession of religion so plainly indicates.
With such means before me of judging, I can say, most emphat-
ically, that if he, of whom I write, was not a servant of Christ,
I have no means of knowing who is so. I know of no act in his
life, while he remained under my charge, that was inconsistent
with, while I can remember many things that served to adorn, a
Christian profession.
In the year 1858, during the great revival, a most marked
interest in religion was manifest among the youth of our city.
The boys' prayer meeting, held at the rooms of the Christian
Association, was largely attended, although it occurred at a time
usually devoted to play. It was not a rare thing to see in the
entrance halls, instruments of boyish sports, now laid aside, that
their owners might enjoy an hour of communion with God, and
of spiritual intercourse with each other. The devotional zeal
of those boys on such occasions might profitably be copied by
their elders, when, as members of the visible church, they assem-
ble for prayer and praise. Our little gathering, which had con-
tinued its meetings for more than a year, had now merged itself
in this larger convocation, where William still exhibited the
same earnestness of purpose that had characterized his efforts
from the very commencement of his religious career. And so it
was with him as long as any opportunity wTas afforded me of
observing his course of life. During all these years, nothing
occurred, on his part, to modify my opinion of him as an earnest,
consistent follower of his Divine Master. How could I doubt
that he was so, while I bore in mind His words who said, "By
their fruits ye shall know them."
32
498 LIEUT. WILLIAM II. I-OIIIMW
It gives me great pleasure to l m-.-u- this testimony in favor of
one so dear t<> both of us, so earnest in the great business of lit'*-,
and whose blessed privilege it was, in his early departure hence,
to set a seal, with his own warm blood, to his sense of obligation
to our beloved eountry and our common humanity.
Very truly yours,
C. H. ANTHONY,
Late Principal Albany Classical Institute.
LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 499
XLV.
LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER.
No feature of the late war is more remarkable and providential
than the uprising of the young men of the nation, in response
to the call of the President of the United States for soldiers to
fill the ranks of the Union army. Especially are we impressed
with the readiness of Christian young men to leave home and
friends, church and Sabbath school, and the finest prospects for
usefulness and prosperity, and devote their all to their country.
Their religious consistency and zeal, too, after they entered the
camp; the heroic manner in which they battled with temptation,
as well as with the foes of civilization and liberty; their labors
and success in bringing their impenitent comrades to Jesus, are
such as call forth our warmest gratitude and highest admiration.
Among the Christian heroes, no one stands higher or presents
a purer record than the lamented martyr whose history we pro-
pose now to trace.
Henry Douglass Brower, son of S. Douglass Brower, was
born in Albany, on the 12th day of November, 1839. His
mother's maiden name was Harriet Putnam. The happy home
circle, of which he was the youngest member, was not destined
to remain long unbroken, for he was called to witness in one
short week the decease of his mother, and a brother next older
than himself. His mother died on the 28th of October, 1843,
and his brother on the 22d of October, 1843.
At the age of sixteen years, Henry was in his father's employ
as a manufacturer of silver ware, where he remained until he
was of age, and became master of his. profession. He became
hopefully converted to God, and joined the First Congregational
Church, when about nineteen years of age. He was engaged in
500 LIEUT. HENRI l». BBOWEB,
the Sabbath school of thai church as treasurer, and, at the time
of his enlistment, as assistant librarian.
At tlif breaking out of the rebellion, he, being a young man,
fell thai heoughl to respond to thecal! of the President for sol-
diers to defend the Republic; and the more hethoughl upon the
subject the more deeply be became convinced thai it was his
duty to enlist. His father cordially approved of his course, and
the feelings which animated the father in bis approval were
illustrated l>\ an incident which occurred at a subsequent period.
A man came into his office one day, after Henry bad gone to
the front, and after inquiring about "the boy," and making
some remarks as to the way the Avar was being conducted, said,
"If Henry was killed, his life would be wasted, for he believed
the Government could not .sustain itself, but must soon go to
pieces." Said his father, "1 have four sons, one is now in the
army, but sooner than see this Government go to pieces, I would
not only see that one killed, but would send the other three
too, and then, if necessary, go myself."
That was the true spirit of loyalty, that made him approve
his son's choice, and that spirit Henry carried with him as In-
left home to do battle for his country. After having decided to
become a soldier himself, his next thought was to try and call
together young men enough of good moral character, to form a
company. After spending considerable time and money, he at
length had the satisfaction of marching to the Barracks at the
head of the first installment of men, who after having been
recruited to the requisite number, were known as the Eleventh
New York Battery, or the Havelocks; taking the name from
General Havelock, and desiring, that like him, they might be
ofood as well as brave men. On the first of October. 1861, he
was mustered into the service as a private. Afterwards he
made application to Brigadier General Rathbone to be trans-
ferred to some other company, and being successful, he left
Albany for Washington on the 17th January, 1862, as Corporal
in the Twelfth New York Battery, under command of Captain
WniLLAM H. Ellis. The company left here in a severe snow
storm, and after many detentions, reached Washington January
LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 501
28th, at about 7 o'clock in the evening. They received orders
the next morning to be prepared to leave for Fort Ellsworth.
In his diary he says:
" January 30. — This morning we started for the fort, at eight
o'clock. It rained very hard, and the mud was ankle deep. I
never saw such mud. The Albany Barracks are nothing to it.
I was. I confess, a little disappointed to find nothing but tents
for our accommodation. However, I shall soon be all right, as I
have expected hardships."
From the outset of his military career, Henry manifested an
earnest religious zeal, as well as a pure and lofty patriotism. In
his diary and in his letters this is very apparent.
To a younger brother, whose name was Charles Moore
Brower, he wrote as follows, after learning that he had a hope
in Christ:
" There is one thing, Charlie, I wish to speak to you about
particularly. You have hoped that you are a Christian. Oh!
my brother, stand fast in the faith. You have had experience
enough, even in so short a time, to know that it will be a hard
battle. Temptations will beset you; that you must overcome.
Don't think to gain friends by yielding to temptations; for the
very friends that you might thus gain would despise you for it.
Such friends are not worth having.
"But do not be discouraged by the difficulties that attend the
Christian course. Have the most implicit faith in God. He will
bring you safely through them all. Our first duty is to love
Him with all our heart, and " perfect love casteth out fear." This
you know, and the rest will be easy.
"I have been some time in camp, and know what a young
man's peculiar temptations are here, and the only way to steer
clear of them, is to have the Bible for one's chart."
In a letter to his father, dated June 11th, he says:
" As you see by my letter, I have changed my quarters, but
for how long, I am unable to say. We are detailed from the
various companies and regiments, under Gen. Whipple's com-
mand, for a brigade guard at his head-quarters, which are at
Arlington Heights. It is a beautiful place: on a hill, covered
502 LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWEB.
by a very fine grove, commanding a splendid view of Washing-
ton and the Potomac, while around the house is a beautiful
lawn. At the time the war broke out, if was occupied by Gen.
Lee. Many of the negroes are still here. These Heights for-
merly belonged t<» the Cdstis family, and their graves are to be
seen in the grove not far from the house."
Very early in his connection with the army. Henry manifested
his courage and daring, as will appear from the following inci-
dent, described to Charlie, under date of July 20th:
" You say you like anything that savors of adventure; so I'll
tell you of a little one which I had the other night. The offi-
cers of the Sixty-ninth Regiment have been in the habit of
ciiining up to our camp, when on guard at night, under pretense
of making the ' grand rounds,1 which you know are made by
the officer of the day, officer of the guard — a Captain and
Lieutenant, with a file of guards. They, not being attached to
us, or in any way connected with us, have no right to enter our
camp at night, under any pretext whatever, not even with the
countersign, without calling our officer of the day to pass them
in. Several times they had imposed upon the guard and got in,
and then boasted of their success, and ridiculed the order we
had in camp. The other night, when I was on guard, about
three o'clock, just after posting the guard, I heard the call,
'Corporal of the guard, No. 7.' I ran down to post seven, to
see what was up, and found the ' grand rounds ' from the Sixty-
ninth, and asked them their business. They replied they wished
to go through the camp. I told them they could not go. They
then wished to see the officer of the day. I went to his tent
to call him, bidding them stand there till I came back. When
I got back, they had passed the guard, and were coming towards
me, the guard calling out to them to halt, but not daring to stop
them. I ran down and ordered them to halt. Said the Captain,
' Do you know who I am? I am the officer of the day.' I told
him I couldn't see it. I recognized no officer of the day but
our own. He turned to the guard, and ordered them forward.
I drew out my navy revolver, cocked it, and again ordered them
to halt. The Captain, now, in a great rage, ordered his men to
LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 503
arrest me, and take me to the guard house of the Sixty-ninth.
The guard brought down their muskets to a ' charge,' and came
two or three steps, when I leveled my revolver full at the
Lieutenant's breast, telling him if he came another step, I would
bloAv him through. Now you may believe he stopped suddenly,
for my pistol was cocked, and my finger trembling on the trig-
ger. I say trembling, for I do not believe a man can be perfectly
cool when just on the point of shooting a man through the
heart, and a superior officer at that. I confess my hand did
tremble some from the excitement, but not from fear. I call that
a pretty close call for his life, for in another moment he would
have been a dead man. I kept him there, till the officer of the
day came up, and left them to him."
Being in a "camp of instruction," and not in the field, affairs
moved on with Henry in pretty much the same routine, from
month to month. We find in his diary, under date of 20th
November, 1862, this record:
"About roll call tins evening, the Captain called me to his
tent, and informed me that Orderly had resigned, and at
the same time offering me the place, which I accepted; though
I was much surprised that he should have offered it to me. I
shall try and do my duty faithfully, whatever may be the con-
sequences."
He learned, soon after, that Col. Monroe, who was present at
the drill that day, and who inspected the battery, had told the
Captain that Henry was the best disciplinarian, and the most
thoroughly acquainted with the artillery tactics, of any man in
the battery, and that he must put him ahead.
What he writes about doing his duty faithfully, accords well
with what he considers to be his duty, as appears from a letter
written home soon after: "What, indeed, is the country coming
to ? There is nothing being done, and letters received from the
front say that men are deserting by scores. There is no use in
denying the fact. We are in a bad fix, but I am not discouraged;
the weaker the country gets, the more I am willing to sacrifice
for her. * * * I am very sorry that such large bounties
were ever paid for recruits. They might better have drafted the
50 I 111:1 T. BENB1 D. r.la W EB.
men at once, then we should have had some nun. Now. two-
thirds are disabled, and after staying a rim ml the companies three
or four months, at the government expense, have to be dis«
charged."
In consequence of his ability, faithfulness and bravery, IIiakv
was made Lieutenant .March 30th, 1863.
During the forced march of the Arm\ of the Potomac, after
the battle of Gettysburg, he was taken sick. In fact, he was
quite unwell when the order came t<> advance, being threatened
with a fever; but after lying still so long, he could not entertain
the thought of being on the sick list just as the moment for action
came, and his account of thai march shows his determination imi
to give up:
"Thai was a great march we had after the battle of Gettys-
burg. They did not give us a chance to rest day nor night. I
-was .sick most of the time, although I managed to keep on duty
until the army halted at Warrenton. It came hard, though.
Sometimes when I would be lying down under a tree, burning
up with fever, trying to get a little rest, the order would come
to march, and I -would have to get up, throw myself on my horse,
and lake command of my section. The night we crossed the
Potomac, we started in the afternoon about five o'clock, and
traveled all that night until three o'clock next morning (over one
of the worst roads I ever saw), when we commenced the passage
of the river on a pontoon bridge. About seven o'clock we halted
for breakfast (salt pork, hard tack and coffee, for a sick man), and
then continued our march, halting a 1 tout four o'clock in the after-
noon. 1 was in the saddle all this time, about twenty-three
hours, and very glad was I t<» throw myself upon the ground
when wo did halt."
This great strain upon him in his feeble condition, so increased
the fever that he was totally unfit lb)' duty, and was sent to the
hospital at Georgetown, known as the Seminarj hospital. Be
entered the hospital on the 30th July, and was very low with
typhoid fever. He was there until the 23d August, when, having
bo far recovered, he procured leave of absence for thirty days,
and came home for the first time.
LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 505
On reaching home, he was extremely weak and emaciated, but
with good nursing and rest, he was able to report himself at the
hospital for duty when his leave of absence had expired, and
from thence to the battery, which was encamped near Culpepper.
The battery left there, however, on the the 11th October, and
after several marches, came to camp at Catlett's Station October
22d. Writing home, under date of December 4th, 1863, he says:
"We left our camp near Brandy Station one week ago, and
returned to it yesterday. It was the roughest week I have passed
while in the service. The order came on Monday evening to
march at daylight next morning. Long before daylight I was up,
seeing to getting the teams harnessed, &c. Just before daylight
it commenced raining very hard, and was almost freezing cold.
We moved out, and came into park near the railroad, while
Lieut. Dauchy went to report to Gen. Prince, of the Second
Division. After waiting in the rain about an hour, the Lieuten-
ant came and told us the great move had been indefinitely post-
poned, so we moved up to the Second Division, and went into
camp. About noon it cleared up, and that afternoon I heard we
should move on Thursday. We had our turkey, and kept our
Thanksgiving on Wednesday. At daylight Thursday morning,
I drew out on the road with one section of the battery, and
when the first regiment of the Second Division had passed, I fell
into the column — the rest of the battery was to march in rear of
the division. The roads were pretty bad, and if it had rained
much longer, it .would have been impossible to have got along.
As it was, we were nearly fast in the mud. The guns were very
heavily loaded with grain and rations for the men. Five days'
rations we carried with us. About noon the column halted, and
very soon an Orderly came back and said the General wished to
see me. I went forward, when he sent me ahead to pick out a
good place for the two guns, where they would command the
ford and the hill beyond. This was at Jacob's ford, on the Rapi-
dan. I took the pieces and placed them in position, fully expect-
ing to use them shortly, as the rebels were in plain sight on the
opposite bank. Our skirmishers were sent forward and forded
the stream, and moved up the hill.
.r>lit'» Mil i . HENJE1 l>. BBOH l :i:.
"The rebels waited until our men wen' mosi on to them,
.■mil then Bkedaddled. We waited there until dark, when I
joined the battery, and we started forGermania lord, about two
miles below. Now commenced our troubles. There was a bad
hill to go up for the firsl thing. Bere our horses go1 stuck, and
we had to double our teams, take one carriage up at a time, and
send the teams hack after the next. In going through a piece
of woods, a caisson ran againsl a stump, was overturned, and
broke the stock. In trying to go round a wagon thai was Btuck
in the road, we got stuck again. The horses were fagged out,
and refused to draw. Here we had to double, which delayed US
BO long, that before we could get on the main road it was occu-
pied by the Sixth Corps wagons, and we were cut off. It was
enough to try the patience of a saint. The drivers were swear-
ing at and lashing their horses; the cannoneers, prying at the
wheels and swearing at the drivers. There was a train, of miles
in length, behind us, which could not be moved till we were out
of the way. The officers in charge of the train would come up,
look on awhile, curse the whole battery, and go back again.
"Finally, about midnight, we got out on the road, and after
cutting oft' two or three trains, and receiving upon our devoted
heads the curses of a score of mule drivers, wre arrived at the
ford. It took us from that time till ten o'clock next morning to go
a distance of one mile and a half, with the road all clear ahead
of us. If it had been dark, I do not know what we should have
done, but fortune favored us by giving us a beautiful full moon.
Well-, we got breakfast, fed the horses, and at noon started again.
That night we camped in what is called the " "Wilderness," it
being a complete forest from this place, near the Rapidan, to
Fredericksburg. For several hours before dark, there was quite
lively tiring with musketry but a short distance ahead of us.
"The next morning about eight o'clock, we moved again, it
raining very hard; went about one mile and laid out in the rain
till noon, when we again moved.
" After various stoppages and going over the same old ' stick
in the mud' arrangement, we brought up on a hill in sight of the
rebel fires. Cold, tired and out of sorts, I laid down in my
LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 507
blankets and went to sleep, fully expecting to see a battle on the
following morning.
" Morning came ; our guns were placed in position and the range
calculated. They were about eighteen hundred yards distant.
There were four batteries in line, while the First Division of the
Third Corps supported us. All day long we laid there watching
the enemy, who were working like beavers — throwing up rifle
pits.
"In the afternoon we heard that Warren with the Second Corps,
was on the left, trying to turn their right flank, and as soon as
he opened with his guns we were to commence. That afternoon
we advanced with our battery two hundred yards, while some of
the infantry threw up redoubts for our pieces. At dark we
drew back behind the hills, and made ourselves comfortable for
the night. At daylight next morning we returned to the re-
doubts. Soon the Chief of Artillery came riding along, and
told us as soon as he opened with one piece on the right, to com-
mence firing. About eight o'clock the gun was fired, and then
such a hubbub I never heard. You see, when we advanced the
two hundred yards it left the other batteries in our rear, and
they had to fire over our heads. As the shells whistled over, I
at first instinctively looked up, but of course could see nothing.
The rifle shells as they go through the air seem to say, which
one I which one !
" We did some very good shooting; our first shot was not far
out of the way. We fired from our battery one hundred and
seventy rounds. Just as we were going to bed, the band com-
menced to play at headquarters. " There," said the boys (who
were old soldiers) " we will retreat to-night, or else the band
would not be playing." I could not believe this possible, as
everything seemed in our favor, except that we were short of
forage and rations. But about four o'clock next morning; the
order came, to " get out of that as fast as possible." I never
was more disappointed in my life, for I did want to fight them
then. Well, we started on the retreat, marching until three
o'clock, when we put up for the night. I went into an old
school house which had just been vacated by some soldiers, and
508 i-ii'-i T. HENE1 i». l'.i;<>\\ BR.
found a lust] fire burning in b Btove made by Treadwells &
Perri of Albany. Ii was like seeing an old friend.
"After various tribulations we have al iaai go1 back to camp,
ami indeed ii is quite time, for our horses have no1 had a particle
of hay or grain since day before yesterday, and had been for the
week previous on only ten pounds per day. Bui the worst of
all was lasl night. We had jus! got fixed all comfortably, with
no idea of being disturbed again yerysoon. I was sitting by the
fire and reading my letters from home, which I had just received,
when the order came to "get >'/> and get."
•There was no help for it, and in an hour's time we were on
the road, shivering and shaking in the saddle, and anathematizing
the rebs, that couldn'1 " let us alone." We went aboul a mile
and were ordered, back to camp. A false alarm; the enemy had
been driven back."
Henry was at home on leave of absence for ten days, at the
time tlie Sanitary Bazaar was held in Albany, and returned to
Ins battery the 1st of March, 1864. As he never came home
again it is a satisfaction to his friends that he kept them so well
informed by letter of what was transpiring, and of the part he
took in the last campaign in which the Army of the Potomac
moved under Lieut. Gen. Grant.
Camp in the Field, May 12, 18G4.
It is now eleven o'clock in the morning, and a fierce battle has
been raging since daylight, the artillery keeping up a continual
roll and roar.
After \±\\ ing an account of various battles and skirmishes,
Lieut. Browee writes, under date of June 19th, camp two miles
from Petersburg:
"It must be remembered that this is one of the hardest cam-
paigns in the history of the war. We have marched and fought
night and day. I have often mounted my horse at noon of one
day and hardly dismounted again till midnight of the next —
through the sun, and dust and rain. It requires a good constitu-
tion to stand it. A battery Captain was in our quarters yester-
day, and speaking of Grant's perseverance, he said, 'we fight
LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 509
for a week or ten clays, and then we say, well, this cannot last
much longer; we must rest soon; we have lost thirty or forty
thousand men; the army can't stand it; and then Grant comes
along and says, ' You are doing first rate, boys; we'll now have
a little fighting] and at it we go again, to 'fight it out on this
line.1
"Instead of heading my letter as I did, I should have said ' In
position,' for we are not in camp. Our pieces are in position,
where they have done some tall shooting."
"We left Coal Harbor on the 12th, and pushed for the James
River, which we crossed on the 15th, arriving at our present
position that night, about 12 o'clock. A division of Butler's
colored troops had that day taken three forts and a line of works,
forming the eastern defences of Petersburg;. The negroes fought
well and have shown themselves to be brave and hardy soldiers.
Our white soldiers who looked with such contempt upon the
blacks but a few months since, have now extended to them the
right hand of fellowship, and recognize them as fellow soldiers."
The next letter of note, bears date of Camp near Petersburg,
July 31st.
"You have probably heard, ere this, of the movement of the
Second Corps to the James River. * * * This movement of
the Second Corps was undoubtedly intended to draw all the forces
they could from Petersburg, preparatory to making an attack on
the city; and it was successful in drawing away a goodly num-
ber. That same night, about nine o'clock, our Battery reported
to General Mott, commanding the Second Division, and took the
back track for Petersburg. Our Captain took me to Gen. Mott
and told him I would conduct the division by a shorter route to
Petersburg. He appeared much pleased and availed himself of
it. As soon as he crossed the Appomattox, I reported to him,
when he told me that General Ord had sent an aid to conduct
him to the Eighteenth Corps, so my services were not needed.
"It was understood that the mines were to have been sprung
that morning, and we were sent to support the charge. For
some reason the attack was not made, and we stood in harness
all day, in a terribly hot sun. We received orders in the eve-
.'■ID i.ii.i T. iii.nuv i). BBOWBR.
ning t<» harness at three o'clock next morning, as 1 1 » < - mines were
to be sprung and we tnusl be ready. AIm.ui four o'clock in the
morning the battle opened, and continued (ill about seven o'clock.
The cannonading was terrible. I rock out on the line of the
Eighteenth Corps to see wh&i wob going on, and before J was
aware of it, was under fire. Several case shot exploded over
my head, and one struck into the parapet in front of me while I
was Looking over.
"We all expected that Petersburg would be ours before night.
We were confident of it. I saw a thirteen inch mortar at work
which did finely. When that went off it was like a young
earthquake.
•When the attack was made on Petersburg, the fort was blown
up, and everything was working beautifully, and all it needed was
for the charging party to do ordinarily well, and the city would
have been ours. But the charging column, after it had carried
the breach, laid down and refused to go another inch. Tin's
gave the enemy time to rally; the auspicious moment was lost,
and the day was lost. It does require some firmness to see all
these things, and still at all times look at the bright side."
Camp near Petersburg, August llth.
On looking over, I find that since leaving Washington last
summer, we have lost, from our battery, over one hundred horses.
It costs our Uncle Samuel something for horses.
I think you take it easier than I do, about that mine explosion
the other day. I cannot but think of the hundreds of lives that
were lost for nothing; thrown away on account of somebody's
carelessness, cowardice or fault in some way.
I am determined to see this thing out, and hope and pray that
we of the north will never yield one iota to the rebels, that,
whatever the consequences, we will fight it out to the bitter end.
This was the last letter Lieutenant Brower wrrote, of any
importance.
The first intimation the friends had that he had been killed,
was by a letter in the New York Herald, by its correspondent,
giving an account of the battle at Ream's Station, under date of
LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 511
August 20th. In speaking of our artillery, among other things,
he says, "The Twelfth New York Battery was near the right of
the First Division. Captain McKnight and Lieutenant Bull,
both of whom had distinguished themselves on previous occa-
sions, were not with the battery; McKnight being sick at City
Point and Bull being on staff duty. The battery was com-
manded by Lieutenant Dauchy, who directed the fire of the
three guns while Lieutenant Brower fought the other. This
promising young officer, Lieutenant Brower, was shot in the
head, when the enemy broke through our line. He was giving
orders for pouring into the advancing enemy double shotted
canister, when he was killed at his gun."
The mails, for several days before and after the battle, had
been kept back, and the friends did not receive intelligence
direct from the battery until August 31st, when they received a
letter from Lieutenant Dauchy, of August 27th, as follows:
S. D. Brower, Esq.:
Sir — It is my duty to report to you the death, on the field of
battle of your son, Henry D. Brower, Second Lieutenant of this
battery. On Tuesday night last, the First and Second Divisions
of the Second Corps marched to Ream's Station, on the Weldon
railroad, for the purpose of tearing up the track. Our battery
was put in position to the right of the station. We remained
quiet on Wednesday, and Thursday morning skirmishing com-
menced, with the enemy nearly all round us. In the afternoon
they made two charges, to the left of where we were, but were
repulsed. About five o'clock firing again commenced and we
opened with artillery. Shortly afterwards, General Miles or-
dered me to send one gun about three hundred yards to the left,
where the railroad crossed our works. I sent the right piece,
and the Lieutenant with it, when, soon, the rebels charged in
column upon the works, just to the left of where he was with
the piece. He opened with cannister, serving the gun with his
usual unsurpassed bravery and gallantry, and doing great execu-
tion in the enemy's ranks. But our infantry did not stand, and
the enemy broke through the lines. At this instant Henry was
."> 1 2 i.n.i T. HENRI i». r.i:<>\\ BR.
struck in the head with a musket ball and fell, instantly, dead
across the trail handspike.
General Miles spoke verj highly of Henry's efficiency and
bravery. He could doI do otherwise. His conduct on all o<
none was above all praise.
( )n the same day the family received a letter which had been
sen! by a member of the Eleventh Batterj to Col. E. Jewett,
then ( lurator of the State ( reological Cabinet, and who handed it
to the family for perusal, accompanying it with the following
Dote:
August 31, 1664.
S. 1>. Brower:
My dear Sir--! have this moment received the enclosed Letter,
with the sad news of the death of your noble son. Mosl sin-
cerely do 1 condole with you and your family for the great
bereavement.
I knew him well, and highly prized his friendship, and I do
not know a young man of more superior worth and virtue. He
has sacrificed his life to his country, and if anything can allay the
grief of his friends, it is the knowledge that he died a true ( Ihris-
tian, in the full discharge of his duty to God and his country.
In the true spirit of condolence and grief for the loss of my
esteemed young friend, I am, truly yours,
E. JEWETT.
The letter to which he refers, which was to himself, is as follows:
Camp nkar Wki.don Kailroad, South of )
Petersburg, August 26, L864. )
Dear Friend — Our mutual friend, Lieut. Henri I>. Prowbr, is
dead. Yes, our noble friend fell lighting at the Late engagement
at Ream's Station, pierced through the brain by a rebel bullet, as
the enemy charged. It was impossible to recover his J>ody.
You will please inform his parents. I would write them, hut
do not know his father's address. Inform them thai IIi:.m:v was
a brave fellow, and died in a good cause. Ah! in him I have
lost a good friend and comrade. He was a young man possessed
LIEUT. HENRY D. BROWER. 513
of many social and rare qualities, and beloved by his comrades.
He was a brave and accomplished officer, and enlisted in the
defence of his country with mingled feelings of pure patriotism
and justice.
His death will cast a gloom over a large circle of relatives and
friends in the city and in the army, where he was greatly loved.
Your friend, G. N. P. GALE,
Eleventh New York Battery.
The sad story is told; his career is ended. He who left his
home in the buoyancy of opening manhood, was destined never
to return. He sleeps in a nameless grave, and Virginia soil is
sacred now to his friends and admirers, by the presence of his
dust.
His heroic deeds, his sacrifices for the peace and happiness of
others, his lofty principles and his pure Christian example, will
never be forgotten by the American people. The city of Albany
gave him birth, but his glorious life belongs to the great Repub-
lic, and has entered into the forces that, with God's blessing,
will make this Republic, for all future time, the home of just
laws, universal liberty, and a pure Christianity.
33
514 LEEUT. JAMES I.. DEMP8E1 ,
XLVI.
LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY.
There are few histories connected with the Late war more
touching than those of the Dempsey brothers, the three Bons of a
widowed mother, Mrs. Anna Dempsey, who resides al No. 106
Hudson street, in this city. These noble youths were early
inspired with an ardent spiril of patriotism, and one after another
wenl forth to fight the battles, of their country. Two oft hem
offered up their lives upon the altar of their Nation, and the third,
after great hardship and agonizing suffering, which he bore with
Christian fortitude, was permitted to return to his home, and is
now a resident among us. As these careers are somewhat inter-
woven, one with another, and as they furnish a most remarkable
illustration of the lofty patriotism of a whole family, we propose
to sketch each of them. "We commence with the eldest in age,
although John, the second son, was the first to enlist in our
army.
d.\MES L. Dempsey was the son of Lawrence and Anna Demp-
sey, and was born in New York city December 16, 1827. His
father, a most upright and excellent man, died in the year 1850.
The maiden name of his mother was Anna MoOBE, and her birth-
place was the city of Albany. Mr. Moore, her father, served
his country in the war of 1812, and at that time the property
that the family had. was lost. When Miss Moobe was quite
young, both of her parents died, and she was left an orphan.
She married Lawrence Dempsey, and first resided in New York
city, and afterwards in Westchester county. Here the earliest
days of James were spent, and here his love of nature, and taste
for the beautiful, was constantly gratified.
He was naturally of an ardent temperament and restless dis-
LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 515
position, and demanded a wide field for his activity and enter-
prise. He was genial in his manners and gentle towards all.
James was a youth of commanding and attractive appearance,
and his society was sought for by many because of his ready
wit and his great cheerfulness.
His father wished him to learn a trade, which he did, but it
was so uncongenial to his taste that he soon relinquished it, and
went into business in the city of Troy, N. Y.
Early in childhood, James became a hopeful Christian, and
united with the Methodist church. Subsequently he joined the
Second Reformed Dutch Church, of Albany. When the flag of
our country that he so much loved, was fired upon, his heart was
filled with indignation, and he was ready to defend it at once.
But he was held back by the advice of friends; as he had a little
family dependent upon him, though it was with great reluctance
he declined the First Lieutenancy in one of the first regiments
that left for the field of action.
He resided in the city of Troy when the rebellion commenced,
and the question of duty which was before hiin, whether to
remain with his little family, or enter the field, made him very
restless. In the spring of 1862 he made a change in his busi-
ness and was just settling in Pittsfield, Mass., when another call
was made for troops, and he could hesitate no longer. He said,
at that time : " These children (two little boys, the eldest three
years) shall not live to say their father took no part in this great
struggle for the rights of our beloved country ? I shall go for
the sake of my boys." He assisted in raising a company to be
attached to the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry,
and was elected orderly of Co. B. by every vote of the members.
They were greatly disappointed at his not receiving a commis-
sion as Lieutenant, and they showed their warm friendship by
presenting him with a handsome purse. In the spring of 1863
he was promoted to a Second Lieutenancy. The regiment did
garrison duty around and near Washington, and rendered valua-
ble services in the building of fortifications at Fort Lyon. But
the movements and experiences of Lieut. Dempsey may per-
haps be best learnt from his letters, which were written to his
Ml'> LI KIT. .1 \MKs I.. OKMI'sKY.
mother and sisters, and to his wife. In tli«' winter <>i' L864 his
own family joined him, and remained al Harper's Ferry until his
deatL After several Bhorl Letters, expressive of his love for the
dear ones al home, and his interest in the sacred cause t<» which
he had devoted himself, he writes thus:
Upton Hill, Va.. May 22, 1803.
My dear Sister Maky — one and all — Your ever welcome Letter
of the 7th inst. arrived here yesterday; also the paper containing
the glad tidings of the regiment which our noble brother has
been with for the past two years, through so many trials and
dangers. You may wrell say, rejoice with you, upon his safe
return to his dear home, which I know he loves so well. J wish
it could have been so ordered that Henry and myself could have
been there to welcome him.
But so it is. We must remain to help finish the great work
which could not be completed during his time of service; and it
is the sincere desire of my heart that we may be able to do as
much, and act as nobly, in trying to crush this wicked rebellion,
as he, our brother, has done.
You say you dare not ask him whether it is his intention to
return to the field. I think he has done his share. Yet, as
regards the matter, I leave it with him. Should he enter the
service again, nothing would please me better than to get a
transfer, that we might come in the same regiment. I received
a letter from Libbie of the same date as yours. Her health is
not very good. The little boys are quite well. I wish you or
mother, with brother John, could make her a visit. She likes
her new home very much.
I do not hear from brother Henry. It is strange that he does
not write. His camp is about fourteen miles from here. If I
could get a pass, I Avould make him a visit.
I like this camp better than the old one, for many reasons. I
think it is more healthy, and, for my own part, I feel much bet-
ter. Our list of sick is much less than formerly. The 29th of
this month wrill make it one year since I entered the service of
the United States, and I should not feel sorry to be discharged
LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 517
before another year rolls round. But we can not finish this big
job in that time. One thing I am confident of: we shall finish
it, if it takes five times two years.
My love to sisters, mother and brother, as well as little Emmie.
I send her some flowers, picked from the garden of a rebel, now
in the Southern army. God bless you all.
From your affectionate brother, JAMES.
Harper's Ferry, July 20, 1863.
My dear Mother, Brother and Sisters — You no doubt wonder
at my long silence; but you will understand it, when I tell you
of the changes of the regiment. On the ninth of this month we
received marching orders. So sudden and rapid was the move-
ment, that I lost all my clothing, except what I had on, together
with my blankets. I had not even a change of under clothing.
What I have on, I have worn two weeks. But I am wasting time
talking of my poverty.
We left Washington on the ninth, at eleven o'clock at night,
and rode all night, and next day till night. We arrived at Sandy
Hook, which is a mile below Harper's Ferry. On our way, we
had one man killed by falling from the cars. We were then
ordered to march through the roughest country I have ever seen.
Afterwards we camped on the Heights for a few days, our regi-
ment doing picket duty at the river, and the rebels being on the
other side. They often asked us, why we didn't take the place.
Well, on Tuesday we were ordered to march to Harper's Ferry,
pontoons being used to ferry us over. Our men were all anxious
to reach the opposite shore, and not a man flinched. The rebels
had everything prepared to give us a warm reception, but their
firing was silenced by our sharpshooters, and they fled, leaving
their guns loaded, which we captured. Our cavalry lost several,
killed and wounded, while they captured a number of prisoners.
The next day they had an engagement eight miles from here.
But I will leave this subject and tell you something to inter-
est you more. I have seen our brother Henry and he is here
with me at Harper's Ferry. Do not be frightened, for he is not
wounded nor dangerously sick, yet is completely worn out with
518 I.IKl r. .1 \mi> i.. DEMP8BT.
fighting and marching. It would null a heart <>t stone to hear
him relate what he has gone through, I low thankful I feel to
my Beavenly Father for sparing him. I am thankful to you,
my mother ami sisters, for your prayers in behalf of my brother
and myself, since our departure from our dear old home. Trul\
they have been answered, and Pro^ Idence has now kindly directed
this meeting, when a brother needs so much kindly care.
I will tell you how I found him. On Thursday I Learned the
One Bundred ami Twenty-fifth Regiment was some two miles
from here It w;is uight, and I could not get a furlough then,
lull I learned they were to pass our camp the next day. J was
up bright and early, thai 1 might not miss seeing him, providing
he was not one of that number of noble fellows who fell on that
awful battlefield. I soon learned they were to take another
direction, and turning my steps to gain some tidings, I met one
of the regiment, who had been allowed to go ahead. He told
me, on my inquiring for Henry, that he was Corporal in Com-
pany F. and was safe. This was cause for thankfulness, and I
hastened back to the camp, on a run, my time being so short.
The next day I tried, in every way, to get permission to visit the
regiment, it having camped two miles from here for rest. But
we were expecting marching orders, and no passes could be
given. I started without permission (something I never had
done before), and. went as near as in sight of the camp. But I
was so constantly reminded of doing wrong, that I turned back
and gave up all hope of seeing him. The next day our company
was ordered to do provost guard duty, and, at about twelve
o'clock, my attention was called towards the ferry, when who
should I see but my brother, trying to hobble along. I ran to
meet him. and he was so overjoyed that tears flowed down his
cheeks. I took his gun, and we started for my quarters. My
first duty was to procure medical aid for him. Our surgeon
prescribed for him, and advised a place of quiet rest.
I procured board for him in a private family: but the walk
being so long for Dr. Clark, he has got permission for him to
enter the General Hospital. The surgeon will send a statement
to his regiment. He says he will get along if nothing unfavor-
LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 519
able sets in while he is so weak. You must not worry about
him. I shall sec him when I can. and do for him all I can. We
arc both so very grateful for this providential care. He had been
granted a place in an ambulance, but he gave way for others
whom he thought worse than himself. May God spare us both
to meet you all once more, and may He bless you all.
With love from us both, JAMES.
Harper's Ferry, July 31, 1863.
My dear Sister — Many thanks for your very kind and interest-
ing letter of the 27th, just received. I wish it had been a <l;iv
sooner. Our brother left yesterday for Washington, with six
others. They were sent away because the room is needed for
the wounded, a flag of truce having gone for those left in the
rebel lines. Henry is stronger, and the Doctor thinks he will
get along now, and soon be able to join his regiment. I wish
he could have had the money you enclosed, for the poor fellow
needs it. I did for him all I could, but my means were low, not
having been paid for some time.
I shall write and send Henry the money as soon as I learn
where to direct to him.
With love to all, your affectionate brother, JAMES.
Strasburgh, May 19, 1864.
My Dear Wife — This is the first opportunity I have had to
write you. No doubt you have heard of the severe battle we
have been engaged in. I have great reason to thank our
Heavenly Father that I went through it unharmed. Many of my
comrades have been called, to give an account of the deeds done
in the body. Our regiment suffered greatly. We had in all —
killed, wounded and missing, two hundred and thirty. As
near as we can learn thirty were killed. The enemy outnumbered
us two to one. We were obliged to leave our dead and wounded
in their hands.
Col. Lincoln was wounded and is a prisoner. Capt. Baker
was killed, and also Lieut. E. W. Waken. Capt. Channy and
Lieut. Amerdam are taken prisoners. Capt. Willard, wounded
520 LIEUT. JAME8 L. DEMP8ET.
and in our hands. Lieut. Mi nebgent, wounded. My company
have Lost seventeen men, and I ;iui the only officer in command.
We have only one officer left to each company. I have just
returned from picket duty, and am most worn out. May God
Idess you and our little ones, and spare me to return to you.
JAMES.
The following is Lieut. Dempset's last Letter thai has been
■
furnished me. Like the others, it reveals his warm affection,
his eool bravery, and his ardent patriotism.
Harrisonburg, September 26, 1864.
My Dear Mother and Sisters — As I have an opportunity of
sending a letter, I improve it, knowing you must be anxious to
hear from me. You have doubtless seen by the papers, that
we have been engaged in some severe battles this past week. I
have been in both of them — that at Winchester and the other at
Fisher's Hill. Our loss is great, but small compared to that of
the enemy. We completely demolished the whole of Early's
army, and have driven them like a whirlwind before us. In the
first battle, our regiment lost one hundred and nine men. Capt.
Thompson was killed and our Adjutant was wounded. I had
thirteen in my company wounded.
I am sorry to inform you, that in the last battle, our little
Major, one of my warmest friends was severely wounded, and I
had three of my best men wounded. We are now encamped
(for a few days or so) about one hundred miles from Harper's
Ferry. Perhaps we shall get orders to march in the morning,
if so, I shall not be surprised if we tried Lynchburg again. I
think we shall take it, and if my brother John is there I am
bound to bring him back with me. I do wish you would write
me oftener, for I do like to hear from home. As regards my
writing I have but little time, being in command of the company.
Much love to you all. Yours in affection, JAMES.
Thus our hero passed through hardship after hardship, and
battle after battle, without a murmur; always hopeful, always
courageous, and always at his post of duty. But his last hour
was approaching. He who had so often and so miraculously
LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 521
escaped the showers of shot and shell upon the battle field, is
doomed at last, to receive the one missile out of the thousand,
upon which his death sentence was written.
With his usual buoyancy and invincible courage, he went forth
on the morning of October 14, 1864, to engage in the terrible
battle of Cedar Creek. While leading his company against the
foe he was severely wounded in the forehead by a bursting shell.
Several others were killed by the same shell, and among them
Col. Wells, acting Brigade Commander, a most ardent friend
of the Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Dempsey was borne from the field, and died Octo-
ber 17, 1864. Of his last days, and of the estimation in which
he was held we have an account in the following letters, both ad-
dressed to his afflicted widow :
Smith Hospital, Winchester, Virginia,
October 17, 1864, Monday Evening.
My dear Mrs. Dempsey — I wrote you last Friday and gave
you, as correctly as possible, the detail of all I knew relative to
your husband and my friend. Saturday he remained much the
same, sleeping most of the time. I could not carry on any con-
versation with him as he only answered my questions by "yes"
or "no." I asked him if he knew me, he replied "yes." I then
asked him to call my name, but he did not answer. I told him
that I was Dr. Smith, and asked him if he knew me. He replied
"yes." Once he asked for water, and, occasionally, he said
something, evidently in delirium, about the battle, such as orders
to "advance," "halt," "steady, there," "close up," &c. I tried
to converse with him about you and his children, but he did not
seem to understand me. I asked him if I should send for you,
he quickly replied "yes." This was the only time when he
evinced any emotion. I asked him if I should write to his
mother and sisters, he said, " yes." I thiuk he did not have full
possession of his intellect at any time after he was wounded.
Sunday he remained much the same. I kept my best nurses,
from our regiment, by his bed-side, constantly, when I was not
with him. He would eat but little. I had his food carefully
522 LIEUT. JAMES I- DEMP8ET.
prepared for him by a union lady who lives Dear here, and visits
n iv hospital daily. To-day he appeared much the same (evidently
much weaker) until five o'clock in the afternoon, when he died,
bo quietly that we hardly knew he was dying. 1 1 « - was wholly
without pain and seemed like one sleeping.
During the whole time he has been with me, I believe be has
suffered n<> pain. J gave him do medicine, as he did not require
ii. His head was kept cool and the room still ami quiet. He
ami Captain Solei had my room; large, clean and with good air.
Enclosed von will find his Masonic pin and a ring I look from
his finger. His old clothing I have thrown away, as it was much
soiled ami torn by pieces of shell, etc. His knapsack was in the
regimental wagon, and I sent for it while the wagon was passing
this place on its way front.
1 have carefully embalmed the body; dressed it, and covered
the wound. I think you will have no trouble in keeping it
.several days after it reaches your home. Of course, you will
send woid to his lodge, that his old friends and brothers may
meet and do honor to their companion.
J wish I could be near you at this time, and take part of this
great grief from you, and use my strong and willing hands for
your benefit. Should you, at any time, require a friend or need
friendship exhibited in any maimer, call upon the friend of your
husband through all things, and your friend, C. B. SMITH.
Opesum Crossing, Virginia, December 7, 1864.
My dear Friend — Until yesterday, I knew nothing of your
whereabouts. I should have written von immediately after the
loss of your husband, but we were in the field and I had no op-
portunity. That field of " Stickney's Farm," was a terrible
one to us all. Not the least among its sorrowful memories is
that of the loss of your brave, noble, genial husband. Brave
and courageous as ever a man was in the field ; the life of the
social circle about the camp fire ; beloved and respected by every
man and officers in the regiment; he has gone to return no more.
None knew how much he was estimated until his memory and
brave deeds alone were left us.
LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY. 523
You were not left alone in your grief. The warmest sympa-
thies of us all, mingle with your tears. As no one can supply
his place in your heart, at your table, and around your fireside ;
so in our hearts, and around our bivouac fire, there is a place for-
ever vacant.
He has left behind a reputation of which you may be proud,
and to which his children can point without one regret, or shadow
of blush. Scarcely a day passes that I don't hear an exclama-
tion, " poor Dempsey, 'twas too bad." Though near him when
he was struck, I didn't know of it till Sergeant Houghton came
to me and said, Captain Dempsey is hit, shall I go to him ?" I
looked round and saw him staggering about, apparantly uncon-
scious. I at once sent Houghton to him, directing him to lead
the Lieutenant into a small ravine, where he would be out of
the way of the shells which the rebels were raining down on us.
That was the last I ever saw of your husband,
The country can never repay the sacrifice you have been
called upon to make. No truer soldier, no braver or more
cheerful comrade, has been offered upon liberty's altar than your
own brave husband. I learned your address of Dr. Smith.
Accept for yourself and family the earnest sympathy of
Your friend, A. POTTER,
Lieut. Col. ComWg 2>Wi Mass. Inftry.
Mrs. James L. Dempsey.
When the telegraphic wires bore to his home the sad news
that he was wounded, a sister started immediately to go to him.
But before she reached Harper's Ferry, she heard that the be-
loved brother was no more. With a sorrowing heart she
returned home, with his widow and the two fatherless boys. His
funeral took place from the residence of his mother, October
28th, 1864, and was attended by a detachment from the "Vete-
ran Reserves."
His body was borne, with military honors, to the Albany Rural
Cemetery, where, side by side, the brave brothers sleep. The
bereaved relatives are sustained under their great sorrow by the
hope that the parted will meet again.
524 i.i kit. JOHH M. DEMP8EY.
XLVII.
LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY.
John M. Dempsey was the second son of Lawrence and Anna
Dempset, and was born in Westchester county, October 6th,
1836. He was a child of a quiet and thoughtful turn of mind;
obedient to his parents, and full of kindness towards his sisters.
Very early he manifested a thirst for knowledge, and desired to
receive a liberal education. But the pecuniary circumstances
of his parents only enabled them to give him the advantages of
a common school. When he was fourteen years of age, his
father died, and he felt at once the responsibility of making
exertions to aid in support of the family. He served as clerk in
several establishments in Albany; but most of the time he was
in the clothing store of Messrs. Davis, Craft & Wilson. Mr.
Craft was one of his warmest friends, and took a deep interest
in his welfare.
To his widowed mother and fond sisters, John was everything
that could be desired. He seemed to combine the qualities and
services of father, brother and son. He was ever ready to sacri-
fice his own interests for the happiness of those around him;
and he seemed to live for the consolation and welfare of the
dear ones, over whom a great shadow of sorrow had fallen.
But while thus devoted to those who were bound to him by
the tenderest ties, he was not indifferent to the agitating questions
relative to our National affairs. Upon the plottings of the
traitors to the Republic, in 1860 and 1861, he looked with the
greatest solicitude. Being sensitive by nature, he was keenly
alive to the honor and prosperity of his country, and, at the first
cafl for troops to sustain the Government, he resolved to enlist.
In connection with Mr. M. H. Donovan, (afterwards Captain,)
LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 525
he made every exertion to raise a company to be attached to the
Eighteenth N. Y. Vol. Infantry, expecting to hold a commission
as First Lieutenant. Owing, however, to the rapidity with
which regiments were formed at that time, a change was made
in the number assigned for each company, and companies were
consolidated, leaving a surplus of those who expected offices.
As his was a spirit of pure love for his country, he lost no time
in controversy for office, but enrolled his name at once as a pri-
vate in Company F, Eighteenth New York State Volunteers.
He was, however, immediately promoted to the position of
Orderly. To buckle on the armor for the ranks required but
little effort, compared with that which it cost him to reconcile
his mother and sisters to this step. Yet such were his convic-
tions of duty that he could only answer to their entreaties and
tears, " I shall not fall before God's appointed time." His sister
remarked: "There are those that can be better spared than you;
those who are of little use at home." He replied calmly, though
his eye flashed with emotion: " Our army must not be made up
of worthless men!"
During the stay of the regiment at the barracks in this city,
an incident occurred worthy of note. He was presented with a
pack of playing cards. These he sent home, with the message:
"I shall have no use for these in the army;" and to the spirit
of this resolution he firmly adhered, never once using a card
during his time of service.
On the 17th of June, 1861, he bid adieu to those whom he so
dearly loved, and received the parting blessing of his mother.
His leaving home at that time was made more sorrowful from
the fact, on that day the eldest child, and only son, of his
widowed sister — a beautiful boy of eight years — had been carried
to the grave; the sister having been made a widow but six
months previously by the death of her estimable husband, Major
A. R. Ten Broeck, formerly of U. S. Army.
The regiment started for Washington on the 18th of June, and
was encamped near Washington and Alexandria till the first
Bull Run battle, in which it took a part. Through this he passed
safely.
526 LIEUT. JOHN II. DBMF8E1 ■
In the ;iiiIiiiiiii the regiment became a pari of the "Grand
Army of the Potomac," under Gen. M< < lbllan.
Mr. Dempset, bj his kind manners and great efficiency, won
the esteem of all his comrades, and, on the 2d of December,
L861, he was promoted t « > the office <>t Second Lieutenant in Co.
F. His promotion was received with great enthusiasm by his
numerous friends.
He was also the recipient of a sword, sash and belt, presented
to 1 1 i in by his company. For these marks of favor he expr< ssed
his profound gratitude, in his letters to his friends.
Mr. Dempset, like his brother, was very faithful in writing
home, and from his Letters, we can best present the details of his
military career.
After the disastrous battle of Bull Run, he thus writes to his
sister:
Alexandria, Va., July 24, 1861.
My dear Sister— * * * * The battle of Bull Eun was
as hard fought as it was discouraging. Yon ask, how I stood it;
I will tell you. When we started from here, we had our haver-
sack (which was soon emptied), blanket, canteen and a rifle.
Most of the boys threw away their blankets, and some their can-
teens; but I thought the blanket came very good at night, and
the canteen when I was thirsty, so I brought them all home with
me — this camp, I mean, for it is the best home I have had since
I left old Albany. Don't think that I complain, for I do not
intend to complain of anything necessary to a soldier's life. My
greatest desire is to do my duty. I did not expect, before me, a
path strewn with roses, so I meet with no disappointments.
Tell mother she must not worry, nor have any anxiety about
me. I shall endeavor to take the best care of myself I possibly
can. Tell her to be of good cheer, for I am here in a good cause.
" We live in hope, though clouds appear,
They linger but a day;
The sun, to us, a gift so dear,
Will scatter them away.
LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 527
Thus life is but an April shower,
And troubles are but rain;
And hope, the sun that in an hour,
Will bring us joy again."
With very much love for you all,
Your affectionate brother,
JOHN M. DEMPSEY.
The regiment with which Lieut. Dempsey was connected, took
part in all the engagements under Generals McDowell, McClel
lan, Burnside and Hooker. They were in the seven days' battle
before Richmond, where hundreds fell at his side, and he escaped
with only a bullet denting his left shoulder strap.
The battle of South Mountain was one that shed great glory
upon his regiment. With bayonet charge, they drove the enemy
up and over the mountain, an ascent which it seemed almost im-
possible to climb. Of three officers who reached the summit,
Lieut. Dempsey was one. Through all these battles, he was
ever the same brave soldier, faithful officer, and kind, sympathiz-
ing friend.
His letters refer to some of these battles, and describe, with
considerable minuteness, others. He wrote to his mother and
sister as follows :
Near Berkley's Landing, Va., on James River,
off City Point, July 5, 1862.
My dear Sister — To-day I received three letters from your
dear self, and was glad to learn that you had received the pack-
age of money.
I will now try and give you a short account of what we have
been through the past week.
On Friday morning, the 27th ult., our brigade was called on
to cross the Chickahominy, to reinforce Gen. Porter, who had
been fighting the day previous. On the night of the 26th ult.,
the troops all around our neighborhood were in great glee, hav-
ing heard that Porter had driven the enemy and scattered them
in all directions. Cheer after cheer was heard, and the bands
523 LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMP8ET.
struck 1 1 1 > the National airs. The merriment was kept up till
after midnight, l>ut the morning was saddened by the enemy
shelling our camp.
After crossing the Chickahominy, we found our services were
not needed, and were ordered back to <-:i u 1 1 • again. We had not
been in camp bu1 a short time, when we heard a great tumult in
front of our lines. We were ordered in line again. Our regi-
ment had no more than got in line, directly in front of our camp,
when the enemy commenced throwing shell in and over our
camp ground, killing one and wounding three others of Company
I in our regiment. As the men stood in line, Company Is place
was next to ours (Company F), on our right, and the range of
cannon was directly over the two companies, the shell falling in
front, over and around us. After a while, with great hesitation,
we were ordered out of the range of the enemy's guns. Shortly
.liter, the guns were silenced, and we were dismissed.
We went in the camp once more, it being dinnertime; we
partook of our meal, and had just finished, when we were ordered
out again, and again marched across the Chickahomhry — over
another bridge, lower down than where we crossed in the mor-
ning. We had a long, quick and tiresome march. Arrived at
our destination about live p. m. We were ordered in battle
shortly after, directly where the enemy was getting the advan-
tage of our forces engaged. We were marched to the front,
through a shower of shell and bullets, and held the enemy in
check till nearly dark. Our brave men fell on all sides, as the
enemy's forces far exceeded ours in numbers. We held our
grouud till, unfortunately, the regiments, both on our right and
left, gave way. The enemy was turning our right flank before
we received orders to fall back, or to march by the left flank.
We had no sooner turned to the left, wThen we saw the enemy
turning our left. We were completely surrounded, and were
obliged to fall back under a cross fire of both the enemy, infantry
and cannon — the balls and shells whizzing and bursting all
around our brave fellowTs.
The closest call I had, was a bullet just grazing my shoulder
strap on my right shoulder. How wonderful that so many of us
LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 529
escaped the terrific fire. Soon after, we were again reinforced,
and the enemy driven back to the old point, and held in check for
the nio-ht. All our forces that were the other side of the river,
recrossed during the night, and then destroyed the bridges. Our
brigade went into camp that night, but was ordered out again the
next morning at three o'clock.
Our division partly covered the retreat, and was at one time
very nearly cut off; but thank God, we have been spared through
it all. We were the last forces in here, and started on our last
march at midnight, after a great battle, with severe loss on both
sides.
This is not half that I might mention, but enough, as I have
not the time to write more, neither do I care to write of it. It
is sad enough to think of. # * * *
Your affectionate brother. JOHN.
On the 10th of October, 1862, Mr. Dempsey, for his gallantry
and bravery, was promoted to the First Lieutenancy in Company
F, Eighteenth Regiment. His eminent qualities and unselfish
devotion to the welfare and honor of his country, entitled him
to even a higher rank; but while others less worthy were strug-
gling for promotion, he was bending all Ins energies to faithfully
discharge the duties of his position, whether as a soldier, as
orderly, as Second or as First Lieutenant. The cause in which
he was engaged absorbed his whole being;. He lived for the
union of the United States and for the freedom of mankind, and
to maintain these he was willing to die.
All his letters breathe the same spirit of ardent patriotism;
deep affection for the friends at home; a high sense of personal
honor and integrity, and profound gratitude to God for his great
goodness.
Lieutenant Dempsey's term of service having expired, he
returned to his home, where as we may naturally suppose, he
was cordially welcomed. Before he reached home, his sister
asked him whether he intended entering the service again ? He
replied: " I make no promises. A man cannot tell in these times
what he will do. One thing is certain. If God spares my life
.'.ill l l ii i I . JOHN M. DEMPSET.
and blesses all with health, I shall have a pleasant 1 « > m ^r furlough
at home, wImh my time expires. So ili«' furlough proved to be,
though shadowed by clouds of fear in time of battle; for there
were two dear brothers still in the field.
To show the lo\r of his men, after they were mustered out,
three of them called al his home and presented him with a silver
watch. Speaking of it. he said. "J could not refuse t<» take
this; yet it seems wrong to take what was so hardly earned.
Many of the null have repeatedly offered me money, which,
while appreciating their kindness, I have refused, ami persuaded
them to keep : hut these three got ahead of me."
Though our hero entered again upon the duties of civil Life,
his thoughts seemed all turned to the great work of the nation;
and it was only the tender home ties that held him back. But
these at last he felt must be broken, as his place of greatest
usefulness was in the field. He seemed to feed a higher Spirit
working upon his own, and calling him to that post of duty.
Accordingly he resolved to again buckle his armor; and he
enlisted March 29, 1864, as a private in Company G, Forty -third
Regiment New York State Volunteers. Again he received the
blessing of his mother and sisters; but it was mingled with bitter
tears, as they knew from experience the fearful dangers to which
he would be exposed. Reaching the regiment, then at Brandy
Station, Va., he was most warmly welcomed by his friend, Col.
John Wilson and Capt. James D. Visscher, and was appointed
Orderly in Company G. On the 3d of May, 1864, he was com-
missioned First Lieutenant.
As the army advanced, our brave Lieutenant passed safely
through the first day of the battle of the Wilderness. But the
second day, May 6th, 1864, he was wounded and taken prisoner.
The following is his first letter from the enemy's country. It
came through the lines by a flag of truce, for General Wads-
worth's remains.
Near Mine Run, Va., May 13, 1864.
Dear Mother — I was wounded and taken prisoner on the night
of the 6th inst. You must not be alarmed. Much love to all
from your affectionate son, JOHN.
LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 531
On the 13th of September, 1864, Lieut. Dempsey was released
from prison, and writes as follows:
On Board Truce Boat New York, \
Off City Point, September 13, 1864. )
My Dear Mother and Sisters — How do you all do ? I do so
want to know. We are bound for Annapolis, Md. "We shall
probably stop at Fortress Monroe. I left the hospital at Lynch-
burg, Va., on the 8th inst., — stopped in Provost guard-house till
the next morning; then was sent to Richmond and arrived there
at 9 p. m., and was taken to Libby Prison, and remained there
till 2 p. m. the next day, when the doctors came in, and sent
thirteen of us (myself among the number) to the hospital. On
the 10th and 11th, the doctors went through the hospital, pick-
ing out men to be paroled, and as I was one of the fortunate
ones; I am out of rebeldom and homeward bound. There are
about three hundred sick and wounded on board.
I have tried to learn of brother Henry's whereabouts, and, as
near as I can find out, he is at Andersonville, Georgia. I have
heard of brother James several times. There are a number of
his regiment on this boat, having been captured during the sum-
mer. He was safe up to the 18th of June. His regiment has
been engaged in a number of battles in the valley. His Captain
was at the hospital in Lynchburg, Virginia.
My wound is nearly healed, and, although, I am not feeling
very strong now, I think after I have a few weeks of good
"Yankee" living, I shall be as good as new, and none the worse
for battle; and able to give the "rebs" another turn. I cannot
express my delight on seeing our dear old flag once more. Will
try and write again on arrival at Annapolis.
Remember me to all kind friends. Hoping soon to hear that
you are all alive and enjoying the blessing of health, I remain
with much love, Your affectionate son and brother, JOHN.
General Hospital, Camp Parol, Section A, )
Ward 3, near Annapolis, \
Maryland, October 12, 1864. J
My clear Sister — Yours of the 7th is received. I was pleased
to learn you had heard from brother James so lately. I have
532 LIEUT. • \ II. DEMP8ET.
nol been able to write home t"<>r several days, bul thought T must
write a few words t hi- morning, knowing my silence would cause
some anxiousness.
My wound has been growing worse since the third day after
my arrival at section D, and. the last five days, I have been
unable to leave my bunk. Yesterday the surgeon looked at my
wound and had me removed to this hospital, which has every
appearance of being a niueh better place for either the sick or
wounded. I think, had I been sent here in the firsl place, my
suffering would not have been so great. The treatment at section
1). did more harm than good.
A month has passed since my parol, yet I have no furlough.
Should I now receive one, I fear I shall be unable to travel, and
think it doubtful whether the doctor would allow me to try it.
Had I obtained a furlough two wreeks ago, I could have endured
the journey home quite comfortably. Now I am obliged to keep
perfectly quiet, confined closely to my bed. How long this will
last I cannot say. Perhaps I have not suffered quite enough
with it. I may have another such time as I had at Lynchburg.
I do not know whether yon understand the nature of wounds
or not, but will tell you how mine has troubled me. While at
Lynchburg it huffed. It now has gangrene and will probably
huff again, wrhich causes it to pain me most intensely. I had
but little rest last night, and some nights can scarcely close my
e}res. But, doubtless, the treatment here will enable me to get
well much sooner than when in " rebeldom."
I may not be able to write every day. Please write me often,
and send papers. Direct as heading of this. Excuse pencil
scribbling, as I am obliged to wrrite while lying in bed. Remem-
ber me to kind friends. With much love, JOHN.
As John was so feeble, a beloved sister hastened to him to
bestow upon him a sister's land attention. During her absence
from home the eldest brother, James L. was wounded, and
another sister was called from home, but to return wTith the life-
less form of that brother.
The funeral took place, yet the absent sister and suffering
LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 533
brother were not told of it, for fear of the result. Thus, while
the eldest son was being carried to the grave, the second was in
a hospital anxiously watched .by a sister, and the third a prisoner
in the hands of a cruel enemy; the agonized friends not know-
ing whether he was living or dead. A kind Providence spares
the second son, and the brother and sister reach their sorrowful
home, November 4, 18 64. Again his wound grows worse, but
kind surgical care rendered by Dr. J. H. Armsby, and the good-
ness of God restores him. But he has not the activity and vigor
of former days. * * *
After enjoying the pleasures of his fond home for a few short
weeks, John left the cherished spot never to return. The duti-
ful and affectionate son, the kind brother, the noble, heroic
patriot went forth to give his little remaining strength, and his
shattered body to his country. On the 25th of March, 1865,
his regiment was ordered to aid in retaking Forts Steadman and
Fisher. While leading on his men, as the advance picket, he
fell, mortally wounded. His left thigh bone was broken, yet
his coolness did not forsake him. Feeling he was losing blood
rapidly, he tied a silk handkerchief above the wound, and rallied
his men to hold the position, which they had won at such a fear-
ful cost. Owing to the terrible exposure to the fire of the enemy,
he was not taken to the hospital in the rear till evening; then he
was most tenderly cared for by the Hospital Steward, David Nor-
wood, a member of the Forty-third Regiment. After receiving
surgical treatment he was sent to City Point Hospital ; there he
suffered six weeks with the most uncomplaining fortitude. He
was as brave in his sufferings as he had been as a soldier in
health.
While there, he wrote the following letter to his afflicted
mother, which was the last of his series of interesting letters
sent to his fond home :
Sixth Corps Hospital, City Point, Va., )
April 4, 1865. ]
My dear Mother — Here I am once more, flat on my back. I
presume that you have heard from strangers all about my mis-
.">.". 1 LIEUT. .M»ll\ If. DEMP8ET.
fortune, as I was obliged i<> gel them to write for me. Bui as T
feel much better to-day than I bare since I was wounded, I
thought it would be much more satisfactory for you to receive a
line from my own hand. I was wounded on tin1 6th Lost., and I
assure you it is a severe one. But the surgeon says I shall get
along, as 1 have good health, and good courage. There was
only one other officer of the regiment wounded, the Second
Lieutenant of my company. He occupies the next bed to mine.
His wound is in his left ami. lie received it on the 1st inat.
My wound is a compound fracture of the thigh bone (left leg),
but I am perfectly willing to put up with what suffering I am
about to go through, if the war is only closed, as they tell us it
is now. I presume you have heard all the good news, therefore
I will not be troubled to write any more, as it is a terrible task
for me to write lying on my back, and in such severe pain as I
am. Remembrance to all inquiring friends, and abundance of
love to one and all. May God bless us all.
From your affectionate son, JOHN.
As soon as permission was given, twro of his sisters went to
him, which was two weeks before his death. His sufferings
were intense, yet so tender was he of his sisters' feelings that
they were told only in low murmurs. When he was almost
fainting from agonv, he would ask his sisters to sing. " Sing
something soft and plaintive*," he would say. Endeavoring to
suppress their deep emotion, they would sing such hymns as he
loved. The following sweet hymn was one of his favorites:
" Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the billows near me roll,
While the tempest still is high.
Hide me; Oh, my Saviour hide
Till the storm of life be past,
Safe unto the haven guide;
Oh, receive my soul at last."
As the sisters paused, he would say: " Oh, that is so sweet."
His wonderful fortitude astonished the medical attendants, while
LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 535
his patience and courage won the love of all who were near
him. One remarked: "His patience is an example to us all."
We rejoice to know that our hero received every attention
from the surgeons and nurses in the hospital. Fond sisters, too,
did all that their loving hearts and tender sympathies could sug-
gest. But the wound was beyond the reach of surgical skill,
though his strength of constitution, and power of endurance,
encouraged the surgeons to make every possible exertion to
save him.
He was Avell aware of the nature of his wound from the first,
yet was anxious that every means should be used for his restora-
tion. He desired to live for his mother's and sisters' sake,
though he was fully prepared to yield to the will of his Heavenly
Father. He was too weak to talk much, and said but little of
life or death. His prayers were whispered, and his thoughts
were between his Maker and himself. He had no fears of death.
He said to a friend: "I have always thought a man should so
live that he may be ready to die." He was sensible almost to
the last breath, returning the kisses of those so dear to him. As
the last moment approached, the surgeons and friends in the
hospital gathered near his dying bed. Prayer was offered, and
as the shades of evening drew near, his noble spirit was freed
from its sufferings. He died on the 6th of May, 1865.
The sisters, with sorrowing hearts, returned to their homes
with their sacred charge, the remains of their dear brother John.
This was the second time that one of the sisters had returned
with the cold form of a hero brother.
The Albany Burgesses Corps claimed the privilege and the
honor of conducting the funeral services, thus relieving the heart-
stricken mother and sisters. Everything was done by them with
the most tender and brotherly care. The committee of arrange-
ments consisted of Capt. M. H. Donovan and Mr. H. C. Haskell,
who proved themselves to be the true friends of the departed
and his afflicted family. The remains sleep in the Albany Rural
Cemetery by the side of those of the eldest brother, that only
seven months before were borne to this city of the dead.
Although we have devoted so much space to the Dempsey
536 l.n:i I. .i< >n\ \i. DEMP8E1 ,
brothers, yet we cannol leave them withoul speaking of Henby,
who has survived i he hardships and dangers of i he war.
IIi:m:i L. Dempsey, third and youngesl Bon, entered the vol-
unteer service August, L862, in the One Hundred and Twenty-
fifth Regiment, Company I". His decision to enlist, almost
crushed his mother, as he had never scarcely spoken of taking
Mich a step. Alter he had taken it. he said: "I have thought
ofil much, and feel more at resl qoth thai I have enlisted. Should
I live through it, and we all return, I -hall not be ashamed to
meet my brothers."
After various experiences, and the faithful discharge of his
duty, lie Mas promoted to the position of Corporal. He passed
through several battles, in which his regiment was engaged,
unharmed, except at Gettysburg, where a ball bruised his hip.
On the 2d of December. L863, he was taken prisoner, while on
picket duty. About two hundred were taken at that time. The
Lieutenant of his company wrote thus, December 10, 1863, to
Mrs. Anna Dempsey:
"It becomes my painful duty to inform you that your son,
Corp. H. L. Dempsey, was taken prisoner on the night of the 2d
instant, while on brigade picket. I regret it exceedingly. Corp.
H. L. Dempsey was one of the best men in my company. In
camp, he was always ready to perform all duties imposed upon
him. In action he was brave, almost to rashness."
Col. Ckandall also wrote as follows:
"The capture of Henry L. Dempsey I regret exceedingly, and
should feel very much chagrined had it occurred by any fault of
mine. The brigade picket was senl out to cover our retreat, and
the officers of the day failed t( tify them when to come in."
His sufferings, as a prisoner, were terrible, beyond all descrip-
tion. Of forty of his regiment who were taken prisoners, only
seven survived the barbarities inflicted upon them. He was four
months at Andersonville, one of the southern hells, and no imagi-
nation can picture the horrible sufferings that he there endured.
At one time his left limb was drawn up. and the flesh was
cracking and almost ready to fall off. With his penknife he cut
away the diseased parts.
LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY. 537
Notwithstanding the agonies that he endured, he still clung to
the hope that he would one day escape out of the hands of the
fiends, into which he had fallen. While others yielded to des-
pair, he kept moving, having noticed that those who remained
still, and gave up, were sure to die. Day after day he hobbled
about with his emaciated body, supported by a stick or a cane.
For thirty-one days the rain fell upon him, and his clothes, as
well as the Bible that his mother had given him, were perfectly
saturated with water. This Bible he had read through in that
awful stockade; it was his constant companion, and with the pho-
tographs of his brothers and sisters, was his only comfort.
These he would not part with, even if he was starving.
During the whole time of his imprisonment, one year and three
days, he never once heard from his home; nor did the anxious
ones at home, for ten months, know anything of his fate.
What then was their joy to have the lost one again restored to
the family circle. It was as a beam of light through the deep
darkness that had so long enveloped them.
As a prisoner at the south, he was dragged through the follow-
ing places, in many of which there was simply a variation of the
horrors that awaited him:
He was captured at Mine Eun, Virginia, December 2, 1863.
He arrived at Belle Isle December 6th, and left March 15, 1864.
He was thrust with the Andersonville prisoners March 2d, and
left September 9th. He arrived at Charleston, S. C, September
11th, and left October 8th. He reached Florence, S. C, October
8th, and remained until November 28th. He was taken to
Savannah, Georgia, November 29th, and left November 30th.
Being released, he arrived at Annapolis, Md., December 5,
1864. He left Annapolis December 15th, and reached home on
a furlough December 16, 1864. His furlough expired in one
month when he reported at the hospital in Annapolis. But before
the order came for him to join his regiment, the final victory was
won over the enemy, yet such is the severity of war, that,
although he was at Annapolis when his brother John M. was
buried, he could not be permitted to attend the funeral. It was
intimated to him that nothing would be done if he took leave;
538 LIEUT. K'HN M. DEMF8BT.
but he Baid, ' I had done nothing dishonorable through all my
time of service as a soldier, I cannot <l<> it now." He submitted
to the restriction, though it was painful to endure. He was
mustered oul of service June, L865.
May his life long be spared, and may the richesl of Heaven's
blessings resl npon him! May the mother ami .sisters l»e also
cared for by divine Providence, and may all the surviving mem-
bers of this noble family receive that to which they are entitled:
the gratitude, the affection, and the admiration of till loyal hearts
throughout the American Republic.
LIEUT. WILLIAM E. ORE. 539
XLVIII.
LIEUT. WILLIAM EMMET ORR.
William Emmet Orr was the son of David Orr, Esq., and
was born in the city of Albany, September 12, 1841. His ances-
tors combined the best, and most vigorous qualities of the Scotch
and Irish character ; and young Orr partook largely of these
elements. In his early childhood he manifested an amiable and
lovely disposition, great purity of heart and of life, and was re-
markable for his obedience and affection as a son. At the age
of sixteen years, during a season of special religious interest, he
consecrated himself to the service of his blessed Saviour, and
united with the Second Presbyterian Church, of this city, under
the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Sprague. He entered upon
the christian life with high aims, and with just views of the
nature and obligations of a public profession of his faith.
He was educated at the excellent school, conducted by the
Rev. Mr. Pierson, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was afterwards
a student at the Rochester University. His intellectual attain-
ments, combined with his social and benevolent traits of charac-
ter, rendered him a most agreeable companion ; and those who
were with him at Fort Reno, and other places where he was
stationed, speak of him with fondness and admiration.
He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the One Hun-
dred and Thirteenth N. Y. S. V. (Seventh N. Y. Artillery) on
the 7th day of August, 1862, and assigned to Co. B. He served
with his company until he was promoted to First Lieutenant in
Co. E, in January, 1864. He was detailed as Acting Assistant
Adjt. General on the staff of Col. Lewis O. Morris, commanding
Second Brigade, Haskins' Division of the Twenty-second Army
Corps. He retained his position after the brigade joined the
'In 1.1 Kl IT. W I III AM I.. ORR.
Artillery Division of the Annv of the Potomac. He participa-
ted in the engagements at River Po, May 19, L864; ;it Milford
Station, May 21. 1864; and at North Ann;. River, Ma\ 23, L864
J 1 1 .-ill these battles his gallantry and efficiency attracted imiversal
attention. < )mc who saw him on the field, when shot and shell
were living thick annuel him, and his comrades were falling,
said thai his braverycould not lie surpassed. In the thickest of
the fight, lii^ calm resolution, and fervid and lofty patriotism
never forsook him. He looked noi at danger, but at duty. He
asked not lor a position of ease and safety, hut lor one where he
could best serve Ids country and honor his God.
After spending a night in the rifle pits with Col. Morris, he
retired wit h others in the morning to the woods to take break-
fast, when he was shot by a rebel, who fired from a tree. After
receiving the fatal wound, he was borne in a rough conveyance
forty miles, to Port Royal. Thence he was transported to Wash-
ington city. The last few days of Mr. Orr's life, were days of
extreme prostration and suffering. He was attended by his
devoted parents, who did all in their power for his relief. But
on Thursday morning, June 2d, 1864, at half-past two o'clock,
his feet and hands grew cold, his breathing was labored, and in
a few moments he bid farewell to his dear friends, his delightful
home, his bleeding country, and was attended by the angels of
God, to the mansions prepared for him in the heavens, by the
Saviour whom he loved.
On tin- 6th day of June he was buried with military honors,
in the Albany Rural Cemetery, a spot peculiarly sacred to us, it
being the resting place of so many noble patriots. The funeral
was attended by the Governor of the State and his stall", and the
body was escorted to the tomb by Company A of the Tenth
Regiment.
The following is an extract from a letter written by R. S.
Norton, Lieutenant and Acting R. Q. M., Seventh New York
Heavy Artillery, near Petersburg, Va., June 30th, 1864:
"I cannot close this letter, -without referring to the personal
character and moral worth of Lieutenant Oer, and the warm
feeling of friendship I felt for him during our acquaintance, and
LIEUT. WILLIAM E. ORE. 541
particularly from the time we left the defences to the morning
he was wounded. During this time, our duties caused us to
be together the most of the time; he as A. A. A. G., and I as aid
to Col. Morris. In the high opinion I had formed of his excel-
lence of character and soldierly qualities, I found I was not mis-
taken.
" Perhaps it would interest you to hear the circumstances relat-
ing to his receiving his wound, as given by one who was present
at the time. On the fatal morning, after being in the rifle pits
all night, we went across a field into a piece of woods to take
breakfast — Col. Morris, Lieut. Orr and myself. Upon rising
from the ground, Lieut Orr stepped aside a moment, and imme-
diately returned saying he was wounded. The Colonel made a
severe remark upon the careless firing of muskets by the men,
supposing that it had been done by one of our own men. We
all thought so then, but when the ball was extracted it proved to
be a rebel bullet. He requested me to tie up his arm in a sling,
and after doing so, we helped him on to his horse and took him
to the hospital. We did not think it a serious wound at the
time, and in answer to my question if it pained him much, he
replied that it did not, but his arm felt numb.
"The intelligence of his death was received in the regiment
with great surprise and deep sorrow."
The Albany Zouave Cadets passed a series of highly compli-
mentary resolutions in relation to the character and services of
our departed hero; and the family of the deceased received the
warm sympathy of a large circle of relatives and friends.
542 UKl 1. JAMKS II. M(ii;(.\\.
ALIX. •
LIEUT. JAMES H. MORGAN.
Amokq the many bravo young men who stepped forward at
the first call to defend our Government, was the subject of this
sketch. He was a native of the city of Albany, and after having
received his education in our first schools, he entered upon the
study of the law.
His talents and earnest application Avon for him the high com-
mendation of his professors, and his scholarship and urbane man-
ners made him a favorite and chosen friend among his fellows.
Having completed the prescribed course, he graduated with
honor, and immediately began the practice of the law in the office
of the District Attorney, in the city of Albany.
He remained thus for some length of time, until a more pro-
mising position was offered to him in the western part of the
State, which he accepted. He was here, surrounded by the new
duties and responsibilities of his profession, when the rebellion
broke out.
The history of that time shows a spirit of self-denial and sac-
rifice unequaled. The exigency called for the noblest and best,
and they were given. What a gift it was can only be known to
those in whose hearts it has left an aching record.
Mr. Morgan entered the army as First Lieutenant of Company
G, Eighteenth New York Volunteers, Col. William A. Jackson.
The regiment engaged in active service immediately, and, at the
disastrous retreat of Bull Run, suffered considerably, as a
greater portion of it was composed of young men, unused to
hardship.
The fatigues and exposures of that time made serious inroads
upon the health of Lieut. Morgan.
LIEUT. JAMES H. MORGAN. 543
At the termination of this campaign he suffered a severe at-
tack of inflammatory rheumatism, and was obliged to resign. A
promotion and furlough were offered to him, but as the state of
his health would render him unfit for service for some length of
time, he chose to resign. Two years later found him again in
the field. His regiment (Seventh New York Artillery, Fourth
Brigade, First Division, Second Corps, Gen. Hancock) was or-
dered to the front, and there experienced some of the most
trying service of the war. Out of seventeen hundred men, com-
posing that regiment, who left Washington for the front, only a
mere handful remained at the expiration of their term of enlist-
ment. Toil, suffering and death had done their perfect work,
and among those to whom this martyrdom was decreed was our
young soldier.
He was taken a prisoner of war at the battle of Ream's Station,
25th August, 1864. Out of his company, but one Sergeant and
six men were left.
This disaster was not known to his family and friends for many
weeks. After having exhausted every means in their power to
ascertain his fate, the terrible fact was at last discovered.
Death in the field; in an hospital; anywhere, would have been
merciful compared with this. The treatment that he received is
too horrible to relate. His mother and sisters can not speak of
it without tears. He was removed from Libby prison to Salis-
bury, N. C, a change for the worse, if such can be conceived.
Here his martyrdom was completed by the incarnate fiends who
had him in charge, and he died, a prisoner of war, on the 21st
of November, 1864.
More than ordinarily gentle and refined in his manners, he was
yet possessed of great firmness and courage, and many acts of
personal daring and bravery are known that reflect credit upon
him as a soldier.
With high toned morals, talents and cultivation of no common
order, a career of honor and usefulness was open to him in civil
life. His patriotism and sense of duty forbade him to pursue
this when his country demanded his services in the field.
As a son and brother, he endeared his home circle to him by
544 LTEl I. i \mi> n. MOBGAN.
his genial virtues and manly worth. The memory of his ever
generous and affectionate qualities is fondly treasured in the hearts
of those who lovod him best.
His loss has brought a weariness of sorrow to them that will
not pass away. Many such homes there are in the laud, but
•■vwvy heart knoweth its own bitterness."
LIEUT. MICHAEL H. BARCKLEY.
545
L.
LIEUT. MICHAEL HENRY BARCKLEY,
OF KNOX.
Lieut. Barckley, son of Henry Barckley and Magdelane
Livingston, descendants of revolutionary times, was born in the
town of Knox, Albany county, N. Y.,. November 15, 1840. In
early life, he manifested an unusual fondness for books, and
made great proficiency in his studies. His parents resolved to
give him a thorough education, but were compelled at times to
check his rapid progress to preserve his health. He received a
religious education, and was a youth of excellent morals. His
parents belonged to the Reformed Dutch Church, and he was a
faithful member of the Sabbath school. He entered the junior
class of Union College in 1861, and graduated with honors in
July, 1862, in the 22d year of his age.
He returned home with his feelings fired with love of country,
which were, if possible, increased by those of his parents ; and
feeling impelled by a sense of duty to answer his country's call
and haste to the field of conflict, he at once enlisted as a recruiting
officer, and commenced his labors in his native town. He was
so much beloved, that many, who were otherwise timid, became
inspired by his example, and rallied around him. In three or
four days he had a sufficient number of recruits to present with
himself at the rendezvous in the city of Albany; so that in the
organization of Company K, of the Thirteenth Regiment N. Y.
V., he, as a reward for his patriotic services, was at once elected
First Lieutenant.
As soon as his position was determined, the patriotic people
of Knox in a mass meeting of both sexes, resolved to do him all
the honor in their power, and as an expression of their high ap-
preciation of him and the noble cause for which he so cheerfully
35
546 LIEUT. MICHAEL ll. BABCKLBY.
gave himself, raised a sufficient sum to purchase a sword, sash,
lieli and pistol, (the best that a line officer was allowed to wear)
which were presented to him at a large and enthusiastic meeting
in the town of Knox ju>t before his departure to tin- held. The
equipage waa presented by Rev. E. E. Taylor, and the sash
adjusted by Miss E. BOGARDUS, in behalf of the ladies. The
Rev. E. E. Taylor then made the presentation address to the
unusually large audience, who were assembled in the open air.
The following is a synopsis of the speech by Rev. Mr. Taylor:
"Civil government was formerly connected with thai of the
church. It has .since been changed; but nevertheless necessary,
and its support is equally binding upon us. And if there are
differences in the moral characters of men, that difference should
be considered in the selection of the best men under God, "who
setteth up nations and destroyeth," for this great work. And
if government is committed to men, then it is their duty to
maintain that government by the use of any necessary means to
.subjugate foreign foes or rebels. As evidence, it is recorded
1 Chron. 5, 22: ' For there fell down many slain because the war
was of God.'
•'However horrible the character of Avar ma}' appear, it is one
of God's commands that we, his servants, rally on the side of the
right and put down unholy rebellion, for the 'Captain of our
salvation' hath said of him who ' takcth the sword (wrongfully)
he shall perish by the sword.' It is further recorded, Jer. xlviii,
10: 'Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully,
and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.'
"We present to you this equipage in the name of God and
our country. You stand before us now in the military character.
This has become a necessity. May God sustain you in your
trials, give you a valiant heart, shield you from evil, and return
you and your comrades to us again in peace, if it may be, or, if
it must be that you fall, be yours an honored grave, and ours,
with you, by and by to enjoy the bliss of heaven. We pledge
to you our prayers and anxious .sympathy.
"You go forth as our representative; in it we feel honored.
You are to make for us our history, and, joined with the patriot
LIEUT. MICHAEL H. BARCKLEY. 547
army, are to crush, once and forever, rebels and rebellion, and
put the despots of the world before a free people; to trample
beneath your feet not only this rebellion but its cause, whereby
the foundations of our republic shall be laid deeper, made
broader and built firmer, over which our national ensign shall
wave while time lasts."
To this Lieutenant Barckley replied as follows:
"Reverend Sir — I accept these testimonials of regard from the
patriotic citizens of my native town, who have confided them in
trust to me, and here promise to hold them sacred, to use them
where duty calls, and never return them dishonored. And to the
ladies, this beautiful sash I shall ever hold in remembrance of
your attachments to the cause we all hold so dear."
The regiment which he joined, commanded by Colonel Morris,
left Albany August 14, 1862, and were assigned to the defences
of Washington and stationed at Fort Reno, afterwards called
Fort Pennsylvania. Subsequently, the regiment, changed to the
Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, was ordered to the front
and engaged in several battles and skirmishes, and finally in the
terrible conflicts at Coal Harbor. There this noble youth was
mortally wounded. A shell struck him below his right knee
and he fell with his face towards the enemy, on Saturday, the
4th of June, 1864.
After suffering upon the field, he was taken to the surgeon's
quarters, where his limb was amputated above the knee. He
did not long survive the operation, but died on the 6th of July,
1864, at ten o'clock, p. m. He was attended by his devoted
mother, who did all in her poAver to alleviate his sufferings.
During his sickness he was calm, communicative and cheerful,
and felt that in serving his country he had served his God. Just
before his death, he said he could not die in a better cause. He
was regarded as one of the bravest of the brave, and greatly
beloved by all who were associated with him. His remains were
borne away from the hospital by his friends and relatives and
attended, with military honors, to his native hills.
The funeral services of Lieutenant Barckley were attended on
Sabbath, the 10th of July, in the Reformed Dutch Church at
.MS l.lF.lT. UIGHAEL II. BAECKLET.
Kimx, his native village . The collin was strewn with flowers,
ami the sword which had been presented to him upon his depart-
ure for the seat of war, and which he had so valiantly wielded
in his country's defence, was lying upon it.
Citizens from every direction flocked to the house of mourn-
ing until the church was filled to its utmost capacity, the vestibule
crowded, and the grounds in front tilled by a multitude from far
and near, who were deeply interested, and seemed to appreciate
and realize the loss that the country and the community had
sustained. The scene was truly solemn and impressive.
The Rev. AVm. P. Davis, of Guilderland, assisted the pastor,
the Rev. E. Vedder, in the services. In view of this Providence
being accepted by the community as a general affliction, .Mr.
Vedder selected for his text, as an appropriate subject, the latter
clause of the third verse of the tenth chapter of Leviticus: "And
Aaron held his peace."
After the solemn exercises, the coffin being covered with the
flag of his country, the assembly followed his remains, in slow
and solemn procession, to the new cemetery; and in a most beau-
tiful spot, overlooking the place that gave him birth, selected
and given for that purpose, was deposited the lifeless form of the
once loved and noble youth, Lieutenant Barckley.
LIEUT. CHARLES S. EVANS. 549
II.
LIEUT. CHARLES SWAINE EVANS,
OF RENSSELAERVILLE.
Charles Swalne Evans, the son of Henry I. and Eunice M.
Evans, was born in Rensselaerville November 10, 1840.
He early displayed a strong affection for his parents, and many
amiable and noble qualities that endeared him to a large circle
of friends. He became hopefully converted, and made a profes-
sion of religion in the winter of 1862, in the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in Rensselaerville. His life clearly indicated the sin-
cerity of his profession, the depth of his love for his Saviour.
Animated by a pure and lofty patriotism, he enlisted August
2d, 1862, in Company K, Seventh Heavy Artillery Regiment,
and when promoted, he was transferred to Company I.
He was in the battles of Fredericksburg Road, Milford Station,
North Anna River, Tollapotomy Creek aud Coal Harbor. As a
soldier, Lieut. Evans was brave, cheerful and always at his post.
He shrank from no duty, and was never intimidated by danger.
His companions speak of him in terms of the highest praise.
While suffering from long marches, unsuitable food and exposure
to storms and the cold, he never was heard to utter a word of
complaint. His letters, written to his dear parents and sisters at
home, breathe a spirit of the warmest affection and deepest inte-
rest in their welfare, as well as devotion to his Saviour and to
his country's cause.
The following letters, addressed to the members of the church
with which he was connected, show his religious feeling's while
he was in the army:
550 i.ll.i r. (II LBLBfi S. I \ VSB.
Fokt IV.\nmi.\ wi\. Head Qi meters 113tb )
Regiment \. V. s. \. October 24, L862. ]
Brothers and Sisters of tki M. E. Church at Rensselaerville:
Mv heart is with you, bul I would thai this Sabbath morning
I might worship God with you in the old basement, and once
more mingle my prayers and Bongs of praise with yours; and
with you feel the influence of the Holy Spirit, strengthening us
for the performance of our duty, and filling our whole soul with
enjoyment But God, avIio moves in ;i mysterious way. has
ordered it otherwise, and iu obedience to what I considered my
sacred duty, I am to-day far from home and its comforts—far
from privileges which I once so much enjoyed; yet I trust and
firmly believe that I am not far from the Lord, and I will praise
Him this morning. Nothing but my own acts can deprive me
of the comforts of His religion, and the enjoyment of His presence.
The excitement of leaving home, the novelty of the soldier's
life, and the influence of the associations into which I was thrown,
notwithstanding I endeavored to be fortified by grace, all tended
to lessen my enjoyment, and to separate me from the God I love.
But I am grateful that I have never lost sight of Him, and that I
have tried to be faithful in praying to Him, and in attending to
all the means of grace within my reach. For the past few weeks
I have been endeavoring, by reflection and prayer, to increase
my faith, my enjoyment and my hold upon eternal life; and I
have reason to think that God has blessed me. I have more
strength, more confidence, more peace; and in writing these few
lines, I feel great joy to think that, though absent, I can give in
my testimony to the power of religion. May the Lord bless iis,
may His spirit guide us, and may we all at last dwell in the
bright world above.
Conscious that I am trying to do my duty, and feeling that I
am on the strongest side, because the Lord God is with me, i am
perfectly contented.
You can realize the danger of the body to which I am exposed;
but do one. unless by experience, can tell the danger to the soul.
Christians, pray forme, that I may be prepared for all that
awaits me; that though I fall bv the bullet or l>y disease. I may
LIEUT. CHARLES S. EVANS. 551
come ofl' conqueror. Pray that if it is the Lord's will, I may be
preserved; but His will, not mine, be done. Meanwhile the
Lord watch between us. Trusting in God,
I am, yours truly, CHARLES SWAINE EVANS.
Fort Reno, D. C, March 22, 1863.
Brethren and Sisters — I deem it a great privilege, and may
God bless me in the use of it, that though separated far from
you, I am able to express my Love for God's service, and my
desire to be one of His most faithful servants, and to merit the
promised reward. In looking over the past eight months, 1 can-
not but see and feel very grateful for the many evidences I have
of God's care. His mercy and His love have been manifested in
the preservation of my life and health, in the midst of dangers,
exposures and hardships; and the continued blessing of His Holy
Spirit alone has kept me safe while in the midst of the tempta-
tion and the evil with which I am surrounded. I derive great
enjoyment from the consciousness of God's approval, in the gift
of my services to my country; and possessing, as I trust, His
religion, I am better enabled to discharge my duties, undergo
hardships and submit cheerfully to the deprivation of privileges
and blessings. It seems to me now, that without this blessed
religion of Christ's, the only thing which can satisfy and fill the
human heart, my life would be blank indeed, and my situation
almost unbearable.
Though we have weekly meetings, and the preaching of the
gospel, which I am faithful in attending, I miss very much your
Thursday evening prayer meetings, and Saturday night class
meetings, which were such helps to me at home. But the
memory of those early days in God's service, and of the vows I
paid Him in your presence, and of our prayers, tears and songs
of praise, give me strength to overcome much of the evil there is
in camp life.
I am glad to hear that the spirit of the Lord has been at work
in Rensselaerville, convicting, converting and saving souls that
were dead in trespasses and in sins. I pray that God may keep
you, and especially those who enlisted when I did, from the evil
553 ini i. I II \i:i.i > 8. i II kN&
in this world, and bless you in all your efforts to do good, and
may He at la^t crown you in Heaven.
In return, give me your earnest prayers, thai I too may be
kept from sin. and maj e\irt :m influence for Christ, and never
bring any reproach upon His name. Pray, if the Lord wills thai
] should live until this wicked rebellion is crushed, thai I may
l>e a useful member of society and a tine Christian, constant in
the discharge of duty. Bui if it is the Lord's will thai I should
lose m\ life, may I die a Christian soldier, gaining an entrance to
Heaven, where no war nor battle sound is heard, and where we
can all praise God through eternity.
Your brother in Christ, C. SWAINE EVANS,
Co. K, 1th K Y. Vol. Artillery.
The sentiments and principles expressed in these letters, Lieut.
Evans labored to carry out in his daily life. Among the sol-
diers, he was the consistent, faithful and earnest Christian, and
the warm, sympathizing friend. His reliance upon God Mas
constant and firm, and he never forgot that he was the professed
disciple of Jesus Christ. His religion sustained him in the camp,
on the battle field, and in the last trying hour.
On the 3d day of June, 1864, at three o'clock in the morning,
a terrible charge was made on the enemy's works at Coal Har-
bor. Through that severe fight Lieut. Evans passed unharmed.
But two days afterwards he was wounded by a sharpshooter, and
after lingering a few hours in great agony, he expired. He was
conscious to the last, and expressed his perfect trust in the
blessed Saviour.
He was buried the same day at Coal Harbor, where his remains
still rest. Everything possible has been done to recover them,
but the place where he was buried is now plowed over, and the
headboard was found two miles from the spot.
Among several letters received by the friends at home, is the
following from Mr. Blanchard:
Gallupville, April 8, 1866.
My acquaintance with Lieut. C. 8. Evans was somewhat
limited. His mind was well cultivated, and his Christian charac-
LIEUT. CHARLES S. EVANS. 553
ter without blemish. He was always reliable, and everywhere
truthful, affectionate and kind. He was a model young man and
Christian. He gave good evidence of his patriotism by leaving
his friends and the work of preparation for a life of usefulness,
as an ambassador for Christ, to endure the trials and exposures
of the battle field. But he now rests from his labors, and has
gone to his reward. Yours truly,
H. BLANCHARD.
The following letter, written before Mr. Evans was promoted
to the Lieutenancy, shows the estimation in which he was held
by a superior officer:
Head Quarters, Draft Rendezvous,
Riker Island, February 17, 1864.
To all whom it may concern:
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Sergt. C. S. Evans,
Battery K, Seventh N. Y. Artillery, as capable of holding a com-
mission. He has been under my command some four or five
months, and during that time I never found him away from his
post. He was always ready and willing to do his duty. He is a
good soldier and a perfect gentleman, and nothing could give me
greater pleasure than to see him receive his commission, for I
think he has honestly earned it. He could do our country, in
this her hour of need, better service in such a position than the
one he now holds. If it were necessary to say more for him, I
would do so. CHARLES C. BAKER,
Major 3<dth Regiment JST. Y. V.
Of the fond brother a dear sister thus writes :
"None knew him but to love; none named him but to praise.
We miss him in the home circle, for he was so kind, so good, so
noble. But he is to-day in a brighter and better world than this,
and we are trying, by the grace of God, to exclaim: 'Even so,
Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.' "
554 LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY
LIf.
LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY.
Charles L. Yearbley was the son of Henry and Sarah A.
Yearsley, and was born in Wesl Troy May 19, 1843.
He received a Christian education, and his amiable qualities
and affectionate disposition made him a great favorite in the
home circle, and among all his friends. Early in life he became
a member of the Sabbath school, and was very conscientious in
observing the Sabbath, and attending upon the public worship of
God.
From the commencement of the wTar he was very desirous of
entering the army and fighting for his country. He often urged
his parents to let him go, but they were for some time unwilling
to part with the object of their affections. His love for his
mother was very strong, but he said to her one day, " the love
of country and the love for one's mother are alike, and we ought
to be willing to die for either."
He enlisted August 13th, 1862, in Company H, One Hundred
and Thirteenth Regiment, afterwards the Seventh Heavy Artil-
lery, and left Albany for the defence of Washington on the 19th
of August. There he remained until May 15, 1864.
Towards the latter part of the year 1863 he was promoted to
the position of Orderly Sergeant, and on the 15th of April,
1864, was made Lieutenant, in consequence of his faithful servi-
ces and superior soldierly qualities.
In June he was ordered to charge the enemy's works in front
of Petersburg, and having had the command of Company G from
the third of that month, he led them forward. As the engage-
ment opened he was badly wounded, and his friends urged him
to go to the rear. But he pushed on, and was again wounded.
LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY. 555
Still he nobly and fearlessly pressed forward, and was struck by
a bullet for the third time, and fell mortally wounded. He died
in about ten minutes, with his face still towards the enemy.
In the death of this noble patriot the country lost one of its
truest friends; the company one of its noblest officers, and his
parents one of the best of sons.
He sleeps with a large number of Christian heroes in the
Albany Rural Cemetery. His precious life was given to the
noblest of causes, and the priceless treasure that he helped to
secure, he leaves as his legacy to coming generations.
The following letters were written to his father after Charles
fell:
Opposite Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864.
Henry Yearsley, Esq:
Dear Sir — It is with feelings of the deepest regret I write to
inform you of the death of your son, Charles L., Lieutenant in
Battery G, Seventh New York Heavy Artillery. He was killed
while charging the enemy's works. In your sad bereavement I
would offer you my heartfelt sympathies. It could be well said
of him, that none knew him but to love him. Pleasing in per-
sonal appearance and maimers, he won friends by his gentleness
and kindness. He was as brave as a lion, and faithful in the dis-
charge of his duty, whether in the camp or in the face of the
foe. In him our country loses one of its noblest defenders; our
regiment one of its most efficient officers; and myself one of my
warmest personal friends. He died a soldier's death, with his
face to the foe. Our regiment was ordered to charge the works
of the enemy, and while nobly pressing his men forward, and
within a few yards of the works, he fell, shot through the
stomach, dying in about ten minutes. His body we have been
unable to recover, as it is between our lines. I will see that he
is decently buried and his grave marked.
His watch is in my possession; I will, as he wished, send it to
you by the first opportunity I have, and will try to send you his
sword, although I am afraid it will be impossible.
Please sir allow me to sympathize with you in this your great
556 LIEUT. CHARLES L. FEABSLETi
affliction, a1 the same time trusting thai •■ Be who doeth all things
well*' will comfort you. I am Bir, truly yours,
JOHN S. MoEWAN,
Caj)t. Seventh iV. Y. H. Artillery, Com. Battery G.
Quartermaster's Office, 7tji N. Y. A.,]
4th Brigade, Lst Division, 2d Cobfs. [>
In the Field near Petersburg, June 25, 1864. J
Mr. Henry Yearsley, West Troy, Ar. Y:
Dear Sir — Your letter, dated 22d inst. I have just received,
and will hasten to reply. I wrote a letter to Air. Charles Lack
some days ago, in which I referred to your son Charles, and I
presume that by this time you have learned either by this letter
or some other, of the fate of your noble boy. It therefore only
remains for me to comply with your request, contained in the
last part of your letter, and detail some of the circumstances con-
nected with his last moments. Perhaps I may be permitted
however, to first say a few words in relation to my previous
intercourse with him. Our intimacy commenced soon after our
regiment left Albany, in August 1862. There were three of us
who occupied the same tent; the third was Lieut. McClure. We
enjoyed each other's society very much during the almost twelve
months we were together. But I felt from the first, a parti-
cular feeling of congeniality towards Charlie, which I never
lost; I discovered at once in him a spirit so noble and generous,
and such a determination to do right, that I at once respected
and loved him. Our duties afterwards separated us, but our
friendship continued to grow stronger up to the time of his death.
During: the first two weeks service of our regiment in this
campaign, I was in all the engagements in which it participated,
and my position on the staff of Col. Morris as aid, during that
time, afforded me a good opportunity to judge of the merits
and fighting qualities of our officers. And I can say, that in the
very high opinion I had formed of Lieutenant Yearsley's
soldierly qualities, I was not mistaken. He was as brave and
true a soldier as ever lived. And since the second of this month
I have been acting Regimental Quartermaster, and my duties, as
LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY. 557
such, required me to be with the supply train a good share of
the time. I was not in the engagement of the sixteenth, and
must therefore state the particulars concerning your son as I
heard them from those who were last with him. He had been
the only officer in his company for duty since the regiment was
at Coal Harbor, and he went into the charge before Petersburg
in command of the company. I am told he was wounded three
times before he gave up. While cheering on his men he was
struck by a bullet, and fell to the ground. But immediately
rising he assured his men that he was not hurt much, and urged
them to press forward. He was hit the second time, and the
third shot struck him in the stomach, and proved to be a mortal
wound. The brigade advanced to the enemy's rear works, and
found they were in a place where they could not get out, and a
surrender was unavailable.
A few, however, made their escape, among them Captain
Maguire, and a few of his men, and it is from them that I learned
the. following facts : The enemy had apparently discovered that
the escape of our regiment was impossible; and they put their
heads over their breast works and called on the "Yankees " to
throw down their arms and come in, assuring them that they
would not be hurt. Captain Maguire replied, that they would
not get him while he was able to run, and he immediately started
to make his escape followed by four of his men, and a shower
of rebel bullets. In escaping over the field, across which the
charge had been made, a few minutes before, two men passed
Lieutenant Yearsley as he lay on the field; he called after them
saying, " don't leave me." They took him up and carried him
until they saw that his spirit had fled, when they laid him down
and hastened to our lines.
The following day, First Sergeant Shaw, with a detail of men
from our regiment, went out under a flag of truce and buried
the body of Lieutenant Yearsley. The Sergeant assured me
yesterday, that he could find the grave at any time. It is now
within our lines, but I think it would be impossible for you to
get permission to take it up before the first of November.
A few minutes before going into the charge the Lieutenant
558 LIEUT. OS u:i.l-:s I- rSABBLEl ,
handed his watch to one of bis company, ami it has since been
handed over t<» me. J will send it i<> you the first opportunity
I can get.
A feeling <>f sadness comes over me while recounting the oh>
CUmstanceS of his death, and how much greater must lie the Bad-
aess of a fond father and loving mother; a mother whom I know
lie loved, ami whose pious counsels contained in her letter,- to
him. 1 know he heeded and treasured np in his heart. When first
Learning of his death, it seemed to me that his young life had
been taken too soon — that his career of usefulness had hardly
commenced; But God knew best. I believe he has taken him
to Himself, and though it was not permitted his friends to be
with him in his parting moments, or to witness his cheerful
deportment and christian conduct and fortitude amid the hard-
ships of this dreadful campaign, yet I certainly think that they
should not be " like those who are without hope."
With the earnest wish, that you may receive strength from on
high, to bear up under this great affliction, I close by subscrib-
ing myself, with much respect,
Your obedient servant,
R. S. NORTON,
Lt. and A. R. Q. M. 1th N. Y. Art.
LIEUT. JOHN T. B. GOEWEY. 559
LIII.
LIEUT. JOHN T. B. GOEWEY.
John T. B. Goewey was born January 17th, 1842. He was
the youngest of nine children. His father, Jacob Goewey, was
from one of the old Dutch families of Albany, and his mother,
Maria Baker, was a descendant of the Puritans of Massachusetts.
He was baptized, in childhood, by the Rev. Dr. Wyckoff, in
the Middle Dutch Church, his parents being members of that
church.
His health was poor until he was ten years of age. He was
naturally of a nervous temperament and quick perceptions. As
his father's means were limited, he simply received an ordinary
education.
When quite young he had a great desire to go to West Point,
but as circumstances would not admit of it, he reluctantly gave
up the idea.
He went to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1857, with his parents, and
entered a book store as clerk. He also joined the Bible Class
in the Second Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Mr. Ellis, pastor.
When in that city he joined a military company, called the
Cleveland Light Guards. He, with his parents, returned to
Albany in 1859. When the war broke out, in 1861, he enlisted
in the Twenty-fifth Regiment, but not being of age, his father
would not consent to his going.
In the riot of July 12th, 1863, he was one of the thirty mem-
bers of the Twenty-fifth Regiment that left Albany, and were
gone five days on guard at Yonkers. He afterwards enlisted in
the Tenth Regiment, but could not get his father's consent to let
him go. He often said: " Father, they want another man. Do
you know who it is? That one is myself." After waiting
560 LI KIT. 30WH T. B. 80EWET.
patiently for a year, he persuaded his father finally to give his
consent, and, with several young members of Book and Ladder
Company No. 1, of which he was a member, he enlisted August
30th, L864, in the Twenty-third (independent Battery, N. Y. Vols.,
stationed at Newborn, N. ('.
He left Albany, September 9th, and arrived at Newborn one
week before the yellow fever broke out. The battery having
more men than was requisite, they were transferred to the Eighth
New York Heavy Artillery, and left Newbern, June 19th, for
Hotehkiss' Run, Petersburg.
He received a commission, dated December 27th, 1865, as First
Lieutenant of Company I, in the One Hundred and Seventieth
Regiment New York Volunteers, Second Division, Second Army
Corps. He was in all the battles from the time of leaving Peters-
burg, until the surrender of Gen. Lee. His health was good
while at Berksville, Va., and at Richmond. But often needing
proper food and rest, his constitution was severely taxed. Pass-
ing through Richmond, he was much oppressed with the heat,
and at night a heavy rain storm came on, and he took a severe
cold. A fever set in, and in that condition he was obliged to
take command of his company, the Captain being dead.
When he arrived at Fredericksburg, he was conveyed from
thence in an ambulance, to a field hospital near Alexandria, three
days after which he died. He expired May 18th, 1865, aged
twenty-three years, four months and one day. His remains were
brought home, and on the 25th of May, 1865, were borne to the
Albany Rural Cemetery.
"We deeply mourn his loss, as he was an affectionate and duti-
ful son, a kind brother, a true patriot, a brave soldier, and a
warm and sincere friend.
The following deserved tribute was paid to his memory:
"At a special meeting of Protection Hook and Ladder Com-
pany No. 1, held Friday evening, May 19th, 1865, the following
preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
"Wliereas, The great Creator, in His infinite wisdom and mercy,
has removed from among us our late friend and companion, Lieut.
LIEUT. JOHN T. B. GOEWEY. 561
John T. Goewet, of the One Hundred and Seventieth N. Y.
Vols., while nobly engaged in his country's service:
"Resolved, That while we deplore his loss as an active mem-
ber, an agreeable companion and warm friend, we bow with sub-
mission to the decree of an all-wise Providence, who does every
thing for the best.
"Resolved, That we tender to his bereaved family our heartfelt
sympathy, and join them in mourning the departure of one, who,
in all the social relations of life, proved himself an affectionate
son and devoted brother.
"Resolved, That the house of this company be draped in
mourning for thirty days, in memory of the deceased, and that a
copy of these resolutions be presented to his family, and pub-
lished in the city papers.
"MATTHEW QUITO, President.
"EobertH. Moore, Secretary."
562 i.n.l T. .ioii.n B. BE M>.
L1V.
LIEUT. JOHN B. READ.
John B. Read, First Lieutenant and Adjutant Seventh X. Y.
Heavy Artillery, was born October 8th, 1830, at Stuyvesant,
Columbia county, N. Y. His father's name is Joel Read, and
his mother's, Mary A. Burns.
In his domestic relations he was everything that could be
desired, and he will be ever remembered as a dutiful son, the
kindest of brothers, an affectionate husband and father, and a
firm and faithful friend.
He entered the United States service from motives of the
purest patriotism. When disaster befell the Federal troops in
the battles in front of Richmond, and the second Bull Run, and
the call was made for more troops, he at once tendered his ser-
vices, notwithstanding he had an impediment in his speech, which
would have exempted him from all military duty. As a reward
for his services in recruiting, he was commissioned Second Lieu-
tenant in Co. A, One Hundred and Thirteenth N. Y. Infantry,
August 4, 1862, and was presented, by the citizens of the Eighth
ward, with a sword, sash and belt. On the 19th August, 1862,
the regiment left Albany for Washington, and upon reaching
there, it was assigned to duty in the defences of that city. When
the regiment was changed to heavy artillery, Lieut. Read was
selected to recruit the additional men required. This duty he
accomplished to the entire satisfaction of his superior officers.
So highly were his services appreciated that he was promoted to
First Lieutenant and Adjutant of the regiment.
The regiment left Washington, May 15th, 1864, to join the
Army of the Potomac, where it arrived in time to participate in
the battles of Spottsylvania Court House, Milford Station, North
LIEUT. JOIIX B. BEAD. 563
Anna and Coal Harbor. In all these battles Lieut. Read was
engaged, and on every occasion he displayed all the qualities of
an old and tried officer.
In the last named battle, he was seriously wounded, and was
left within the rebel lines. In all probability he perished upon
the field j as nothing definite has ever been heard from him.
Lieut. Read's qualities as a soldier were such that he not only
won the respect and affection of the men under his charge, but
also, by his pleasing manners and numerous acts of kindness,
endeared himself to his superior officers. Whether in the camp
or on the battle field, he invariably manifested a deep interest in
the welfare of those with whom he was brought in contact.
After being wounded, he was unwilling to accept of the services
of his fellow soldiers to remove him from the field, knowing
from the pressing emergencies of the time that every available
man was required, in order to insure the success of the Union
forces.
The mystery which hangs over the fate of this noble soldier,
has been a source of the deepest anxiety and sorrow to his rela-
tives and friends. They have used every endeavor to ascertain
whether he died on the field, or lingered in one of the horrible
southern prisons. But they have been unable to learn anything
respecting his last days and hours, and can only leave him in the
hands of a merciful God, with the hope of meeting him again,
where all is peace and joy, and where the good shall meet to
part no more.
.564 LIEUT. IIKNKY MoCONNELL.
LV.
LIEUT. HENRY McCONNELL.
Tins officer was a native of Ireland, and at the time of the
breaking out of the late civil Avar, a resident of Albany, where
he had lived many years. He had a family, and was a carpenter
by trade. He followed that occupation till his entrance into the
service of the United States, as Second Lieutenant of Company
K, Sixty-third Regiment New York Volunteers, in September,
1861. His regiment at once joined Gen. Thomas F. Meagher's
Brigade.
He passed with the regiment through the Peninsula campaign,
in 1862, and fought in many of the battles against Richmond,
escaping without a wound.
At the battle of Antietam, on the 17th of September, 1862,
he fell mortally wounded, and expired on the field. He was
about thirty-five years of age. He was a man of good charac-
ter, modest and unassuming, but brave. He left a wife and one
child.
These are the only facts, of interest to the reader, known, in
reference to this gallant patriot, whose life was sacrificed on the
altar of his adopted country.
" I only know, I only care to know,
Tou died for me — for me and country hied;
A thousand springs, and wild December snows
Will weep for each of all our Northern dead."
LIEUT. MATTHEW BELL. 565
LVI.
LIEUT. MATTHEW BELL.
From A. S. Kibbee, Esq.
Rev. R. W. Clakk :
Dear Sir — It gives me pleasure to send to 3^011 the following"
tribute to the memory of Lieutenant Matthew Bell, who was a
member of our church (The First Congregationalist.) I have
been intimately acquainted with him for the past twenty years.
He was of Scotch parents; was born in Scotland, and came to this
country alone when a small boy. Through the force of unyield-
ing determination, coupled with honesty and integrity of pur-
pose, he Avon his way into the confidence and esteem of many
friends. He was converted and united with our church in 1857.
Ever after he was a cordial co-worker with us in everything that
partained to the advancement of the interests of Zion. He was
with us from about the first of our organization, and in our Sab-
bath school, and also in the mission school, he was most efficient.
He was one that could be relied upon. A superintendent knows
how to value such men.
Through the early part of the war he felt it to be his duty to
enter the army, and it was only the wants of his family and their
entire dependence upon him, that prevented him from doing so.
But when the dark trying days came, he could no longer remain
at home and he volunteered (when bounties were comparatively
unknown) as a private in the One Hundred and Thirteenth New
York Regiment. He had received a military education and was
very efficient while the regiment was in the course of formation,
in drilling and preparing it for active service in the field. Before
the regiment reached Washington he was promoted to the posi-
tion of Second Lieutenant, and shortly after was made First Lieut.
566 • LIEUT. MATTHEW BELL.
Jt was my good fortune t<> visit the regiment while stationed ;ii
Fori Reno, one of the defences of Washington, and while there
J learned what I might have expected, that he was considered
by his superior officers and also by the men <>f bis company, as
one ct* the best officers in the regiment. He maintained his
integrity and was faithful in the discharge of every duty.
Very shortly after his arrival at the fort, he contracted a cold
from which he never recovered.
lie died as lie had lived, a true patriot and a sincere christian.
His remains lie in the Albany Rural Cemetery.
Yours very truly,
A. S. KIBBEE.
LIEUT. LUTHER H. HILL. i 67
LTIL
LIEUT. LUTHER HECKLEY HILL.
Luther Heckley Hill was one of that numerous baud of
youthful heroes, brought out of the peaceful pursuits of civil
life into public action and notice by the late rebellion. He was
the second son of William and Matilda Hill and was born on
the 26th of September, 1835. He was a young man of good
moral character, upright and honorable in his dealings, and social
and friendly in his intercourse with his fellow men. He was a
bookbinder bjT trade, and an excellent and ingenious workman.
Some months previous to the breaking out of the war, he
commenced business for himself in West Troy, and was just
beginning to get along comfortably. But as soon as the news of
the attack on Fort Sumter reached him, he was fired with patriotic
enthusiasm, and his loyal heart burned with an intense desire to
put the traitors down. He immediately sold out, at a sacrifice,
what he could of his stock and tools, and what he could not sell
he either gave or stowed away, as though he thought he would
have no more use for them. He then went zealously to work in
raising a company, and, so untiring were his efforts, that in a few
days he collected about forty men and was chosen their Captain,
for which position he was well qualified, having been for a long
time First Lieutenant of a military company.
He intended to have joined the Second Regiment, but was too
late, as it had completed its organization a few hours before he
applied. Disappointed, but not disheartened, he disbanded his
men, who parted from him with feelings of regret and went into
other companies.
Several persons offered their influence to obtain for him an
office, but he refused, saying, "I will enter the ranks aud make
,rili,S LIEUT, l.i I mi; ll. SELL.
my way up on my own merits." Be was, however, afterwards,
persuaded i<> accept the office of Orderly Sergeant in Company
A, Captain Oswald, Thirty-fourth Regiment New York State
Volunteers. This was in May, L861. Two days before his
departure, he was married to Miss Anna Westebn, of Albany.
As a soldier and officer he faithfully discharged every duty, and,
being of a buoyant and happy disposition, he endeared himself
to his comrades, and soon became a favorite with the officers and
men of the whole regiment. While on picket duty near the
Potomac, he had the misfortune to badly rupture himself, and
was strongly urged by both surgeon and officers, to get his dig-
charge and return home. This he refused to do.
In a letter to his mother he said: "I am coming home on a
short furlough to have my injuries attended to, and then I shall
return, and I will leave my bones to bleach and whiten in the
.sunny South, before I will desert my country when she needs my
services."
A feAv days before his furlough expired, being informed that
the army had moved, nothing could restrain his impatience, and
he took an affectionate leave of his wife and relatives and hastened
back. On arriving at Washington, learning that the regiment
had gone, and that no conveyance could be obtained, he went on
foot, and after a walk of seventeen miles he met the regiment
returning, and he retraced his steps.
He was twice promoted; first as Sergeant Major and then as
First Lieutenant of Company G, in which capacity he was acting
at the time he was killed. lie seems to have had the impression
that he would not survive a battle, as he had expressed himself
to that effect on one or two occasions. It proved to be but too
time, for he was killed in the first engagement on the bloody
field of Fair Oaks, 31st of May, 1862. A few moments before
he was shot, turning to a friend, he said, "if anything happens
to me, write immediately to my wife and mother;" and almost in
the next instant, at the third volley from the enemy, he fell
pierced by a bullet through the heart. lie died like a brave
man in defence of the glorious flag of our Union, confronting the
traitors who had thrown off its protection and would have
LIEUT. LUTHER H. HILL. 569
trampled it into the clust, and yielding up his precious life a
willing sacrifice upon the altar of his country's liberty.
His body was taken to the rear, and was afterwards buried
with that of Sergeant Middlebrook. A few rails were placed
around their graves, and head boards to mark the spot.
Three weeks after, his grave was opened by some of his former
companions, and his remains placed in a rude coffin, in which
condition they remained till after the close of the war; his rela-
tives not being; able to obtain them on account of the rebels
having possession of that part of Virginia. Lieut. Hill had three
brothers, the eldest of whom died at the age of twenty; eleven
months after his brother was killed. His two remaining brothers,
William W. and Philip H., served in the N. Y. Seventh N. G.
when stationed at Fort Federal Hill, Baltimore. It is a great
satisfaction and comfort to the bereaved parents, especially to
their father, who has been entirely blind for eighteen years, to
know that they were all true and loyal to their country, in the
recent terrible struggle to maintain our national existence.
His remains were fully identified and brought home by his
brother William W. and buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery,
October 7th, 1865.
The following tribute is from his blind and afflicted father:
There side by side in peace he sleeps
With his young brother fair;
And o'er their graves the green moss creeps,
And flowers are blooming there.
Though ne'er on earth we meet again
To press each other's hand,
I know that I shall meet with them
When in the Spirit Land.
And that the veil which wraps me here
In solitude and night,
Will then forever disappear
In its celestial light.
570 LIEUT. WILLIAM P. CLABK.
LVJIf.
LIEUT. WILLIAM PAIGE CLARK.
Lieut. Clark was horn in the town of Watervliet on the 27th
day of January, 1835. On the 25th day of June, 1830, his father
met with an accident while traveling on the Albany and Sche-
nectady railroad, by which he lost his life. lie left two children
(boys) William being the eldest. Shortly after this affliction
Mrs. Clark removed to the city of Albany, where she still
resides.
The early life of William was passed without anything of
special interest. He received a good common school education
and learned the trade of a tinsmith. For a number of years he
worked for Mr. E. C. Blakeman, of Albany.
In the year 1860 he was married to Miss Alida Hare, of
Esperance, Schoharie county. When the war broke out in
the spring of 1861, and the Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. S. M.
was preparing to take the field, Mr. Clark was among the earliest
to volunteer to accompany them. He served faithfully the three
months, and on the return of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, find-
ing the Ninety-first N. Y. V. about being organized for three
years' service, he, in September, enlisted as Third Sergeant in
Company A. of that Regiment. He remained with them in the
Florida and Louisiana campaign until the battle of Irish Bend,
April 14th, 1863, when he fell, shot through the head, while
nobly doing his duty in a charge on the enemy. He lived about
an hour after being struck, but was not conscious of anything.
At the time of his death he was acting as Second Sergeant of his
company. A commission as Second Lieutenant from March 9th
had been awarded to him, but had not reached him when he fell
upon the field.
LIEUT. JOHN T. PHILLIPS. 571
L1X.
LIEUT. JOHN PETER PHILLIPS.
John Peter Phillips, was First Lieutenant in company F,
One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment N. Y. S. V. He was
born in the village of Fishkill, Dutehess county N. Y., on the 25th
of July, 1829. His parents gave him a good education and trained
him in the principles of honesty and virtue. At the early age
of sixteen he left home for New York. Here he showed great
energy in the prosecution of his business, and in resisting the
temptations of the city. He removed from New York to Albany
where his efforts in business were crowned with success. Here
he married on the 18th of April, 1852. He was very fond of
his home, and greatly enjoyed it till the tocsin of war sounded
through the land. He was then a member of the Tenth Regi-
ment, and had made himself master of the drill, and manual of
arms. When the Twenty-fifth Regiment started for the seat of
war, he very much wished to go with them, and nothing but the
ties of family restrained him. At this time the people were not
impressed with the magnitude of the struggle, and expected it
would soon be over. At last his regiment was called into ser-
vice, and he cheerfully obeyed the call. " I go," he said, " not
with the expectation of any pecuniary reward, but because I
believe that it is my duty to give up everthing for my country."
The regiment were ordered to Louisiana, and when they arrived
there, were marched up the country. At Bonnet Carre Lieuten-
ant Phillips was seized with the typhoid fever, from which he
never recovered. When they reached Baton Rouge he was very
weak, and soon after, the regiment's time being out, they were
ordered home. Lieutenant Phillips arrived in Albany in a state
.". , -J lata !. John p. run. i. irs.
of great bodily prostration. He was unable t<> caress his chil-
dren, whom he deeply loved, or to make himself understood by
his loud wife. On the fourth daj of his return, and the 4th
day of September, L863, he departed this life. His remains
were interred in the Albany Rural Cemetery, there to rest till
the bright morning of the resurrection day.
So sinks the soldier to his rest
With all his country's wishes hlest
LIEUT. SYLVESTER B. SHEPARD. 573
LX.
LIEUT. SYLVESTER BARRETT SHEPARD.
The subject of this sketch was the eldest son of Sylvester
F. and Catharine B. Shepard. He was born in Albany, New
York, July 25, 1841, and was killed at the siege of Port Hudson,
June 14, 1863. Amiable in his disposition, active in his habits,
and quick in perception, his manly deportment and generous
feelings made him a favorite with his companions. He very
early offered his services to the government, and enlisted as a
private in the Albany Burgesses Corps, which left Albany April
30, 1861, and became connected with the Twenty-fifth Regiment,
stationed at Arlington Heights.
He returned after three months' service, and immediately
commenced recruiting a company for the Ninety-first Regiment,
then organizing. Enlisting for three years, from December 6,
1861, his energy and success in raising a company secured him
the appointment of Second Lieutenant in company C. The
regiment, numbering nearly nine hundred men, left Albany, for
Governor's Island, December 25, 1861; which place it left for
Key West, January 8, 1862, arriving there on the 20th. It
remained at Key West until May 2d, when it was ordered to
Pensacola. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Shepard returned north to
recruit, and, after partial success in regaining his health, he
returned in time to join the regiment before it was ordered to
Baton Rouge, to join the expedition under General Banks.
The wearisome and varied marches of the troops in this divi-
sion, from the early spring of 1863 to the fall of Port Hudson,
are matters of history. A letter from a member of the Ninety-
first, dated July 27th, says: "The siege of Port Hudson was a
weary work, and both parties fought with the greatest bravery.
Our own regiment suffered severely, and the men behaved nobly.
On the 14th of June we made an assault on the enemy's fortifi-
574 LIEUT. 8YLVE8TEB B. SHKI'AIID.
cations, but were repulsed, and such a scene of carnage I never
wish again to witness. Our regimen! acted as grenadiers,
approaching the breastworks with hand grenades, under a per-
fecl shower of bullets, which mowed down the brave fellows by
scores. Bui few reached the trenches, and those only to be
repulsed and taken prisoners. 1 laid for live hours within halt*
pistol range of the enemy, continually exposed to the cross fire
from the rifle pits, with my comrades falling around inc."
In this engagement, Lieutenant Shepard took a prominent and
brave part. The attack, which was one of the most hazardous
and disastrous of the war, was made early in the morning, and
the Captain of his company fell at the beginning of the engage-
ment. The command devolving upon young Shepard, he was
encouraging and leading the men forward when a ball pierced his
left breast, and the noble hero fell a sacrifice to his country's cause.
His remains were recovered and subsequently brought home.
An Albany paper, speaking of the event said: "The loss of
young Shepard is a terrible blow to his family and friends.
Highly gifted, and enthusiastic in his profession, had he been
spared he would have made his mark in the army. He met his
fate worthy of a brave boy. He died, with his face to the enemy,
while leading his men up to the mouth of the enemy's cannon.
His memory will be cherished by his many young friends, who
sadly deplore his premature death."
A letter from Captain Wilson, of the Ninety-first, to a member
of his family, says: "Your brother has earned for himself the
reputation of being a gallant and brave officer; and I have heard
the men speak in glowing terms of his conduct in several hard
fought battles, especially those of the 25th and 27th of May.
You have the proud satisfaction of knowing that he died for his
country, and that he faithfully did his duty as an officer and
gentleman, and that he fell as a soldier should, with his face to
the enemy, gallantly leading his men to the charge. He was a
great favorite with the Colonel, who sincerely mourns his loss,
as well as all the other members of the regiment."
Lieut. Shefard was promoted to the First Lieutenancy of his
company, May 10, l-s<>2. and appointed Adjutant of the regiment.
LIEUT. PATRICK MAKER. 575
LXI.
LIEUT. PATRICK MAHER.
Patrick Maker was born about the year 1821, near Roscrea,
in the county of Tipperary, Ireland. He came with his parents
to the United States about the year 1824. The family settled
in Albany, where his father and mother died. He married early
in life, and had two sons, both of whom are now living. His
occupation was a saloon keeper, and he was highly respected by
every one who knew him. He served for twelve years in the
Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. S. M., and was a prominent mem-
ber of the Emmet Guards, being treasurer and Second Lieuten-
ant of said company.
He went to California, where he was not very successful, and
after many years returned to Albany.
At the commencement of the late war, he went with the
Twenty-fifth (Colonel M. K. Bryan) to Virginia, as Sergeant in
company B, Montgomery Guards. A few months after the
expiration of his term of service, he enlisted in Captain Michael
O'Sullivan's company (F,) Sixty-third N. Y. V., Irish Brigade,
and his son Daniel enlisted with him. He was promoted to the
position of Commissary Sergeant, and in the discharge of his
duties gave universal satisfaction. On the battle field of Antie-
tarn he was promoted First Lieutenant, a just tribute to his
integrity as well as to his military talents.
He commanded company F, while Captain O'Sullivan was
absent from wounds received at the battle of Antietam. He also
commanded the company after his Captain's discharge through
disability from March to June, 1863, when he was mustered out
with other officers, in consequence of the consolidation of the
Sixty-third into two companies. He returned home, and resumed
51 6 i.n:i i. i'\i UOB U \in EL
his old occupatioiL He re-enlisted as private in the same regi-
ment, and was present in the sanguinary battles of the Wilder-
ness, Chancellorsville, &c, and in those at Petersburg. His
oourage and capacity for command being Beverely tested, he was
recommended for promotion to Governor Fenton, ami was at
once placed in command of a company .
In one of the engagements at Petersburg, June, L864, a ball
shattered his left thigh and amputation became accessary. Be
came borne and died in Albany, and was buried by the Emmet
Guards, the company in which he commenced bis military career.
He had the satisfaction to receive his commission as I'ii-t
Lieutenant a few days previous to his death, as a recognition of
his services in the field, and of his devotion to the Union.
LIEUT. ROBERT G. XOXOX. 577
nil
LIEUT. ROBERT G. NOXON,
OF WATERVLIET.
Robert G. Noxox, son of Peter B. and Helex Noxox, was
born in the town of Bethlehem.
Actuated by the true spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in Com-
pany F, Thirtieth Regiment, October 8th, 1862. He remarked
to his mother that she should be proud to have a son in the
American army, to sustain the government and the Union.
Lieut. Noxox was in several battles, in which his bravery and
devotion to his country were conspicuous. After the battle of
Fredericksburg, he was transferred to the Seventy-sixth Regi-
ment, Company F.
In the terrible battle at Gettysburg, he was mortally wounded,
and laid upon the field for fifty-four hours, in great suffering.
He was wounded in the thigh by a Minnie ball, that passed
through the bone and fractured it. It was several days after
he was wounded before he was taken to the hospital. He sur-
vived his wound but forty days, when he was released by death
from his extreme sufferings. His remains rest in the Albany
Rural Cemetery.
37
578 LIEUT. JAMES McA. s< >l Tliw l< K.
LX1II,
LIEUT. JAMES McALISTER SOUTHWICK.
Lieut. Southwick, the son of Henry C. and Mary South-
wick, was born in the city of Albany. September oth, 1841; and
died in camp near Warwick Court House, \'a., on the 4th day
of .May. L862.
As a child he was noted for truthfulness, moral courage, kind-
ness of heart and obedience to his parents. When he grew
older, these qualities were strengthened and brightened by his
manly and courageous advocacy of those principles which he
deemed to be right and just.
When the storm of war burst forth, he never hesitated or
doubted as to the line of duty, but immediately began to prepare
for the contest. He was in the employ of Gen. John F. Hatii-
bone, who bears testimony to his high integrity of character.
Although his connection with him was of a business nature, the
General pressed him into service as an assistant, at the bar-
racks in this city, where he was employed during the fall of
1861.
Becoming impatient to participate in active service in the
field, he joined the Ninety-third Regiment New York State Vol-
unteers, then organizing at the barracks, and Avas immediately
elected Second Lieutenant of Company A. He left the city with
the regiment, and the following letters give a partial account of
his movements:
Meridian Hill, March 23, 1862.
My dear Parents — I doubt not that by this time you are quite
vexed at me on account of my very great tardiness in not writing
you before. But better late than never, you know, so please
pardon me this time, and expect better things in future.
LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTIIWICK. 579
When we left New York it was almost dark, you will remeni-
ber, so that it brought us to Philadelphia at midnight exactly,
where a most welcome and sumptuous repast awaited us. We
had then to march about one mile through the city to the depot,
Avhere we took the cars, and laid in them all night, in the depot,
on account of a train, which left before we got there, having broke
down just out of the city.
At last, about seven a. m., \vc got started, and, after many
stops and vexatious delays, about one p. M. arrived at Perryville,
Md., where the cars were taken on to the ferry boat and ferried
bodily over to Havre de Grace. There the Fourth New York
Regiment is stationed. We left there immediately, arriving in
Baltimore about dusk, when we marched through Pratt street,
where you remember the Eighth Massachusetts boys met with
trouble last spring. We here partook of the hospitalities of
Baltimore, provided for us by the citizens, and I assure you I
never felt so grateful for a meal in my life as I did for that. I
tell you what it is, the boys of the Ninety-third New York will
long and gratefully remember the gentlemen and ladies of Phil-
adelphia and Baltimore.
We rested here about two hours, when we again jumped on
the cars for Washington, which place we reached about five
o'clock a. m. About noon we left the city, marching about two
miles out on the Bladensburg road, where we pitched our tents,
and got our first taste of camp life; and I assure you that that
night's sleep was most deliciously enjoyed by about eight hun-
dred and fifty of the most tired and forlorn looking fellows that
ever formed a regiment. We were most beautifully situated
here, on a high hill overlooking the country around for miles;
and wherever the eye could reach, nothing, hardly, but little
white tents dotted the landscape.
But already it has got to be an old story here to visit a camp,
or to stand in the evening, looking at the camp fires of a neigh-
boring regiment, and wake up in the morning to find the camp
deserted, and not a sign or vestige left to remind a person, that
the night before a bustling crowd of blue coats had been there.
580 i.i it r. JAMES M. \. BOl l m\ K3K.
Where had they -one? Well, thai wasjusl whal aobody knew;
an<l bo it goes.
Last Tuesday we received orders to leave Bladensburg for this
place, expecting to Leave the oexl morning for Alexandria, there
to start for James river. Bui bere we arc yet.
We arc in Gen. Palmee's Brigade, Casey's Division, and have
had marching orders since we have been here: bul ii is my
honest opinion we will never gel more than fifty miles from here.
I am perfectly contented and satisfied here, and enjoy myself
very much. * * *
Mv most affectionate love to you all. beloved parents, brothers
and sisters. Write me soon.
Your affectionate son, JAMES.
In Camp, seven miles feom Fortress Monroe,
April 2, 1502.
My dear Father — You will no doubt be rather surprised to
learn of our sudden departure from Washington, which we left
last Thursday p. m.
We left Meridian Hill last Thursday about five P. M., crossing
the Long bridge in total darkness, and inarching that night seven
miles to Alexandria. We arrived there about eleven-thirty P. M.,
and camped on the sidewalks, in doorways, and under stoops,
which was very uncomfortable, I assure you. I sat up all night
in a doorway, with a blanket around me, but slept not at all. The
next day, Saturday, we marched out about two miles from the
city and camped, would you believe, in the midst of a heavy
snow storm, which shortly, however, turned into rain. Our meu
had to lie right down in it, on account of our tents not arriving.
They were detained by a great crowd of wagons on the road,
sixteen thousand men having crossed the bridge- the same day Ave
did. We laid there that night, and the next morning, Sunday,
we again commenced our march, returning to Alexandria, where
we embarked on the steamer " Vanderbilt" for Fortress Monroe.
On our way down the river, we had a tine view of Mathias Point,
and of a number of splendid fortifications, but lately evacuated
LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTHWICK. 581
by the rebels. We arrived at the Fortress at nine a. m. Tuesday,
April 1st.
We disembarked under the guns of the Fortress, and inarched
three miles to Hampton, which you remember was laid in ruins
by the rebels, under Magkuder. The walls are still standing,
and also the stockade and earthworks, erected by the rebels.
Our men that night slept in the ruins of a church and in the
grave yard attached to it, on top of graves, <fec, which I assure
you was rather a new situation for your son Jim to be placed in.
At any rate, no ghosts disturbed my slumbers, which were pretty
sound, I assure you, after our tiresome journey. We arose with
the dawn, and started on five miles further to this place, where
we camped a few hours since. What the name of this place is,
I could not say, but suffice it to say that Norfolk is just over the
river, and possibly my next letter may be dated from there.
I am just as fresh this moment as though I had not marched a
foot, with all my goods in a knapsack on my back. I send you
a peach bud, plucked in Hampton, which was just handed me by
one of the men. The trees are all blossoming, birds singing, and
the weather beautiful in the day, but chilly at night. My most
affectionate love to mother, Julia, and my dear brothers and
sisters. Your affectionate son,
JAMES.
Near Newport News, Va.,
Friday, April 11, 1862.
My dear Sister — I received your very truly welcome letter last
evening, and though suffering from a very severe sore throat,
brought on by the cold rains of the past few days, I hasten thus
early to answer it. You speak of Ben having commenced a let-
ter, which I assure you I would be very happy to receive, not
having heard from him since leaving home.
The " Merrimac " is flying around here, making the folks at New-
port News and vicinity feel anything but easy. She captured
two of our transports yesterday, and it was expected that she
would attempt to run past the fort. If she ever gets out, there
will be a big time, for they will have to run her ashore or tip
582 LIEUT. .1 \MI> Mi \. B01 i nw K'K.
her over before they can take her. A year ago to-day, Sumter
was bombarded.
Sunday, April 13, 1862. I have done no duty in three days,
on accounl of my throat, which has worried me considerably.
I am, your affectionate brother, JAMES.
Lieut. Southwick remained with his command until lie was
taken ill with the disease which terminated his life. Had he
been Less earnest in the discharge of his military duties, his life
might have been prolonged; but after being sent to the hospital
at Newport News, he learned that the regiment had marched for
Yorktown. lie rose from his cot, and rode on an army wagon to
Warwick Court House, where the regiment was then quartered,
a distance of several miles, and immediately applied himself to
his duties. But the fever proved too strong, and he was forced
again to a sick bed, from which he never rose. On the day that
our army marched into the rebel intrenchments at Yorktown, his
spirit took its flight to the eternal world.
Thus he passed away in the Hush of youth, and. with the
brightest prospects before him: for he was richly endowed with
those qualities of mind and character which, had he been spared,
would have won for him honor and promotion. He was a soldier
of undaunted courage, inflexible integrity, and was scrupulous
and self-exacting in the discharge of every duty devolving upon
him. He Avon the respect and esteem of all who knew him, ami
his family lament the loss of an obedient, truthful son, and a
lovinir and affectionate brother.
The following letter respecting him, was received from Col.
Crocker:
Washington, D. C, May 22, 1866.
Sir — It affords me much pleasure to be able to certify to the
excellent character and great personal worth of Second Lieu-
tenant James M. Southwick, late of the Ninety-third New York
Volunteers. I was familiarly acquainted with him and highly
esteemed him on account of his manly virtues, his excellent
qualities as an officer, and his patriotic zeal in the cause of his
country.
LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTHWICK. 583
He joined my regiment (the Ninety-third New York Volun-
teers) in November, 1861, and was soon after commissioned
Second Lieutenant of Company A, and continued to serve as
such until his death, which occurred at the siege of Yorktown,
Va., May 4th, 1862.
In the great contest in which his country was engaged he
manifested the strongest feeling in behalf of the Government,
and emphatically denounced the efforts of rebels and traitors to
destroy it. He never seemed to doubt but that the Government
would prevail against its enemies, and that the war would result
in more firmly establishing the institutions of the country upon
the principles expressed in her Declaration of Independence, than
ever before. He expressed a desire to serve his country in her
hour of trial, and a willingness to risk his life in her just cause.
Such I believe were the motives that led him to enlist.
As an officer, he studied to know his duty, and always per-
formed it nobly and well. He was gentlemanly and courteous
in his deportment; a man of most excellent morals, and he seemed
to be guided by the Golden Rule, " Do unto others as you would
that they should do unto you." He was kind and attentive to
the wants of soldiers in his charge, and they appreciated him as
one of their best friends. He won the confidence and respect of
all the officers of the regiment, and his loss was most heartily
deplored by the entire command.
His disease was typhoid fever. He first complained of ill
health about the 20th of April, and by nry directions was sent
to the hospital. But the next day, learning that the regiment
was ordered to move to the extreme front, he left the hospital to
rejoin his command, stating that he felt better and desired to be
with his regiment in the expected engagement; that he could
not endure the idea of his men ffoing- into a fiffht and he not
with them to share the duties and dangers of battle. Most of
the baggage had been left in the rear, and the weather being
rainy and bad, he was necessarily exposed.
The severe hardships and exposures of the camp proved too
much for him, and brought on his disease with renewed force,
and terminated his life, as before stated.
•"■v I i.ii.i i'. JAMES M' \. BOl i rw kk.
In his deatb we all fell ili.it the regiment had l<>-t one of its
best officers, and the country one of its ooblesl and braveel
defenders. Every officer and man in the regimenl was a sinoere
mourner over the event, which had so suddenly and unexpectedly
deprived them <>t" their brave and true comrade in arm-.
Very respectfully your obedient servai t,
JOHN s. CEOCKER,
Latt Colonel 93d N. Y. Vols.. Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. V.
To II. C. Soi 1 11 wick, Albany, N. Y.
The following resolutions were adopted by the officers of the
Ninety-third Regiment N. Y. S. V., on the death of Lieut. James
M. Si >\ i iiw ick:
Bivouac of the 93d Regiment, N Y. S. V. )
Near West Point, Va., May 10, 1862. J
At a meeting of the officers of the Ninety-third Regiment
New York State Volunteers, held at the Bivouac, near West
Point, Va., May 10th, 1862, Capt. George B. Mushier was ap-
pointed chairman, and Lieut. IIi;m;v P. Smith secretary. Ou
motion of Lieut. Henry C. Newton, a committee of three was
aj ipointed to draft resolutions expressive of the feelings of the
officers of the regiment, on the announcement of the death of
Lieut. Ja.mks M. Southwick, of Company A, Ninety-third New
York Volunteers.
The following named officers were appointed as such com-
mittee, viz: — Lieut. Henry C. Newton, Capt. N. J. Johnson, and
Lieut. James W. Race.
The following resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, The officers of the Ninety-third Regiment New York
Volunteers have heard with profound sorrow of the death of
Lieut. James M. Southwick, (formerly of Albany) which occurred
at our late camp near Warwick Court House, Va., on the 4th day
of May, 1862:
Resolved, That by the death of Lieut. James M. Southwick,
the army has lost an accomplished and efficient officer, and his
fellow officers a trusty and valuable friend, who had become
LIEUT. JAMES McA. SOUTHWICK. 585
endeared to them by his many noble and generous impulses — his
manly and upright bearing and gentlemanly deportment.
Resolved, That we sincerely and deeply deplore his death, and
that Ave will ever cherish a lively recollection of his many
virtues, and that his memory will never be obliterated from our
hearts.
Resolved, That we tender his family and many friends our
heartfelt sympathies.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the different
newspapers at Albany, and a copy transmitted to his parents.
Lieut. HENRY C. NEWTON,
Capt. N. J. JOHNSON,
Lieut. JAMES W. RACE.
Committee.
586 LIEUT. BDTfl AIM > B. Illl I..
LIIV.
LIEUT. EDWARD BAYARD HILL.
On the lisl of patriotic names of the brave and gallant men
who went forth to battle, and perchance to death for the salvation
of their country in the hour of her greatest peril, that of Edward
Bayard Hill claims a place in the foremost rank.
He descended from a parentage of strongly marked and strik-
ing characteristics, and nave unequivocal evidence that he in-
herited a large share of the intellectual power and energy, which
distinguished both his father and his grandfather. The latter at
the age of fifteen pears, entered the Revolutionary army almost
at the commencement of that great struggle, and continued in it
to the end. It is probable that he never attended school a single
dav in his life. lie was therefore truly a self-made man. At an
early dav after the close of the Revolutionary war, he purchased
a farm in the town of Florida, in the county of Montgomery,
upon which he resided, and which he cultivated with his own
hands for a period of over sixty years, and until his death, which
occurred about nine years ago.
At the time Mr. Hill the elder settled in Florida, the country
was new and mechanics were few and far bet ween. To a man
of his intellectual resources and indomitable will, this occasioned
little or no inconvenience.
He wanted a house and a barn, and he built them. He wanted
blacksmith work, and he furnished it from his own hands.
Indeed, whatever he needed for himself and family, he made.
He did all this, although he had never served one day as an
apprentice to any trade. Some years after the close of the
revolutionary war, -Mr. Hill united with the Methodist Episco-
pal church, and became an effective local preacher of that denom-
ination. His discourses Mere marked with the fervor and earnest-
LIEUT. EDWARD B. HILL. 587
ness which might have been expected from a strong but uncul-
tivated intellect.
A gentleman of high standing in the county of Montgomery,
who was perfectly competent to express an opinion upon such
a subject, was accustomed to say that if Nicholas Hill, the elder,
had been an educated man and had directed his attention to either
of the learned professions, he would have made a very distin-
guished man — a declaration in which all who knew him most
heartily concur.
Mr. Hill, the elder, was a man of most commanding and im-
posing presence. He was tall, erect and well proportioned. His
face was strongly marked with those intellectual qualities which
arrest attention and command respect. He was one who could
not walk the street without arresting the attention of the passer
by, and being recognized, at once, as a man of mark.
Nicholas Hill, Jr., the father of Lieutenant Hill, and one of
the most distinguished members of the American bar, was too
well known to require any particular description. He had the
advantage of his father in the enjoyment of a common school
education. But not satisfied with this he left the paternal roof
and by his own energy secured academic advantages, which his
father's means were not sufficient to provide.
Lieutenant Hill was born in the county of Saratoga, but came
with his father to Albany at an early period of his life, where he
resided some twenty years before he entered the service.
He studied law with his father, and obtained a license to prac-
tice. After his father's death, he became a partner in the firm
of Cagger, Porter & Hill. His professional career was hardly
opened, when he was summoned to another field of action.
When the news of the attack on Fort Sumter reached the north,
Lieutenant Hill, in common with thousands of our young men
whose names have since become historic, at once resolved to
enter the service of his country.
He applied to several influential friends of Albany to sign a
recommendation for his appointment to some office in the regular
army. He obtained such a recommendation and started for
Washington, at that critical juncture when the massacre of the
588 i-ir.i I. r.i>w v i : I » B. BILL.
Massachusetts soldiers at Baltimore had interrupted :ill communi-
cation between the northern States and the Capital. To get to
Washington through Baltimore ;it thai time, required all the
courage, coolness, and strategical skill, which are usually need-
ful in the movements of armies through a hostile territory. That
coolness and that skill were exhibited by the youthful private,
in making his way to the quarters of the beleaguered Commander-
in-chief.
He wcni i" Washington through Baltimore, and his arrival
there at midnight, by a devious and perilous route, with impor-
tant military intelligence from the north, was a joyful surprise
to General .Scott, the President and Cabinet. The value of the
service was immediately recognized by his appointment as a
Lieutenant in the regular army.
Lieutenant Hill, had command of a battery in the first Bull
Jinn battle, in July, 1#G1, and young and inexperienced as he
was, obtained the credit, which cannot be awarded to all. upon
that occasion, of saving his battery and bringing it hack to the
Union lines uncap tured and unsurrendered.
In one of the battles on the Chickahominy, in July. L862,
Lieut. Hill was wounded in the arm by a Minnie ball, which
entered his wrist and came out near the shoulder. The wound,
though severe, was not deemed mortal. He was brought to the
Brevoort House, in New York, where every attention was
bestowed upon him by an affectionate mother and kind friends;
but these proved unavailing, and he died on the 13th of June,
1862, in the twenty-eighth year of his age.
His manly bearing as an officer, his courteous treatment of his
subordinates, his coolness and unquestioned bravery in the hour
of conflict, had greatly endeared him to all his companions in
arms, and to all with whom he had become acquainted. He pos-
sessed all those qualities which were well calculated to inspire
hopes of distinguished services and a brilliant professional career.
Tims perished one among the thousands of those generous and
patriotic young men who, like Lieut. Hill, rushed into the com-
bat, and freely gave their lives for the freedom and independence
of their conntrv.
ORDERLY SERGT. PETER M. STALKER. 589
LXV.
ORDERLY SERGT. PETER M. STALKER.
Peter M. Stalker, son of James and Isabella Stalker, was
born on the 11th of March, 1842, at Perthshire, Parish of St.
Maides, Scotland.
When ten years of age he accompanied his parents to America.
Ten weeks after their arrival, his father and older brother died
of cholera. This occurred the 22d of August, 1854. Both were
lain in the same grave in Ida Hill Cemetery, Troy, N. Y.
Peter and his mother were now left alone in a strange land;
but nothing could induce them to return to their friends at home.
This soil had become sacred, for it held their dead.
At eleven years of age Peter went to work, that he might not
be dependent upon his mother; but he still continued his eiforts
to acquire an education, and was never happier than when
engaged in the evening with his books, at his mother's side.
When he Avas about sixteen years old, they came to Albany,
and shortly after he commenced fitting himself for a trade. He
won the confidence of all by his industry, faithfulness and piety.
At this time he became a member of the Tenth Regiment,
Capt. Dodds. When the war broke out, this regiment volun-
teered, and he was among the first to fight for his adopted coun-
try. Leaving home, he enjoyed perfect health, and escaped all
injury until the 24th of March, 1863, when he was wounded at
Ponchatoula, La.
He was taken at first to the Marine Hospital with his Captain,
who was also wounded by the same ball. After a short time the
Captain, having somewhat recovered, returned to his regiment,
and the Sergeant also returned to camp, preferring to be with
the "boys." And here we must pay a tribute to the lamented
"»!•<• ORDERLY BERGT. PETEB M. STALKER.
Lieut. Williamson. ( >n tin- arrival of the Sergeaut, the Lieu-
tenant gave up his tenl and bed to the wounded soldier, and did
all thai lif could t<> contribute to his comfort. This is luii one
of his many acts of Christian kindness. None knew or appre-
ciated him better than our young friend.
His wound was n<»i considered dangerous, and he would pro-
bably have recovered from it, but was seized with diarrhoea,
which, in conjunction with the wound, resulted fatally. He died
in the hospital at Bonnet Carre on the 18th of July, L8fi3.
Although death came unexpectedly, he was not the Lflsa pre-
pared t<> meet it. In his many letter- he always expressed a
willingness and readiness to die if necessary, placing his depend-
ence upon 1 1 i 111 who notices even the fall of a sparrow.
Alter some months, ('apt. FlLKINS kindly volunteered to go on
and bring home the remains of the dead heroes.
Sergt. Stalker was among the number who were brought to
our city, and buried, with military honors, in the Albany Rural
Cemetery. His funeral took place 011 the 10th January, 1804.
He is now resting in the north part of the cemetery, where a
beautiful stone has been erected by his mother.
His memory will be cherished by his numerous friends, whose
grief at his early death has this consolation, that he was pre-
pared to die, and died cheerfully for his adopted country.
SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES. 591
lxvl
SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES.
Irving P. Jaqites, son of Edward and Emily Jaques, was
born at Nassau, N. Y., on the 6th of March, 1844. His charac-
ter for energy aud bravery began to develop in very early youth.
At school he was the acknowledged leader in study or sport,
and was the pride of his teacher. He was distinguished for his
powers of oratory, and his knowledge of mathematics.
In manners he was gentle and affectionate, to a feminine
degree. Indeed, so remarkable were his personal attractions
that every one seemed drawn towards him. In the home circle
he was the idol of his family, being remarkable for his strong
affections and prompt obedience.
While filling the situation of a clerk in a village store, the
sound of the first gun fired in Fort Sumter reached his ears; and
though scarce seventeen summers had passed over his head, he
was inspired with an uncontrollable desire to assist in maintain-
ing the rights of his country. Accordingly he enlisted, August,
1861, in the Forty-seventh New York Regiment, "Washington
Greys." The regiment was, in two months, ordered to Annapo-
lis, to take part in the expedition to Port Royal, under Gen.
Sherman. Here the brave but frail boy, while in camp, was
attacked with typhoid fever, which so prostrated him that his
superior officer, Col. Moore, advised him to quit the service.
The first intimation his parents received of his condition, was
the following letter, received from the State Comptroller of
Maryland.
Annapolis, October 20, 1861.
E. Jaques, Esq. :
My dear Sir — Your son Irving is now lying sick of typhoid
fever, and is expecting his discharge from service. His regi-
592 BEBG i. U UOB n:\ UHQ P. 3 \Q\ I 9,
niciii was ordered to strike tents and embark on Friday lust, and
had no time i<> arrange for his comfort ami cur. I have taken
him to my home, and called m\ family physician t<> see him,
who thinks his case decidedly improving. I think lie i- very
anxious to get home, although he uses but few words. He has
just said he would like in have you to come here immediately,
Mini there is Little doubt but thai he would improve more rapidly
in the atmosphere <>f home. Until yon conic. 1 will see that all
necessary attention is given him.
Xoursverj respectfully, W. L. W. SEABROOK
Ikvtng's lather immediately responded to the call, and, in a few
days, the sick hoy was at home, and again received to hearts
tilled with gratitude to God for his safe return. They also felt
inexpressible thankfulness towards the ministering angels of the
stranger family, who had so kindly supplied to him the place of
both father and mother. Mrs. SeaBBOOK, as well as her hus-
band, had strongly espoused the Union cause-, and was an active
worker in it, visiting the sick soldiers in camp, and making every
one as comfortable us circumstances would allow. While thus
engaged, she heard of Irving in the following manner. She
was told that a young man had been left behind by his regiment,
on their departure for Port Royal, but where he was, no one
could tell. She, however, determined, if possible, to find him,
and made the tour of the town. After a long search, amid many
discouragements, she found him at the house of a colored nurse,
where he had been kindly placed by the Captain of his com-
pany. Immediately, and while even ignorant of his name, she
procured a carriage, and carried him to her own home, and
attended him as carefully as though he had been her own son.
God bless the Christian patriot. .Mrs. W. L. W. Seabbook.
Ji:vin<;> discharge from the army was soon procured, and, ou
the recovery of his health, he entered the store of an uncle, in
Marion, Wayne county, in the capacity of bookkeeper. But he
found it impossible, while the dismal clouds of war grew thicker
and blacker, to remain contented at his occupation. Accordingly,
SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES. 593
in July, 1862, he again enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh
Regiment, raised in the counties of Wayne and Cayuga.
Passing over his camp life, we tind him at the inglorious sur-
render of Harper's Ferry, September 15, 1862. He was paroled
and sent to camp Douglass, Chicago. While there, he was chief
clerk in the office of Brigadier General Tyler. He returned to
Washington in the winter of 1862; encamped at Centreville,
Va., and was immediately promoted to Sergeant Major, from the
ranks, over all non-commissioned officers, by Colonel McDougall.
The Colonel had, for a long time, been sensible of his fine mili-
tary qualifications, and he fully appreciated his upright soldierly
conduct. During the time that he was Sergeant Major, he won
the admiration and esteem of both officers and men.
But his active spirit chafed at the dullness of camp life, and
when the order to march to Gettysburg came, he had a great
desire to become an active participator in the approaching battle.
He made all necessary arrangements, borrowed a rifle of a com-
rade and received a reluctant permit from his Colonel to step
into the ranks of the Second Corps, prepared for a deadly charge
upon the rebel batteries, on the eve of July 2d. Yet it was
evident that the poor boy was not hurrying on to his fate with-
out some misgivings. Just before taking his place in the ranks,
he turned to a comrade, saying: " Sterling, do you think we
shall have a hard fight?" '-Yes," his friend replied, " Irving,
I'm sure we will." He gazed a moment thoughtfully and mourn-
fully into his friend's face, then silently tearing a leaf from his
memorandum book, he wrote his parents' address and handed
it to him, saying: " Sterling, if I fall, tell my father and mother."
He turned, stepped into his place, and, in a moment more, lay
dead at his friend's side. " Mother," was the last word he ever
spoke. "Mother," was the last word he ever wrote, and "good
night, dear mother," were the closing words to his last letter
written home, a short time before that fatal evening. Oh, 'tis a
long, long good night where no morning is to come. May God
look with pity upon every mother in the land who has thus
received from her soldier boy the long "good night." The
38
59 I BEBGT. ma. mi: ll;\ ino P. i \>>i E8.
circumstances of the dear boy's death are given in the following
Letters, addressed t<> bis afflicted mother:
Hi m> Qi utters, 1 1 hli Regiment, \. V. V. ?
Camp near Elk Ri n, Va., August L6, 1863. ^
Dear Madam I have jusl returned to the regimenl and found
your letter awaiting my arrival. I hasten to reply, regretting
that I did no1 receive \~<>\w letter sooner. Ii is m\ sad duty to
inform you thai your son was killed , -it Gettysburg, Thursday,
July L'd. He was killed instantly in the beginning of the action,
being shot through the head. I saw thai he was buried by him-
self, and his grave marked with his name and regiment. I
visited his grave and wept over the lasl resting place of the
brave boy. He was a young man of whom I thoughl very highly.
He died nobly doing his duty, and in a glorious cause. I sym-
pathise with you in this your deep affliction. I mourn for him
myself, as one of the bravest and most gifted young men who
fell on that bloody battle field.
My own wound has nearly healed. I was in Albany last week,
on my way back. Had I known you resided there, I would
have called upon you, and explained these things to yon. You
have my sincerest sympathies in this, your affliction.
I am, very truly yours,
C. D. McDOUGALL, Col. 111th JV. T. V.
Warrenton Junction, Va., July 29, 1863.
Mis. Jaques — I received a letter from you yesterday, dated
July 17th. making inquiries in regard to the death of your son
at the late battle of Gettysburg. Irving had insisted all along
on the march from ( Vntreville. and contrary to the wishes of his
superior officers, that if a battle occurred, he might be allowed
to take a place in the ranks of the company of which he was a
member. There is a strong probability thai if he had remained
in the rear of the regiment, he might have been alive to-day.
But his ambition and courage prompted him to go into the ranks
and share the dangers of his companions, with a musket in his
hands.
SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES. 5! ")
It was about sundown on the 2nd of July, when part of o:;r
forces had been driven back by the enemy, that our brigade was
brought into the fight. Irving was killed in less than ten min-
utes after they started, by a bullet through his head. He left
no parting word for ho was killed instantly. He was buried on
the field on the spot where he fell. You have lost a noble son.
It is hard to part with him, but he leaves sweet and glorious
memories behind him, and his name is added to the long list of
those who have died that a nation might live. I tender to yoa
in behalf of the regiment, our tenderest sympathies in your
bereavement. That you may receive that support and consola-
tion, that flow from an implicit reliance upon the divine power,
that orders all thing well, is the prayer of
Your obedient servant,
WILLIAM VOSBUKGH, Surg. 111th JV. T. V.
Thus fell the noble boy at the age of nineteen years, a young
martyr to liberty and the Union. He now sleeps his last sleep
in the little graveyard at Nassau, almost in sight of the home
where he first saw the light, and where death and sorrow had
never before come.
596 -l BGT. (II \i;U->. II. FEEDENRICH.
LXVIJ.
SERGT. CHARLES II. FREDENRICH.
( ii \i;i.i> II. FredENRJCH, the SOU of PHILIP and Sai:ah FfiED-
enrich, was born in Albany, October 23d, 1841.
II«' was a youth of a retiring and generous nature, and was
greatly beloved by a Large circle of friends. Leaving school at
an early age, he assisted his father in his business, and displayed
great energy and perseverance in discharging his duties. He
was an affectionate son and brother, and greatly contributed to
the happiness of the home circle.
Charles enlisted in Company B, Tenth or One Hundred and
Seventy-seventh New York Regiment. On the eve of his de-
parture with his regiment, his friends presented him with a
sword and accoutrements, as evidences of their appreciation of
his patriotism and valor.
His virtues as a man and a soldier, and the time and circum-
stances of his death, maybe learned from the following letters:
Died, at Bonnet Carre, La., March 10th, 1863, Sergeant Charles
II. Fkkdkmmcii. of Company Ii, One Hundred and Seventy-
seventh Regiment X. Y. State Volunteers.
T<> Philip Fredenbich, Esq.:
Dear Sir — The painful duty of communicating to you the
above sad intelligence devolves upon me. I can scarcely find
words to express my feelings in transmitting to you this painful
intelligence. Death has again entered our ranks, and robbed you
of a beloved son, and us of a beloved comrade.
God, in his infinite wisdom, has seen fit to take him from us,
in the bloom of his youth. In the freshness of his strength, he
has been called upon to yield upon the altar of his country, all
SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH. 597
that a soldier has to give — his services and his life. While we
bow in humble submission to the will of "Him who doeth all
things well," we would drop the tear of regret upon the grave
of our departed brother. To you, sir, and all of the members
of your family, we, as a company, offer our heartfelt sympathy,
and pray that God, in his infinite mercy, may sustain you in this
your greatest trial.
Your son died of typhoid fever, after an illness of about three
weeks. We did not think him dangerously ill, until a few days
previous to his death. All that medical skill, combined with
watchful care, could do, were done, but without avail. He
retained his reason (with a few momentary exceptions) to the
last, and wished to be remembered to his parents, a few moments
before he expired. Henry Sayre, of our company, attended
him during the last few days of his existence here, who will com-
municate to you more particularly than I have. His remains*
have been interred here, and his grave plainly marked. His
personal effects I will forward to you the first opportunity.
Again offering 3^0u our condolence, with wishes for your health
and welfare, I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant, CHAS. E. DAVIS,
Capt. Co. B, 177th JV. Y. 8. V.
Bonnet Carre, April 10, 1833.
Dear bereaved Friends — Having had the care of your son
Charles, I thought it my duty as a friend to tell you of his
illness and of his last wishes.
A few days after his first attack, I was asked by Dr. Craig to
go and take the full charge of him, and I consented. The same
morning I went to the hospital and found Charles pretty ill,
although perfectly rational. He seemed very much pleased to
think I had come to take care of him, and I saw that he felt
better than he had done. The doctor also noticed it. Having;
had the care of several that had been sick wTith the same disease,
the doctor told me to do as I had done for all the rest. I went
immediately and got sponges to bathe his parched face and fore-
head. Never before have I seen a fever take hold of a person as
598 BEEGT. CHARLES ll. IKKMA IlK'll.
il did of him. It was impossible for hum to sleep, or gel any
rest. His face could not be Left over fifteen minutes at a time
without bathing. After three days the fever took a turn, and as
you have been ere this iuformed, for the worse. I immediately
told CHARLES of his condition, and asked him if he had anything
to send to his parents. He received my words with perfect com-
posure, and put his hand out to take hold of mine. 1 took his
hand, and as long as I live, I shall never forgel the looks he gave
me. I give you his words: ''Oh! Henry, hid my father and
mother, and brothers and sisters, good bye. Tell them I am
iroinsr to leave this world. I am tired of this life, and am satis-
lied to die." This was about eleven o'clock. He lingered until
about one o'clock, when his senses left him, and at ten minutes
of two o'clock he expired. Several times I heard him call for
his mother, saying: " Why don't she come."
My feelings at his death can only be equaled by your own.
If it had been my brother, I could not have felt any worse. I
read the Bible to him, and did all that was in my power to make
him comfortable.
I took his effects, as he gave them to me, when I first went to
take care of him, and turned them over to (apt. Davis. I saw
that he was properly laid out. After he was put in the coffin, I
marked and cut his name on a board, and placed it at his last
resting place, which is in a field selected by the General for the
purpose. It is about one-quarter of a mile from the camp.
He was buried by the whole regiment, the Colonel dispensing
with all duties that afternoon, to give the companies an oppor-
tunity to be present. Every officer, from the Colonel down, was
in the line, and every private out of the hospital also. He was
beloved and respected by all who knew him. As far as practica-
ble, while sick, he was visited by all the officers — the Colonel
seldom letting a morning pass without seeing him. Hoping that
I may return and tell you more particulars,
I remain, your obedient servant,
HENRY SAYRE, Co. B, \llth N. Y. S. V.
To Philii* Fredenrich and family,
No 208 Jay street, Albany, JSF. Y.
SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH. 599
63. J
Head Quarters 177th Regt. N. Y. V., Department
of the Gulf, Bonnet Carre Bend, March 18, 186*
Mr. Philip Fredenrich:
Dear Sir — Ere you receive this, you will have been informed
of the sickness and death of your beloved son. Charles stood
the sea voyage and our march well, and weighed twenty-five
pounds more than he did when he left home; in fact, was the
picture of health, and the admiration of the regiment until the
21st of February, when he was taken ill with symptoms of fever.
The Sergeant at once sent him to the hospital, hoping by prompt
treatment to avert the threatened malady, but each day more
fully developed the progress of the fever; and although the sur-
geons were watchful and untiring in their efforts to save his life,
and the nurses, together with a special nurse detailed from Com-
pany B, were unceasing in their labors of love and devotion to
him, and to save a beloved comrade from sinking beneath the
ravages of the disease. Alas ! it was all of no effect.
Death loves a shining mark, and on the 10th inst., at four
o'clock p. m., a beloved brother's spirit left its tenement of clay,
when mourning and sorrow marked each countenance, as the sad
announcement passed from street to street, and from tent to tent.
The funeral services were held in the camp on the 11th inst.,
at three o'clock p. m., and were solemn and impressive; when
the remains were borne to the silent grave (attended by a large
military cortege), where they were interred beside Sergt. Bridg-
man, of Company B. How true it is, "that in life, we are in the
midst of death."
My dear brother, in the death of your son there will be a loss
to a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and to society, an
elevated and polished member. I had marked with glowing
pleasure his rapid, developing manhood, and the many indica-
tions of robust, physical health. But, alas ! he has been stricken
down in his vigor, and in the midst of those bright hopes which
till up the measure of a young man's life.
In his every action was manifested the generous impulses of a
noble soul — a soul too delicately and finely strung to mingle
with the gross and sellish of this wicked world. His was a tern-
600 BERGT. CHARLES II. FREDENRICH.
peramenl always unruffled, and a demeanor always manly, polite
and uoble, with a disposition i<> follow the moral and intellectual
instincts of bis generous nature. Ami although cut down in the
midst of the enemy's country, at the opening of a career thai gave
great promise of brilliancy and honor, we all cannot but feel that
our Loss is his eternal gain.
YourS very respect fully,
IRA w. Aixswoirni,
Colonel Commanding 177 th It eg intent JV! Y. V.
The following notice appeared in the "Albany Evening Jour-
nal" March 25th, 18 u3:
Mr. Editor — We see by your columns last evening that another
young Albanian has offered up his life on the altar of his country.
Charles H. Fredenrich died at Bonnet Carre, La., of typhoid
fever. He was a young man of high moral character, a devoted
son and brother, -whose loss is irreparable. His military educa-
tion was of a high order. He was a thorough soldier, and highly
esteemed by his companions in arms.
He declined prominent positions tendered to him by his
numerous friends, in various companies raised here last summer,
from his timidity of an officer's duty. But when his own com-
pany (B) was called upon to make up the Tenth Regiment, he
was prompt to answer his country's call, and sunder the tenderest
associations for her sake.
Few young men have been taken from our midst that will be
more deeply lamented than Charles H. Fredenrich.
ONE WHO KNEW HIM WELL.
SFRGT. WALTER H. ANGUS. 601
LXVIII.
SERGT. WALTER HENRY ANGUS.
Walter Henry Angus, son of Robert and Bridget Angus,
was born on the 10th of June, 1845. From his earliest child-
hood he was distinguished for his amiable qualities, his prompt
obedience to his parents, and his conscientious desire to do what
he thought to be right. At school he made such rapid progress
in his studies, and won so many testimonials from his teachers,
for good conduct and accurate scholarship, that his parents
thought of consecrating him to the work of the gospel ministry.
But these plans were thwarted by the sickness and death of his
father.
At the commencement of the war, the spirit of patriotism was
stirred in his young heart, and he often expressed to his mother
his earnest wish to serve his country as a soldier. But, as he
was an only son, and so young, she could not entertain the
thought of parting with one so dear to her. At length, however,
his appeals were so earnest that she reluctantly consented to
yield to his desire, and committed her boy to the care of a cove-
nant-keeping God.
Walter enlisted, on the 21st of October, 1861, as a private,
in the Forty-fourth New York Regiment, when but little over
sixteen years of age. A taste of the hardships of the camp and
the battle field did not, in the least degree, cool his ardor or
lessen his courage. His letters, written to his mother, through
the whole period of his connection with the army, reveal a
degree of patience under suffering; a persistence in laboring to
accomplish his purposes, and a heroic daring in the hour of
battle, that would have reflected honor upon many of maturer
years.
602 SERGT. w Al/i'Ki; n. UTGU8.
The first experience thai our youthful hero had of the fearful
realities of war was in the battle near Hanover Court IIoii.se, in
May, 1862. In writing to his mother, after the battle, under
date of May l'<siIi. he says: ''By the time this letter reaches
you, \on will, doubtless, have heard of our fight. I have time
to give you only ;i few particulars. Yesterday, the 27th inst., it
rained all day, as ii had the night before, and in the afternoon
we received orders to leave1 our camps with one day's rat inns, and
without our knapsacks. We started in the pouring rain, with the
mud nearly up to our knees. We marched about twelve miles,
when our regiment was ordered to support Allen's Battery.
We halted in the woods and had been there about fifteen minutes
when the order came to Colonel Strykeb, to advance with those
under his command. At the same lime, we stalled the battery
and went about two miles, where wc halted and took our
position.
We engaged with the enemy, and soon we saw a regiment of
them retreating as fast as they could. For the first time in my
life, I then saw the boasted stars and bars in their hands. Seeing
us, they turned and tired, and two boys in our company dropped
at the first tire. We retreated to the road, taking the whole of
the enemy's lire for one hour. The lire was so heavy that the
battery and the Twenty-fifth New York Regiment had to retreat.
Our Colonel was cool and brave, and. at one time, saved the
lives of the whole regiment. Our Lieutenant Colonel was the
bravest man I ever saw. lie had his horse shot from under him
and his sword shot from his side, and still lie had two men load-
ing guns for him, which he fired. One nun was tired so often
that the powder exploded from the heat, and scorched his eye
badly.
Company F, from old Albany, was cut to piece-: out of the
sixty-seven men that came upon the field, only thirty-one
escaped without injury. All my best friends are either killed
or wounded; my old friend James Young is dead. He was
wounded twice, once in the neck and again in his leg. lie died
clasping our flag staff m his arms. All our boys acted bravely.
After the first I was all right, and I trust that some of my bill
SERGT. WALTER H. ANGUS. 603
lets did some good. Our Major and our Adjutant were both
wounded. Had not reinforcements come up just when they did,
we should have been terribly cut up. But suffice it to say, Ave
whipped them, and have taken a great many prisoners. Our
cavalry are bringing them in every minute. I have passed
through my first fight, thank the Lord, and I hope that J shall
pass safely through many more. Good bye my dear, dear mother.
From your affectionate son,
VVALTEB II. ANGUS.
The wish expressed in this letter that he might pass safely
through many more battles, was most remarkably realized. For
at Gettysburg, in the attacks upon Fredericksburg, at Cold
Spring, and in many other battles, he was always in the thickest
of the light. Men fell at his side, on the right hand, and on the
left ; shells exploded above and around him ; balls flew near
him repeatedly, and still in his letters, he constantly thanks the
Lord for having so wonderfully preserved him. He never was
wounded, nor received any personal injury; nor had he been
sick a day, up to the moment, when a single fatal shot hurried
him into eternity.
In o-ivino- an account of his first ensra^ement before Fredericks-
burg, he speaks of the fearful havoc among our men as a whole-
sale butchery. He says, " the rebels were on a large hill with
batteries so placed, as to have an enfilade fire upon our men
across a level plain, just outside of the city. For our brigade to
get into position, we had to cross this plain, and it is a miracle to
me how so many of us escaped alive. One regiment lost between
forty and fifty, killed or wounded. I thought I had been in hot
places before, but that was the hottest one of all. Through the
Lord's mercy, however, I came out safe and sound."
The uniform bravery and unexceptionable deportment of young
Angus, won for him the respect of his officers and the warm
affection of his comrades in arms. His friends too, at home, took
a deep interest in his welfare; and through their influence, and
especially through the kind efforts of Erastus Corning, Esq.,
60 I BEBGT. w LLTEB II. \3XQ\ 9.
and hie lady, he was appointed Corporal and Sergeant at the
same time.
( )n the 9th of October, ls'i;'>. he was appointed, by Governor
Horatio Seymoob, Second Lieutenant in the Forty-fourth -K('gi-
lnciii of Infantry, .\C\v York State Volunteers. The regiment,
however, was so reduced by the war thai Walteb was not "ailed
to discharge the duties of this office, but continued to act as Ser-
geant
In May. L864, lit- was sent out on a skirmish, and was taken a
prisoner with twenty others. As they were approaching a rail-
road, they met General Sherman's forces, who were on a raid,
and were released by them. As they could not return to their
camp, they were obliged, in order to keep out of the hand- of
the enemy, to follow General Siikkman on foot. They walked,
in a week, one hundred and fifty miles: but, amid all their hard-
ships and sufferings, no complaints escaped their lips.
On the morning of the 21st of June, 1864, he led his nun out
in front of Petersburg, on picket duty. As they were starting,
he said to them: ••Come, hoys, Let's go on to Richmond." After
a very fatiguing day, late in the afternoon, he laid down on the
ground to rest. In a moment a ball struck him in the head, and
he died instantly.
Thus passed away the dutiful son, the pure patriot, the brave
soldier, and the kind friend. His companions, in their letters to
his bereaved mother, speak of him in terms of the highest
admiration and warmest affection.
The following Letter shows us in what estimation he was held
by one of his superior officer.-:
Quartermaster's Deft., 44th Regt. X. V. S. V. ;
Near Petersburg, Va., June 2.">. L864. )
My dear Madam — Although a stranger to you, permit me to
communicate these few lines in expressions of sympathy for you,
upon the great affliction which has befallen you, in the untimely
death of your son, who was killed on the skirmish line, on the
afternoon of the 21st inst.
Being one of the original officers of the regiment, the oppor-
SERGT. WALTER H. ANGUS. 605
tunity has been afforded me to notice and mark the progress of
your son, together with others of its members, from the very
commencement of its career. Among the first to attract my
attention, and for me more particularly and carefully to observe
since our regiment left Albany, was your son Walter.
Uniformly straightforward and upright in his demeanor,
invariably prompt and efficient in the discharge of every duty,
he fully merited, what he always received, the respect and con-
fidence of his officers; while his intelligence and social qualities
made him the agreeable and popular companion of all his
associates.
I shall long remember the conversation I had with him in
December last, when the subject of reenlistment was being agi-
tated in our regiment; nor will I soon forget, when speaking of
what he felt to be his duty at the time, the feeling and touching
manner in which he alluded to his obligations to his mother.
He has gone — but how nobly he has fallen! In the front line,
the foremost position, he was bravely skirmishing with the
enemy; had ceased firing, thrust his musket into the ground,
and laid down to rest, supporting his head upon his hand, when
the fatal bullet struck him in the head. He died almost
instantly.
He was carefully interred by his comrades, and his grave
plainly marked. He now sleeps beneath an evergreen tree, near
the spot where he fell.
On behalf of the officers and soldiers of his regiment, let me
assure you of our deepest feelings of sorrow and condolence.
We all mourn his loss as one whom we admired while he lived,
and whom we honored when he died, fearlessly, faithfully, nobly
discharging his duty — a true soldier.
With extreme sympathy, I am, my dear madam,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LIEUT. FRED. R. MUNDY,
Quartermaster AAth Regt. JV. Y. 8. V.
606 BEBOT. JAMES 8. GERLING.
LXIX.
SERGT. JAMES S. GERLING.
James S. Gerung, son of Thomas R. B. and Eliza Gekling,
was bom iii West Walton, Marshland, county of Norfolk, Eng-
land. October 7. 1845. He came with his parents from London
to New York, and arrived June 14th, 1854. Two years after-
wards James was sadly afflicted by the loss of his beloved and
faithful mother. That bereavement he felt severely to the day
of his death.
At school, James was an obedient and diligent scholar, and
faithfully performed every duty assigned to him. His memory
was retentive, his judgment mature, and his moral character was
without reproach. Pie loved, too, his Sabbath lessons, and ap-
preciated the advantages of his Sabbath school.
As a son and brother, James was kind and affectionate,
and was ever ready to deny himself for the good of others.
As a clerk, his employer ever found him truthful and trust-
worthy.
James enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirteenth New York
Regiment, in July, 18 62. He was anxious, as he said, to serve
his adopted country, especially in putting down a slaveholders'
rebellion. He fully believed in human liberty, and adopted as
his own, the words of our Declaration of Independence, declaring
that all men are born free and equal.
Arriving with his regiment in Washington, he entered upon
the duties of his position with patriotic enthusiasm. He became
a brave soldier, and very rapidly made friends among the officers
and soldiers with whom he was associated.
He kept his father informed, by frequent letters, of all his
movements, and sought to allay his anxiety concerning him.
SERGT. JAMES S. GERLING. 607
James, by his own merits, rose to the position of Corporal,
and was afterwards appointed Sergeant. Very often he received
the warm commendations of his superior officers.
When Gen. Grant ordered the regiment to the front, James
wrote to his father thus: " I am in excellent health and spirits.
I know not where we are going; perhaps to Gen. Meade's army.
We have had to part with a great many things on our way, but
whatever else I may have to part with, I shall try to keep the
Bible you gave me. Pray for me, for I need your prayers."
He participated in the battle of the Wilderness, and on the
morning of June the 3d, 1864, was in the charge made upon the
rebels at Coal Harbor, where he was wounded. Having reached
the rebel lines, his own gun for some reason, would not go off.
He was stooping, in the act of taking the piece of a dead com-
rade, when he was shot in the shoulder. Our forces not being
able to hold the line, had to retreat to their own lines, where his
wound was dressed. He was then sent to the rear, and to the
hospital.
The wound not being a dangerous one, he soon obtained a
furlough to return home. On his way, he stopped at David's
Island, East river, New York, where he heard a sermon from a
young Episcopal minister, that made a deep and lasting impres-
sion on his mind.
While at home he took pleasure in attending upon religious
worship, and visiting the Sabbath schools.
At the expiration of his furlough, he was urged to have it
extended another month, as his wound was not entirely healed,
but he refused, and resolved to report himself for duty. Accord-
ingly he left home, July 26, 1864, and joined his regiment, then
near the James river.
On the 24th of August, while engaged, with others, in tear-
ing up a railroad, the rebels came in full force suddenly upon
them, and he received a wound in his side, that afterwards
proved fatal. He was taken to City Point, and thence to the
Emory Hospital, in Washington. While there he wrote several
letters to his father and brother, in which he expressed the
hope that he would soon recover. He was attended by a skillful
COS SEB6T. JAMES S. GERLING.
surgeon and faithful nurse, and everything thai was possible, Mas
done for his comfort. Bu1 early in October he sank rapidly, and
died October 8, L864, aged nineteen years.
His father, who was with him, brought his remains home, and
his funeral look place in the Bowery Methodist Episcopal Mis-
sion Church, where he had attended Sabbath school. A large
number of sympathizing friends were present. Dr. Hawley
otlieiated, and preached a most appropriate and affecting dis-
course, which was listened to with solemn attention. Thus has
passed away another young martyr to the great cause of human
liberty.
SERGT. ALEXANDER D. RICE. 609
LXX,
SERGT. ALEXANDER DAVIDSON RICE.
Sergt. Alexander Davidson Rice, sixth son of Joseph F. and
Jane Cumming Rice, was born in the city of Albany, N. Y.,
April 10th, 1837 and died June 28th, 18G4, at Hare wood Hospi-
tal, Washington, D. C.
Sergt. Rice enlisted August Gth, 1862, as private in Company
C, Seventh Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery, and was
promoted to Sergeant, which position he held until his death.
He participated in the battles of Po River, Mine Run, North
Anna, Polopotomy Creek and Coal Harbor. The battle of Polo-
potomy was one of the severest thus far, and there the regiment
established its high reputation. It crossed the creek under a
heavy fire, and drove the enemy from a strongly intrenched posi-
tion.
On the morning of the memorable third day of June, 1864, at
Coal Harbor, the regiment moved before sunrise to attack the
enemy, and wTas the only regiment that penetrated their works.
In the engagement, Sergt. Rice was wounded by a shot from one
of the enemy's sharpshooters, the ball entering the right breast
and coming out near the spine. After receiving the wound, he
laid all day upon the field without surgical aid, as he fell between
the fire of the enemy and our own. But in the evening his com-
rades succeeded in bringing him within our lines. There were
previous unsuccessful attempts to accomplish this, in one of
which Mr. John Bartlett of the same regiment, was wounded
in the shoulder, from the eifects of which he died on the 17th
of June.
Sergt. Rice was removed to Hare wood hospital, and appeared
to be doing well. Indeed his wound seemed to improve suffi-
39
610 SERGT. ALEXANDEB I). KICE.
ciently to justify hopes thai he might be with his friends in
Albany about the first of July. But an unfavorable change
occurred on the 2<>th of June, and he died suddenly at * a. m. of
the 28th of the same month. He Left a wife ami two children.
While at the hospital, lie evinced a great desire that his fel-
low sufferers might !><• made comfortable, ami to this end ordered
his nurse to expend the money he had remaining, in the purchase
of such little articles as they most needed. His kindness endeared
him to those who occupied the same ward with him, and when
the sad news of his death was whispered around, many a pillow
was wet with tears of profound regret, and many a prayer was
breathed, that his freed soul might enjoy that perfect peace, that
awaits the righteous in Heaven.
In the hospital his Bible was his most cherished companion,
and his spiritual attendant there, Rev. William P. Everett, at
his own request, officiated at his funeral, which took place at
Albany, July 6th, 1864. His remains were placed in the family
grounds at Albany Rural Cemetery.
SERGT. GEORGE SANDERS. 611
LXXI.
SERGT. GEORGE SANDERS.
George Sanders was born in Stevington, County of Bedford-
shire, England.
We have no reliable information concerning his parentage,
and have not been able to ascertain his exact ajje. Those that
knew him well, judged him to have been about thirty-five years
at the time of his death. He came to this country with his
grandfather when about fourteen years old, and has lived here
ever since. His residence, most of the time, has been in Albany.
As nearly as can be ascertained, he enlisted August the 1st, 1862,
in Company D, Capt. Charles McCullock. in what was then the
One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, and left with his regi-
ment August 19th. 1862, for Forts Gaines and Kearney near
Washington, which forts the regiments helped to build and
improve. After the regiment was changed into a Heavy Artil-
lery Regiment, until in the spring of 1864, he, with his comrades
were ordered to the front, where they fought with distinguished
ralor and bravery.
He had thus far taken all the risks and performed all the
duties, of a soldier with safety; but at the battle of Coal Har-
bor, he was struck in the head by a piece of shell, which dis-
abled him, and he was taken from the field. He was sent to
Emory Hospital, Washington, D. C, but very shortly was re-
moved to the Camden Street Hospital, Baltimore, Md., and
reached there June 11th. He died there, June 18, 1864.
Mr. Sanders had received a fair common school education,
was fond of reading, and was well informed in regard to the
questions of the day. He felt keenly the wrongs inflicted by
the institution of American slavery, and he enlisted in the army
6] 1 BEBGT. GEORGE S \m-i IBS.
inspired by the purest patriotism, and the most earnest desires to
uphold ili«' I'liinii and the cause of human liberty. He had also
received ;i thorough religious education, and although not a pro-
fessor of religion, was ;t believer in its doctrines, and deeply
impressed with its truth. lit- sustained a fine moral character
and with greal firmness resisted the temptations of the camp
and the field. In bis letter to his wife, I find he expressed his
determination not to disgrace himself or bis family by yielding
to temptation; and with God's help, he kepi bis resolution.
As a reward for his fidelity and bravery, he was made Cor-
poral, April 11. lNii."), and was made Sergeant, January 24, L863;
which position he held, and by which he was known until he
died.
In June, 1863, he was wounded, .and soon after died. II i-
body was brought home on the 24th of that month, and buried
under the following touching circumstances:
About the time he was wounded his wile was taken very ill
with typhoid fever, and she died on the wry day his body
arrived in the city. During his sickness it was thought best not
to inform her that her husband was wounded. Vet. during her
lucid intervals from fever delirium, she stated that he was
wounded; and before the telegram came announcing his death,
she stated that she knew that he was dead.
The funeral services of both took place at the same time, from
Rev. Dr. Magoon's church, Sunday, June 26th, and they both
lay beside their infant daughter in the Albany Rural Cemetery.
They have two children, boys, aged, at the time of their death,
four and five years.
May a kind Providence guard the little orphans thus deprived
on the same day of both of their dear parents.
SERGT. JOSEPH C. VANDERHOOF. 613
LXXII.
SERGT. JOSEPH COWAN VANDERHOOF.
Ix Albany, Joseph Cowan Yaxderhoof was born, July 25,
1843. His childhood was spent with his grand-parents in
Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in the public schools of which he
received the principal part of his education.
He returned to Albany when about thirteen years old, and
attended school for a few months. He attended regularly on
the ministrations of the Rev. Dr. Sprague, of the Second Pres-
byterian church.
80011 after his return to Albany he was apprenticed to the
marble cutting business, at which he worked till the breaking
out of the rebellion. In answer to the President's call for troops
on the 19th of April, 1861, he joined Company A, Twenty-fifth
Regiment as a private, and left with the regiment on the 21st of
the same month. They remained in Washington till the 23d of
May, when they were orerded to take possession of Arlington
Heights. The regiment crossed the Long Bridge at midnight, and
once on the soil of Virginia, Company A having the right of the
line, were detailed to scour the woods, when it fell to the
lot of private Vaxderhoof to take what are believed to be
the first prisoners captured in the war for the Union. These
were two cavalrymen on foot, who were doubtless trying to
escape the vigilance of the advance, as their horses were after-
wards found tied in the woods. Nothing further of note oc-
curred during his connection with the Twenty-fifth, with which
he remained until the term of service expired, when they re-
turned home and were mustered out of service.
He resumed work at his trade, but with a desire to continue
his connection with military men, he joined Company D, Tenth
I', 1 1 -I BGT. -i< »8EFH C. \ kNDEBHOOF.
Regiment, N. Y. S. M.. where, by bis diligence and attention t<>
(|iit\. be soon merited and received promotion to the rank of
Sergeant, which rank he retained until bis death.
( >n a subsequent call for troops, the Tenth offered their servi-
ces, and were accepted on a nine months term of .service, and
were officially designated as the One Hundred and Seventy-
seventh Regiment \. V. S. V. They left December 16, L862,
their destination being Louisiana. During the short but eventful
history of this regiment, Sergt. Cowan was ever at his post, dis-
chareinff bis duties with alacrity, and undergoing with unflinch-
ing zeal their toils, privations and exposures at Bonnet Carre,
Baton Rouge and Port Hudson.
Fatigue and exposure, however, proved too much for him, and
for some weeks before the regiment left, he was ill with typhoid
fever. On the 20th of August, 1863, when the regiment em-
barked on their return, he was deemed sutticiently recovered to
accompany them; but the seeming convalescence proved Only
transitory, for on the 26th of August he died, on the way up the
Mississippi. His remains were interred at Cairo.
His mother, stricken by the blow which fell so heavily on
her, for he was the only sou of his mother, and she a widow,
longed earnestly that his remains might sleep with kindred dust;
and overcoming every obstacle, she went to Cairo, had the
remains disinterred and brought to Albany, where they rest in
the Albany Rural Cemetery.
SERGT. ANDREW T. HOTALING. 615
Lixin.
SERGT. ANDREW T. HOTALING,
OF NEW BALTIMORE.
Andrew T. Hotaling, Sergeant Company A, Seventh New
York Heavy Artillery, was born in New Baltimore July 23, 1838.
His father's name is Ephraim Hotaling, and his mother's, Amy
Gay.
His eharaeter as a citizen was marked by no unusual traits. He
was beloved by his friends for his domestic virtues. Losing his
mother at an early age, the greater part of his life was spent
with an uncle at New Baltimore, for whom he felt a strong affec-
tion through life. He joined the army from motives of the purest
patriotism.
He entered the United States service, as a recruit, in Company
A, Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, November 7, 1862, at
Albany, N. Y. He at once joined the regiment, which was sta-
tioned in the defences of Washington. He was appointed Cor-
poral, December 1, 1862; then Sergeant, May 1, 1863. His
regiment left Washington to join the Army of the Potomac May
15, 1864.
He was engaged in the battles of Spottsylvania Court House,
Milford Station, North Anna, Coal Harbor, and the battles in
front of Petersburg, of June 16th and 22d.
In the last engagement he was wounded in the foot, and ampu-
tation became necessary. After lingering a few weeks, the wound
proved fatal, and he died the 26th day of July, 1864, at Lincoln
Hospital, Washington.
During his sickness, he was brought to see his condition as a
smner, and to feel his need of a Saviour; and putting his trust
in Him, died in the full hope of pardon through His blood.
616 BERGT. ANDREW T. IIOT.M.IXG.
Through the kindness of Mr. Wm. McElbot, Secretary of
the Christian Commission, who was al Washington al the time,
his body was embalmed and forwarded i<> his friends.
Ajs a soldier, he was faithful in the performance of his duties,
and always acted as though he had the best interests of his coun-
try at heart. He was very gentlemanly in his deportment, and
kind to all with whom hi' was associated. His fellow soldiers
respected and loved him, and greatly mourned his loss.
The following letter he wrote to his uncle a short time before
his death:
Washington, July, 1864.
Dear Uncle — I received a letter from you the other day, and
was glad to get it. My foot was taken off on the 13th of July,
and I fear it has not done as well as it might. I had a fever ten
days, and it has left me very low. I shall never get well. I
have put my trust in Christ ever since the day I was wounded.
I believe the Saviour has heard my prayers, and that he is able
and willing to take me to himself.
They have telegraphed to my sister, Mrs. J. B. Read. I expect
her on here to-night or some time to-morrow. I want to see her
very much, and hope she will come. Good bye, dear uncle. If
it is God's will that I should not see you again on earth, I hope
we may meet in Heaven.
Your affectionate nephew,
ANDREW T. HOTALING.
James Hotaling, Esq.
SERGT. WILLIAM H. BELL. 617
LXXIV.
SERGT. WILLIAM HENRY BELL,
OF BERN.
William Henry Bell was the only son of Hexry and Corne-
lia Bell, and was born in the town of Bern, March 28th, 1841.
He was an active and cheerful youth, and sustained an excel-
lent moral character. His motives in entering the army were
purely patriotic. On the 18th of August, 1862, he enlisted in
Company K, One Hundred and Thirteenth Xew York Regiment.
He was never in any battle, but faithfully discharged every duty
that devolved upon him.
While at Fort Reno he was seized with inflammation of the
lungs, and died in one week, on the 15th of March, 1864, aged
twenty-three years. Only a short time before his sickness, he
had been promoted to the position of Sergeant.
His remains were followed to the grave, in the town of Broome,
Schoharie county, by a large number of sympathizing and mourn-
ing friends. He was greatly beloved and respected by all who
knew him.
618 SEBGT. PAUL Ql «
LXXV.
SERGT. PAUL QUAY,
OF KNOX.
Pail Quay, the son of John and Elizabeth Quay, was born
in the town of Knox, July 30th, 1841.
From his early youth he was a regular attendant at the Sab-
hath school, and in the winter of 18G1 he became a hopeful
Christian, and united with the Reformed Dutch Church in Knox-
villc. He was very conscientious in the discharge of all his
duties, and was an active and useful Christian.
Patriotism induced him to enlist in his country's service, and
he joined the Seventh Heavy Artillery about the 1st of August,
18G2.
lie was in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged
during Gkaxt's campaign till he was taken prisoner on the Kith
day of June, 1864. He was sent to Andersonville, where he
suffered all the hardships and horrors incident to that horrible
pen. Thence he was sent to Milan, where he died some time
during the following winter. During his confinement in these
Southern prisons he was never able to send a single letter to
his friends at home, nor to receive one from them. He suffered
all the agonies of disease and starvation without one human
being to offer him the least relief, or offer to him one word of
consolation. Those by whom he was surrounded delighted in
his pains and wretchedness, and wished him to die. His remains
lie somewhere in the Southern States, but where his friends do
not know\
He died a child of God. a friend of Jesus, and a martyr to the
cause of American liberty.
The following touching lines were composed by a prisoner, a
SERGT. PAUL QUAY. 619
member of a Pennsylvania regiment, who felt that more should
have been clone for their release:
" OH, YE WHO YET CAN SAVE US, WILL YOU LEAVE US HERE TO DIE?"
When our country called for men, we came from forge, store and mill,
From workshop, farm and factory, the broken ranks to fill;
We left our quiet, happy homes, and those we loved so well,
To vanquish all our Union foes, or fall as others fell.
Now in prison drear we languish, and it is our constant cry,
Oh ! ye who yet can save us, will you leave us here to die?
The voice of slander tells you, that our hearts were weak with fear,
That all, or nearly all, of us were captured in the rear;
But scars upon our bodies, from musket ball and shell,
The missing legs and shattered arms a truer tale will tell.
We have tried to do our duty in sight of God on high;
Oh ! ye who, yet can save us, will you leave us here to die?
There are hearts with hopes still beating, in our pleasant northern homes,
Waiting, watching for the loved ones that may never, never come.
In southern prisons drear, meagre, tattered, pale and gaunt;
Growing weaker, daily, from pinching cold and want,
There brothers, sons and husbands, poor, helpless captives lie,
Oh ! ye who yet can save us, will you leave us here to die?
From out our prison gate, there is a grave yard close at hand,
Where lie fourteen thousand Union men, beneath the Georgia sand,
And scores are laid beside them, as day succeeds each day;
And thus it ever will be till all shall pass away;
And the last can say. when dying, with upturned, glaring eye,
Both love and faith are dead at home, they have left us here to die
620 BERGT. WILLIAM CKOI NSL\
LXXVI.
SERGT. WILLIAM CROUNSE,
OF GUILDERLAND.
William Crounse, fourth son of Abraham and Magdalen
Cbounse, was horn in the town of Guilderland, Albany County,
September 19, 1830. Under the supervision of an eminently
pious mother, his youth was spent without anything more than
the ordinary events of quiet farm life. If there was any one
trait in his character most predominant, it was his respect and
love for his parents.
At the age of twenty-one he became united in marriage with
the daughter of Frederick Mathtas of the town of New Scot-
land. After this, for several years, he was associated with his
father in the management of the farm. In 1855 he left the farm
and became united in business with his brother, iu the city of
Albany.
At the outbreak of the rebellion, he being a member of a
militia organization, expressed his determination to enlist in the
service of his country. But by the advice and solicitations of
his friends, he was induced to relinquish the idea for the time.
Soon after he was otfercd a commission as Lieutenant in a regi-
ment then forming, which he declined, because he preferred to
go out as a private in his own regiment, wdiich was then making
strenuous efforts to recruit up to the required number.
The One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment being ac-
cepted, he Mas mustered into the service as a member of B Co.,
October 10th, 18 G 2. He left with the regiment for New Orleans,
December 16th of the same year.
Previous to his departure, his friends endeavored to persuade
him to apply for a discharge on account of his health, which for
SERGT. AVILLIAM CROUNSE. 621
some time previous had been very poor. His reply was, " my
country needs every man she can get, and it is my duty to assist
her all I can." But disease had marked him for a victim. On
the rough passage to New Orleans he suffered greatly; still, on
reaching their first camp at Bonnet Carre, La., his health was
such as to enable him to attend to his duty with the regiment.
While there he was promoted to the rank of Orderly Sergeant,
and was detailed to duty as Assistant Provost Marshal.
His disease, which had never left him, was slowly and surely
wasting away his life, and when his regiment was ordered to Port
Hudson, he was obliged, though much against his desire, to
remain behind on the sick list.
Although not a professor of religion, he was a constant attend-
ant at divine service. While at home and in camp, lie kept
aloof from the vices and abuses to which, from a social and lively
temperament, he was particularly exposed.
He died at Bonnet Carre, La., June 28th, 1863, at the age of
thirty-two years and six months. He passed away quietly and
peacefully, relying on the infinite mercy of his Redeemer, and
expressing a firm conviction of his acceptance.
He Avas buried in the regimental burying ground at Bonnet
Carre in December 1863; but his remains were disinterred, taken
home, and deposited in the Albany Cemetery.
The following letter from Capt. E. H. Meerihew, was received
by the brother of the deceased.
Bonnet Carre, La., June 29, 1863.
Conrad Crounse:
Dear Sir — The painful duty of announcing to you the sad in-
telligence of the death of your brother William, devolves upon
me. William died yesterday, Sunday, June 28, 1863, at about
noon. You, no doubt, had been informed of his previous illness
and of his again being convalescent. But he was again taken
seriously ill on or about the twenty-first inst., and commenced
sinking so very rapidly, that, towards the latter part of the week
his friends here gave up all hopes of his recovery. Thus he
continued until Sunday, when death put an end to his sufferings
623 SBBGT. wn.u am ( i;i x \h:.
on cart h. I do do1 know very much of i he circumstances attend-
ing his sickness, as I have been away from lure the last two
months with the regiment. Fortunately, I called here on my
way from Port Hudson to New Orleans, about the time he was
lasl taken down, and on my wav back, I arrived at camp just ill
time to be with him when he expired. His mental faculties went
unimpaired until a few hours previous to his death.
His loss has cast a deeper gloom Over the camp, than any event
of the kind that I have before witnessed. We shall miss him.
Vim will miss him, and there is one who will miss him more
than us all. J have not written to her, but I wish you to break
to her thi' sail intelligence. Tell her that everything was done
for him that a good physician and careful nursing could do. lint
all was of no avail. It seems that his time had come, and no
mortal hand could save him. It might have been different, had
lie been at home, hut we cannot tell.
He expressed a wish or thought, that he would make applica-
tion for his discharge and go home. But that could not he done
without taking considerable time. He has gone from us, and
while we mourn his departure, our loss may he his eternal gain.
Yours truly,
E. H. MERRIHEW,
Captain Company B, 111th N. Y. S. V.
SERGT. GUSTxWUS A. PERCY. 623
LXXVIL
SERGT. GUSTAVUS A. PERCY,
OF WATERVLIET.
Gustavus A. Percy, the second son of John and Eliza Ann
Percy, was born in Albany, January 1st, 1833.
In the spring of 1862, he went, with his family, to the State
of Illinois, and feeling that it was his duty to aid in suppressing
the rebellion, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh Illinois Infan-
try. The regiment went first to Staten Island, and thence to
the front, in Virginia, where he participated in several battles.
He fought at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and other places.
He entered the army as a private, but was soon promoted to the
position of Sergeant. He was faithful in the discharge of every
duty assigned to him, courteous and kind in the camp, and fear-
less upon the battle field. He inherited many of the qualities
and virtues of his excellent mother, and was highly esteemed by
all who knew him.
At the terrible slaughter at Gettysburg he fell mortally
wounded, and was buried upon the battle field.
Mr. Percy leaves a wife and little daughter, and a large circle
of friends, to mourn his early and sudden death.
624 CORPORAL \\ II. 1.1AM Ml RRl .
Lxxvnr.
CORPORAL WILLIAM MURRY.
William Murrt was boira in Dublin, Ireland, March 1. L825.
II.' came t<> this country with his parents in L830, and became a
resident of Albany in 1846. lie was a most consistent and use-
ful member of the North Pear] Street Methodist Episcopal
Church, and beloved by all who knew him.
In 1848 he enlisted in the service of the United States, and
was a faithful and brave .soldier during the Mexican war. At
the close of that war he returned home, and lived a useful and
quiet life, until the Southern rebellion broke out. He then felt
it to be his dut}' to again buckle on his armor, and he enlisted,
August 20th, 18(52. in the Forty-third Regiment.
During his absence from home, his letters to his beloved wife
and friends, were always full of hope for success in the great con-
test for national existence, and they breathed the spirit of earnest
patriotism.
In evidence of his heroism, we cite the following from a letter
dated Culpepper, October 4, 18(53:
"I think I can say I have done my duty. Wherever my com-
pany has been I have been with them, and in the front rank. I
will never have it said of me that, when I got within hearing of
the cannon, I retired to the woods until the battle was over. My
opinion is, every man who will desert his friends in time of battle,
deserves to be shot,"
Under date, December 4, 1863, near Brandy Station, he wrote
these noble words to his wife: "I am fighting for God and my
country. I feel proud to be found in the service of my country.
What if I do suffer here, I will be rewarded hereafter."
A beautiful evidence of his religious character, as also of his
CORPORAL WILLIAM MURRY. 625
conjugal affection, is found in a letter elated March 25, 1864,
from Brandy Station: " My prayer is that I may get home to see
you, my dear wife. You are always in my thoughts. I expected
to reach home before now; but this is a world of disappointment.
My trust is in God, and in Him alone. Thus far He has been
good to me, and I know He will be with me to the end. I am
trying to do my duty. My dear, let us trust God, and be faithful
until death, and all will be well."
Under date of May 1, 1864, he says: "If anything befalls me
I have friends here that will inform you; but don't be discouraged,
God is with us. He has brought us safe thus far, and why not
trust him in time to come! O, let us be faithful until death, so
that we may meet in heaven."
After having escaped many dangers, Mr. Murry was killed
at the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, May 10, 1864. A
carefully kept and neatly written diary, from July 25, 1863, to
April 13, 1864, shows that Mr. Murry was one of the noble
heroes of our patriotic army, ever ready for duty, always hope-
ful, never sacrificing his honor nor his Christian character. Like
thousands, his lonely wife is comforted, amid sorrow, by the
assurance that her husband died in a good cause, and she hopes
to meet his brave and sanctified spirit, in the land of everlasting
rest.
The following testimonial to the character of the departed is
given by Professor J. T. Cameron, of Albany:
"Mr. Murry came to the Washington Avenue Methodist
Church in 1849, and was one of our most substantial members.
He was benevolent and kind to all; modest and retiring in his
deportment. While he was ready to do all in his power for the
church, yet he shrank from assuming the responsibilities of office.
Being induced, however, to accept the position of class leader,
he was faithful, and secured the confidence of all. Every object
that was proposed for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom
found in him a warm supporter.
It was with deep regret that we were obliged to part with him,
and, in the last official meeting, resolutions expressive of our
feelings were passed. At the last prayer meeting he endeavored
40
626 OOBPORAL WILLIAM tlURRT.
to cheer his weeping friends and said, " [f I Pall, I bope to fall
into i he arms <>f Jesus."
The following letter has been received from Colonel Terrell:
Air. wi . March »'». 1866.
Ii is with pleasure thai I can bear testimony i" the Christian
and heroic soldier, Corporal William Mi bry. For almost three
long years he endured all (he hardships of a soldier's life with-
out a murmur, and striving to do his duty in the most faithful
manner.
He participated in every engagement with his regiment, and,
by his remarkable coolness in action, won the highest esteem of
his comrades and officers. He possessed that quiet but deter-
mined spirit of a brave man, who looks death calmly in the face,
and is prepared to go should it be his fate.
His conduct was most exemplary. His Bible was his constant
companion, and often, in passing through the regiment, he could
be seen alone by himself, reading his book. He never would
take part in the coarse jokes or wild frolics of his comrades,
but strived to press more sober and solemn thoughts upon their
minds. At the storming of Marye's Heights, under a terrible
and galling tire, he was one of the first to reach the top, and,
by his coolness, inspired his fellow soldiers with confidence and
spirit, enabling them to hold what they had so nobly taken.
The campaign again opened, and the long, weary marches
were drawing both armies nearer together. At last the grand
fio-ht began. Those who were there, and lived through it, will
never forget the battles of the Wilderness. It was while the
fight was at its highest, and while every gallant son was doing
his best to gain the day, that the Corporal, worn out with hard
fighting, and faint, was placed by his comrades against a tree for
support. The shot and shell were flying in all directions, and
our side had to give way, under the dreadful fire which was
sweeping away the noble fellows that were unable to walk amid
the rain of death. It was not long before our gallant men
regained what they had lost; and not until then did they find
the mangled forms of their comrades. The Corporal was never
CORPORAL WILLIAM MURRY. 627
found. No doubt the brave man dragged his weary body to
some lone spot, to die alone amid the thundering of the deadly
conflict. All mourned his loss as one that could not be replaced.
He was respected while he lived, honored when he died.
Respectfully, WM. H. TERRELL,
Late Lt. Col. 43<2 N. Y. Vols.
628 n»i:n >i: \l. GEORGE T. GATES.
LIXII.
CORPORAL GEORGE T. GATES.
George T. Gates was born November 17, 1843, in Chicopee.
Mass. He had resided in Albany since he was eight years old,
up to the time of his enlistment, with the exception of two sum-
mers, which had been spent in the country. In March, 1861,
he left home to engage in farming, his favorite employment.
His feelings at this time were very tender, and he showed un-
usual interest in the subject of religion, which caused his friends
to hope that he was earnestly seeking the salvation of his soul.
Early in April a letter was received from him, in which he
expressed a hope that he had chosen Christ as his friend and
portion. A desire for the salvation of his friends and companions
manifested itself, in conversing with and writing to them on the
subject.
He soon expressed a wish, to use his own words, "to be
enrolled in the army of Christ," and on the first communion
season, which was the first Sabbath in July, he came home and
united with the Congregational Church, then under the pastoral
care of Dr. Palmer, of whom he frequently spoke in his letters.
Once after this he was permitted to sit with his friends at the
table of the Lord, before leaving to enter upon what he regarded
as duty.
George was much interested in the affairs of the nation from
a boy, and though but a youth when the war broke out, he
availed himself of all the information within his reach in rela-
tion to its progress. In a letter written to his parents in August,
he said: "I feel as if I ought to be serving my country."
In September he wrote again, saying that, after much thought
and prayer, having counted the cost, he felt it to be his duty to
CORPORAL GEORGE T. GATES. 629
give himself to his country, if this met with the approbation of
his parents. Accordingly, in October, he came home, and en-
listed in the Forty-fourth N. Y. Regiment on the 15th of Octo-
ber, and left for New York on the 20th of that month.
He was in Company A, Capt. Chapin, and was the youngest
in the company, not being eighteen years of age at the time of
his enlistment. His Captain said of him three months after-
wards: "George makes one of the best soldiers in the com-
pany. Besides, he has secured for himself the friendship of his
fellows, and the confidence of his officers."
He was made Corporal in December, 1862: afterwards he was
appointed color Corporal as a mark of honor for his coolness in
battle, with a promise of promotion. But promotion he never
sought, and being spoken to upon the subject, he said, " I did
not come here for promotion or pay, and I can serve my country
just as faithfully as a private."
George's first experience in battle was at Hanover Court
House, after which, he says, " I write just to say that I am alive,
though our regiment has suffered severely. Several of our
officers are wounded, the Major, badly. One flag is riddled by
forty-eight shots."
Then, June 29th, while the seven days' battles were in pro-
gress, he says, "I am alive and well after a hard-fought bat-
tle which occurred on Friday last. Our loss was severe. We
lost our knapsacks and almost everything, except what we
had on. I had many very narrow escapes, and am very thank-
ful to that kind Providence that kept me through scenes of so
much danger."
Again, July 4th, he writes, " During the last week I have
been in two different battles and one skirmish, and escaped
without a scratch; but in the battle of July 1st, was slightly
wounded in my right shoulder. I was struck by a piece of
shell, but shall not leave our skeleton regiment, though I
think many have left who were not wounded any worse, if as
badly. Don't be alarmed if you see my name in the list of
wounded. Our loss is very severe. Company A lost just half
the men that we went in with.
630 I OBPOB U. GEORGE T. GATES.
••The regiment made a bayonet charge, in which we ran over
the bodies of the dead and wounded rebels piled three or four
deep. There were three files <>ii each side of me mowed down.
I have seen plenty of fighting, jusl all I wish to." Again he
writes, in prospect of goinginto battle, "We maybe called into
actiou at any moment. My prayer is that God will spare my
life to glorify Him, and do much lor the furtherance of His
cause, but if it is His will that I fall, may He receive my soul."
At another time, after the Peninsular campaign, in the midst
of marches and battles he says, " Cease not to pray for me. thai
through the merits of Jesus Christ I may he fully prepared for
any event. If it should please God that I lay my life on the
altar of my country, pray that I may through the riches of I Iit>
grace in Christ our Saviour, he accepted and saved."
After the battle of Bull Run he says, "We fought a good
fight, Company A lost sixteen men."
In October, he writes. "How I should have enjoyed sitting
with you at the table of the Lord. 1 hope the time is not far
distant when I shall be aide to do so, and to enjoy the numerous
privileges of which I am now deprived. () pray that strength
and grace may he given me to withstand all the temptations
around me, and come out purified."
The first Sabbath in his twentieth year he says, "lam striving
to live nearer to my God than I did last year. Pray, dear
mother, that I may look to Christ alone for strength to perform
my duties as a christian."
He was in the battle of Fredericksburg and says, "We had
the comfort of taking care of our dead and wounded. We were
two days and nights at the front, where we advanced under very
heavy tile."
After the battle of Gettysburg, July 4, 1863, he writes, "We
have to be very thankful for our kind Heavenly Father's pre-
serving care over me through another of those scenes of awful
carnage. Our corps was engaged day before yesterday, and we
lost very heavily, but repulsed the enemy. Our company lost
four killed and seventeen wounded. The boys were shot on
each side of me."
CORPORAL GEORGE T. GATES. 631
After most bravely fighting in fourteen battles and several
.skirmishes, our young hero patriot entered the battle of the
Wilderness to offer up his precious life for the American Repub-
lic. While charging the enemy a ball penetrated his forehead,
and killed him instantly. His body was not recovered, and his
friends cannot learn that any one was near him when he expired.
He fell on the 8th of May, 1864. The last message received
from him was under date of April 30, after the order to be
ready at any moment to move with six days rations in their
haversacks.
He writes, " wTith good management, which I think we will
have, we shall strike a blow at the rebellion by which it will be
crushed. Of course I shall be exposed to great danger, but our
Kind Heavenly Father, who has so long preserved my life, is the
same merciful God, and if it is His holy will he can still preserve
me. But if his will be otherwise, I hope and pray to be pre-
pared to meet Him in heaven with all my dear friends."
On the 5th we hear of him in battle, through a tent-mate who
was wounded, and whom George assisted in carrying off the field.
Of him this companion says, " George was a good, brave soldier,
one who was beloved by all who knew him. His whole heart
was in his duty."
The following, concerning our young hero was received from
Gen. Rice, under date of September 14, 1863.
"It was my intention after the battle of Gettysburg to make
your son a Second Lieutenant. During the first hour of the
battle of the second day, I fought side by side with him near the
colors, and can say, with great satisfaction, that not a braver or
more faithful soldier ever entered the service. During that hour
while all were killed or wounded around us, he never flinched
for a moment, but calmly loaded and fired, as if on parade or
drill; and every shot of his told. I was also firing, and Ave
frequently talked with each other as to the ranks of the enemy
where our fire wTould do the most execution. I recollect of his
saying to me during the severest of the struggle, ' Colonel, you
cannot reach those on the hill, they are beyond musket range;
but here is a line iu the ravine that needs our attention.'
632 CORrORAL GEORGE t. gates.
" He is a cool, brave and faithful soldier, and I never saw in him
any quality bul to commend. During the battle, Col. Vincent
fell, and I took command of the brigade, which separated me
from the immediate command of the regiment.
• Now let me explain to you why your son was not promoted
before this. By a law of Congress, no Second Lieutenant could
be mustered into a regiment which was reduced below a given
number. Our regiment was below that number. If 1 had
remained in command until the regiment was tilled up, your son
would have been made Lieutenant for his bravery at Gettys-
burg. 1 will now write to Lieut. Col. Connor, urging him to
promote your son as soon as possible.
•• Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"J. C. RICE,
" Brig. Gen. Com. Division.'1'1
The clear boy asked for no promotion on earth. With single-
ness of heart, and with the loftiest sentiments of honor and
integrity he desired to do his duty to God, and to his country;
and most faithfully did he serve both, until the fatal shot termi-
nated his career. His memory we will cherish with the wannest
gratitude and affection, and the name of George T. Gates wili
live in the admiration of posterity.
CORPORAL CHARLES G. LATHAM. 633
LXXX.
CORPORAL CHARLES G. LATHAM.
Charles Goldstone Latham, of the Second Regiment of U. S.
Cavalry, was born September 20th, 1836, at Mystic, Conn. He
was the second son of Jasper and Jane M. Latham, both of
whom preceded him to the Heavenly world.
Charles had the benefit of an early and thorough Christian
education, and was carefully trained to discharge every duty.
He acquired with rapidity the rudiments of knowledge, and
early developed marked intellectual ability. After attending
several schools, he enjoyed the instruction of the Hon. John W.
Buckley, now superintendent of the public schools of Brooklyn.
Air. B. often remarked to visitors at his school, after they had
witnessed young Latham's proficiency, " That lad is the smartest
scholar I have ; at the same time he gives me the most trouble.
Would he study as hard as some do, he would become a prodigy."
Charles was very fond of reading history, works of romance,
and the writings of Shakespeare and Dickens. The two latter
authors were his favorites; such was his memory that he could
repeat correctly whole pages, and present the characters that
they delineate, with wonderful minuteness and accuracy.
He early became connected with the newspaper press of
Albany, and his first writings were made public through the
" Evening Transcript," of which paper he was local editor. To
the ordinary items of city news, he was able to give great fresh-
ness and attractiveness, by the ease and vigor of his style.
He was subsequently connected with the "Albany Morning
Times " and " Evening Statesman," and to both those journals was
a most valuable adjunct.
When of the required age, he joined the Albany Burgesses
63 I ii >i;i ■( »B \l. CHARLES G. LATH \m.
Corp8and was still on the company rolls at i be I ime of bis deal b.
It is manifest that the schooling he received while a member ol
this company, prompted the early desire he exhibited, that the
Corpsshould go to the defence of the National Capital, when the
threats of the hostile south were developed by an attempted
march upon Washington. He was one among the first to affix
his name to the roll of volunteers, and was, bis officers freely
admit, ever prompt, zealous and unflinching when danger was
the most imminent.
Returning with the Twenty-fifth Regiment New York State
Militia, after being relieved from I lie defences of Washington,
and after building that model fort, For Albany, he remained
unsettled in his purposes. He had had a taste of military life,
and though not physically constituted to withstand exposure and
fatigue, still be entered the regular service, by enlisting on the
18th of November, 1862, at Boston, Mass.. in the Second United
Slates Cavalry, having previously refused a commission in the
volunteer service. His intelligence and excellent chirography
induced his retention at that post, where his clerical services
made him a valuable acquisition to the officer in charge. But
many months after, when a change in the commander of the post
was made, he was transferred to Carlisle >arracks, Pennsylvania.
There he was almost immediately created post clerk. But while
discharging the duties of that office he was taken sick, with that
scourge of all armies, "camp fever."
It was while on his sick bed. that a grand division of the
Southern army, by a most strategic feint, made the attempt to
enter Pennsylvania and capture Harrisburg. General Hooker
had just been relieved, and General Meade placed in command.
The southerners, believing that he would be found inadequate to
the post assigned to him, availed themselves of the opportunity
to attempt a surprise.
How the battle of Gettysburg, fought July 4th, 1863, resulted
is known to all, but it was found necessary to vacate Carlisle
Barracks and move on to Camp Curtin. Young Latham was
placed in a rumbling ambulance, which was hastened over the
roads, with all the speed of an army in retreat, to Camp Curtin.
CORPORAL CHARLES G. LATHAM. 635
The exposure and exertion were too much for his enfeebled
energies, and that journey proved to be his journey to the grave.
On the 4th of July, 1863, he was buried with military honors at
Camp Curtin; but a brother's love for a dear and only brother,
induced the exhumation of his remains, and they were brought
to this city, and now lie beneath the green sward of our own
beautiful cemetery. The Albany Burgesses Corps, and very
many citizens, paid funeral respect to the memory of the gallant
young Latham.
The press of the city paid feeling tributes to the memory of
tne deceased. The following, from the "Morning Express," is
indicative of the esteem and high regard in which he was held
by his contemporaries:
" We yesterday morning briefly announced the death of Chas.
G. Latham, at Camp Curtin, Pa. The intelligence received here
Sunday afternoon, cast a deep gloom over a large circle of warm
friends and intimate acquaintances. The deceased, before enter-
ing the army, was connected with the newspaper fraternity as
local reporter, in which capacity he had gained considerable dis-
tinction among his associates. He possessed rare natural ability,
and was gifted with a line power of appreciation, blended with
keen wit and satire.
" His first efforts as local editor were published in the ' Evening
Transcript,' and those who remember them, will bear witness to
their terseness and power to interest. Subsequently, he was
engaged in the same capacity on other daily journals, to all of
which he imparted an interest that made their daily issues
acceptable and readable.
" He was truly a noble hearted fellow, firm in his attachments to
his friends, and devoted to the interests of his employers. He
was a young man of true genius, and some of his writings, we
now remember, as sparkled with bright gems of thought and
sentiment.
"His death is a sad blow to his brother and his family, who
will have the heartfelt sympathy of all who knew and loved
him."
As an evidence of the esteem in which he was held by his com-
♦ i.'llt OOR] ORAL OH \i:i.i> 0. LATH am.
rades in camp, we append the letter of Chaplain Ross, U. S. A.,
to Mr. Geobge E. Latham, brother of deceased:
Habrisbi bg, July 7. 1863.
Mr. Latham:
Dear Sir—] was very sorry 1 did n<>t gel t<> see you when on
your errand of Love and sorrow. I knew your brother well, and
Loved him much. He was quiet, sober and thoughtful. J never
knew him to be in bad company, but I do know he shunned all
sllcll.
When ho Mas well I conversed with him frequently, and during
his sickness I visited him often, and talked and prayed for him.
He Mas sane a part of the time, and knew he Mould not live.
The last call I made he -was flighty at times; still, he knew me,
and called me by name. I asked him to confide in Jesus Christ,
and meet me in a better home, to which he assented, and shook
my hand heartily.
I hope he is better off. I enclose all his letters that have been
put in my possession. Any information or anything you may
;vish me to do, I shall do freely. Wishing you and yours all
good blessings, I am, truly yours,
J. A. ROSS, Chaplain U. S. A.
While the Twenty-fifth Regiment was absent from Albany,
Corp. Latham Mas the historian of their doings. We give one
of his graphic letters, published in the " Albany Morning Times: "
Park Barracks, New York, May 2, 1861.
Dear Times — I have only time to write you a line or two, but
I know that anything from the boys who have "gone to the
Avars" from old Albany, will be acceptable to your readers.
AVe have been quartered here since our arrival, and although
avc don't get our china or fancy dishes, Ave get first rate, substan-
tial, well cooked rations, good enough for us " or any other man."
So far there is no sign of ill health among us, and all are
anxious to do something for the cause in which we are enlisted.
You knoAV before we left, that hundreds of good fellows, eager
CORPORAL CHARLES G. LATHAM. 637
to serve their country, wished to join us, but a lack of uniforms
prevented us from taking them.
It has been just so here: splendid fellows who have been
attracted by the appearance of the company, and their complete
outfit, have applied to go with us, but, of course, we were
obliged to refuse them.
As an evidence of the feeling we create, I will mention one
instance : Yesterday morning, a young man, formerly a resident
of Albany, and a member of the corps, appeared as the company
was drawn up in line, in front of the Astor House, and offered
any man in the company, two hundred dollars if he would give
up his uniform to him. Not a man responded, showing that we
have those who mean business, and leave their homes for the
defence of their country and not to " play the soldier."
We have had scores of our Albany friends here with us since
our arrival. " Lem " Rogers and others of No. 8 Engine, have
been among the most constant to us, and there is not a man in
our company who has not experienced their generous and untir-
ing exertions to make everything as pleasant as possible. They
left this afternoon, escorted to the cars by a section, and as the
train moved off the most cordial and affectionate farewells were
exchanged. Tears fell like rain, and hands were wrung at part-
ing, and (but it's no use, soldiers are men you know and oft times
are as children) no man can say, that it is any discredit for a
stalwart man to shed a tear on occasions of this kind. It is an
evidence that he has a heart within him, and that it is in the
right place.
New Yorkers, too, have been among us, and fairly over-
whelmed us with attentions. It may not be out of place to
mention that Charles Stetson, Esq., of the Astor House,
remarked as we marched up Broadway, after our arrival, that we
were the finest appearing and best equipped body of men that
he had seen since the war excitement began. Mr. Stetson is a
military man, and has had an opportunity of seeing all the
troops here, and such an expression from him may be considered
as quite a " feather in our cap."
638 OOBPORAL OHABLES G. LATHAM.
Aj I write, our boys crowd around me. ;nnl wish to let their
friends know thai they are all well ami in good spirits.
Ai six o'clock this evening we were drawn up in line, ami our
Orderly announced that we were t<» leave to-morrow, at noon, in
the splendid frigate ■■ Niagara," for Washington. The announce-
ment was greeted with a hearty Albany cheer, that made the
barracks ring again. We are all anxious to go and prove that
we have enlisted for something more than fun.
I am compelled to stop for the present, but whenever an
opportunity occurs, you shall hear from the
CORPORAL.
CORPORAL ALBERT C. SMITH. 639
LXXXI.
CORPORAL ALBERT C. SMITH.
Albert C. Smith was born in the State of Rhode Island, and
was the eldest of a large family of children. His father, Wil-
liam B. Smith, removed to Norway, Herkimer county, N. Y.,
many years ago, and subsequently Albert resided in Hartford,
Connecticut. He married the fourth daughter of the late Don-
ald Fisher, who was formerly an officer in the English army,
under the Duke of Kent.
At the time the rebellion broke out, Mr. Smith was residing
with his family in the city of Albany. He was a member of the
North Pearl Street Baptist Church, and was baptized by the
venerable Dr. Welch, to whom he was very much attached.
In early Lfe, Albert was remarkable for his amiable qualities,
and affectionate disposition, and he sought to promote the happi-
ness of all around him. As a Christian, he was conscientious,
faithful and consistent.
In the year 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Ninety-first New
York Regiment. He went to Florida, and was very sick at Key
West with inflammation of the lungs. He was discharged on
the surgeon's certificate, and returned home. By great care and
faithful nursing his health was restored, and with it came back
his ardent desire to serve his country. It was a great struggle
for him to leave his dear family again, but commending them to
the divine care and protection, he re-enlisted in the army, and
went to Bonnet Carre, and was afterwards ordered to Port Hud-
son. There he was prostrated by a fever, and died. In his last
days he was attended by a noble youth, by the name of Edwin
Davis, who was himself also an invalid. To Mr. Davis he con-
G40 CORPORAL ALBERT C. SMITH.
tided several messages to his wife; but before Mr. I), readied
Albany, he was called away from time into eternity.
When Mr. Smith last wrote to his wife, he seemed to be very
cheerful, and spoke with greal joy of once more seeing his
happy home. At the close of the letter he very affectionately
commended her to the care of our Heavenly Father, and said
that his prayer was that God would permit them to meet again.
As both husband and wife were the disciples of the Lord Jesus
Christ, they will meet where they part no more.
CORPORAL ROBERT H. CAMERON,. 641
LXXI1I.
CORPORAL ROBERT H. CAMERON.
Robert H. Cameron, son of John and Mart I. Cameron, was
born in Belfast, Ireland, July 2. 1837, and came to this country
at the age of two years. In his youth, he was remarkable for
his frank and truthful disposition. Gentle and affectionate in his
nature, he was constantly seeking opportunities for the perform-
ance of some of those little offices of kindness, which makes our
daily life so pleasant. Although never having made a public
profession of religion, yet he had the most exalted opinion of the
worth of Christianity, and would not suffer it to be spoken lightly
of in his presence. If he could not change the subject, he would
withdraw from the company, and would not ever give such con-
versation the sanction of his presence.
Possessing business capacities of a very high order, life opened
upon him with very flattering prospects. But when the tocsin
of war sounded through the land, and called for those who were
willing to sacrifice all for their country, Robert was found among
the foremost. He was read}' to give up his business prospects,
to sunder the ties which bound him to a home he highly prized,
and to his wife and child, who were as dear to him as life itself.
We can realize something of the sacrifice he made. His motto
was, "my country first," and for the time his country became
mother, wife and child to him.
Enlisting in April, 1861, as private in Company A, Hawkins'
Zouaves, he arrived with them June 8th at Newport News, then
in part occupied by the rebels. Here his company had their full
share of the lonely picket guard duty, and the long weary
marches. While there, they suffered a great deal from the bad
quality of the food, and the insufficiency of shelter provided for
41
6'42 OOBFOBAL BOBEBT II. CAMEBON.
them, for we then were in our infancy in all matters which per-
tained to war.
Writing from Newport News, of a v» rv narrow escape from
capture, he says:
•• Last evening aboul nine o'clock, our company was ordered
out on a scouting expedition. We marched through woods all
night, anil in the morning found ourselves bul a very short dis-
tance from the enemy's camp. We continued to march very
cautiously until we suddenly came upon the enemy's picket
guard, when they sounded the alarm, and a large body of infantry
and cavalry immediately started in pursuit of us. The order was
given to retreat, and we immediately made the best time possi-
ble for a piece of woods a short distance in our rear, and suc-
ceeded in reaching it, when each one of us posted ourselves
behind trees, determined to sell our lives as dearly as possible.
We all thought our time had come; but the enemy, instead of
engaging us, seemed determined to capture the whole company.
They divided themselves into tAvo parties to cut off our retreat;
but instead of returning by any of the roads, we made our way
through the woods until we came to the river. When the enemy
found we had taken this route, they endeavored to prevent our
effecting this, but Ave were too soon for them, and succeeded in
reaching camp without losing a single man. We Avere almost
dead, hoAvever, from fatigue.
" Some of the men Avere ready to give up, and wanted to lie
down; and they had to be almost carried along, to prevent their
being captured by the enemy.
After our return from this expedition, another company of our
regiment being ordered on a similar scout, Avere attacked by the
rebels, and after a sharp light in which they lost their Colonel
and eight privates, our boys succeeded in reaching camp safely."
While at Newport News at a general inspection, Robert was
offered his discharge on account of defective sight, but he
refused to receive it, saying to those Avho offered it, " Avhen I
joined the regiment I joined them to stay with them, and I shall
not leave them Avhile the Avar lasts, if I am able to remain. I
CORPOEAL ROBERT H. CAMERON. G43
should be ashamed to be seen in the streets of Albany at this
time, when the country needs every man so much."
From Newport News the regiment went to Hatteras Inlet,
where the real sufferings of the regiment began. Provided with
tents which formed no real protection against the rain storms of
that section, and at the most inclement season of the year, when
the miasma arising from the low swampy lands upon which they
were encamped, sent fever through the system with every
breath they drew, sickness soon began to show itself in the regi-
ment. Often after lying down at night, they would be roused
by the water flowing all around them, and they would be obliged
to move their tents and seek some drier spot; and sometimes
this would be repeated in the couise of the night. This expos-
ure, added to their long and severe marches, soon wore out a
constitution not naturally very strong, and forced Mr. Cameron
to the hospital, from which very few who entered it with this
fever, ever came forth alive.
Writing to his wife from Hatteras very soon after his arrival
there, he said, "I am well as yet, and have to be thankful in
being able to say that; for around me on every hand, are lying
comrades not able to leave their tents, and many of them scarcely
expecting to leave them alive. Even now as I write, I hear the
solemn notes of the dead march wailed out, as some company
marches past with the remains of a dead comrade for interment.
Now that the cold season is but just commencing, I fear that
many more will follow him unless we are speedily ordered from
this place. You will better understand why it is so unhealthy,
when I tell you, that every heavy rain we have, entirely floods
this part of the island on which we are quartered, sometimes driv-
ing us entirely out of our tents, to seek protection on the highest
part of the island. So far, I have escaped, while many with
apparently stronger constitutions have been taken sick and died;
but we have some hopes of leaving here soon."
That order did not come in time to save him. He soon sick-
ened, and lingering but a short time, died. During his sickness,
he begged of his comrades not to write to his mother. He said,
"I shall be around again in a few days, and then I will write and
6 I 1 CORPORAL EOBERT II. CAMERON.
tell them I have beeD sick." So ("ireful was he, lesl he should
cause her any unnecessary anxiety. But his comrades, seeing
thai his recovery was Impossible, wrote to liis mother, who imme-
diately started for Hatteras, thai she mighl give him a mother's
care in his sickness. Hut the summons reached her too late.
When she arrived there she found him dead and buried, lie
had received his final discharge.
His companions, to whom he was sincerely attached, mourned
his loss as that of a brother.
Col. HawkIns, writing to Kobert's mother after his death. Bays,
"He was universally mourned in the regiment. From the high-
est officer to the lowest private, each one felt that in Koijeut's
death, he had lost a friend and that there was a vacant place
made, which could not be easily tilled."
A member of his own company in speaking of him said, "I
will say, that, in his departure from this life, the members of
Company A lost one of their best friends. He was loved and
respected by all. With his Captain he was an especial favorite.
There was something in his manner and appearance which coiri-
manded respect, and he could have an order obeyed at any time,
without any grumbling on the part of the men. I shall never
forget the appearance of the men as they took the last look of
poor Cameron. Turning away from the dead lace of their com-
rade, they could not restrain their grief. The tears and broken
sobs, told what a loss they had sustained."
About a week after he was buried, his mother, who in feeble
health, had made the journey from Albany alone, arrived.
Her intense grief at finding her dear son dead and buried, can
oe more easily imagined than described. She found, however,
many sympathizing hearts among the brave and noble soldiers
of our army. She had the precious remains disinterred and
brought home, and they now rest in our beautiful cemetery,
with the many other heroes of the war.
CORPORAL JAMES YOUNG. 645
LXXXIII.
CORPORAL JAMES YOUNG.
James Young left the city of Albany in Company F. of the
Forty -fourth Regiment. He was a cheerful and active young
man, and was noted for his skill as a boatman, and in many athletic
sports. He was the life of his company in the barracks and the
camp, and had a most happy influence upon all his associates.
On the morning of the 27th of May, 1862, while on a march
from the camp, he rebuked some who were complaining of their
hardships, in the following language: "Come, let's have no
grumbling; we came out here as soldiers, let us act like soldiers."
That day, soon after the battle of Hanover Court House com-
menced, he was struck, by a ball, in the leg, making what would
be considered a serious wound by less courageous men. He
stooped, examined it, and said that was not much of a hurt. He
had scarcely straightened himself up, having loaded his piece,
and was in the act of firing it, when a second ball struck him
in the neck, killing him instantly. He was buried on the battle
field.
6 16 ( OKI'oliAI. AI.ON/O K. I.I'.U I-.
LXXXIV.
CORPORAL ALONZO E. LEWIS.
The subject of this sketch was the son of Thomas and Nancy
Lewis, and was born August 4, L844. He received a Christian
education, and was distinguished for his excellent moral character
and for the good influence that lie exerted over others.
He enlisted October 11, 1861, and was connected with com-
pany F, Thiid New York Regiment. He served his country
with great faithfulness and bravery, until July 17, 1803, when he
died of typhoid fever in Hampton Hospital, Virginia.
The following resolutions and letter, give us a view of his
character and services:
At a meeting of the members of F Company, Third Regiment
Infantry New York Volunteers, held at Camp Alford, near Ports-
mouth, Virginia, the following preamble and resolutions were
unanimously adopted:
Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe
to remove, by the hand of death, our esteemed and beloved
comrade. Corporal Alonzo E. Lewis, and.
Whereas, We have always found him, during his stay with us,
a sincere friend and true patriot, as well as a brave and gallant
soldier, therefore,
Resolved, That, in the death of Corporal Alonzo E. Lewis,
Ave are called upon to sustain the loss of a dear friend and brother
soldier; one who has always commanded our admiration for his
abilities and integrity as a soldier, and our esteem as a gentleman,
for the uniform courtesy which marked his intercourse with all.
Resolved, That, while we deeply deplore his early death, we
sympathize sincerely with his bereaved family, and we shall long
CORPORAL ALONZO E. LEWIS 647
cherish the fond recollection of his many acts of kindness when
living.
Resolved, That, as soon as practicable, we, as a company, will
endeavor to have his remains sent to his family, that they may
inter them by the .side of those loved ones who have gone before
him.
Resolved, That the above preamble and resolutions be pub-
lished in the "Albany Evening Journal " and "Albany Times,"
and that a copy be transmitted to the family of the deceased.
thomas c. flynn,
james McCaffrey,
o. h. van valen,
w. ii. ii. kearns.
Richard V. Lewis, Sec'y.
Camp Alford, Va., July 26, 1863.
Dear Madam — As commanding officer of F Company, Second
Infantry New York Volunteers, with which your son, Corporal
Alonzo E. Lewis, was connected, I trust you will allow me to
bear testimony to his amiability, gentlemanly manners, and high
toned principles as a man; to his faithfulnsss, constant attention
to duty, and obedience as a soldier; and to offer, with his com-
rades, my sincere sympathy in this time of your sudden and
severe bereavement.
During our expedition, when we were encamped at Yorktown,
I first noticed the illness of your son, and urged him, in strong
terms, to go back in company with others who were sent at that
time. Bnt his courage was greater than his strength, and conse-
quently he accompanied his company as far as the White House,
when the Doctor found it absolutely necessary to dispose of his
case at once. I regret that, being on the march, it was impossi-
ble for me to do more for him in person. As it was, I saw him
placed under the care of a skillful physician at the earliest pos-
sible moment.
So far as his pay now due is concerned, I will draw it myself,
if possible, and send it to you by express. If the Paymaster
refuses to put me in charge of it, I will acquaint you at once
li IS c( n;i'( >i: \l. AD >N» » r.. LEU LB.
with the proper means of obtaining if yourself. All his effects
■will lie forwarded t<» you at once, if such is your desire.
Ami now. my deai- Madam, though the consolation offered by
strangers may be, to a mother's wounded heart, bul small indeed,
vet he assured that there are many here who share with you this
deep grief. Fur myself, I can say that during my association
with him as a private soldier, I found him a firm friend ami an
honorable man, and that I mourn his loss the more because so
lew have so siieeessiully resisted the contaminating influences of
a military lite.
Should you find it necessary to ask any items of information, my
address, for the present, is: Camp Alford, near Portsmouth, Va.
Very respectfully, Ac. F. A. SMITH,
2d Lieut. Com'd'g F Co., 2d JV. Y. V.
Airs. Nancy Lewis.
CORPOEAL WILLIAM H. MOON. 649
LXXXV.
CORPORAL WILLIAM H. MOON.
William H. Moon, the only son of Richard and Anna Maria
Moon, was born at Albany on the 22d June, 1844.
The most marked traits of his character, during boyhood and
youth, were docility and obedience to his parents, united with
tenacity of purpose.
He was a member of the Sabbath school of the Second Re-
formed Dutch Church, where, by his correct deportment and
amiable qualities, he won the regard both of his teachers and
fellow scholars. From an early age until the time of his enlist-
ment, he was a regular and punctual attendant at that school; and
in the only furlough he enjoyed during a connection with the
army of over three years, he showed his attachment by repeat-
edly visiting his old class. He was also constant in his attend-
ance at church, of which his parents were members.
At the age of fourteen years, he united himself with the
Albany Division No. 4 of the order of Sons of Temperance. To
his obligations as a member of this society he was always faith-
ful, resisting the numerous temptations which assail a young
man in the city or a soldier in the army, to indulge in spirituous
drinks.
William had, from boyhood, a strong inclination to military
pursuits. He was at one time desirous of entering the military
school at West Point, and took some steps toward procuring an
appointment, but was not successful.
From the first outbreak of the war he was, although then a
mere boy, (less than seventeen years of age,) and by no means
of robust frame, very anxious to become a soldier. On the
return of a brother-in-law, who went from Albany on the first
650 OOBFOBAL wii.i.ia.m ll. MOON.
three months' term of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, his ardor iwis
freshly excited. II<' plied his mother with solicitations to allow
him to enlist. He would say: •• I am no better than others,
who are the only sons of their parents. Ellsworth was an
only son.'' and he urged that it would be no harder for his
mother to spare him, than it Ii.-kI been for Ellsworth's parents.
While thus earnest in his purpose to serve his country, he yet
expressed his intention not to go to the war. unless his Gather
;in<l mother consented. At Length, one day as he was persuading
his mother, she said to him: "Well go, my son, and God be
"with you."
This point gained, he immediately went to his father, at his
place of business, to get his acquiescence. The latter reminded
him of the hardships and dangers which must be endured, and
asked him it" he could bear it all. He replied that he could, and
the long looked for consent was granted.
He enlisted on the 10th of August, 1861, in Company A,
Forty-third Regiment, organized by Capt. John Wilson (after-
wards Colonel), whose excellent character had great weight in
inducing Mr. and Mrs. Moon to put their son under his care.
The officers bore testimony to William's good qualities. But
his letters to his friends show his unflinching determination to
do his duty as a soldier, in spite of all hardships, privations and
dangers.
He was connected, throughout his whole term of sendee, with
the Army of the Potomac, and was a member of the illustrious
Sixth Corps. lie was in almost every battle of note, in which
that army was engaged: Yorktown, Williamsburg, the seven days'
battles on the Peninsula, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Sec-
ond Bull Run, Antietam, etc., etc. It is remarkable that in
describing these battles, he never utters a murmur or a tear. On
one occasion, at the charge of the rebel forces on Fort Stevens,
near Washington, which the Sixth Corps repelled, he was struck
by a bullet, which passed through his pocket, carrying away a
part of his wallet, but doing him no personal injury. In writing
home of this incident, he expresses his gratitude to God for his
deliverance.
CORPORAL WILLIAM II. MOON. 651
As before stated, only once during the three years of his sol-
dier life, did he leave the army. This was at the expiration of
his first term of service, when he re-enlisted in the same com-
pany for three years longer. He was now promoted to the posi-
tion of Corporal.
His last battle was on the severely fought and gloriously won
field of Winchester, September 19, 1864. He was struck in the
head by a shell which killed him instantly. His company were
at the time, by order of their commanding officer, lying down,
and a comrade near him states that he thought that perhaps Wil-
liam had fallen asleep. But it was the sleep of death.
This same friend buried him on the field near the fatal spot,
marking his grave. His remains were afterwards removed and
brought to Albany, and interred in the Rural Cemetery.
652 OORPOB \i. BOBEBT B. DABLING.
Lxxxvr.
CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING,
OF VTATERVLIET.
Among the noble band of young men who left their home, in
Albany county, for the battle field, there are few more deserving
of commemorative eulogy than Robert Bubnett Dabung.
( Jombining energy and perseverance in whatever he undertook,
with high moral qualities, he endeared himself to a Large circle
of friends. His promptness and zeal in the discharge of bis
religious duties have rendered his memory precious in the church
of God.
From his childhood Robert evinced a keenness of moral sen-
sibility. Especially was this apparent in his solemn regard for
(lie truth. His abhorrence of falsehood, in every form, was ;i
marked feature in his character. His brief history furnishes but
few materials for a biographical sketch. He was born January
24, 183G, in Westford, Otsego county, New York. His lather,
Mr. John Darling, is the proprietor and cultivator of a farm
located at Newtonville, town of Watervliet, Albany county. His
mother's name is Mrs. Eliza Myers Darling. To this estimable
lady Robert was indebted, for many of those excellencies of
character, which were so happily developed in subsequent man-
hood.
It was intended by his parents, as he advanced toward maturity,
that he should aid his father in the cultivation of his farm. But
his frequently expressed desire for an education, and the indica-
tions of more than usual powers of mind, induced them to place
him at an academy, located at Wilbraham, Massachusetts, under
the direction of Professor RAYMOND.
While prosecuting his studies there, he became the subject of
CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING. G53
renewing grace. There was, at this time, a revival of religion
in the village, and many of the pupils were brought to a saving
knowledge of the truth. Into this work of mercy, young Dar-
ling entered with all the force of his earnest nature. His con-
victions were pungent, and his joy and faith correspondingly
elevated.
He was baptized, at Newtonville, on the first Sabbath of Jul}-,
1854. He entered at once and devotedly into the works of
faith and labors of love, to which, by his profession he had been
sacredly consecrated. Upon the prayer meetings of the church,
he was a constant attendant, and never did he hesitate to take a
part in prayer with his brethren. His labors as a Sunday school
teacher were earnest and successful.
Having completed his academic studies at Wilbraham, he
returned to the farm, and again engaged in aiding his father in
the labors of the field. But his earnest desire for knowledge
induced him, with the consent of his parents, to enter the Normal
school, in the city of Albany, then under the charge of Professor
Cochran. In that institution he prosecuted his studies during
three terms, and graduated with the confidence and esteem of
both his teachers and fellow students.
It is somewhat remarkable that a disposition so amiable and so
full of kind and generous feeling should ever have cherished
the least inclination for the clash of arms, and the perils and
hardships of war. But Robert dearly loved his country and
felt deeply indignant at the wrongs inflicted upon her, and the
contemptuous insults poured upon her flag. When Professor
Kimball, who had been his teacher in the Normal School, pro-
posed to organize a company for the United States service, a
number of his pupils engaged to follow him to the field. Young
Darling united with them, and enlisted in the service of the
United States on the 14th of August, 1862, in Company E,
Forty -fourth Regiment. Thus the beloved preceptor, who had
led them in the paths of knowledge, was now to lead them into
scenes of peril and sanguinary conflict.
Robert took an active part in all the battles in which his regi-
ment was engaged, with the exception of Gettysburg. While
654 CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING.
ili;ii sanguinary struggle was in progress, he was upon the Bick
list, and confined to the hospital. In every battle, he manifested
a courage, steadiness and soldierly bearing, thai won for him the
confidence of the officers and men.
r>m lir was also a soldier of the cross. Amid the stirring
events of the war. the deprivations of the camp, and perils hv
which he was surrounded, he ever bore with him the love of
Jesus in his heart, and found in Him a blessed source of strength
and consolation. lie originated and attended the prayer meet-
ings of his company, encouraging the hearts of his comrades '"
the exercise of a holy faith. As oppoit unity was offered him he
stood, a servant of Christ, by the bedside of the sick, and into
the ears of the dying whispered the words of consolation ami
hope. His presence was ever hailed with pleasure, because he
everywhere diffused around him the .sweet spirit of a sincere
Christian. He was repeatedly urged to accept of a chaplaincy.
His pastor was especially desirous thai lie should occupy this
position, for the duties of which he appears to have been emi-
nently qualified. But this office he steadfastly declined. His
modest estimation of himself made him shrink from the responsi-
bilities it involved. Indeed, he refused promotion to any rank,
and to the solicitations of his pastor he replied: "No, I have
enlisted in the ranks, and in that position intend to fight through
the war." At the earnest and repeated solicitation, however, of
his eonipany, he accepted the post of Corporal, but no considera-
tion could induce him to take any higher office.
His death occurred on the 19th of June, 1864. On the mor-
ning of that day he was in the trenches directly opposite Peters-
burg, and in near proximity to the enemy. Having raised his
head above the bank, a bullet from the rifle of a rebel sharp-
shooter, sent with unerring aim, struck him immediately above
the left eye, penetrating the brain. The blow was mortal. He
fell and instantly expired without uttering a word, nor did a sigh
or groan pass his lips.
His remains were interred by his comrades near the Norfolk
and Petersburg railroad, and although his grave had been care-
CORPORAL ROBERT B. DARLING. 055
fully marked with his name, company and regiment placed at the
head, his bereaved friends have sought for him in vain.
Thus passed away a useful and very lovely life. A painful
bereavement, indeed, to those who are more immediately con-
nected with him. But there is light amid the gloom, and a sweet
solace to their sorrows. They have the precious consolation,
which the gospel affords, that Robert now rests not only from
the alarms of war, but from all the trials and sorrows of earth, in
the bosom of his covenant God.
" Champion of Jesus, man of God,
Servant of Christ, well done.
Thy path of thorns hath now been trod,
Thy red cross crown it won.
" Champion of Jesus, on that breast,
From whence thy fervor flowed,
Thou hast obtained eternal rest,
The bosom of thy God."
656 CORPORAL I'llII.ir VAN DENBURG.
LIXXTII.
CORPORAL PHILIP VAN DENBURG,
OF GUILDERLAND.
Philip Van Denburg, son ofTEUNisand Maria Van Denburg,
was born in the town of New Scotland, Albany county, March
13, 1841. His early life was not marked with anything of more
than ordinary interest. As a son and brother, he was wry affec-
tionate, kind and self-denying. He was modest in his deport-
ment, and loved retirement.
In childhood, he had no fondness for hooks, hut at the age of
fifteen, through the efforts of au excellent teacher, he became
interested in his studies, and soon loved them. Early ift the
morning and late ut night he was found devoting himself with
enthusiasm to the work of obtaining a thorough and complete
education, and very soon he surpassed some who had been his
superiors in study.
At the age of seventeen, through the influence of his elder
brother, he was converted to Christ, in the town of Knox, and
soon after united with the M. E. Church, of which his parents
and three sisters were members.
As a Christian, he was devoted to his Master, and patient and
forbearing under severe trials. Living in a neighborhood where
true Christians were few, his only counselors were his parents,
his brother and sisters; and his Bible, which was his daily com-
panion. Often would he be found in his room, upon his knees,
reading the words of life. Once he remarked to his sister: " The
word to me is made plainer when I read it thus."
After his conversion, his desire for knowledge increased, and
during the winter months he devoted all his leisure hours to
CORPORAL PHILIP VAX DENBURG. 657
study. During the other seasons he was obliged to labor on his
father's farm.
He taught one year, when his health failed, and he could
neither study nor labor. In a letter to his brother at that time
he says:
" I dare not study much now, yet nothing would suit me better
than to be with my books all day. I have thought strongly of
enlisting in the army, but mother and father will not hear of it in
my present state of health: but I think it would be for my good.
I am certainly not good for much here, and in the army I might
be useful. If I am killed. I shall only go home to Jesus. I
should not think of going to the war if I had no hope in God, for
without religion I should make a poor soldier. But I believe I
am ready to face death for our country, and who should be ready
to go if not Christians. I shudder when I think of men going to
battle without a hope of Heaven. I can scarcely keep easy when
I think of it, so great is my desire to go. If it were not for
mother's entreaties, I believe I should in spite of all other obsta-
cles. For this I am thankful, that I can pray for my country if
I xiiay not fight for her, and perhaps I can do more by prayer
than with a gun or sword. I mean to try, anyway."
This was at the time of the first call for volunteers. Soon
after he spoke to his physician about enlisting in the army, and
being; told that a soldier's life might benefit him, he could be
detained no longer, and he immediately joined a company which
was being raised in the town of New Scotland, by his uncle, Capt.
Crounse. This was in July, 1861. Before enlisting, he wrote
to his parents, asking their consent and advice. And as if fear-
ing opposition, he says, " you ought not to oppose me, when
ministers are bidding their sons ' God speed.' I feel it to be
my duty, and I know that I am prepared for all that may come;
even for death. It will, indeed, be hard to part with you all,
but that time must come sooner or later. It will be less pain-
ful as we know that we shall meet in Heaven, if never again on
this earth."
On one occasion, while in conversation with his mother, who
was trying to prepare his mind for the realities of the battle-field,
42
658 COBPOKAL rilll.ir van DENBURG.
and said it was a dreadful place ill which t<> die, he said, " I will
oot mind i( at all it' I only have an opportunity to pray before
entering battle;" and to his sister he said. " there is nothing in
this so hard, as for me to say, good-bye t'» mother." Yet when
the hour came he said it bravely as a soldier, and spoke eneoiir-
ajnnfflv of coming home again. But his fond home where he was
greatly beloved, he was never permitted to set- again. Just
before entering the army he sent his mother the following Lines:
PARTING REQUEST.
Dear mother, now the time has come
For me to go to war,
To part with dearest friends and home,
Perhaps to meet no more.
But when I've left you all so dear,
And I am far away
Exposed to wiles of wicked men,
Then, mother, for me pray.
And when upon the battle field
'Mid cannon's deafening roar,
And bullets flying thick and fast
The earth with dead strewn o'er;
When those dread sights shall daunt my heart
And my arm begins to stay
From striking for my country's flag,
Oh, mother, for me pray.
I would nerve my soul for greater deeds,
And drive my fears away.
To know my mother ceased to mourn,
But never ceased to pray.
And should I live, we'll meet again,
When war has passed away,
Oh ! then you'll know that God doth hear,
And answer those who pray.
But if we never meet again,
While in this house of clay,
We'll surely meet when Jesus comes
To take His own, who pray.
He was sworn in the service of the United States on the 30th
of September, 1861, as Corporal of Company D, Ninety-first
Regiment. He never was in battle, although he desired to be,
and seemed impatient because his company was not sent forward
OOBPORAL PHILIP VAX DHNBUBG. 659
into action. In a letter to his sister he says, •• I am bred of this
Iviiio- still, and long for action; 1 hope we shall sood be removed
where we will have some fighting to do, for 1 am fully well
drilled now. and believe 1 could do my part in a skirmish with
the rebels; yet 1 would rather they would see their mistake, and
lay down their arms. Bui thai they do not seem inclined to do,
therefore we must fight, and I am anxious to (\o my share. '* He
never uttered a complaiut in any way. hut rather presented the
bright side of everything, especially when writing to his parents
or sisters.
After faithfully serving his country, he was taken sick with
typhoid fever. So rapid was his disease that in six days he
died at Key West, Florida. April i'i». 1862. lie was buried
there, having a soldier's funeral. A comrade, who lived to
return home, told his sister that he never knew a person so uni-
versally esteemed as Philip was. and that there was scarcely a dry
eye in the regiment, when he was buried.
Another member of the regiment but not of his company, was
speaking of him to his aunt, not knowing she was his relative,
and said. " There was one young man died at Key West whose
loss was deeply felt. He was beloved by all. A truer, braver,
soldier never entered the ranks, and a better christian never
lived. lie was always on duty, and ever ready to do his part at
all times and in every plaee. A more patriotic young man I
never saw."
Another, in writing to a friend speaks thus of Philip. •• We
have been called to-day to the painful task of laying beneath the
sod one of our very best men. He was sick hut a few days, and
I was with him when he died. He was delirious, until a few
hours before he died, when he seemed to he communing with
his God. He sang a hymn through with a beautiful (dear voice.
A smile then lighted up his face, and a few moments after he
expired. I believe he has gone to his better home.
" We all feel his loss deeply, and shall miss htm much. lie was
one who conversed but little, and never burdened others with
his troubles ; but kept them within his own breast ; so that few
knew Avhat he suffered."
660 CX >BFOBAL run. II' \ \n DENBUBO.
Captain Ceounse writes thus in apprising hie friends of his
decease:
\w a West, Flokida, May 1. L862.
Ti .1 \is V an I >ENBUBG and I'ainik :
Dear Friends I take this opportunity to give you the sad
news, thai Corporal Philip Vandenbubg is no more. He died
on the 29th of April, in the hospital. He was taken with the
typhoid fever, and died in six days from the time he was taken.
He was first put in the regimental hospital, and s aftei
removed to the general hospital, which is one mile distant.
I did not sec him from the time he was taken until he died
I was very busy and could not go to sec him. Nor did I suppose
him to be dangerously ill- 1 sent one of his comrades to set
him two davs before he died. He said he was pretty sick, but
did not think him dangerous. I had him buried with funeral
honors, covering his coffin with the Hag of his country; and ser-
vices were held at the grave.
When we tirst came to this place, he was sick for near three
Weeks, but recovered, and seemed to be healthy again. I never
saw him apparently so well as before he was taken sick.
Dear friends, you have my sympathy, knowing this will be
sad news to you all. Philip was loved by all in the company,
and I never have heard any ill of him since he has been with
us. * # * *
Yours in sympathy,
CAPTAIN H. CEOUNSE.
CORPORAL MARTIN SITTERLY. 661
LXXXVIII.
CORPORAL MARTIN SITTERLY,
OF GUILDERLAND.
Martin Sitterly was born March 29, 1838. He enlisted in
the Forty-fourth Regiment for three years, August 8, 1861, and
was killed at Hanover Court House, May 29, 1862.
All the information that we have received concerning him,
after his enlistment, is contained in the following letters to his
mother, and a letter from Lieutenant Rorerts, and a short notice
taken from a Rochester paper :
Camp before Yorktown, Va., May 3, 1862.
Dear Mother — As my time will allow me to write a few lines
this pleasant morning, I do so with much pleasure, knowing as
I do, that yon like to hear from me often. To begin, my health
is as good as I could possibly expect: for, as I have written
before, we are laboring under a great many disadvantages. But
the hardships we endure seem light as long as one has good
health. There is a great deal of sickness in this regiment at
present, but we all hope it will disappear soon. Jesse White
and I have made up our minds to stand together as long as life
lasts, and you need not feel worried about us. We are making
our works here as formidable as possible, but the rebels have
annoyed us a great deal for the last forty-eight hours, and we
do not get much sleep. We do heavy fatigue duty in the
daytime, and at nights we go out and help support the field bat-
teries. We lie on the ground all night witnessing the heavy
shells, thrown by, and bursting inside of our entrenchments.
* * * * Write soon and often to,
Your obedient and affectionate son,
MARTIN.
G62 COBF< >B \i. U \::ti\ BITTERLY.
Head Quarters, Forty-fourth Regiment, \. V. S. v., )
Camp before Richmond, Va., May 22, L862. £
Hear Mother W'v are on the march, and have been for the
last three days, and such warm weather I uevcr experienced
before. Jesse and I are enjoying the best of health on this
lone.- and hard march; although Jesse came pretty Dear, yes-
terday, giving out of the ranks on the road, and would have
done so if we had marched half a mile further. As for myself,
they eaift tire me out, it' my health is <ml\ good. This, indeed,
is my only hope of seeing home again. When one can sleep on
the cold ground, with onlv a thin blanket tinder him and one
over him and take comfort, yon would naturally think that we
must be hardy. The heaviest of our marching is over, for avc
are within a few miles of the rebel capital. Within two or three
miles ol* ns there are one hundred and eighty thousand secesh
troops, and they will give us warm work, I apprehend, when we
attack them. The country through which we have been march-
ing is the tinest I ever saw. The wheat is all headed out, straw-
berries are ripe, clover in blow, and the cherries almost full
grown. If the weather was not (piite so warm our marching
would be very pleasant. Love to all.
Your affectionate
MARTIN.
His character and the circumstances of his death are given in
the following letter and notice of the battle in which he fell:
Camp near Newbridge, Va., May 30, 18G2.
Mr. Sitterly:
Dear Sir — It is with feelings of the greatest sorrow that I
communicate to you the sad news of the death of your son
Martin. Since he became a member of this company his bear-
ing has been such as to enable me to place every confidence in
him, and to rest with satisfaction over any duty allotted to him.
In the engagement, he stood by me until death claimed him.
He fell in the front of the battle. To yon as a father, I can only
CORrORAL MARTIN SITTERLY. 663
say your son nobly performed his duty, and died with his confi-
dence and hope in God.
I offer you my warmest sympathy, and pray Heaven to sustain
you and yours under this great trial. In his death I lose a good
faithful soldier and friend.
I beg leave to remain yours,
Lieut. McROBERTS.
" Macauley," the army correspondent of the " Rochester Demo-
crat," thus speaks of Martin Sitterey of Guilderland, who fell
at the battle of Hanover Court House:
"The engagement soon became general. The Forty-fourth
bore the brunt of the battle, and had a man flinched all would
have been lost. We were badly cut up; sixty wounded and
twenty killed. Among the latter was the gallant Martin Sit-
terly, Corporal of Co. C, Forty-fourth Regiment; a man of noble
.size, vigorous, patient and resolute; a born soldier. He was worth
a score of common men. He fell, as I thought he would, in the
first action in which he was engaged.
66 1 OOBFI >i: \i- ii:w [8 W • «,'i \i
LXXXIX.
CORPORAL LEWIS W. QUAY,
or knox.
Lewis W. Quay, son of Daniel and Anna B. Qi .w. ws& born
in the town of Knox, Albany County, on the 30th of November,
1 8 1 1 .
He was a member of the Sabbath school connected with the
Lutheran Church in Knox.
Patriotism induced him to enlist in his country's service, and
he joined the Seventh Heavy Artillery, Co. K, on the 6th day
of August, 18G2.
He was in no engagements, his regiment being stationed at
Fort Reno, D. C, at which place he died of typhoid fever, on
the 26th .lay of July, 1863.
Previous to his going into the army he was not a professor of
religion; but he wrote several letters to his mother which indica-
ted his readiness to die, and his earnest desire to meet his deal
mother in Heaven.
His remains were brought home and he was buried at Knox,
April 1st, 1862.
COEPOEAL ISAAC J. ROACH. 665
xc.
CORPORAL ISAAC J. ROACH,
OF KNOX
Isaac J. Roach, was the son of John and Phebe Roach, and
was born in Knox, August 27th, 1837.
"When a child, he was remarkable for his kind and obliging
disposition, and was very fond of relieving the wants of the poor.
Early in life he became hopefully converted, and united with
the Methodist church in the town of Knox. When the war
broke out he felt a great anxiety to have the union of the United
States preserved, and he thought that the Government needed
his services more than they were needed at home.
Like most of the noble men whose careers we have sketched,
he received, on enlisting, no bounty money, but was influenced
by the purest patriotism.
He joined Co. F, Forty-fourth New York Regiment, in August
1861, and his military life was very brief. While at Camp But-
terfield, Hall's Hill, Virginia, he was taken with the typhoid
fever, and died Dec. 29, 1861. His remains were brought home
to Knox and buried.
The two following letters were received, addressed to his
brother, which furnish all the information that I have been able
to obtain concerning his last hours.
Camp Butteefield, Jan. 29, 1862.
Mr. Robert D. Roach:
Dear Sir — Your kind note, dated January 7th, is at hand. It
appears that you and myself have alike been sick, and are both
recovering. Would to God that your brother, who was my best
friend, had also been preserved. But I think, judging from
666 CORPORAL Isaac J. RQACH.
whal I have .seen of him, thai he is happier now than when
among us.
He was wit 1 1 us sonic two weeks previous lo his going to the
hospital, after he was taken sick. He was taken to the hospital
on Friday, and on Sunday I was taken down with a fever, and
confined to my tent. After he entered the hospital, he appeared
to grow better. In fact, so much so, that he talked of coming
over to see us in camp. But, alas! he never came. He soon
grew rapidly worse, until death ended his sufferings.
How gladly would I have been with him more than I was,
that I might have administered to his wants. But I was not able
to leave my tent until within a few days previous to his death.
On the Friday previous I went over to see him. My surprise
was great to sec how changed he had become. I saw plainly the
impress of death marked upon that noble brow. I felt that my
esteemed friend and camp chum, he who had been my companion
on our southern march, and who had promised to stand by me
in the time of need, must surely die. Never shall I forget that
meeting. He partly arose in his bed as he extended his hand to
me, and as our hands wTere thus grasped, he acted as though ho
would have me join him, in his heavenward journey. Owing
to the nature of his disease, his mind wandered at times, until
within a day or two of his death, when he became rational. He
frequently spoke of the different members of your family, calling
each of you by name. # * *
Truly yours, JOHN A. RAMSEY,
UU Sergeant Co. F, ±Uh Regt.
Mr. Robert Roach:
Dear Sir — You have already been informed of the much
lamented death of your highly esteemed brother. You have
indeed laid a costly and most precious offering on the altar of
our much loved common country — the altar of civil and religious
liberty. I sympathize deeply with you in the loss, and feel his
death like the loss of a brother. His tent was close by mine, and
he was always so kind, so brotherly, so ready to assist me when-
ever I wanted anything done, that I shall feel his death very
CORPORAL ISAAC J. ROACH. 667
much. Besides, it was so unexpected to me, and he seemed, as
I thought from his apparently vigorous frame, to give such pro-
mise of long life and great usefulness, that I find it hard to feel
reconciled. And then for the last few days, he was more or less
delirious, so that when we began to fear that he would not
recover, (here was no opportunity of communicating with him or
he with us.
But terribly painful as the trial is, it is all right. For it is
all by His specific appointment and arrangement, who never
made a mistake; who is too wise to err, and too good to be un-
kind: who loves us better than we love ourselves, and who
will cause all things to work together for good to those who
love Him.
I believe, however, that with him the sting of death was taken
away, and that our loss is his infinite and eternal gain. Though
we have not in his case the evidence of death-bed religious expe-
riences, we have, I think, what is far preferable — the evidence
of a life of piety.
I deeply sympathize with you, and writh his parents, and pray
that God will be unto them better than sons and daughters, and
to you a friend, that sticketh closer than a brother. I hope that
neither you or they will ever regret sending him forth, or feel
that he has lived in vain, or that he would have been spared, if
he had remained at home. I pray you, do not regret that he
died away from home. He died not alone or unattended, and
the Saviour was as near him while here, as he could have been
if he had been at home. The road to Heaven is as straight and
short from hence as from your own home. And he could not
have died in a more glorious cause, or filled a more honored
grave, or leave behind him a more fragrant and enduring remem-
brance. And he being dead, speaketh, and will speak many
years to come, to multitudes, and thus, I hope, like Sampson,
accomplish more by his death, than he could have done if he
had lived to the longest period allotted to man.
Thus did Sam. I. Mills, and Harriet Newel, and Henry
Martvx, and Henry Kirk White, and many others in earlier
and later times. And why should it not be so with him? It is
668 OOBPOBAL Isaac J. BQACH.
true the battle was soon over with him. Bui if he has fought the
good fight, he has come off more than conqueror.
Let us, then, each prepare to follow. Ami Id us remember,
" Hearts, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches t<> the grave."
I may never meet you, perhaps, on earth, but I hope to meet
JTOU where sickness and 80ITOW, pain and death, are fell and
feared no more. En the mean time, please accept the sympathies
of a stranger, hut a friend, and present my sympathies to your
greatly afflicted parents.
Yours truly, L. H. PEASE,
Chaplain Uth JV. Y. S. V.
Hail's Hill, Va., Dec. 30.
CORPORAL JOHN E. BAILEY. 669
XCI.
CORPORAL JOHN E BAILEY.
Johx E. Bailey, Corporal of Company B, One Hundred and
Seventy-seventh Regiment, N. Y. S. V., was born in Schoharie
county, and was the son of Hiram and Caroline Bailey.
He received a good education in early life, and then labored
for a time on his father's farm. Becoming1 tired of farming' he
went to Long Island, where he taught school. There he was
married, and then returned to Schoharie county. He next
removed to Albany, and became a clerk in the grocery store of
Messrs. T. Lawrence & Son. Soon after settling in this city,
he joined Company B as a private, and became a very active
member.
When the war broke out, his patriotism was greatly excited,
and without bounty or promise of promotion, he left his wife
and family and marched away with his comrades to save his
country. His regiment arriving at Baton Rouge, La., he was
taken sick and was not permitted to be in but one skirmish,
where, with a few others, he withstood the onslaught of the
rebels in vastly superior numbers, until relieved.
At the taking of Port Hudson, he could not be restrained from
taking a part in the action, and arose from a sick couch, and
against the doctor's orders, marched with his company to partici-
pate in its downfall. But becoming weak and exhausted, he
fainted by the road side, and was carried back again. Upon the
return of the regiment from Baton Rouge for home, although
very feeble, he was taken on board the vessel, and with no care
except such as a few of his comrades could give him, he died
just before the regiment reached Cairo.
670
CORPOB \L JOHN E. B UI.KV.
There lie was luiried. lint his remains have since heeli brought
home, and buried in the family burying ground at Schoharie
village.
Ai the time he went away he was a member of the Middle
Dutch Church of Albany. In his death, his comrades mourn
the h»ss of a faithful and earnest soldier; his wife, of a devoted
husband; his mother, of a dutiful son. and society, of a respected
and useful member.
CORPORAL ERASTUS H. HOLMES. 071
XCII.
CORPORAL ERASTUS HAMILTON HOLMES,
OF WESTERLO.
Mr. Holmes was a native of the town of Westerlo, and was the
son of John and Sarah Holmes, avIio were connected with the
Methodist Church.
Influenced by a sincere and earnest desire to serve his country,
he enlisted on the 5th of August, 1862, in Company K, Seventh
Regiment, under the gallant Col. Lewis O. Morris. He was
stationed with this noble officer at Fort Reno, and was afterwards
engaged in the assault on Petersburg. His bravery carried him
in the thickest of the fight, and on the 16th of June, 1864, he
was wounded in the hand, and was taken prisoner with many
others. He was conveyed to Andersoiiville prison, where he, in
common with multitudes of others, suffered everything, which the
fiendish passions of their persecutors could heap upon them.
When Gen. Sherman marched through Georgia, Mr. Holmes,
with about fifteen hundred others, was removed to the Savannah
prison. Here he encountered new forms of wretchedness and
horror, and lingered until the 9th day of October, 1864, when he
expired.
He leaves, in entire destitution, an interesting family, consist-
ing of his widow, Mrs. Sarah Abigail Holmes, and five little
children. The children are all under twelve years of age. Though
left with no other inheritance but poverty, yet as they advance
in years they will learn to appreciate the private virtues and
public services of their noble father, who suffered and died a
martyr for his country, and for the cause of human liberty.
672 CORPORAL ALONZO Q. LUDDEN.
ICII1.
CORPORAL ALONZO GROVE LUDDEX.
OF BERN.
The following sketch is taken from the " Lutheran Observer,"
published in Baltimore, Maryland:
On the L6th February, L8 65, the angel of death entered the
Lutheran parsonage at Bern, Albany county, New York, and
laid his blighting baud upon the youthful form of Alonzo Grove
Ludden. Alonzo was the eldesl son of the Rev. A. J*, and Car-
oline Ludden, and was horn in Augusta county, Virginia, on
28th February, 1846, and had. therefore, attained not quite nine-
teen years when his young life Mas quenched by the great
destroyer.
The subject of this memoir was of a naturally amiable and
affectionate disposition, and, almost from infancy, exhibited :i
religious tendency. Nurtured in a Christian home, his intellect-
ual and moral natures were, in their first developments, brought
under the moulding influences of a genuine and fervid piety, as
exhibited in the daily lives of those, to whose parental training
God had committed him. Watched over with all the solicitude
which parental affection, quickened by a sense of Christian obli-
gation always excites, he was early taught the great truths of our
holy religion and was daily made the subject of earnest and
faithful prayer. Under these circumstances we need not wonder,
that the principles of Divine grace were very early implanted in
his soul, and that, like Baxter, "he could not remember the
time when he did not love the Saviour."
Ai the \er\ early age of nine yews, he connected himself with
the Lutheran Church at Madison Court House. Ya., then under
the pastoral care of his father. This step was taken voluntarily,
CORPORAL ALONZO G. LUDDEN. 673
with great circumspection, and, as his conduct always afterwards
proved, from an enlightened sense of the obligations which a
Christian profession imposes. His piety exhibited very little of
the emotional; it was the piety of principle, of thorough con-
viction of duty. Hence he never seemed to act from momentary
impulse or mere excitement; never exhibited any excesses, either
in language or action, but was always calm and self-possessed,
and at the same time was fervid, thoroughly conscientious and
ever consistent.
When only fifteen years old, he commenced to maintain the
family altar, in the absence of his father, whose ministerial duties
very frequently called him from home. About the same time he
became a teacher in the Sabbath school, and was also appointed
to lead the choir in the Lutheran church at Bern. He also took
an active part in the prayer meeting. In every position he ,
seemed to realize his responsibility, and acted with a prompti-
tude and fidelity which indicated how deep and thorough were
his convictions of duty.
In 1864, when only sixteen and a half years old, he entered
the army as a volunteer in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh
Regiment New York State Volunteers. This step he did not
take without the consent of his parents. He had made his duty
to his country, in the present crisis, the subject of earnest prayer,
and told his father that he felt a conviction that he ought to
volunteer his services. His regiment was ordered to join Gene-
ral Banks in his expedition against Port Hudson, and was engaged
in two fierce and bloody, but fruitless assaults upon that strong-
hold of the enemy. After these repulses, General Banks called
for one thousand volunteers to act as a storming party; they were
known as the " one thousand stormers." When the call for these
volunteers was made, Alonzo, with three others, stepped forward
to represent his company. Whilst, however, this storming party
was drilling for the assault, the city surrendered.
As a soldier, as well as in private life, his virtues were equally
conspicuous. Amidst all the temptations and corrupt influences
of "camp life," he maintained a consistency of deportment and
a purity of character which secured the confidence of his supe-
43
i), 1 CORPOE \i. IlLONZO Q. l.l DDEN.
riors and the esteem of his associates. Bis Captain, in a letter
to a friend, says: "I think Corporal Li ddek is the mosl perfect
of any representative of cool, quiel daring my eye ever saw. He,
m\ dear sir, is a perfecl Btranger to fear. He calmly obeys
every order, regardless of the risks it may involve. No man
can surpass him in all the elements of a true soldier, and of a
consistent Christian." The chaplain of his regimenl bore testi-
mony t<» bis uniform propriety of life He oever, under any
circumstances, deviated from the path of Christian rectitude.
After the ret mi) of the regiment, the Chaplain remarked to his
father: " I did not have a more faithful Christian than your son
in my whole regiment."
After having been honorably discharged from the army, he
spent some time at home recruiting his health, which had Ween
i very much impaired by his long and perilous campaign in the
insalubrious climate of the south. As soon as he fell himself
sufficiently restored to engage in business, he secured a situation
as clerk in Mr. Gray's book store, in the city of Albany. Before <
he had been there three months, he had so far won the confidence
and esteem of his employer, that his salary was nearly doubled,
and he was promoted to be book-keeper and bank clerk, the most
responsible position in the establishment.
His constitution, however, had become greatly enfeebled by
disease, contracted amidst the arduous campaigns of the army.
Twice he was compelled to ask leave of absence to go home and
endeavor to regain his health. In this he partially succeeded.
and returned again to his business. But, alas ! the seeds of fatal
consumption, which had been planted in his system, began to
develop themselves, and on the 10th of November he was com-
pelled once more to return as an invalid to the parental roof. On
entering the house he said to his mother, in a plaintive voice,
but with a calm resignation: "Dear mother, I have come home
to die."
For three months he lingered under the wast ings of disease,
uncomplainingly enduring much bodily suffering, and submitting
to the Divine will with so much patience and resignation, that
CORPORAL ALOXZO G. LUDDEN. 675
even his physician was moved to tears, and said: " I have never,
in all nry practice, attended such a patient."
A short time before his death, it became the melancholy and
painful duty of his affectionate father to inform him of his
approaching dissolution. The sad announcement did not move
him. With perfect composure he replied: " I, too, have thought
my end was nigh; this intelligence does not alarm me at all; I
feel fully resigned to God's will. I trust in my Saviour, and He
is precious to me. I can hardly wait for the time of my depar-
ture. My faith in Christ enables me to talk calmly of my coffin
and my burial place." His younger brother being alone in the
room a few hours after, he called him to his bedside and said:
" Luther, I want you to be a good boy, obey your parents, love
your Saviour, and meet me in Heaven." On a subsequent occa-
sion, he gave a like charge to each of his sisters.
A few days before his death he divided his effects. To his
kind physician he gave his gold pen, saying: "Doctor, it is a
good pen, keep it to remember me. You have done all that
could be done to save me; I thank }Tou for all your kindness, and
hope to meet you in Heaven." To his eldest sister he gave his
gold watch, and to each member of the family some token of his
affection, that each might have some memento of him when they
should see his face no more.
Having disposed of his earthly treasures, and spoken a word
of affectionate counsel to his brother and sisters, he meekly com-
posed himself to meet the final conflict. He was greatly reduced
by disease, and his voice was feeble and trembling, yet his faith
was firm and soul-sustaining. In gentle whispers he was heard
to pray: "Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly." A scripture
promise being repeated by his father, he seemed strengthened as
by divine energy, and exclaimed in a loud, clear voice: "Lord
Jesus, I thank thee that thou hast come. The holy angels are
coming to carry me home. Oh ! what sweet, delicious music I
hear, such as no earthly instrument and no human voices ever
made." As the hour of his departure drew near, his spiritual
nature seemed to be endued with unearthly vigor, and several
6 . 6 OOBPORAL ALONZO G. I.I DDEN.
times he exclaimed with greal strength of voice; "Glory be to
God in the highest; bless the Lord "li ! my soul."
To his deeply afflicted parents and friends he frequently said:
•■ Weep mil for me, for I shall soon be al rest." Willi :i full,
strong voice, Ik- sung part of the hymn: " When I can read my
title clear, &c," and then requested thai he might be turned on
his back and his limbs composed. ( Sailing his sisters and brol her
to his bedside, he reminded them of bis admonitions, and gave
them a farewell charge to meet him in Heaven. He look an
affectionate leave of his parents, saying: "Kiss me, lather: father,
goodbye. Kiss me, mother; mother, good bye. 1 want von all
to kiss me." After all in the room had complied, he remarked:
"I hope you all love the precious Saviour." In this happy,
exulting, heavenly frame he continued for about half an hour,
when he gently and quietly "fell asleep in Jesus," and the
redeemed and disenthralled spirit went up to meet its Saviour
and its God, amidst the bliss and glory of its heavenly home.
" Servant of Christ, well done !
Rest from thy labors now;
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter into thy Master's joy.
'•' The pains of death are past —
Labor and sorrow ceasi —
And life's stern warfare elosed at last.
Thy soul is found in peace."
The funeral services were held in the Lutheran Church, at
Bern, on Saturday. Feb. 18th, in presence of one of the largest
audiences ever there assembled. The Rev. Dr. Lintneb preached
an eloquent and deeply affecting sermon from Phillippians, i,
2, 3: "I am in a strait betwixt two." The Rev. E. Belfoue, of
the Lutheran Church at Schoharie, and the Rev. E. Miller, of
the Dutch Reformed Church at Bern, each followed with an ex-
ec I lent address, all paying a warm tribute to this young and
noble soldier of Christ, of whom it has been fittingly said: "He
was early at the cross, early in the grave, and early in Heaven."
His life was no doubt sacrificed in his desire to do bis duty as a
CORPORAL ALONZO G. LUDDEN. 677
soldier in defence of his country. But God mercifully spared
him to return to his home and die peacefully upon his bed,
amidst the sympathies and ministrations of those who loved him
most tenderly, to bequeath his parting blessing to his parents,
his sisters and brother, and to leave a legacy of sweet and hal-
lowed memories, which will be forever sacred and precious, and
whose blessed influences will never be lost.
" Death should come
Gently to one of gentle mould, like thee,
As light winds, wandering thro' groves of bloom,
Detach the delicate blossoms from the tree.
Close thy sweet eyes calmly and without pain,
And we will trust in God, to see thee yet again."
P. A. S.
Brunswick Centre, March 1, 1865.
678
.lolIN II. 0ONLE1
1 > 1 IIVATE SOLDIERS.
xciv.
JOHN 11. . ..T EY
John II. Conley was born in the city Oj „. , .,
v cw i ork on the
22d nt October. 1815. He was at an early age , £
e 'Dnved 01 a
mother's care, and was dependenl upon his own exi ,.
1 . l 'ions tor
a support. At the age of sixteen he commenced learnii. ^ .
mason's trade, but employed every opportunity to obtain usetu ,
knowledge. At the age of twenty lie experienced religion, and
ever afterwards made the Bible his principal study. At twenty-
two lie was a tract distributor in New York, and in 1843 moved
to Albany. Here he joined the Methodists, and was made local
preacher by them. He was for four year- chaplain of the Alms-
house. In 1855 he moved with his family to Ogdensburg.
There he joined the Baptists, and was chosen by them to preside
over a small parish at .Stockholm. In 1859 he was ordained a
Baptist minister.
After laboring at Stockholm some two years, he returned to
Albany, and on account of the state of his health, followed his
trade until the fall of 1862.
( anied away by a patriotic enthusiasm, he resolved to sacrifice
business, home, family, and the comforts of a peaceful life, to
engage in the great struggle for the Union. Failing to secure
the position of chaplain, he enlisted as a private in the ranks of
Company G, One Hundred ami Sixty-ninth Regiment New York
Slate Volunteers. On reaching home the following Tuesday
evening, he told his family that he had enlisted, and expected to
start South at once. It was very sad to them to think he must
leave them so suddenly, and with no other hopes than those of
a private. But he remarked he had fully counted the cost, and
had made up his mind to go, and to fulfil every duty assigned
JOHN H. COXLEY. 679
him, to the end. His friends said, ''the Lord's will be done,"
and bade him a tearful adieu.
He left that same night, and on the following morning he
joined his company at Troy, and left that day for New York.
After remaining there a Icav weeks, they started for Washington.
Having there passed a review, the regiment encamped at Fort
Abercrombie, and remained there all winter. From that time
he was with his regiment always on duty; always at his post, and
always foremost in battle.
He shared with his regiment the battle of Chancellorsville.
As the men were quite tired after arriving at the scene of action,
having come at double quick for the last live miles, they were put
on the reserve. While in that position, General Corcoran rode
up and asked the Colonel of the regiment, if he could capture
such a battery and support it. He replied in the affirmative,
and turning to his men he ordered them to the front; and they
were soon in the hottest of the fight. After making a grand
and successful charge, they succeeded in taking the battery, and
supporting it nobly until the engagement was ended.
During the severest of the fight, the Colonel, while swinging his
sword and cheering his men on to victory, was wounded severely
through the hand, and was carried to the rear. Afterwards he
was taken to his tent, and at the close of the battle and of the
day, the men being almost exhausted, pitched their tents, took
their blankets, and were soon fast asleep.
Moving from there, they composed a part of the army that
was to march on Richmond. But after a short march they found
•their number was small compared with that of the rebels, and
the officers resolved to retreat. As night had just set in, they
laid on their arms, facing the enemy, who had also encamped
not far from them, ready for pursuit the next morning. But in
the deadness of the night, their expectations were foiled; for
the order silently came to every ear, to muffle artillery, and
retreat in silence, which order was promptly obeyed. In the
morning, the rebels, seeing how they had been foiled, immedi-
ately pursued, and thus began their longest march, it being
fifteen days before they encamped, which was then on Folly
680 i"HN ii. OOIO Bl ■
Island. A large number of their men gave out by the way. and
some died of exposure.
.Mr. Conlby participated in t h«- bombardment of Charles-
town and the forts, and was al the taking of Fori Wagner and
Gregg. While there he experienced i\\<> yery narrow escapes.
After a hard day's work in the entrenchments, being relieved, he,
with two or three others, went outside the works, and as they
supposed, out of all danger. There they threw themselves down
on the ground to rest, and soon were all asleep. While lying
there, a shell from one of the forts, foil between him and his
comrades and exploded, killing one comrade and severely
woundingthe other. But it did not harm him in the least. The
noise awoke him, and after the dnst had cleared away, he
saw what had happened, and fully realized the danger he had
been exposed to, and from which he had so miraculously escaped.
With deep sorrow for his companions and gratitude to God for
sparing him, as he hoped, for some future good, he knelt down
and offered a fervent prayer to his Heavenly Father.
At another time he exposed himself in a case of real necessity.
The men, on leaving the island to work in the intrenchments,
generally carried water enough with them to last until they
returned. But, as at this time they remained there much longer
than they expected, their water became exhausted. When the
time came again to be relieved, General Gilmoee made his
appearance and told them they would have to remain on duty for
the present, as no relief could be spared. The men remarked
that they had no water, for which they were suffering. The
General told them there was a beautiful spring outside the bomb
proof, but that they would probably meet death before reaching
it, for, as the rebels knew it was greatly needed by us, they
watched it very carefully. But Mr. Conley, preferring to die by
the bullet than by the slow torture of excessive thirst, resolved to
venture, and just as the sun was setting and its last rays were
tinging the works around him, you might have seen his form
gliding softly outside the works, and, as he rounded the corner
of the bomb proof, he went in a straight line to the spring. He
knew that he was exposed to the keen eye of the sharpshooters,
JOHN H. CONLEY. 681
who were unseen by him, and he expected every moment to feel
the sharp pangs of a bullet, and to receive his death wound. He
saw, just ahead of him, in a low spot of ground, the spring, and
also, heard its silent murmur. He saw, also, two other men who
were risking their lives for the same object. As they were all
making quickly for the spring, they suddenly heard a report,
then another, and another followed in quick succession. It was
at once evident that they were each separately shot at but all
narrowly escaped. One had his button hole torn out and another
had marks on his coat where the ball had touched. After hastily
tilling their cups, and partially slaking their own thirst, they
retreated behind the bomb proof, and bore the precious fluid to
their suffering companions.
The regiment, after the taking of Forts Wagner and Gregg,
marched for Florida, where they were held as skirmishers. On one
occasion, when Mr. Conley was ordered to do, on Sunday, some-
thing that he knew was not necessary, he refused, remarking that
it was the Sabbath and that he ahwiys observed that day, to rest,
and to render prayer and thanksgiving to Almighty God. The
officer answered that there were no Sundays with a soldier, and,
with upraised bayonet, he ordered him to follow him. But Mr.
Conley said, if it was necessary he would go, for then it would
be his duty; but as it was not, he positively refused to work on
the Sabbath. He then said to the officer: " You may pierce me
through and through; that will only affect my frail body, but my
soul belongs to God." After this the officer withdrew and left
him to his own meditations.
After leaving here they took up their line of march, to aid in
the siege of Petersburg. On the way he was for the first time
taken seriously sick, and when they landed at Hilton Head, he
Avas left, where for some six weeks he continued sick, and at
times was expected to die.
When he was rational he was very anxious about his family,
and requested the Doctor to write for him, stating that Mr.
Conley was very sick, and not expected to live. The letter,
however, was delayed, and his family did not receive it until
some two weeks after its date. It was to them verv sorrowful
682 John 11. ex >\ iii .
oews, and thai night they retired with heavj hearts, supposing,
l>\ this time, In' bad gone t" be with bis God. Bui the very
aexl morning their deep sorrow was turned into extreme joy.
Looking out of the window, who should 1 1 n ■ \ see coming slowly
up the road, laden with bis knapsack, bu1 the father, whom they,
ere this, supposed to be dead. Willi what delight lie was ushered
in. caii lie better imagined than described. He was received as
a father alive from the dead! Soon he related the circumstances
connected w it b bis rel urn home.
After the surgeon had written thai he was qo1 expected t<>
Live, the fever turned for the better, and he slowly began to
recover. When just able to walk out. he was asked if he thought
he would soon be aide to join his regiment, which was at that
time busy before Petersburg. Jle said be hoped so, for be
would much rather be there than here. In a tew days he began
to feel as well as usual, except being a little weak. When he
was asked again if he was now able to go, he replied in the
affirmative. " Well," said he^" if you are able to join your regi-
ment, you are more able to enjoy a furlough," and, much to his
surprise (as lie had never expressed a wish for one), the surgeon
handed him his papers for three weeks' absence. But he hesi-
tated about receiving it, for he said, before leaving home, that
he would never ask for a furlough, unless there was sickness or
death in the family, as he wanted to stay until his time was out,
and then come home to remain. For the idea of a second part-
ing was to him worse than the first, lint as he knew his regi-
ment was soon to be engaged in deadly strife, he thought the
furlough was sent by God, for him to see his family once more
on earth. He therefore accepted it. and expressed his thankful-
ness for the same.
After enjoying himself to the uttermost, for over two weeks,
he again had to part from those he held so dear, and evidently
this time with a heavier heart than before. For as he went to
the boat he remarked to his son that he had appreciated home
more than ever before. When they parted, it was in tears.
Although he still had that same patriotic feeling, yet he also
retained his deep love for his family. When the boat loosened
JOHN H. CONLEY. 683
from the clock, he said it was deeply impressed upon his mind
that he would never step upon Albany shores again; and he
never did. As his son watched him until he had passed from his
sight, it was the last time that he looked upon those features
that were so dear to him.
After returning, he joined his regiment in the intrenchments
before Petersburg, and soon after was engaged in battle. When
the first charge was made upon the rebel fortifications, his regi-
ment was then in the reserve, and was ordered to make the sec-
ond, which they did, at a loss of nearly two-thirds of their
company. When it was ended, he found himself alone with his
dying comrades around him; but after retreating to the rear, he
found those that, like him, had survived. As he saw they were
feasting from their haversacks, he reached for his, but it was
gone. It had been shot away, as also his cartridge box. That
same night, while he and two others were in a rifle pit, a shell
from the city fell in their midst, killing one and mortally wounding
another. Again was he miraculously preserved, and again did
he thank God for so providentially sparing him.
Soon after the great assault on Petersburg, while he and three
others were out scouting, he, with the rest, was taken prisoner,
and confined in prison at Richmond. Believing starvation
awaited him, and preferring to die a more speedy death, he
determined to attempt an escape. In about three weeks he suc-
ceeded in digging through the walls, swimming the river, and
making his escape. After reaching our lines, his first thought
was for his family, and, still dripping with water, he wrote them
a few lines to allay their anxiety.
After remaining a few months before Petersburg, he accompa-
nied his regiment on the unsuccessful Fort Fisher expedition,
under Butler. He also engaged in the second attack, which
proved his death. He was on guard over the main magazine of
Fort Fisher, at the time of its fearful explosion, and whether
blown to pieces, or buried beneath the ruins, none can tell.
After passing unharmed through nearly three years of terrible
fighting, and when all were quietly resting after the fatigues of
684 \\ II. 1. 1 AM 0. OADY.
;i hard fought victory, he is, without a moment's warning, called
into i he presence of his Maker.
lit- is gone! No fond family, or group of tearful friends,
watched with silent anguish his last breath; uo tolling bell or
muffled drum followed him to the grave; n<> marble monument
marks his la>i resting place. Death found the soldier at his
post. The Btars alone beheld the fearful rending of hie poor
shattered body; and the stilled thunder of the exploding maga-
zine, and the shrieks of the wounded, alone rang his funeral
knell. The memory of his kind words and noble acts is his
monument, and the recollection of his sad yet honorable death,
will ever hold a most honored place in all our hearts.
xcv.
WILLIAM C. CADY.
William C. Cady was born in Albany the 2d day of November,
1841. He was the son of Denice C. and Ki.miua B. Cady, and
was by these pious parents dedicated in infancy to the Father,
the Son and the Holy Ghost.
Having been carefully reared in the principles and duties of
religion, he early showed in his life the fruits of careful culture.
He always obeyed his parents, and was very particular to do that
which was exactly right.
Very early William manifested a great taste for reading, and
his memory was remarkably retentive. His superior talents and
rigid conscientiousness, gave to his parents high hopes for his
future usefulness and success in life.
He was very fond of his Sabbath school and of religious
meetings, and when he was sixteen years of age he was hopefully
converted to Christ. Having given good evidence that he was a
child of God, he was admitted to the membership of the Arbor
Hill Methodist church of this city. He was exceedingly fond of
singing, and with his fine voice, and with his heart tuned to the
melody 6f praise, he greatly aided in this department of divine
WILLI AM C. CADY. 685
worship. At the time he enlisted in the army he was connected
with the choir of St. Peter's church.
The guns tired upon Fort Sumter not only aroused his patriotic
ardor, but led him at once to desire to give his services to his
country. On account of his youth and the feeble state of his
health, for he had never been strong, his parents at first objected.
But he said that duty called and he must go. He enlisted that
same month, April, 1861, in the Third Regiment of New York
Volunteers, as Second Sergeant of Company F. He was first
stationed at Fortress Monroe. In June, 1861, while expecting a
visit from his mother, he was ordered to the field, and the very
day I think, before he received the fatal shot that resulted in his
death, he wrote to his mother a letter from which we make the
folloAving extracts:
" Dear Mother — * * * On Sabbath night I received the
telegram stating that you would be down on the steamer " Rip
Van Winkle" on Monday morning. Consequently I went down
to the wharf and waited until half-past eight o'clock, and found
that you were not on the boat. I was much disappointed at not
finding you there; I supposed that you would come the next
morning; but I could not do anything to let you know that we
had gone. I should have been so glad to have seen you and
Brother Stratton, and to have taken one last good look at one,
whom I have learned to love best of all on earth.
" Now, dear parents, you need not have the least fears about
my getting into any bad habits while I am here; because in the
first place, I love you both too much, to pain you by the know-
ledge that I was doing wrong. Secondly, as any habits which
I might form would react upon myself in the end, and as I
expect to see you and home once more, I have too much pride
and self-respect, to show myself again in Albany with anything
at all derogatory to my character or reputation. As I told you
before, I did not join the army to get away from restraint, but
because I wanted to do my duty, and to rest perfectly con-
tented with regard to myself. The scenes in the camp are always
exciting, as there are scouting parties going out all the while, to
make observations in the enemy's country.
686 w II. 1. 1 \M C. OADY.
"I>.i\ before yesterday, :i pari of the Troy regimenl were
attacked b\ the secessionists, and one of the rebel Captains was
captured. Yesterday our whole regimenl was called out, and
formed in the line of battle, with arms loaded, and plenty of
ammunition ready for them al a second's notice. We were also
• mi one night, from twelve o'clock until morning, waiting for the
enemy. We are soon to have some warm work about here, and
it will be short work too. We have plenty of men. and a Gen-
eral whose coolness and firmness are only equaled by his cour-
age. Ajs i" our field officers they are ti'usted by all; and what
is more the men all work together, as one man, which is in itself
a great feature."
" Now, lather and mother, I am living daily as I hope to die,
ami I feel that we shall yet be 'all at home' in Albany, once
more, and that before a great while. Please write to me often.
and believe me ever, yours, WILLIAM C. CADY."
With such feelings and hopes the young christian patriot went
forth to his first and his last battle. The engagement took place
near Little Bethel, and at four o'clock Monday morning, June
10, 18(51, he was shot in the abdomen. He fell and was for some
time unconscious. ( )u recovering his consciousness, he remarked,
"I am mortally wounded.'' Shortly before he expired, the
chaplain asked him, if he thought he had done wrong in enter-
ing the army, lie replied, "No, I have only done my duty.
If I had to live my life over again, I would do the same thing."
While dying, he dietated a Letter of which the following is an
extract :
"I die in a great deal of bodily misery. I want Sergeant
Lord to take my body home. I leave seen dollars Avith Lieut.
Lord. My watch is at No. 80 Houston street; my father's name
is D. J. Cady, No. 12 Lark street, Albany. I die perfectly
happy. J want to be sent home in a good, plain, substantial
coffin; tell George to telegraph to my father what train my body
will arrive on, and to telegraph him to meet him with a hearse
at the depot. Tell my father that I died doing my duty, and
that I was excellently taken care of, and bid him good-bye. I
WILLIAM C. CADY. 687
hope I will meet you in heaven. I hope you will come out safe.
Good-bye, Captain. God bless you. I have nothing more to
say. W. C. CADY."
He died at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, on Wednesday morning,
at one o'clock, aged nineteen years, six months and seventeen
days. He was the second patriot to fall for his country after the
rebellion broke out, young Ellsavorth having been the first.
He was an only son, and only child, and his parents in giving
him, gave their all.
The Hospital Chaplain at Fortress Monroe, in a letter written
to a New York paper, gives the following account of his inter-
view with the parents of the noble boy :
"There have been several arrivals of citizens to-day, looking
after friends in camp. I notice among them Rev. J. H. Smith
and B. Griffith, of Philadelphia. There came also two strangers
Avhose appearance was deeply touching. They were the father
and mother of Sergeant William Cady, of Albany, whose death
from a wound in the abdomen I named in a recent letter. Young
Cady was a member, with his parents, of one of the Methodist
churches in Albany, and the pastor accompanied them to Fort-
ress Munroe.
All the way on the journey, notwithstanding the report in the
papers, the mother clung to the fond hope that her son — her
only child — was not wounded. On her arrival, it was my mourn-
ful duty as the Hospital Chaplain, to inform her that he was
dead. I never saw a more mournful scene than followed. The
father sought the buried body, while the mother remained with
me at the hospital to hear all the details of the sad tale. It was
an hour for consolation such as seldom comes to a faithful minis-
ter. But the fact that the dear boy had died happy, that he was
calm and collected to the last, that he died in hope of a glorious
immortality, calmed the agitated and afflicted parents, and
enabled them to say 'all is well.'"
His remains were brought to Albany, and funeral services were
held in Arbor Hill Methodist church, where three years before
he had professed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A large con-
BOBEBT II. KING.
course of people bore testimony to the high esteem in which he
was lie l< I. and to the public admiration for his character, and grati-
tude for his patriotic services.
The sad bereavement was too much forthe fond mother. She
never fully rallied from the blow that deprived her of her only
and beloved child. Gradually her health failed, and on the 16th
day of January, 1866, she lefl this earth to meet her eliild in
Heaven. Ere her departure she spoke fondly of meeting him, and
shortly before she expired she looked up and exclaimed, "I see
him. He is in full health and vigor, and stands waiting for me
to come to him." They have met, to part no more.
XCVI.
ROBERT HENRY KING.
Robert Henry King, son of Samuel W. and Susan King, was
born in the city of Albany. November -s, 1844. His mother died
when he was just one month old. He was a Sabbath school scho-
lar from his youth, and was universally esteemed as an affection-
ate, noble minded and strictly moral young man.
The death of his father, June 18, 18(54, left Kobert an orphan,
and he enlisted in the naval service of his country in the month
of September, 1864. In a short time after his enlistment, he
A\as on board the receiving ship " Vermont." From that vessel
he was drafted as one of the crew of a small but unique craft,
which was registered in our navy as "Picket Boat No. 1." This
vessel was forty feet in length and ten in width, carried one gun,
a twelve-pounder, and was furnished with a long projecting tim-
ber, called torpedo boom, and which was designed to run tor-
pedoes under rebel vessels. Her commander was Lieut. Cushing.
The vessel sailed from the Brooklyn Navy Yard September 22,
1864, and proceeded immediately to her place of destination,
which was Plymouth, North Carolina. On the 28th of the next
month (October), one of the most perilous achievements of the
whole war was accomplished by this little craft. She blew up
/far£&y^ AVI JrtcsyHV
THE ttikvy V^r, '■"
ROBERT H. KING. G89
and entirely destroyed by her torpedoes the rebel ram " Albe-
marle," that had already inflicted serious injuries upon us.
In this enterprise, though not until it was perfectly successful,
Robert H. King, together with almost all of the little crew of
the picket boat, were taken prisoners. From Plymouth he was
immediately sent to Salisbury, North Carolina, where already
thousands of our brave men were imprisoned, and where multi-
tudes died by exposures or starvation. From early in November,
1804, to March, 1865, a period of little more than four months,
Mr. King was an inmate of that prison; and because he had been
with others the instrument of inflicting a very severe injury upon
the confederacy, he was treated with even greater severity than
many of the other prisoners. Being exchanged about the middle
of March, Mr. King returned immediately to his home, but with
his constitution so completely shattered by the severity of his
imprisonment, as to survive his return but a few days. Reaching
his home April 1, he died on the 10th of the same month.
The following account of the destruction of the "Albemarle"
appeared in one of our papers:
''The rebel ram 'Albemarle' was one of the most formidable
vessels which the Confederate navy ever floated. It played a
conspicuous part in the capture of Plymouth last spring, and on
that occasion sank the ' Southfield.' She attacked the ' Miami '
also; and a shot from the latter, striking the iron walls of the
ram, rebounded and killed Capt. Flusser, of the ' Miami/ who
was an intimate friend of Cushing. It was said that for this
reason Lieut. Cushing vowed vengeance against the ' Albemarle.'
This ram was the same which was engaged in the memorable
conflict with the ' Sassacus,' and two other heavily armed double-
enders, on the 5th of May last. The utmost, however, which
these three vessels, by their combined efforts, were able to
accomplish, amounted to but a slight injury to the rebel iron-
clad, though sufficient to compel its retirement. It has ever
since been a source of considerable apprehension, and has made
it necessary for Admiral Lee to greatly increase his naval force
in the sound. As early as last June Lieut. Cushing, then com-
manding the ' Monticello,' submitted to the Admiral a plan for
44
BOBER1 ii. KING.
the destruction of ilif 'Albemarle.' The plan was approved,
and the Lieutenant withdrawn from the ' Monticello' to perform
this special service. Since thai date Admiral Lee baa been suc-
ceeded l»\ Admiral Pobteb, who bas signalized his assumption
of command l»\ the destruction of the 'Albemarle.'
•• After the concepti f bis plan, Lieutenant ( i -him; came to
New York, and in conjunction with Admiral Gregory, Captain
BoGGS, and Chief Engineer W. \Y. \\"< >« n ». applied to one of the
new steam-pickets a torpedo arrangement, and returned to the
Sound. The torpedo arrangement was invented by Mr. Wood,
and was illustrated in the ■ Weekly of October 1, The 'Albe-
marle' had been lying .-it Plymouth for some weeks previous to
its destruction. A mile below the town on the wreck of the
'Southfield' a rebel picket was stationed. On the night of
( October 27. Cushing, with a company of thirteen men, proceeded
up the Roanoke river, low aid Plymouth. The distance from
the mouth of the river to the ram was eight miles. The picket
above mentioned was passed without alarm, and the 'Albemarle'
was discovered lying fast to the wharf ' with logs around her
about thirty feet from her side.' -As the party approached, the
rebels opened fire from the shore, which was returned by the
steam launch. The approach was made in the form of a circle
and with bows on, and when the logs were struck they were
driven in some feet, the bows of the la h resting on them.
'The torpedo-doom was then lowered,' says Lieutenant ( VsniNG,
•and bya vigorous pull I succeeded in diving the torpedo under
the overhang; and exploding it at the same time that the 'Albe-
marle's'gun was fired. A shot seemed to go crashing through
my boat, and a dense mass of water rushed in from the torpedo,
filling the launch and completely disabling her. The enemy
then continued his fire at fifteen feet range and demanded our
surrender, which I twice refused, ordering the men to save them-
selves, and removing my overcoat and shoes. Springing into the
river I swam, with others, into the middle of the stream, the
rebels failing to hit us."
•■ Cushtng's escape was so precipitate that he was not able to
report the destruction of the ram from his own observation, but
ROBERT H. KING. 691
formed his judgment from a conversation which he heard while
concealed in the marshes close to the enemy's fort, and from the
report of a negro whom he sent into the town for information.
He had become exhausted in swimming, and had taken shelter in
the immediate vicinity of the enemy. He was picked up by the
' Valley City' on the night of the 30th, having made his way to
that vessel in a skiff captured from an enemy's picket. Lieut.
Cushing is a citizen of New York.
"From the Kichmond papers we learn that the 'Albemarle'
was destroyed, and that none of Cushing's party were killed,
only one of them, indeed, having been wounded. No lives were
lost on board the 'Albemarle.' The destruction of this vessel
has given us possession of Plymouth."
It is an interesting fact, which I will state in this connection,
that another of the heroes of this hazardous expedition was a
native of Albany, and after his gallant conduct and his great
sufferings in Southern prisons, has returned to us to enjoy the
reward of his patriotic services. I allude to Mr. Henry Wilkes,
who is at present connected with Parson's book bindery in James
street.
Mr. Wilkes and Mr. King were among the five sailors who
received medals of honor prepared by the Navy Department.
Each medal was accompanied by a letter from the Secretary,
stating that it was awarded for gallant and meritorious conduct.
Mr. Wilkes after having passed through scenes of great
danger, was selected for his daring and bravery for this enter-
prise; and he has kindly furnished me with the following account
of it, and of his own capture and imprisonment:
" On the night of the 27th we got under weigh from the fleet, off
the mouth of the river, and steamed up the river. In the steam
launch, were Lieutenant Cushing, Paymaster Avolington, from
the 'Otsego,' Swan, Master's Mate, William B. Howitt, of the
gun boat ' Monticello,' and third assistant Engineer, Stokes-
bury, in charge of the engine, with a crew of ten men."
" An assigned cutter of the ' Shamrock,' with an officer and
ten men, was towed along for the purpose of capturing the rebel
pickets on the river. It was known that the rebels had pickets
SOBER! n. KING.
along the river, and on the ■ Southfield,' which had been sunk
by the 'Albemarle' last spring, which laid about a mile below
the town of Plymouth. The pickets were stationed on the hurri-
cane deck of t!i«' 'Southfield/ the only portion <>f the wreck
above water. These were turned over to the care of the 'Sham-
rock's ' cutter."
'•When the time came, aboul eleven p. m.. the picket boat
entered the Roanoke river, and steaming up without making any
Doise, the 'Southfield' and three schooners along side of her,
engaged in raising her up, were passed, so near, that we could
in-- a biscuit aboard of her without being hailed.
•• We arrived within pistol i hot of the ram which lay along side
of the <lock. at Plymouth. We were hailed, and (Ysiiixo made
no answer. We steamed on towards the rain, the rebel Captain
shouted -what boat is this?" Then we said, "goto grass."
Then the rattle was sprung, the bells on the ram were rung, and
all hands were beat to quarters in great confusion. A musketry
tire was opened on one boat, and a charge of canister, injuring
some of the crew.
" Along the dock where the ' Albemarle ' was, there were a
large number of soldiers stationed to guard against a landing
of our force. After the surprise, in front of their lines, there
were a number of fires, which threw a light on the ram. By
this light Lieutenant (Ysiiino could see the timbers which were
around the ram to guard against torpedoes, floating down on her.
We could see the soldiers on the wharf blazing away at our
boat. Then we brought the bow of our boat around and dis-
charged a load of canister into them, from our twelve-pound
Howitzer mounted on the bow. This sent some of them flying,
and making a circle about forty yards round, under a scorching
lire. We came around, bow on, at lull -team, and struck the
logs which were around the ram, pressing against them in
towards the ram. Our boat came to a stand-still. We could
not back or go ahead. Then the fun commenced. The rebels
liicd muskets and pistols almost in our faces from the port holes
of the ram and the wharf. There were two killed. Paymaster
Swan got a slight scratch on the side of his face with a ball.
ROBERT H. KING. 693
The officers of the ram cried out surrender, or we will blow you
to pieces; but Cushing took it all with perfect coolness. He
seized the laniard attached to the torpedo, and the line of the
spar, and crowding the spar until we brought the torpedo under
the ram, he detached it by a line attached to a pin, which held
the torpedo on the boom. He then pulled the laniard of the
torpedo, and pressed it under the ram on the port side, just
below the port holes. A two hundred pounder which was dis-
charged at us, instead of sinking our boat, went over us, and did
no damage. A large body of water was thrown out by the
explosion of the torpedo, which came down on the boat, and
gave us a good ducking. Lieutenant Cushing ordered every
man to save himself the best way he could. He pulled off his
coat and shoes, and jumped into the river, followed by those of
us that could swim. We struck out for the middle of the river
under a hot fire. The water was so cold there was only one
escaped with Cushing. His name was William Houton, a sailor,
who belonged on the ' Chicopee,' one of the fleet in the Sound.
" The enemy called out for us to surrender, or they would sink
us. Our boat being fast on the logs, we could not get out, and
we surrendered, and then they stopped firing, and came out in
their boats and picked us up.
" We were put in a jail that night, and we had the soft side of
a plank for a bed. We were wet and hungry the next morning,
and shivering with the cold. We had no change of clothes with
us. Some of us threw off our overcoats about ten o'clock that
morning. They gave us some thing to eat, and our bill of fare
was corn bread and stewed beef. Some of the boys said it
was mule's meat. We were hungry, and we did not care what
we ate.
" We stopped there until noon, and then they started us on a
march of sixty miles. While we were in Plymouth we were
treated very well. We had a guard of twelve mounted men
placed before us. We heard our gunboats coming up the river,
and we were hurried along as fast as possible. While we were
in the jail, we had a good many call to see us. They asked us
a good many questions, and wanted to know who was in com-
• ! BOBBBT H. KINO.
maud of the boat. We did not tell them, as we did not want
Lieut. Ci bhing t<» be caught. We named the commander thai
was on board before we left. Thej supposed, however, ii was
( i 8H1NQ. It waa Luckj that he made bis escape, for it' they had
caught liim they would have shot him. When we 1 1 < • .- 1 1 - < I the
gunboats coming up we knew Cushing was safe, and had sent
them up (lie river.
"We marched thai day until sundown, when we arrived at an
ol<l school-house, where we stopped lor the night Before start-
ing from the jail, they gave us rations for three days, which was
about a dozen hard tack, and truly it was hard enough. We
had as much as we could do to eat them.
■ We got up the next morning at four a. m.. and felt stiff and
sore. We had to eat our hard tack in a hurry, and we started
again. We were about tired out, and our feet so sore that we
could hardly walk. We arrived at a barn, where we put up for
the night. We passed a great many troops on the road to Ply-
mouth. They looked like a flock of sheep straggling along.
"The next morning we started again o i the road. Before we
got ten miles, sonic of the men got tired out. We met an old
negro on the road, with a cart and mule, and the guard ordered
liim to stop and take some of us up, which he did. We arrived
that night at a railroad station, and were put into a cattle car,
with a guard of six men. There were about four inches of dirt
in the bottom of the car, but we had to make the best of it. We
rode for two days in the cattle car, and arriving at a station, we
were transferred to a passenger car, in which we rode till we
arrived at Salisbury prison.
"The prison is about a mile from the railroad. When we
got there it was raining. They opened the gate of the pen, and
told us to march in. The number of prisoners wras between
eight and nine thousand. Most of them were our soldiers,
and some, Unionists of the south, who would not take arms
against the United States. Some had small tents, and the rest
dug holes in the ground, about five feet deep, four feet long and
four tret wide. They wrere covered with sticks and brush for a
toot, and plastered over with mud, with a hole in one end for a
ROBERT H. KING. 695
chimney to let the smoke out. Our rations were meat, two or
three times a week, of two ounces, and eight ounces of corn
bread. Part of the time we were put on half rations. There
was no running stream on the place, and we got water out of
wells, which were quite dirty. We had not been in prison over
a week, when the prisoners talked about making a break out.
The rebels heard of it, and they took our officers and sent them
to another prison, so they gave up the break at that time. Some
tried to escape by digging a tunnel under ground, but they were
caught and brought back. There was a trench dug all around
the fence which was about the prison, which they called the dead
line, and any one who tried to get over the trench was shot
clown. Besides every one had to be in their tents or holes, as
soon as it was dark. The rebels would call out, "Get to your
holes or tents, you Yankees, or I will shoot you;" and if we
were not quick enough, they would fire at us.
" We had another break, and we attacked the guard. We were
armed with stones and clubs, and made for the gate, which was
broken open. We were, however, driven back by the guards.
By this time the guards on the fence were reinforced, and they
opened a heavy fire on us. As soon as the break commenced, a
train arrived at the depot, with a regiment on board. They
came up, and opened fire on us with two six-pounders, which
they used and loaded with box tin punchings, for grape. The
boys saw they could not make it go, and so they gave it up.
We lost about fifty, killed and wounded. Major Gee, who had
command of the prisoners, said the next time the prisoners made
a break, he would shoot every man on the place.
"In January, there were three United States officers came
there with some clothing. But they did not bring enough to
supply us. However, some got a shirt, and some a pair of pants,
and some shoes, &c.
" On the 2 2d of February, we were sent away to be exchanged.
Partly on foot and partly by railroad, we were conveyed to the
Union lines. As we approached our lines, we put a flag of
truce on the locomotive. There were about two thousand of us
exchanged, and we were received by a battalion of our troops,
696 GEOBGE I'- WOLOOTT,
with arms presented. When passing 'Hit of ili«' rebel lines, we
all gave a wild hurrah, and traveled <>n to Washington and to
the navy yard, and were presented with medals of honor by
Commodore Montgomery. HENRY WILKES."
All honor to this aoble patriot and brave soldier, who has
survived the perils and hardships of war! May the remainder
of his life be peaceful, prosperous and happy!
XCVII.
GEORGE B. WOLCOTT.
George B. "Wolcott, private in the Forty-fourth Regiment,
Company E., NeAv York State Volunteers, was born at Penn Yan,
Yates county, New York, August 31, 1848. He was the son of
( iiauncy and Ann Wolcott. In childhood and youth he was an
obedient and dutiful son, and a kind and loving brother. From
earliest youth, he was always of a religious turn of mind; loving
his Sabbath school, and taking an active part in it, and shunning
evils of every description.
At the age of twelve, his mother died, and her last words to
George were: "Be a good boy and meet me in heaven." George
loved his mother with an untiring love, and these words had a
lasting effect upon him. From that time he sought the Lord,
and, through Jesus Christ, obtained pardon. He advanced
rapidly in the divine life, and in love to his God and Saviour.
At the age of fifteen, he united with the Wesleyan Methodist
Church of Penn Yan, and maintained a Christian character with-
out spot or blemish. He always took an active part in the duties
of the church.
He had attended the Normal School one year, when he enlisted
at Albany, August 20, 1862. He was a sincere and enthusiastic
patriot, and discharged his duties, both in camp and field, with
marked efficiency and fidelity. At the battle of Gettysburg,
while aiding in repelling an attack upon the extreme left of our
line, and while in the' act of dropping a bullet into his musket,
GEOEGE B. WOLCOTT. 697
a ball from the enemy pierced his hand, entered his forehead and
killed him instantly. He was buried beside his comrades who
fell at the same time and place, a short distance from where he
was killed.
We regret that we have not more full information of this noble
youth, but an account of the company with which he was con-
nected cannot fail to interest our reader.
When, in July, 1862, the Union forces were defeated in the
" seven day's battle" before Richmond, and there came up from
the Capital of the nation a new call for men — soldiers to drive
back the rebellious invaders — the young men of the State Normal
School felt that it was time for them to shoulder their muskets,
and do what they could to save the land they loved, and pre-
serve the institutions for which their fathers fought. Professors
Kimball and Husted, of the faculty, volunteered to go with,
and lead them. With the students and graduates of the school
as a nucleus, they commenced recruiting, and, on the 25th of
September, found themselves one hundred true, brave, ear-
nest men, "mustered into the service of the United States for
three years or the war." Desirous of, at once, making them-
selves useful in the field, they were soon attached to the Forty-
fourth New York Volunteers, then one year in the service, and
were afterwards known as Company E of that regiment, joining
it October 23d, at Antietam Ford, Maryland.
The company, as an organization, participated in all the battles
of the Army of the Potomac, during the two years from Octo-
ber, 1862, till October, 1864, including the terrible struggles
of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilder-
ness, Spottsylvania, and the siege of Petersburg.
The regiment's term of service having expired, and but ten
of the company being " present for duty," this remnant was con-
solidated with the One Hundred and Fortieth New York Volun-
teers, and fought with it in the closing campaign, and were mus-
tered out in June, 1865. Of the original officers, Captain E. G.
Kimball resigned, on Surgeon's certificate of disability, April
16, 1866. Lieutenant A. N. Husted served with the company
during its connection with the Forty-fourth, was promoted to
698 ii M '\ EL ill n n. KV.
Captain, and was honorably discharged when his men w^ere trans-
ferred i" the One Hundred and Fortieth, in October, 1864.
Lieutenant Wm. Bjdd resigned January 29, L863, to accept a
commission in a cavalry regiment.
Of ilif one hundred men, sixteen died of wounds received In
battle) eight died of disease; twenty received wounds which did
not prove fatal; seven were commissioned in the United States
colored troops, five <>t' them as Captains; seven received com-
missions in New York Volunteer Regiments; twelve were dis-
charged because of physical disability; nine were transferred to
the Invalid (nips, and three t<> the Signal Corps. Two of the
members, Robert B. Dabung and Geobge B. Woloott, were
killed, by being shot through the head, the latter at Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, July 2, 1803, and the former at Petersburg, Vir-
ginia. June 18, 1864.
Alter (George's death, his Captain wrote to a friend that
( rEOBQE was not only a good soldier for his country, but, also, a
grood soldier of the Cross. On the morning of the fatal day
that he fell, he found him engaged in earnest prayer to God. In
an hour from that time, he was lying dead upon the field.
XCVflf.
JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY.
Ji >iin R. Huntley was born December 10, 1846, in Ham-
burg, Erie county. New York. At seven years of age lie com-
menced attending school, which he continued to do without
materia] interruption until about sixteen, when he graduated
from the Experimental Department of the State No final School
at Albany. Possessing a strong physical constitution ami a
ready and active mind, he mastered the course of study with
comparative ease, placing himself in rank among the best of his
class. In his school life there were many little incidents which
were, for the time, considered somewhat remarkable by his
JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 699
particular friends and admirers, but are not of sufficient impor-
tance to claim notice here.
In the spring of 1858, during a season of religious interest in
the Pearl street Baptist church at Albany, he was hopefully con-
verted, and united with that church by baptism, under the
ministry of Rev. Dr. Hague, which connection was maintained
until his death. As evidence of the fidelity and firmness with
which he held fast his religious convictions, it may be stated
that during the continuance of the "boys' prayer meeting," for
two years, he was never absent except when away from the city.
The spring of 1861 brought the fall of Fort Sumter and the
spontaneous uprising of the North. While the Government was
marshaling its hosts preparatory to putting down the rebellion,
the boys caught the military spirit and organized themselves
into companies and regiments, for drill in the tactics of war.
Eight or ten companies of " Boys' Zouaves" were organized,
uniformed and equipped in Albany, one of which was drilled
and commanded by Justin. Subsequently, desiring to be organi-
zed as a regiment for parade on various occasions, the officers
met to elect their field officers, when Justin was unanimously
chosen Colonel. The fourth of July was the occasion of their
first appearance, when, numbering about five hundred, they
presented such soldierly appearance, and evidence of such excel-
lent discipline, as made them one of the most interesting features
of the procession and celebration.
Here, then, was first developed that military ardor and self-
sacrificing patriotism which seemed at times to fill his mind, to
the exclusion of every other consideration. During the first
three years of the war he was almost unremitting in endeavors
to obtain his parents' consent that he might go. He was sure
he could be useful in many capacities — a " drummer boy," a
clerk in some department, or even an officer's servant. His
requests being refused again and again, at each successive call
of the Government for men, they became more importunate.
Though persistently refused and discouraged, and warned that
actual war and the battling of armies was no holiday parade,
though the scarred and maimed veterans returning from the
7(1!) ii 3TEN i:. in N I UB1 ,
camp and hospital :in<l bloody field, told their thrilling stories
of privation, suffering and death -yet did he not forbear his
cm reaties t«» be allowed to go.
The call for volunteers in the winter of '64 seemed, in all
human probability, to be the last. Ji 8mm felt thai then was pre-
sented the only opportunity for him to serve his country. His
anxiety became more intense, his arguments and entreaties more
vehement.
I If urged thai he was above the necessary standard in stature
and strength, and, consequently able to endure the fatigues and
duties of the camp and field; tiiat. as his country needed more
men. in this her final struggle to subdue the rebellion, and as his
religious principles were now so firmly fixed as to enable him,
by Divine assistance, to withstand the temptations of a military
life, he was hound by every consideration of patriotism and
Christian fidelity, to give his services to this noble cause — the
more especially as he could set a proper religious example in the
midst of vice ami temptation, inviting those, who through weak-
ness had fallen, to a higher life, by kindly words and Christian
deeds. He had made it the subject of prayer for weeks and
months. Many sleepless nights were occasioned by anxiety to
know his duty, and he felt confident that God would protect him
from all harm. If he could not go at this call, no further oppor-
tunity would he offered to make his record among the defenders
of the government and the old flag; that he had taken no part in
this gigantic contest for the existence of the government, would
be a life-long stigma upon his name. With these and similar
arguments hi- -nit was pressed, day after day and week after
week, until a reluctant consent was finally wrung from his parents.
With marked expressions of gratitude, lie testified his joy for the
permission to enroll himself as a soldier of the Union. He
repeatedly said: " You shall never have cause to regret my going
to the war. I feel that God will give me strength to resist the
temptations of the camp. Ma. you shall he proud of your son."
lie enlisted in the Forty-fourth Regiment New York Volun-
teer-. Company E. commanded by ('apt. Husted, April 1, 1864.
Major Allen, commanding the recruiting detachment of the
JUSTIN R. HUNTLEY. 701
Forty-fourth in Albany, finding his services necessary in the
office, retained him in it, till those upon this service were ordered
to report to their regiment. On May 12 he left the city, in com-
pany with the detachment. Though sad at parting with parents
and friends, a consciousness that he had voluntarily assumed the
manly and patriotic position to fight for his country and the
loved ones at home, animated his countenance with an expression
of hope and joy. Not elated with the novelty of his new posi-
tion, or the spirit of adventure, there was a serious thoughtful-
ness pervading his mind. Within the hour previous to his
departure, he read aloud the fifth chapter of Romans. Then at
his request all joined in singing "Home, sweet home/' and his
beautiful voice, always sweet, seemed unusually thrilling and
sympathetic; after which he buckled on his haversack, and bade
the family adieu. Tears were in a measure stifled by that strong
hope and confidence he realized so fully. Though he was going
where danger was, yet duty appeared to be there also. None
could feel that this was his last home interview; that the voice
so touching in its melody would so soon be hushed; that the
spirit so joyous with hope and trust, would so soon wing its way
to the heaven of the blessed.
Previous to Justin's enlistment, the officers in command of the
regiment consented that he should have some position which
would not subject him to the fatigues of long marches, and the
severer hardships of the common soldier. It seemed to be quite
too certain that he could not endure the extreme fatigue and
exposure incident to the soldier's duty in the rank; and with
his ability and ready adaptation — being already familiar with the
manual of tactics and ordinary military affairs — he could be vastly
more useful in some other capacity. In accordance with this
understanding, he was detached from the regiment shortly after
joining it, and assigned to duty as special Orderly to Brig. Gen.
J. J. Bartlett, which position he held till August 17, when he
was sent to City Point Hospital.
On May 16, Justin joined the army near Spottsylvania, and
reported for duty to Capt. Husted. Feeling himself perfectly
able to take the chances of war with the men, he did not choose
702 ii bum k. in vi iii .
to inform the Captain, thai the design was for him to perform a
lighter service than thai of the common soldier. He was equipped
accordingly and placed in the ranks. During the two weeks he
was with the regiment, his corps performed one of the severesl
forced inarches of the campaign. He was one of the few in the
regimenl thai did nol "fall out," bul resolutely 1<« ■ j >t his position
to the end of the march. In writing home, he expressed some
pride in calling the attention <>f his friends, who doubted his
ability to perform the severer duties of the soldier, to the foots
connected with this march, as conclusive evidence of his power
of endurance to make a full soldier.
'Die coolness manifested in the hour of peril was, in a great
degree, owing to his confidence in the preserving care of the infi-
nite Father. There was no faltering here. Every letter speaks
this greal confidence. He closes a letter, June 8, thus:
''Whenever yon hear of the Fifth Corps (Warren's) being in
any fight, yon may safely conclude I am not far off. But God
will guard, and God will guide me. I hope you never forget
the soldier boy down in Virginia, who needs your prayers, and
God wrho needs our thanks."
His piety did not forsake him. Amid the temptations and
vices of the camp, he swerved not in his loyalty to Christ and
His truth. Though pressed on every side to deviate from the
line of religions duty, he stood firm by the faith he professed —
an example of purity in life, and a Christian in faith and love.
His spothss life bore strange contrast with many seen in camp.
His nndeviating adherence to his resolutions made before enlist-
ing, his gentlemanly demeanor and kind-heartedness, were the
outgrowth of a heart renewed by grace. These qualities, blended
with his invincible courage and faithfulness in the performance
of duly, made him the admiration of the officers and men with
whom he became acquainted. A Sergeant at head-quarters
remarked:
•• We were not long in finding out that Justin was a Christian.
His prompt but polite refusal to be led into any questionable
practices, his kind reproofs, and his detestation of profane swear-
ing, were unmistakable evidence of a Christian heart."
JUSTIN E. HUNTLEY. 703
The clerk at head-quarters writes:
' He was good, kind and gentle, and had a kind word for all.
I never heard him utter an improper word. He abhorred an
oath, and would always look with sorrow upon those who swore.
The army is the hardest place for one to lead an exemplar}" life;
but he maintained his good character at all times, and was an
example for us all. Such were his actions while with us — such
were his manly virtues, gentlemanly habits and kind words
always, that he gained the esteem of every one."
Gen. Baetlett says:
"I learned, greatly to my surprise, that his gentle bearing
emanated from a pure Christian spirit; and I felt that the child
should be my instructor."
Knowing intemperance to be the prevailing vice of the soldier,
he resolved to adhere strictly to " total abstinence." No induce-
ments were sufficient to make him swerve from his original pur-
pose. Whiskey rations and cordials were refused, till the
peremptory orders of the surgeon made necessary a modification
of his practice.
Thus he passed through the ordeals of temptation in camp
unsullied — no stain upon the bright armor of his character — an
example to all of devotion to principle, of a pure filial affection,
and a reverence for God and His truth. These characteristics,
combined with his promptness and accuracy in the discharge of
his duties, courage in time of peril, and gentlemanly deportment,
won upon all the officers who knew him.
His graceful address and genial humor were the admiration of
his friends — his happy and merry disposition was the delight of
the household; but the respect and love for his parents, and the
admiration and tender affection for his little sister, fitted him
particularly for the enjoyment of home, and are the character-
istics around which memory loves to linger most fondly.
August 12, Justin writes:
" My hand is so unsteady, that my friend Dickson will tell
you, at my prompting, that I have had my usual ' bilious attack; '
but the doctor says I will be all right day after to-morrow. I
have not been in the hospital, neither shall I go."
704 ii bub el in \ ii. kv.
From other sources of information, ii appears thai his health
had Inch quite poor for weeks, though this was the firsl .•illusion
be makes in regard to ill health. Disease had for some time
been taking firm hold upon him, while he resolutely determined
nol i" yield to its influence, oor alarm his friends at home.
During the campaign, the climate, fatigues and exposures incident
to it. were insidiously undermining his health, but his strong
will would not permit him to ask relief, or complain while it was
possible for him to perform his duties. He felt a contempt for
slight difficulties or slight ailments, and none should ever say he
left bis post of duty for small cause. If he asked for relief, it
should be from necessity.
Lieutenant Bartlett, of General Bartlett's staff, says:
•• In front of Petersburg Justin was taken sick, but would not
for sonic time allow himself to be taken to the hospital. At
Length he consented to go to the division hospital, and, as he
started, 1 hade him good bye, little thinking that it was forever.
I went home then with the General, who was himself sick, and,
upon my return, learned that he had been taken from the ' ranks'
and promoted to a place with the angels."
He was removed from the division hospital to City Point,
August 17. For three or four days — still unwilling to be con-
sidered sick — " being only weak, and having only a little fever
and a little diarrhoea," as he expressed it in his last letter, he did
not desire to (hum attention from the surgeons and nurses of the
hospital. Sergeant M< islander, convalescent in the hospital,
and previously acquainted with him, voluntarily came to his
assistance, watched with him. and took the principal care of him.
He insisted to the ward-master and the surgeon, that Justin was
s^ery sick and needed much better care. After the first few days,
lie was delirious most of the time. In his delirium, his thoughts
were constantly about his parents and home, or his duties on the
field, or iu cam}).
Justin had been always very prompt and regular in corre-
spondence with his parents: scarcely a week had elapsed since he
left, without their receiving at least one letter from him. He
had so carefully guarded his expressions in reference to his
JUSTIN E. HUNTLEY. 705
health, that there appeared to be not the slightest reason to be
alarmed. Receiving no communication from him for a week or
more, his father, then in New York, felt a little uneasiness in
consequence of this silence, and determined to go to City Point.
He arrived there on September 3, and learned Justin had been
transferred to some northern hospital, having left City Point,
" not very well," August 23. Returning immediately, he ex-
amined the hospital records at Fortress Monroe, Baltimore and
Philadelphia. At the medical director's office, in Philadelphia,
his name was found, and that he had been assigned to "Whitehall
Hospital, near Bristol, Pennsylvania. At the central office of
this hospital a nuuie resembling his, with company and regiment
correct, was recorded. His father passed through the wards,
making inquiries, and expecting at every step to greet his only
son. The last ward was reached: then for the first time he began
to feel there was real cause for alarm. A most careful search of
all the records at the hospital was made, without getting any
further information, save on the death register there was one
recorded "Unknown, died August 26, 1864." Obtaining all the
information possible, in regard to this " unknown," the father
learned that he came to the hospital early on the morning of
August 26, in extreme prostration; could articulate his name,
only with great difficult}-, at the central office; could not speak
after arriving at the ward, and expired in about half an hour.
He appeared to be conscious, and in no pain. The physician
administered stimulants, but it was too late to revive him. The
"unknown" had left no effects. He was buried as he came, the
same day, in the Bristol burying ground.
In spite of the awful conviction thus forced upon him, that
the "unknown" must be his son, the father could but hope to
the contrary. Fearing and yet eager to know the truth, the
remains were, at his request, disinterred, and there, marked
plainly upon his clothing, were the initials of Justin's name,
bearing too certain witness to his identity.
With grateful emotions the father saw upon the unmarked
grave evergreens and flowers, placed there by some philanthro-
pic hand. More especially was he grateful for this, because the
45
70fi JUSTIN K. IIIATI.I'.V.
evidence seemed to be conclusive, that the brave boy had been
hastened to his death by neglect. Bui there was al least one
heart which could feel lor the "unknown" soldier, and perform
mi ac1 of love to a humble defender of the Nation's honor. That
expression of love and regard was given by the soldiers' friend,
Kate Paxson, of Bristol, Pennsylvania.
Subsequently it was learned thai when placed on hoard the
transport "City of Albany," at City Point. Justin from his dis-
eas< — typhoid fever — was quite delirious, though aide, with the
assistance of Sergeant Moslander, to walk to the boat. The
surgeons and nurses of the hospital accompanied their patients
to Fortress Monroe, at which point they were transferred to the
transport "Atlantic," and to the care of other attendants. After
a passage of three days, they arrived at the White-Hall Hospital,
a few miles from Philadelphia. Until the time of leaving Fort-
ress Monroe, all the patients received proper attention. During
the remainder of the passage, however, very little care seems to
have been bestowed on them. Not only was Justin neglected,
but was robbed of his money, watch and revolver before arriving
at Philadelphia, and after leaving that point what else remained
to him was taken, including his diary and portfolio. Very
reluctantly is this reference made to the treatment of the deliri-
ous and dying boy, but sympathy with his sufferings is too tender,
and sorrow for the loss of the faithful record he had kept, and
to which he very often had made reference, is too keen to be
repressed in this memorial.
A few days after the identification of the remains, they were
transferred to Albany Rural Cemetery. There they are at rest ;
waiting the final resurrection, when, transformed into a spiritual
body, pure, glorious and deathless, and united in immortal union
to the noble and sanctified spirit, they shall ascend to those fields
of everlasting green, and those bright mansions in heaven, which
the Saviour of -men has gone to prepare.
The dear one, departed, died in a holy cause. The interests
at stake were not mere earthly interests ; the principles in con-
troversy were not mere mortal principles; but the very pillars
of God's kingdom in the earth. It was convictions like this that
WILLIAM. A. VAN GAASBEEK. 707
impelled Justin to the fight. He was the soldier both of duty
and of liberty. His patriotism was nourished by his religious
faith. He saw that God had built the altar and asked for the
sacrifice, and he cheerfully gave his all.
These considerations, together with the heart}' sympathy of a
multitude of friends, pour the balm of consolation into the
crushed and wounded hearts of the bereaved. Though to the
mother there may be none like her first born, noble boy, yet the
honorable record of his young manhood, the pure, christian
heart he carried into life, and the certainty of his glorious
immortality, clothe his memory with an effulgence which, even
into her saddened heart, sheds its blessed light.
X( IX.
WILLIAM A. VAN GAASBEEK.
William A. Van Gaasbeek was born September 5th, 1841,
and at the age of four years commenced going to school. A
more truthful, pure minded, affectionate and obedient boy than
Willie could not be found. He loved his home and parents,
and would do all in his power to make them happy.
At the age of ten years he commenced going to the Experi-
mental school, and continued there for four years. During that
time he never asked to stay at home a single day, unless he
was sick. He was greatly beloved by his teachers and young
associates.
After he left the Experimental school, he went to North Hamp-
ton to school, and remained there about one year.
At the age of fifteen, William entered the Albany Academy,
and remained there until he became a clerk in his uncle's store.
He was with his uncle two years and a half, and in all the rela-
tions of life, he bore an unblemished character.
He next obtained a situation in Mr. Stuart's store in New
York city, and remained there about six months, giving entire
satisfaction to his employer. His father being about to commence
70S WILLIAM A. VAN GkAASBBEK.
business, desired to have William with him, and requested him
to return home. His employer was very anxious for him to
BtaVi and held out great inducements for him to do so: hut he
said he felt it his duty to return home, and do all in his power
for his father.
Besides being a dutiful and affectionate son. William was a
true patriot, and. when the war commenced, he told his parents
that he felt it to be his duty to enlist in defence of his country's
cause.
William enlisted as a private in the Eleventh New York Inde-
pendent Battery, November (!. 1861.
This, it will be remembered, was before the days of thousand
dollar bounties, and before the draft drove men to enlist to avoid
a harder fate.
We needed men, not officers alone, to fight our battles for us;
and there were men — true hearted, noble men, who rushed to
the standard then, and tilled our failing ranks with glittering
steel and iron hearts.
William had weighed the matter well, and neither the doubt-
ful smile of friends, or the story of hardship and danger, had
power to deter him from his purpose.
We shall never forget the prompt reply lie made, when, early
one morning, a comrade stepped into his father's store, and put
the question: "Are you ready to enlist, Will?" The answer
was as direct as the question, and, without a moment's delay,
they were on their way to give themselves, for three years, to
their country's service, with all it might bring to them of good
or evil.
To him it proved an altar of sacrifice, on which he laid all,
even life itself. His comrade lives to mourn his loss, and tell the
story of his bravery.
Young Van Gaasbeek was by nature endowed with some of
the first requisites of a soldier — a disposition cheerful under all
discouragements, a strong constitution, and, best of all, nerve for
any danger into which duty called him.
The first six months of his service were spent in Fort Ells-
worth, near Alexandria, Va. And here, in garrison, as nowhere
WILLIAM A. VAX GAASBEEK. 709
in the field, is the spirited soldier's patience tried, and his health
put in jeopardy.
Leaving their comfortable quarters at Albany, as they did, in
the dead of winter, and being put in tents with a scanty supply
of fuel, with rain or snow, or both, enough each day to prevent
much out door exercise, no wonder the men were sick. Within
three weeks after the Eleventh and Twelfth Xew York Batteries,
numbering something more than three hundred men, took pos-
session of Fort Ellsworth, disease, of one type or another, had
so reduced the number that there were barely men enough to fur-
nish the necessary detail for guard. And these few had to go on
duty every alternate day and night.
Thus the spring wore away, and the summer was half ended,
when the monotony of garrison life was suddenly broken. On
the 16'th da}r of June, orders were issued for the Eleventh New
York Battery to report at Washington, where they would be
suppplied with guns, horses and equipments for service in the
field.
There was joy in the fort that night, and from that time for-
ward there was no lack of work to do. The tide of war that
but a few months before had rolled so heavily to the south, came
thundering back with redoubled fury. Again was the Capital
in danger.
The Eleventh New York, with other troops, was ordered to
report at Manassas. Then followed the unfortunate affair of
August 27, when the battery lost four of its guns, and many of
its best men as prisoners.
But fortunately our hero was not among the number. His
duty with his own piece, which was not engaged, prevented his
sharing in the dangers and honors of that first conflict his com-
pany had with the enemy. The next morning's sun found him
with what was left of the battery, supported with a single regi-
ment, hopefully assisting in holding in check the advance columns
of Lee's army.
At Fredericksburg he shared the perils of the day, and bore
the chagrin of retreating in the night, like a good soldier.
Next we find him at Chancellorsville. All day had Sickles
71<» A\ 1I.I.1AM A. \ \\ QA \s|:|.l K.
been steadily pressing the enemy back in bis front. The day
was almosl spent, when the enemy charged with fearful power
upon our ranks. The Fifth Corps broke and fled. Our flank
was turned and all seemed lost. Cheer after cheer rose from the
rebels.
I >i 1 1 in the thickest of the 6re, clouded in smoke :m<l begrim-
med with powder, we find our young hero straining every nerve,
to pour the iron hail into the rebel line as rapidly as possible.
Cooler than many older men. and braver than some, he stood
fearless at his post. AVhen darkness settled down upon the field,
the order was given along the line to "cease firing." The heated
pieces ceased their work of death, and many thousands Bank to
rest.
But William, ever wide awake, and ready for any enterprise,
and curious to know how things looked between the lines, went
out to reconnoiter. When about half way between friend and
foe, he found a three-inch rifled nam. deserted by its friends, and
hft to fall into the hands of the enemy. It was too ureal a
prize to carry off alone, and too great to leave. He returned,
and -with volunteers enough to bring it in, he soon added a
seventh piece to the Eleventh New York Battery.
Being a tine penman, and quick to learn, it was early discov-
ered at head-quarters that he might be made useful there; and
much of his time, especially during the second year, was spent
as clerk under different general officers.
The fact of his being so much of his time engaged in writing,
and away from his battery, will account for no special mention
being made of him in connection with the battles of Gettysburg
and Mine Run.
After nearly a year of faithful service as clerk, he made appli-
cation to his Captain for relief. Having obtained this, he cheer-
fully returned to his duty with the Battery, just before the open-
ing of the campaign of 1864. Here he remained, sharing the
toils and perils of his comrades at the Wilderness and Spottsylva-
nia. on the Po and Nye and North Anna River, until June, 18G4,
when at Coal Harbor he received the wound that terminated in
his death, lie was wounded in the arm by a sharpshooter, while
WILLIAM A. VAN GAASBEEK. 711
at the extreme front on the skirmish line. The ball struck his
shoulder blade, and it became necessary to amputate his arm.
After his arm was taken off, he got a friend to write home to his
parents, stating that he expected to go to Washington. He also
wrote. " I stood the amputation well, and have strong hopes of
getting well. I was brought in a few hours after I got hurt.
" Father, if you possibly can, I wish you would come and see
me in the hospital at Washington. I shall be there by the time
you receive these few lines; I can be discharged, and you can
take me home at once. I think my right hand is good, and I
expect to be of some use yet."
But God ordered it otherwise. He never was permitted to
see his home alive. His father did as he requested; he went to
Washington, but could not find him. For a whole week he made
the most diligent inquiries, without being able to trace him.
It appears that William had a brother connected with the
Sanitary Department, who finding that he was wounded took him
to David's Island, near Xew York, instead of going to Washington.
The brother was unwilling to leave William, and remained
with him for nearly two weeks. He then returned to Albany,
reaching the cit}' on Sunday morning. We may imagine the
feelings of a mother's heart, when she found that her poor,
wounded boy was so short a distance from home, while his
father was looking for him so long, and so far away. Mr. Van
Gaasbeek was telegraphed to as soon as possible, and the mother
taking the nine o'clock train, Sunday morning, arrived in New
York about four o'clock in the afternoon. It being Sunday,
there was no way to get to the Island until Monday morning.
When she arrived at the hospital she was told that Willie was
very low. After his brother left him he was taken sick, and the
main artery in the neck commenced bleeding. The doctor, how-
ever, immediately succeeded in taking up the artery. But of
course William was very weak. He was asked if he would like
to see his mother. His answer was, " yes, I would like to see
her." A messenger then came and said to her, "you must com-
pose yourself as much as possible, for the least excitement in the
patient may cause the artery to bleed again." She was then
, 1 2 WILLIAM A. \ W '• \ \-m:i K.
conducted to the room, :ni<l looking from bed to bed, she saw do
one thul she recognized as her Willie. At lasl :i youth raised
his remaining band, and said "mother.'' She knew thai yoice,
and approaching the sufferer, she could scarcely believe that this
was her son, lie was so emaciated mid changed.
Bending over him be fondly kissed her and said, " Where is
father?" The mother could nol reply. She was choking with
emotion. She seemed to herself, as though she was sinking in
:iu abyss of sorrow. At last she whispered, "Willie, keep quiet
and in a few moments mother will talk with you."' She then
offered a silent prayer to God for strength in that trying horn-.
She then told liim how long his father had been trying to find
him. Hi' said, " I want to sec him. I wish he would conic." ile
then asked about his two sisters, and his little brother at home.
Then he looked up anxiously and said, "Mother, do you think
they will let yon stay and take care of nie ?" She replied.
•■ Willie, do not worry, for 1 know they will: here conies the
doctor and I will ask him."' She asked him. and he said. " Yes,
he needed a mother's care."
She then went to the hall with the doctor, and asked him what
he thought of Willie. He said. " Do you think you can bear
the worst." She replied, Yes. He then said, "Your hoy Is a
Very sick boy, hut while there is life there is hope; if he takes
to bleeding again, there is not any help for him."
She returned to the room again, and WlLLIE looked so pleased,
and said. " Mother, how glad I am you can stay." lie then said,
" Mother, where are you going to sleep ?" She replied, " Willie,
do not he anxious about me. I can sleep anywhere. I shall take
care of you at night, and will lay down and rest in the daytime."
lie said, "Mother I am afraid it will make you sick if you do
not have your rest." When the doctors came in to dress his
wounds, as soon as he heard them coming in the room, he would
say, " Mother I think you had better go out till my wound is
dressed." He was afraid it would be too much for her. So
whenever his wound was dressed, she had to leave the room.
His wound had to be kept wet night and day: and at first he
did not want his mother to attend to that. But he reluctantly
WILLIAM A. VAN GAASBEEK. 713
consented to have her to do it, as the Avouncl was not visible, and
all that was necessary, was to keep the bandage wet with a sponge.
His father arrived on Tuesday morning, and then Willie
seemed to be perfectly happy. He was so very weak he could
not talk much. But on Wednesday morning he was thought to
be better, and the doctor said to his mother that he must con-
gratulate her for her boy was better. He did look better, but,
alas, how soon their hopes were blasted.
As his father had been so long away from home, thinking him
so much better, he thought he might leave him for a short time.
He bade him good bye on Wednesday. Thursday was a very
warm day and William seemed very weak, but never uttered a
single word of complaint. When asked how he was, he would
say, "I think I am better." His only anxiety was that he might
weary others, or that his mother would get sick.
The day before he died, a lady, Mrs. Manning, who was in the
habit of visiting the hospital, stood by his bed side conversing
with him. She remarked, " You are very sick; I suppose you
know in whom to put your trust." He looked up to her and
smiled, and said, "I put my trust in God." She said, " That is
a blessed trust; you would not give that trust and hope for any-
thing this earth can afford? " His answer was, " No, not even for
the arm that I have lost." He continued to grow weak all day
Thursday, and, about nine o'clock, the artery commenced bleed-
ing, and he died about half-past ten, on the 23d of June, 1864.
His sufferings were very great, and are known only to himself
and his God. He was but twenty-three years of age, when he
thus offered up his precious life upon the altar of his country.
The following touching letter was received by Mrs. Van
Gaasbeek, from Mrs. Manning, one of the ministering angels to
our soldiers during the war:
Brooklyn, November 12, 1864.
My Dear Friend — Ever since the death of your dear son, I
have thought of writing you, as I could not say to you what I
felt when I left you. From the time you spoke to me on the
boat going to your son, I felt a deep interest in you. Perhaps
you do not remember that I took you to the ladies' room, Avhero
711 W M.I.lAM a. VAN G \am:i:kk.
I spent the last uighl wit h you. Bui ii is all fresh to my mind;
also the sweet, almost divine face of your dear sou. I shall
oever forget. Do you remember how pleasantly he spoke to mc
when I said tliat I hoped he was able to eat some of the straw-
berries we ha<l carried to him. I shall never forgel his patient,
trusting look, full of resignation, as if he had done his duty and
was waiting in the spirit of the Saviour, for the summons to go
home. He seemed to say, " not my will, but thine, he done."
When word came that his arm was bleeding again, and J went
to him. I knew he must die. Bntthe doctorsaid, '-you had hel-
ler not go to him, as it will excite him; and keeping him quid L8
the only possible way to save him."
My great desire in urging you to go to bed and rest, came
from the fact that I knew that your son was at rest. J knew.
also, how overtaxed you were, and that your loving heart would
almost break. I knew and felt all this, because I am a mother,
and my son a soldier — yes, my only son. I felt your sorrow as
only a mother can feel. Since the death of my mother, most
loving and tender, 1 have never suffered as I did that night that
I watched with you. Your own agony I think did not surpass
mine, for you had moments of apparent unconsciousness; I some-
times listened to hear if you breathed at all, all that long weary
night. I watched the stars and prayed, thinking of my own
boy. If I lose him, I cannot sutler more than I did then. I
remember how fully I partook of Jour spirit. You did not
speak, I think, from ten o'clock till two. Then you said, looking
up earnestly, " AYillie is gone."
I must tell you that within the last month I have felt, that if
these sacrifices arc the price of our nation's salvation from the
enemy, we can give it.
I trust that you feel that you have a precious treasure in heaven,
and are calm.
Your son, my dear friend, was offered on a sacred altar, and I
am sure the sacrifice is not in vain. I pray God to bless you and
yours.
I am still interested in the soldiers, and visit David's Island
hospital almost every day. But no face has ever interested me
CHARLES M. BROWER. 715
so much as your son's, that I have seen as little. We are now
getting up a Thanksgiving dinner for our dear sick and wounded
soldiers. My son is in Florida; well now, though he has been
sick. I trust Miss Dunnett has answered your letter. I know
she proposes writing 3-011 sometime.
I shall be happy to hear from yon. My address is Mrs. H. H.
Manning, care of Manning & Squire, New Yorit.
c.
CHARLES MOORE BROWER
Charles Moore Brower was the eldest son of S. Douglas
Brower, by a second marriage, and was born in Albany on the
28th of November, 1846. His mother's maiden name was Mary
Berry Moore. He was naturally a boy of a delicate constitu-
tion, with a mind thoughtful, and very discriminating. He had
a nervous temperament, so much so that in his early school days
the effect of study made such inroads on his health, that he was
obliged to cease for a time going to school.
When about fifteen years of age, he entered upon a course of
study preparatory to entering college, at Olivet, Michigan; his
uncle, Rev. John M. Barrows, being a professor in the college.
Here he soon developed talents of a high order, and which gave
great promise of future success. But his health failing, he was
obliged, after two years of study, to relinquish his purpose to
go through college.
While prosecuting his studies, he was brought to an experi-
mental knowledge of a Saviour's love, and was induced to take
a stand for Christ.
He had been religiously educated, and had been scrupulously
moral in the past, but now the grace of God added new charms
to his character.
When the war broke out, he was filled with enthusiasm for the
government and the country, but he was too young then to enlist
in the army. But when he became older he began to think that
716 CHABLBS M. BROWER.
he ought to enlist, even after bia brother Henry bad been killed;
ih.it fact in no wise diminished his ardor, and he wrote to bia
fat her thus: " Will you lei me enlist ? I will go and lake Henri 'a
place. TIm' country ueeds more men. II' Walteb is drafted, let
me know and I will go in his place. !><> let me go. 1 never
.shall In- satisfied unless I do go."
He wrote to his brother-in-law, Major T. -M. \i.\\ ~<>\. in regard
to his enlisting, who discouraged him, knowing how frail lie was,
and fearing he would not be aide to endure the hardships of war.
His father and mother declined giving their consent, lor the same
reason.
When 1 he Major made his head-quarters at Fort Snelliug,
Minnesota, being State Commissary of subsistence, he invited
Charlie to his office, that he might there serve his country with-
out being exposed with his delicate constitution to the toils and
dangers of the battle-field. He accepted the appointment, July
1, 1865. Fort Snelliug being a rendezvous for troops, the
returning regiments that came there to be mustered out, brought
with them typhoid fever. A great part of the garrison were
prostrated by the disease. It seized upon Charlie, and for
nearly ten weeks he required greater care than an infant. Slowly
he began to recover, but the fever left him with a swollen limb,
reducing which, induced congestion of the lungs.
In a letter, written home, under date of 28th October, 1865,
the Major says:
"Charlie is dead! Yes, he is dead! And yet not dead. I feel
that lie is witli us still; that he comes in spirit and cheers the
hearts of those now lonely. Charlie was apprised of his
approaching death, two days and two nights before it occurred,
and he was calm and resigned. In the presence of death he
sweetly said, 'God, I trust in Thee.' With a heroism never
witnessed by me before, he exhibited no fear, but patiently
awaited the coming of the great change. lie knew- he could not
live. lie knew he must pass into the mysteries of the future,
lie knew this for hours, with his mind perfectly clear, and yet
how heroically and grandly he gave up all, trusting in the Saviour
of all.
EOS WELL B. CORLISS. 717
"His exemplary character, his Christian consistency, his forti-
tude, his trust, his patience during his sufferings, are mementoes
and monuments of a life, simple, beautiful, sublime. He died
October 25, 1865."
CI,
ROSWELL B. CORLISS.
Roswell B. Corliss, Jr., was born at Albany, New York,
June 26, 1844, and was the son of Eoswell B. and Catharine
Corliss. Shortly after the commencement of the rebellion, he
showed an eager desire to enter the service of the United States,
but his parents objected and advised him to remain at home, as
his elder brother had already entered the army. He relinquished
the idea of going for a time, but. as the struggle for national
life increased, he again urged the need of his services, and his
parents consented.
On the 22d of January, 1864, he enlisted in Company " C,"
Seventh Regiment Artillery N. Y. S. Volunteers, then on duty in
the defences of Washington, District of Columbia. Soon after
he reported to the regiment, it was ordered, in connection with
the other artillery regiments, to join the Army of the Potomac,
then upon the threshold of that memorable campaign that proved
so destructive to our noble men.
He participated in the engagements of Harris' Farm, North
Anna, Po River, Shelton House, Coal Harbor, and in front of
Petersburg, June 16, 1864, when he, with a number of others,
was taken prisoner by the enemy. They were conveyed to, and
confined at Andersonville, Georgia. After being there a short
time, he was taken sick, and no medical aid or care was given
him except such as his comrades could render. He continually
declined, and on September 5, 1864, his name was added to the
list of fourteen thousand, who had died from exposure, suffering
and misery, under the brutal inhumanity of the enemies of God
and man. He was buried in the grave yard near the prison, in
September, 1864. In March, 1866, his remains were transferred
7 IS BTEFHEN R. will IK.
to the Albany Rural Cemetery. For several weeks previous to
his death, he was out of his mind, bis insanity having been pro-
duced by the horrors of hi> situation.
The youth thus murdered by slow torture, was a k i 1 1< 1 ami
amiable boy, a dutiful son, and a regular attendant upon the
public worship of God. lie was also a brave soldier, and won
the esteem and affection of all who knew him. His In-other,
S. I*. Corliss, bears touching testimony to his strong affection,
and purity and kindness of heart, and confides in the hope that
Robert has reached those peaceful and blissful regions, where
wars and rumors of wars are never known.
CII.
STEPHEN ROSS WHITE.
Stephen Ross "White, son of John G. and Hannah J. "White,
■was born October 2, 1<S40. He enlisted in the Marine Artillery,
in the city of New York, on the 1st of September, 1862.
He died at the hospital on Roanoke Island, of malarious fever,
on Tuesday, the 11th of November, after a little more than two
months in the service, at the age of twenty-two years.
The following extract from a letter written to a relative, fur-
nishes all the information we have of his last days:
■• We went on board the transport the night of the 29th of
September, and were a week in making the voyage to Beaufort.
"We had to 'lay by,' from stress of weather, at Hampton Roads
and at Hatteras Inlet — the storms of the tall equinox rendering
the coast too dangerous to venture down, except in the inter-
vals, when the winds would abate for a few hours.
•At Newbern, we were placed on board the gunboat ' Sentinel,'
the vessel upon which Capt. Saveet, the Acting Commander of
our tleet, had his head-quarters. We were kept on board just
one week, when a division was made, and it was our disastrous
lot to be numbered among those who were destined for that
horrid golgotha, where pestilence sat, Roanoke Island.
JAMES E. GOOLD. 719
"Ross was attacked by the disease, which proved fatal in so
many cases, toward the latter part of October, as the direct result
of his 'unflinching devotion to duty. He continued to perform
guard duty half a day beyond the time, when he should have
been under the care of a physician.
"He was repeatedly Avarned, and kindly urged, to yield to the
too manifest necessity of rest and medical aid. But a heroism
which only death itself could move, impelled him to struggle
with the demon that was even then destroying him, and he
walked his weary, solitary beat with his feet deep in water, and
amidst a drenching, chilly rain. When the next day's guard
was mounted, and he was relieved from duty, his fidelity brought
him only sickness for his reward.
" Completely exhausted, he sought his quarters, sank down upon
his hard bunk, pallid, wan and almost spiritless. He recovered
partially from this, after rest had restored somewhat of his wasted
powers.; but God soon called him away from earth. He died at
half past three o'clock p. m., November 11, 1862.
" The most prominent trait of his character was a pure and lofty
heroism; therefore you may be proud of his memory, which lives
unsullied in the hearts of all his comrades who survived him— for
he was loved by all, being as gentle and kind as he was heroic.
" I loved to think of him, he seemed so like a brother to me."
The memory of Stephen Ross White is fondly cherished by
a large circle of admiring friends, and his name is added to the
illustrious roll of American patriots.
cur.
JAMES E. GOOLD.
From Charles H. Anthony, Esq.
James Edmund, son of John S. and Abby S. Goold, was born
in Albany, June 29, 1842. It was his happy lot to be a member
of a Christian household, and to enjoy from childhood all the
benefits incident to such a connection, as well as those scarcely
J20 JAMES E. QOOLD.
less valuable ones derived from the instructions o.f the Sabbath
school.
When James was about twelve years old, tils parents removed
to the western pari of the State, for the purpose of engaging in
agricultural pursuits. This kind of employmenl was quite con-
genial to his taste, which soon began to manifest itself in the
ardor with which he engaged in the most laborious duties of the
farm, and the persevering zeal with which he carried to comple-
tion everything thai he had once commenced to <l<>.
II. was characterized by a retiring disposition, great firmness
of purpose, and a more than ordinary degree of conscientiousness;
and these qualities, which were developed in early life, seemed
to gain strength as he advanced in years, until just as youth was
ripening into manhood, the spirit of God impressed upon his
character the seal which marked him as a follower of the Saviour.
The circumstances attending his conversion arc presented in
the following letter, from Rev. Geo. Peglee, addressed to the
author of this brief sketch:
My dear Sir — I am much pleased to learn that you propose to
write a memoir of my very dear young friend, James E. Goold,
who fell in the late war in defence of Union and Liberty, and of
hi- and our civil and religious rights.
.M\ firsl acquaintance with him was in the latter part of 1858,
when his father, John S. Goold, Esq., resided in Macedon,
N. V. I was then pastor of a church in his vicinity, and Mr.
Goold and family were among my most constant hearers and
liberal supporters; and many of the children were members of
my Sabbath school. My interviews with the family were fre-
quent, and always attended with much profit and pleasure, and
I was more and more impressed with the sedate deportment and
high moral sentiments that were constantly developing them-
selves in the character of James, as my intercourse with him
became more frequent and interesting. I considered him, in
every respect, the best scholar in the school, and for aptness to
learn, and for promptitude in attendance, as well as for his deep
JAMES E. GOOLD. 721
seriousness and moral tone, he was a worthy example to the whole
school, and to all his companions.
At our annual examination there were none like him for
promptness in answering questions, either from the Bible or the
maps. But that which most deeply interested me, was the man-
ner of his conversion to God. He was not carried away by
excitement, but most calmly and deliberately entered into the
service of the dear Redeemer, and seemed to have given his
heart to Christ after much thought and prayerful examination.
On the Lord's day, April 24th, 1859, the weather being very
stormy, we expected only a small congregation, but among that
little flock was James E. Goold. My text on that occasion was
Ps. xlix, 8: "For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it
ceaseth forever."
After the public service, we held a "Class Meeting," and
James remained with us, occupying a slip in the church, in com-
pany with three other young men. My custom was, not to urge
non-professors to speak, unless they were quite willing. The
others, who sat with James, had no remarks to make; but when
I addressed myself to him, he promptly stood up, and remarked
that, when he arose in the morning, he saw the day was stormy,
and concluded not to go to church. But he happened to remem-
ber hearing me say that when we were tempted to absent our-
selves from the house of God, it would be the better coarse to
press through every difficulty, as something might be educed
from God's word on that occasion that would do us good, and
perhaps lead to a lasting blessing. "And," said he, "I bless
God I have come to-day; for God has blessed my soul, and I
hope that God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven my sins." Such
was the commencement of his Christian hope.
Soon after, I was removed to another field of labor, and I
knew but little of his Christian progress until after he entered
the army. Then he wrote me several letters, in answer to mine,
urging him to maintain his Christian character, and remain a
constant example to his comrades in faithfulness to his dear Re-
deemer, and fidelity to the cause of his country.
46
722 •' U4E8 E. <;<»<>!. i).
Hi- letters i«» me I will forward i<> his father, ami von may
make such use of them as your wisdom may dictate.
Willi much respect, your humble servant,
GEORGE PEGLER.
Lemonwetjr, Juneai Co., Wis., May 1. L866.
To C. II. Anthony, late Principal Albany Classical Institute.
Near the close of the year 1859, arrangements were made by
which James was permitted to return to his birth place and
spend a few months there in attending school. He entered the
Albany Classical Institute, where he soon gained the respect
both of his teachers and school-mates; and when, in the spring
of the following year, he returned to the abode of his parents,
he carried with him a certificate showing thai he had maintained
through his whole course of study, a position in the highest
tirade of Honor:'
From the very commencement of the recent struggle for the
preservation of our National life, his warmest sympathies were
enlisted in behalf of his country; but when our late President
issued his second call for volunteers, James was fully convinced
in regard to his own duty. He felt that he must respond per-
sonally to that call. The strength as well as the sincerity of his
convictions were soon subjected to a practical test. A young
man. ,i neighbor's son, and one who had worked by his side in
former days, was killed in one of the battles before Richmond,
while our armies under M< ( 'i.rx lax were endeavoring to effect
that ever memorable retreat from before the rebel capital. The
news of this event seemed to add new find to the flame already
burning in t he breast of our young hero, who said to his parents:
• My country needs my services, and I feel that I must go."
Still, at their solicitation, and from a sense of filial obligation, he
remained awhile at home.
A younger brother had already enlisted in the Twenty-fifth
Regiment New York Infantry: and on the 29th of August, 1862,
James, having obtained the consent of his parents, joined the
same regiment, which was at that time recruiting in the city of
Rochester. After a furlough of one week, spent at home, he
JAMES E. GOOLD. 723
reported himself at Albany, and there awaited orders. Having
remained here some time, in daily expectation of being ordered
to his field of duty, and becoming impatient of delay, he, in
company with his brother, solicited and obtained permission to
accompany an officer who was going to Washington in charge of
some recruits. On arriving there, the two brothers reported
themselves at the office of the Provost Marshal, and received
orders to join their regiment, then in Maryland, and marching
in a northerly direction.
Strangers and alone, wandering in strange places, subsisting
as best they could, and sleeping under hay stacks, after two days
of wearisome travel they came up to the regiment at Antietam,
just after the battle of South Mountain had been fought, having
crossed, on their way, the battle field where the dead were still
lying unburied. This was their first realization of the horrors
of war; and the impressions made upon their minds were pain-
ful in the extreme.
James, always true to his convictions, and earnest in their
expression, had now determined to define, if possible, his posi-
tion in reference to religious matters. Accordingly, he sought
to be identified with the followers of his Divine Master; was
baptized in camp by the Chaplain of the One Hundred and
Eighteenth Pennsylvania Regiment, and on application, by letter,
was admitted to the privileges of membership in the First Con-
gregational Church, in the city of Albany, then under the pastor-
ship of Rev. Ray Palmer, D. D.
Shortly after this, he was placed upon the provost guard at
Division Head-quarters, and continued to serve in that capacity
until after the battle of Gettysburg. On the 25th of May, 1863,
his term of service in the Twenty-fifth Regiment having expired,
he was transferred to the Forty-fourth. He participated in the
battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappa-
hannock Station, Mine Run, Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court
House. In the battle at the last named place, on the 8th of
May, 1864, he fell during a charge made by his brigade upon a
rebel position, at Laurel Hill.
Another hero had now achieved his final victory in becoming
12A 3 kMB8 I.. QOOLD.
a martyr to the cause of liberty; another wearj spirit had entered
into his eternal rest; another soldier of the cross had won an
immortal crown! The body in which he was once clothed, now
lies we know not where, but the aoul of him we loved, and
whose memory will ever be dear to all who know him ; could
find a congenial abode only in the regions of spotless purity, in
the "houseof many mansions," whither the great "captain of
lii- salvation" has gone before to "prepare a place" for him.
It only remains, in closing this imperfect memorial, that there
be appended a few extracts from the letters received by his
parents and relatives while the writer was doing duty in the
camp, and in the field. Thus will his inner life be illustrated,
in some of its aspects, more forcibly than could be done in any
other manner :
His belief in the justness of the war, and that God was direct-
ing it, never wavered. Writing at a time when the future looked
dark, he says, "if I trusted alone in the help of man I should
be ready to give up; but I believe it will come out right, for I
believe God has a purpose to accomplish by this war, and we
shall not fail."
He was uniformly cheerful and thankful. Speaking of Thanks-
giving day, he says: "How different from the thanksgiving at
home; yet how many things I have to be thankful for; continued
life and health, and food sufficient; for though sometimes I have
been puzzled to know where I would get the next meal, I did
get it before I was very hungry; and am thankful for so many
kind friends, and above all for my hope in Christ."
Under date of Febuary, 1862, speaking of the general charac-
ter of the soldiers in the tent with him, he says, " of course it
is very disagreeable, indeed, for me to have to associate with
such men; but there is no possible help for it, and my only way
is to pray for strength to enable me to resist every temptation."
In March, 18(33, he writes: " With reference to my getting a
Lieutenant's commission, I hardly think it could be done at
present, at least; it would hardly be fair to promote me over so
many men who have been out here nearly two years, -while I
have been out only six months." In another letter, speaking of
ORANGE DUDLEY. 725
the U. S. Christian Commission, he says: "It is doing a great
deal of good in the army. They hold meetings in a large tent
near us, every evening, which are well attended, and many of the
soldiers have been converted. I have been there a couple of
times, and found it very interesting."
Speaking in another letter of a desire to be prepared for death
at any time, he writes, "As I was conscious that I was trying to
live a Christian life, and wished to be prepared to die at any
moment, I went to the Chaplain of the One Hundred and Eigh-
teenth Pennsylvania Regiment, and told him my experiences and
hopes, and that I wished to be baptized and partake of the Lord's
Supper, which he said he would administer that afternoon at
three o'clock. At two o'clock I was baptized by him, and par-
took of the sacrament along with two others; circumstances
having prevented any more from attending. I hope I have not
been hasty, or done anything to merit your displeasure. I acted
from a strong sense of duty, and I pray to God that He will give
me strength to act at all times up to my profession."
CIV.
ORANGE DUDLEY.
Orange Dudley was born in the town of Guilderland on the
8th of February, 1844.
In the year 1847 his parents, John T. and Mary Dudley,
removed to Albany, where they resided at the time that Orange
enlisted in the army.
From his earliest years, Orange was an affectionate son and
brother, and was strictly conscientious in all his conduct. He
was a member of the Albany Division of the Sons of Temper-
ance, and was an enthusiastic advocate of temperance. At the
age of fifteen he was hopefully converted to God, and united
with the Washington Avenue Methodist Church. He was an
ardent and consistent Christian, and held the office of Librarian
of the West Mission Sabbath School.
726 I 'I-' W'l DUDLEY.
When the w.i r broke out, Orange was a <l<-]k in the store of
Dr. C. II. Smith, druggist, and he fell il to be his duty i«» enlist
in the :11111V for ilif defence of his country. Bui the doctor was
reluctant to have him leave, as he valued rerj highly his faithful
services; and besides his parents considered thai lie was too
young I" endure the hardships <»i' wax. As he could not go
without his parents' consent, he gave up al thai time the idea.
Ajg il,,. u;ll-. however, progressed, he a ill fell il to be a duty
he owed to God and his country to enlisl and il' he did nol live
to return and enjoy the triumph of his cause, il would be a benefit
to those thai survived him.
As bis father was a truly loyal man. Ik* nave his consent, and
in August, 1862, Orange enlisted in Company A, .Seventh Heavy
Artillery, for three years or during the war.
On the 19th day of August. 1862, his regiment left Albany
for Washington, at which place they were ordered to do garrison
duty. Here he remained about eighteen months. During that
time, he was at home only once, on a furlough of ten days, and
that was in January, 18(34. He came home to see his father, who
was very near death, and, although he would gladly have staid
with him a few days longer, yet he could not get his furlough
lengthened. He went back, saying it was his duty to do so, but
if he could possibly come again he would. But his father died
on the l'ith day of March, and he never saw him again.
While he was at home it was evident, that the life of a soldier
had not injured his Christian character. On the 15th day of
May, 1864, his regiment left Washington, being ordered to the
front. On the 19th of May, they were engaged in the battle of
Fredericksburg Road, Virginia; on May 23 and 24, at North
Anna River; May 31 and June 1, at Tolopotomy Creek, and at
Coal Harbor in June. At the battle of Coal Harbor, June 3, he
was seriously wounded. The ball entered his left shoulder and
(.line out on the right side. He bled very profusely and, when
found, was taken up by Sergeant SmIth and carried to the Corps
Hospital, where he had his wounds dressed. He was sent from
there to the White House hospital, but, as he never reached it,
it is supposed he must have given out on the way, and was left
LEVI I. HARVEY. 727
to die and to be buried by strangers. His friends have never
heard anything from him since. Thus, far from home, without
one to cheer his last hours, died one who was loved and respected
by all, for his kind and gentle manners and Christian virtues.
On the 19th day of May, he wrote a letter home, which was
the last one ever received from him. In that, he said: "Mother
do not worry about me. Rernember that my life is in the same
hands as yours; and, whether in the battle or at the quiet fire-
side, unless God wills it, death cannot harm me. Remember, He
has taught us to say, ' Thy will be done.' "
From the time of his enlistment until his death, he was very
punctual in writing home. He always wrote once a week, and
sometimes oftener. His letters uniformly breathed an earnest
patriotism and an intense love for his home and friends.
cv.
LEVI I. HARVEY.
Levi I. Harvey was born in the county of Kent, Rhode Island,
December 10, 1808.
He was apprenticed to a carpenter, and after learning his trade,
removed to Cornwall, Vermont, where he married Phebe S.
Bascom. After his marriage, he united himself to the Congre-
gational Church at that place. Soon after, he settled in the city
of Albany, and connected himself with the Protestant Reformed
Dutch Church of that city. He was a member of that church, in
good standing, at the time of his death.
Although moving in the humble walks of life, he was ever
respected by all who knew him for his great integrity and con-
sistent Christian character. Although he, at the commencement
of the war, was quite advanced in life, he was prompted, by feel-
ings of patriotism, to enlist in the service of his country as a pri-
vate in Company B, Forty-third Regiment N. Y. S. V. He was
with his regiment in the Division of Gen. Hancock, under Gen.
McClellan, through the Peninsula campaign, and in* all the bat-
728 SAM1 1:1. G. i.i ii >MI8,
ili - in whirli his regimenl was engaged, until the retreal of the
army to Harrison Landing, and their ret irn to Alexandria, Ya.,
wlurf he was taken sick and sent to the hospital, and subse-
quently wras honorably discharged from the service for disability.
Mr. Harvey, after his return home, and recovery from his
Bickness, could doI content himself to remain out of the service,
and again re-enlisted in Company G, Second Heavy Artillery,
Massachusetts Volunteers. He was with that regimental the
capture of Fort Williams by the enemy, where he was taken
prisoner with his entire regiment, and sent to Andersonville,
Georgia. There he died from the effect of ill treatment, received
at the hands <>f the rebels, July 18, 18G4.
The record of Mr. Harvey is one among the many, of noble
sacrifice made by loyal citizens in devotion to their country.
It was purely christian patriotism that prompted him, in
advanced life, to yield up the comforts of a home, and a family
to which he was devoted, to bear his part in the great struggle
for the maintenance of the Government; and nobly did he dis-
charge his duty.
His widow, Phebe S. Harvey, who is quite advanced in life,
survives him, with five children to mourn his loss.
CVI,
SAMUEL G. LOOMIS.
Samuel G. Loomis, son of Samuel and Sarah A. Loomis. was
born in the city of Albany, March 12, 1842. He was a dutiful
and affectionate son, and was remarkable in his youth for great
generosity. He always felt a sympathy for the poor, and would
often practice self denial to relieve them. Heattendedthe Pearl
Street Baptist Church, and for many years was a member of
th.it Sabbath school. He often introduced himself to young men
who were strangers in the city, and by doing them acts of kind-
ness, he gained many friends.
He enlisted October 13, 1862, in Company 15, One Hundred and
SAMUEL G. LOOMIS. 729
Seventy-seventh New York Regiment. He was on board the
'.' Merrimac " at the time that vessel came near being wrecked,
but safely reached Port Royal.
In a letter written on Christmas day, and addressed to his sis-
ter, he says:
"We bade our friends good-bye, and again set sail for parts
unknown.
" At daylight, on New Year's morning, Ave landed at Ship
Island, a gloomy place, with dilapidated barracks looking very
much like the ruins of some old castle.
" I was afraid we were to be stationed there, and would pre-
fer to shoulder a musket and face the enemy. We received
orders at this place to go to Louisiana, and, accordingly, started
for New Orleans. We passed that city, and sailed up the Mis-
sissippi to a place called Carrolton, nine miles above.
"This place was a marshy and unhealthy location. Where
the tents were pitched, the water came upon them, while the
men were sleeping."
They received their muskets at this place, and without a
day's drill (for Samuel had never loaded a gun), they commenced
their march up the country, the road being beset with guerrillas.
They reached Bonnet Carre and there encamped.
We sfive the following extracts from Charles' letters :
" March 10th. Dear Mother — I was startled last night by hear-
ing the long roll, which is the signal of trouble. I was not long
in getting on my clothes. And in twenty minutes Company B
was on the ground, all equipped for battle. The Major ordered
us to load, but to his surprise, found we had done so. Col. Nick-
eeson rode up and complimented us highly, saying: he had per-
fect confidence that we would be ready in any emergency."
" April, 1863 — The first week in this month an expedition
started out from our port, consisting of tiie Fourteenth and Fourth
Maine, and One Hundred and Seventy-seventh, i. e., our, Regi-
ment, and two cannon.
" We sailed up the Mississippi on flat boats fifty miles, and then
followed the Amite river. On land we inarched through swamps
filled with alligators and snakes. The country being strange to
730 s \mi i.i. a. LOOMis.
as, we lost our way, and gol in wli.it the slaves told us was the
dismal swamp. Many boys Lost their shoes, and went bare
footed. I was fortunate in capturing a mule, and rode him,
holding on by the inane. I managed to carry my own and seve-
ral of the boys' muskets. After a march of twenty-two miles,
w,. baited behind a pile of hoards on the bank of the Amite
river, near McGill's Ferry. We lai 1 on the ground. About
miduighl we were attacked by guerrillas. We opened fire on
them, killing thirty and wounding several, and we look some
prisoners. Bui one of our regiment was killed and three
wounded. They fired over our heads. Our object was to draw
the rebels away from Ponchatoula, where a part of our force
intended to attack. It was a complete success. We drove
them out, and captured cotton and turpentine amounting, in
value, to several thousand dollars. We were absent from camp
one week."
On the 18th of May, his company was sent up to McGill's
Ferry to guard the place. They suffered much while there, it
being a swampy place, and exposed to constant rains. They had
no shelter, not even a dry place to sit down upon, but leaned
against the trees to rest. They were therefor ten days, with
seven days' rations. They were tired upon, but all made their
escape at midnight and went to Baton Rouge. He writes
nothing of this, but the young men who were with him give the
information.
The morning following they proceeded to Port Hudson, pass-
ing through the woods while they were on fire. Samuel was
one among others who took a message to the fleet anchored in
the Mississippi, passing the entire front during the action of the
25th of May. He was engaged on the entrenched works before
Port Budson on the 14th of June. Be volunteered with the
forlorn hope, to storm the works at midnight. During the bat-
tle Samuel was frequently heard, cheering and urging his com-
panions on. saying. ''Now is the time to make your mark,"
"Stand by the flag."
Be worked in the intrenchments forty-two days without change
of clothing, his knapsack having been left at Baton Rouge, with
SAMUEL G. LOOMIS. 731
all the clothes he had. His companions told his mother that he
would cheer them up, in those dark hours, by relating pleasing
stories, and expressing the bright hope of meeting friends and
loved ones at home.
After the surrender of Port Hudson, he writes: ;' Mother, I
do not consider my lot a hard one. I volunteered to fight and
suffer, if necessary, for the glorious cause of freedom. I do
not regret having entered the army. It is the duty and should
be the privilege of all young men to go, at their country's call."
After the surrender, the regiment encamped on the bank of
the Mississippi, about three miles from Port Hudson. Samuel
enjoyed good health most of the time. He was never, but one
day, off duty, and then had hurt his foot so that he could not
get his shoe on. He was anxious to visit the Port, as he did not
remain there long after the surrender. He walked up on the 5th
of August, and was sun struck, which occasioned a brain fever.
He laid on the hospital floor without bed or pillow on which
to rest his head. The boys could not even buy a little hot
water to make him some tea. His rations of hard tack and salt
meat were brought him daily, and he gave them to the boys
without a murmur. He had no kind of nourishment during the
week he laid there, and told his companions that he was dying
for the want of food. He prayed often, while he had his senses,
and talked much of home — the dearest spot to him on earth.
He expressed great anxiety to see his parents. In his delirium,
a short time previous to his death, he thought his father had
come. He stepped out on the balcony, shook hands, and kissed
one of the soldiers — went back, and in a few minutes breathed
his last. This was on the 13th day of August, 1863. His com-
rades rolled him in his blanket and made a coffin of boards,
which they took from a negro's cabin. They laid him in it, and
buried him in Mount Pleasant burying ground. They cut his
name, and the date of his death, on a board, placed at his head,
and laid him under a magnolia tree. The evening after he was
buried, his friends sat by his grave and sung his favorite hymns.
He was a good singer, and was a member of St. Paul's Church
, \\-l SAMUEL G. L00HI8.
Choir, of this city, when quite a youth. He had been under the
instruction of Mr. Geoboe Wabben, formerly of this city.
[lis parents Bent for his remains, and they arrived in this city
the 23d of December, L863. Bus funeral took place a! his
father's residence, 77 Washington avenue, <>n the 24th, attended
by his regiment and the members of Hook and Ladder Company
No. 2. This company passed a series of w\y flattering resolu-
i ions in relation to the departed hero.
The Rev. Mr. Bbidgman, the pastor of Mr. Loomis, ina dis-
course upon our deceased soldiers, thus alluded to him:
"There's another, whose body will be gathered with the
honored dust — Samuel Greenfield Loomis, who died Last
August. His comrades have spoken only in the words of high-
esl eulogy of bis patience under fatigue, of his manly bearing,
of his bravery on the several occasions, when his courage was
put to the proof, as in the charge upon the enemy's works at
Port Hudson; while in his letters to his friends at home there is
scarcely one but hears a grateful testimony to the goodness of
God's Providence, or some expression of his love for the Scrip-
tures, in reading which lie was careful to maintain the early habits
of his home."
Then, speaking of him in connection with others, he said:
''They went out from ns with firm, brave steps to the exigency
ami the agony of the hour. They went not in hatred nor in
wrath, more than those whose loyal columns they helped to till;
nor did yon. whose pangs ;)t their dying were greater than their
own. send them in vengeance, but for God's honor and the sal-
vation of the land. To-day we mourn them as our early dead.
The battle was soon over for them — the weary march and nightly
vigil — the contest and assault; and laying the garlands they have
won upon their hearts, we will suffer the eager grave to fold
them in. to their long, dreamless sleep. But fixed is our faith
that something not of the dust, and not laid low on the field —
something which the funeral procession cannot marshal, nor the
earth that opens for the dead, can ever swallow up, has escaped
alive unto the land of peace, unto the great triumphant company
"t' i he immortals."
EDWARD A. HIGHAM. 733
CVIL
EDWARD AUGUSTUS HIGHAM.
In the first regiment that left this city for the seat of war, as
early as April, 1861, was Edward Augustus Higham, a young man
just twenty years of age; the son of Lindley and Caroline
Higham. He had for several years been a professed disciple of
Christ, and at the time he enlisted as a soldier in defence of his
country, he was engaged in a profitable and honorable business.
Nothing but high motives of patriotism led him to exchange the
quiet life of a man of business, for the trials and perils of a
soldier.
During the three months of his enlistment he was mostly
engaged with his regiment (the Twenty-fifth) in perfecting the
defences of Washington, and in building that fort which was
subsequently called by the name of his native city.
Returning to his home about the middle of July in the same
year, Mr. Higham felt that he had not yet fully discharged his
whole duty to his country. Indeed as her necessities had rather
increased than lessened, and her perils had only been augmented
by the lapse of time, he felt that he must again engage in her
defence. And how pure and patriotic his motives were in the
second enlistment, may be judged of by the fact, that when
assured by friends that he might re-enter the army as a com-
missioned officer, his reply was, " No, the Government does not
need officers; it needs privates." It was therefore as a common
soldier that Mr. Higham again entered the army, July 22, 1862.
His connection was now with Co. H, in the Eightieth Regiment
of New York Volunteers; and after passing with it safely through
the battles of Norman's Ford, White Sulphur Springs and Gains-
ville, was severely wounded August 30, in the battle of Bull
Run.
For two days and nights our young soldier remained on the
field without assistance or nourishment; and doubtless suffered
physical agony that no one can describe. Upon the third day
he was picked up by one of our ambulances, and conveyed to
, ;; I \u.\ wi-i.i: B. 8L \w SON.
the hospital al Alexandria. There, though every attention was
paid him, both by the medical authorities and by his mother,
wIki had the melancholy pleasure of being with her son in his
last hours, he died October LOth, L862.
We subjoin a brief extract from a Letter written by the Chap-
lain (it* the hospital to the parents, a few days after their severe
bereavement :
• Ynur son was a aoble young man. patient and uncomplain-
ing in every trouble and annoyance. lie was a sincere and
humble Christian, and felt that he had no trust but in the mcrey
of his Redeemer."
CVIIL
ALEXANDER S. SLAWSON.
Alexander S. Slawson was one of three patriotic brothers,
who enlisted in the American army for the defence of the nation.
They were the children of William and Louisa Slawson, and
Alexander was born September 1, 1846. He was a good obedi-
ent boy, and a member of the Sabbath school.
He enlisted February 4, 1864, in Company D, Seventh Heavy
Artillery Regiment. Though of a delicate constitution, he
endured the hardships of war with a noble courage, and fought
bravely in the battles of Fredericksburg, North Anna River,
Spottsylvania Court House, Coal Harbor and Petersburg. In
the battle at the last named place, his brother was taken prisoner,
June 16, 1864, and was confined in the Andersonville prison,
and suffered for ten long and dreary months in that abode of
unwritten and indeseribable horrors.
Alex \\m:i: was also in the battles of Deep Bottom, Frederick
City, the second battle at Deep Bottom and at Mine Run, August
25, 1864. There, after a hard fought battle, he was taken
prisoner and sent first to Richmond, thence to Belle Island, and
thence to Salisbury, North Carolina. After six months of
intense suffering, he was released, having been reduced to a
skeleton.
WHITMAN V. R. MATTOON. 735
An unknown friend, whose name the parents of Alexander,
desire very much to learn, aided him to return home. When he
reached our lines, a surgeon wished him to go to the hospital,
but his great desire was to see once more the home of his youth,
and the father and mother whom he so tenderly loved. To gain
strength for the journey, he laid in a barn for two days, and
then started for Albany. He reached home on the 20th of March,
and the first words that he uttered on entering the house were,
" Mother, I have come home to die."
He lingered for ten days, and then, with perfect resignation to
the will of God, and an implicit trust in the blessed Saviour, he
left the trials and anguish of earth, for the peace and glory of
Heaven.
Alexander's third brother escaped the perils of battle
unharmed.
To this family of heroes, known only to us through this brief
sketch, we tender the gratitude and admiration of the citizens of
Albany, and the loyal people of America
CIX.
WHITMAN V. R. MATTOON.
Whitman V. R. Mattoon was born in Vienna, Oneida county,
New York. When he was less than one year old, his parents
came with him to this city, since which time he continued to
reside here. He was the only son of David and Sarah Ransom
Mattoon. He possessed an amiable disposition, and was a duti-
ful son, an affectionate brother, and a warm friend. He attended
school regularly until he was in his sixteenth year, and acquired
a fair English and commercial education.
After he left school, he went into his father's office, where he
was engaged in bookkeeping for nearly four years. He exhibited
so much business capacity that his father had made arrangements
to take him, as co-partner, into his business. When the war
first broke out, and the first call was made for volunteers, he,
738 W HI I MAN I • B. M VI l'i N >N.
inspired by true patriotism, desired to go and help save the gov*
tin mm i of bis count \y. Bui hi^ father, who was in feeble health,
declined to lei him go, not feeling ii to be his duty to sacrifice
lii> only sod ;ii that time, but assured him thai it' the time came
when it should be necessary, he should iiol objecl i<> his going.
Time passed on, and, after the battle of Bull Run, with Its
paralyzing effect upon the country, another call was made for
volunteers. After giving much thoughl to the subjecl for seve-
ral weeks, his father informed him "thai i he linn- had come when
he thoughl God, humanity, and his country called for the sacri-
fice, and thai he should no Longer objecl to his going." This
conversation took place on September 26, 1801, which was afasl
day appointed by the government.
Upon the following day, he left his lather's office, where he
had been usefully employed for several years, and a home "where
all his accessary wants were supplied, and enlisted as a private
in Company F, Forty-fourth Regiment New York State Vol-
unteers. The following month, he left with his regiment and
continued in excellenl health, enduring all the privations and
dangers of the camp and field without one word of complaint;
engaging in all the battles of his regiment, and always braving
danger with true heroism. When the battle raged the fiercest,
he was always cool and collected.
While under General MgClellan, and while retreating from
before Richmond, he passed through the first six days engage-
ments unhurt. But, upon the following day, at the battle of
Malvern Hill, after being engaged in a most sanguinary struggle,
he was reported "missing." Since that time nothing has been
heard from him. It was in a bayonet charge that he was last
seen: in the front rank and in a terrible struggle. His officers
and comrades, who have done all that men could do to ascertain
his fate, agree that he must have fallen. All the means that
human ingenuity can invent have been exhausted to ascertain his
fate, and to no purpose. Whether buried or not, and if so,
where, still remains a mystery.
The anguish of heart, felt by his two loving sisters, to whom
he was devotedly attached, as well as by his parents, who loved
THOMAS GOLD WAIT. 737
him as an only son, and who had anticipated much comfort from
him, can be better imagined than described. That most terrible
of all words, susjiense, still weighs heavily upon their hearts and
mars all their pleasures.
During his childhood and youth, up to the time he left and
went into the service, he uniformly attended Sabbath school, to
which he was much attached, and always attended regularly upon
the means of grace.
We can only leave the clear youth and brave boy in the hands
of that God who doeth all things well. He who notices the fall
of a sparrow, has not overlooked this child of many prayers,
though in the din and smoke of battle, he has been lost to the
view of affectionate parents and fond sisters.
ex,
THOMAS GOLDWAIT.
Among those from the city of Albany who sacrificed their lives
for the perpetuation of the Union, was Thomas Goldwait. He
was the son of Jonathan and Jane Goldwait, and was born in
Albany on the 20th of November, 1828. He died at Fort Mc-
Henry on the 15th of September, 1861. At the breaking out of
the rebellion, when an appeal was made for volunteers for the
Union army, and when patriotism alone prompted our young
men to take up arms in defence of our country, Goldwait gave
up his business and enrolled himself as a member of Co. E, Third
Regiment New York State Volunteers, commanded by Captain
Blanchard, Col. Frederick Townsend in command of the regri-
ment. This regiment was one of the first to leave this State for
the scene of war, and was among the first to engage in conflict
with the rebels.
While stationed at Fort McHenry, Goldwait was prostrated
by fever, and although every effort was made to preserve his life,
he died as above stated, on the 15th of September, 1861.
His death caused the deepest sorrow among his comrades, as
47
788 .i« >n\ \. u '< ki.i:v.
he was universally respected and beloved. One of the most
Bolemn and impressive scenes ever witnessed at the fort, was the
last tribute of his felloe soldiers to the memory of their lamented
associate.
Goldwait was a young man of generous impulses and a noble
nature. He was frank and open hearted, a true and steadfast
friend, and a devoted son and brother. He was for manj years
one of the most earnest and efficient firemen of the <ity. Fear-
less in the discharge of his duty, he was ever obedient to com-
mauds and prompt t<> execute all orders. Hundreds of his
brother firemen bear testimony to his zeal, and gladly pay tribute
to his memory. On one occasion, regardless of his own personal
safety, he entered a burning building, and rescued from impend-
ing death, a maimed and feeble woman.
To hi.s immediate associates he was most devotedly attached,
and each and all of them considered him a brother. They will
ever cherish his memory with the warmest affection and admira-
tion.
CXI.
JOHN A. LOCKLEY.
John A. Lockley was born at No. 70 Lumber street, Albany,
on the 22(1 of September, LS43, and was the son of Richakd and
Hannah Lockley. He was one of the most affectionate of sons,
always kind and obedient. He was very conscientious, and the
least wrong act made him very unhappy. He was not a profes-
sor of religion, but was very faithful in attending the Sabbath
school and church. The feelings that led him to enlist were
purely patriotic. He received no bounty; but said if his country
needed him he was ready to devote himself to her service. He
enlisted in Company K, Ellsworth Regiment, Forty-fourth New
York State Volunteers. The first battle he was in was at Hanover
Court House, where he served as first corporal. His Captain,
Alexander McRoberts of this city, under whom he was killed,
said that he was the best soldier in his company. He was always
HARMON VISSCHER, JK. 739
prompt and ready to execute any order given to him. He was
killed at the battle of Gaines' Mills, on the 27th of June, 1862.
A ball struck him just above the mouth, and passed through his
head. Of his last moments and of his burial, we have no reliable
information.
CXIf.
HARMON VISSCHER, Jr.
Harmon Visscher, Jr., was the son of Harmon and Anna M.
Visscher, and was born in the city of Albany, on the 18th day
of August, 1839. He was a youth of great promise, and was ten-
derly cared for in a Christian home and universally esteemed by
his friends.
Upon the breaking out of the rebellion, he joined the Bur-
gesses Corps, and accompanied them to Washington in defence
of the National Capital, where he remained until the Twenty-
fifth Regiment, to which the Corps was attached, was discharged.
He returned to his home and the city of his birth, full of
military ardor; and, the da}^ previous to the departure of the
Forty-fourth, joined that regiment, to which he was attached up
to the time of his death. He was shot through the breast, and
was left on the battle field for dead, and remained there for a
long time, until conveyed to the hospital. In a letter to his
parents, dictated by himself and written by a friend, he appeared
sanguine of his ultimate recovery, but a note appended by his
nurse gave them but little to hope for.
He was a member of Company G of the Forty-fourth (Ells-
worth) Regiment and was a true patriot and brave soldier. Being
conveyed to the hospital at Georgetown, District of Columbia,
he was there attended by his fond mother, and everything that
maternal affection could do was done for his comfort, and for his
preparation for the solemnities of the future life. He breathed
his last on Thursday, September 11th, 1862.
7 H) GEORGE STEVENS.
(Mil.
GEORGE STEVENS.
George Stevens, private, was born in Wnokengham, Berk-
shire, England, June 26, A. I>. 1825. His parents, Charles and
Mari Stevens, were in humble circumstances, and he being one
of a large family, was placed al some useful employmenl when
young to assist bis parents, and was thus deprived of the oppor-
tunity of obtaining a good education. He was a kind and dutiful
son, and strictly honest and industrious. II*- continued with his
parents until the commencement of the year 184!>. when he mar-
ried, and a short time after emigrated to America. He came to
the city of Albany, and there continued to reside. He was a
great lover of the American people and institutions, and as early
as possible he became a citizen of the United States. He attended
church, and Loved the worship of the Lord.
In the year 1858, he made a public profession of religion. He
united with the State Street Baptist Church, and was a zealous,
active, consistent Christian. He endeavored to improve his mind
by a constant reading of the Holy Scriptures, which became his
daily delight. In the church there was a Bible class, and the
teacher was the late esteemed and much lamented Mr. Samuel
Patten. Mr. Stevens was connected, with this class, and as a
reward for collecting the names of Christ found in the -sacred
scriptures, he was presented by Mr. Patten with a beautiful
copy of the Holy Bible.
On the breaking out of the rebellion, when the Union was in
danger, he was moved with a becoming patriotism; and although
he had a wife and children whom he loved and had to provide
for, yet he declared it to be his duty to go and fight for the land
of his adoption. He enlisted as private in Company D, Seventh
Heavy Artillery. One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment N. Y.
S. V., on the 9th day of August, 18G2, for three years or during
the war. He was first stationed near Washington, and enjoyed
a soldier life quite well.
GEORGE STEVENS. 741
He then moved to Petersburg, where the regiment passed
through many engagements, which he describes in his letters as
being very severe. He also, in his letters, gave a graphic
description of the dangers through which he passed, and always
declared that he was engaged in a right and good cause, and that
if it should be his lot to be killed on the battle field, he was per-
fectly resigned to the will of God, in whom he trusted. He often
ure;ed his wife and children to trust in the same over-ruling
Providence, to pray much, to read the Holy Scriptures, and per-
form all other religious duties in such a way as to gain the con-
stant approbation of their Heavenly Father; and that if it was
His will that they should not meet again on earth, that they might
meet again in Heaven.
By lying on the damp ground, and being constantly exposed,
he contracted a severe cold, which affected his lungs, and he was
sent to the City Point hospital. From there he was sent to
Blackwell's Island hospital, and thence was transferred to the
Albany Military hospital. His complaint continued to increase,
affecting his throat, and terminated in consumption. He received
medical aid and every attention, but rapidly failed.
Mr. I. N. Smith, then minister of his church, with many other
old friends, came to see him, and conversed, read and prayed
with him. He assured them of his confidence in God, and of
his prospect of going to Heaven through the atonement of Christ.
He bore all his afflictions with Christian-like fortitude, and was
resigned to the will of his Heavenly Father.
When it became apparent that he would not survive long, he
informed his wife and children that he was o-oiuo- home to
Heaven, and desired that they would prepare, that they might
all have a joyful meeting at the resurrection of the just. He died
in the triumphs of faith, and in the hope of a blessed immor-
tality, on the 23d day of May, 1865. His remains were taken to
the church, where appropriate remarks were made made by the
minister, and from thence were conveyed to the Albany Rural
Cemetery.
742 ADDISON i. PELLOW8.
CX1V.
ADDISON .!. FELLOWS.
Addison J. Fellows was the second son of Joseph and Mart
I'i LLOWS. Be was born in the city of Troy, August 2d, L839.
Hi- genealogy is thoroughly English, on hoth his father's and
mother's Bide; his ancestors came from the old Puritan stock.
While vet young his fathermoved to Albany, and from thai
time to his death he resided here.
Of a genial and happy disposition, he formed a large circle of
friends: and the mildness of his manner and his affectionate heart,
made him the joy of his father's family.
At the breaking out of the rebellion, although he was engaged
in business, yet he felt greatly inclined to contribute his services
towards maintaining the good old flag, but his friends persuaded
him to remain at home.
In the fall of 1861, however, he felt so deeply that it was his
duty to offer himself to his country, that he transferred his busi-
ness to his brother's hands, and volunteered as a private soldier
in Company F, of the Forty-fourth New York Volunteers. The;
date of his enlistment was September, 1861. Being offered a
higher position, he declined it, on the ground that he enlisted as
an act of duty, and not for position. The remainder of his life
was short.
In December, after returning from a long picket duty, while
the regiment was stationed at Hall's Hill, Va., he was attacked
by typhoid fever, and before his father and brother could reach
him, although they went to him as rapidly as possible, his soul
had returned to the God who gave it.
Thus died one who, pure in heart and purpose, gave his life
for his country as truly as though he had been killed in front of
the cannon's mouth.
Although not a professed Christian, he ever reverenced God and
His laws, and loved the ways of righteousness. Almost one of
hi- lasl acts was. to enijao-e in an evening meeting with some of
his Christian comrades.
SAMUEL W. CHANDLER. 743
His body was brought home, and a funeral discourse preached
over his remains by the Rev. Dr. Magoon, at the First Baptist
Church. He was followed by the Fire Department and military
of the city, and the various societies to which he belonged, to
his last home in the Albany cemetery. Thus passed away an
upright man, a pure patriot, and a brave soldier.
cxv.
SAMUEL W. CHANDLER.
The subject of this brief sketch was the son of Samuel
Chandler, a well known and respected citizen of Albany.
At the formation of the Forty-fourth Regiment New York
Volunteers, known as the Ellsworth Regiment, Mr. Chandler
enlisted, and at once secured a high reputation as a soldier. He
participated with his regiment in several hard fought battles in
Virginia. At the battle of Hanover Court House he was killed
under the following circumstances. The Sergeant, while hold-
ing the flag, had been shot through the head, and instantly killed.
The flag was then seized by a man named Young, also of this
city. No sooner had he raised it than he was shot, the ball sever-
ing his jugular vein, when he fell. Young Chandler, who had
been wounded in the leg and arm, and with his wounds bleeding
crept to the staff, and with great eftbrt raised it the third time.
In a moment, he was shot in the breast, and also fell. After
lingering a few days in intense agony, death came to his relief.
His last words were : "I regret that I have only one life to give
to my country."
It is impossible to conceive of an act of nobler daring than
that of young Chandler. His two comrades lay dead at his
feet. He was himself badly wounded. The balls were whist-
ling thick and fast over his head. Knowing this, it was almost
certain death to attempt to raise the flag, yet he did not hesitate
a moment, but gave up his life in its defence. He died nobly,
and for his heroic act deserves the applause of the nation. From
« I I JESSE I*, van 1 1 A< ; I : N .
the Colonel to the lowesl private in the ranks, his memory will
be Loved and honored as Long as they Live*
He Leaves a widow and two children, who, while they mourn
the loss of an affectionate husband and father, vet have the
consolation of knowing thai he died a true patriot, a brave
soldier, and added another mart yr to the cause of human liberty.
CXVL
JESSE D. VAN HAGEN.
Jesse D. Van Hagen was born in Cohocs, Albany county, on
the 8th of November, 1839, and was the son of Peter and
Mehitabel Van Hagen. As a youth he was kind, obedient, and
truthful. At the age of eighteen years, he became deeply inter-
ested in the subject of religion, and residing at that time in
Albany, he became a teacher in the Sabbath school, connected
with the Pearl Street Methodist Church. In February, 1858, he
made a public profession of his faith in Christ, and united with
that church.
When the President of the United States called for troops, he
felt that his country needed his services, and he enlisted in
Company K, Thirty-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers,
commanded by Captain John Beverly, of Little Falls, Herkimer
county, New York. On the 1st of June, 1861, the regiment
received orders to start for the seat of war. Jesse having
made preparation for the march, came home to bid his mother
good-bye. He was remarkably cheerful, and seemed to be full
of patriotic enthusiasm for the cause to which he had devoted
himself. He said to his mother : "Do not be anxious about me,
I shall be at home again one of these days." How little he
thought, while uttering those words, that he was then looking
upon that mother, and his other kind relatives, for the last time
on earth !
Obedient to the orders received, the regiment hastened to the
seat of war, and was at once stationed in the front, as a line of
WILLIAM M. BRIGGS. 745
skirmishers. In the morning, just as the light began to appear,
a startling and crashing tire came from the concealed enemy, and
Jesse fell, pierced through the left lung, by a bullet. The
Captain seeing that he was wounded, ordered two men to take
him from the battle-field. As his comrades were lifting him
from the ground, he received another wound, just below the
first. He tried to speak but could not. . He lingered in great
pain for nine hours, when his brief, yet brave military career,
was ended by death.
Captain Beverly, to whom the youthful patriot had endeared
himself, thus wrote home to the brother of the departed, Mr.
William L. Van Hagen : "Your brother while with me was a
good christian soldier. He was always ready to fill his place in
the ranks at a moment's notice. Therefore, you may well be
proud of him. Do not weep for him, but remember that he died
for his country's flag. He was very kind to his associates, and
always took pleasure in doing them a favor." Thus early in the
war, at the battle of Fair Oaks, passed away this noble youth,
in the twenty-second year of his age.
CIVIL
WILLIAM M. BRIGGS.
William M. Briggs was born in Albany, Nov. 27, 1842, and
was the son of John G. and Harriet Briggs.
He was educated in the Wilberforce school, and was a youth
of good talents and excellent morals.
He was an ardent patriot, and in March, 1863, he enlisted in
the Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment, and performed all the
duties of a soldier with faithfulness and bravery. In the fol-
lowing letter we have an account of his character and death:
Sunday, December 13, 1863.
Colonel — AccordiDg to your wish that I, as commander of Co.
E, would furnish whatever information I possessed in relation
746 HUGH IIAMMII.I..
to Private William .M. Bsigos, Late of my company, I cheerfully
collected the following:
From a comrade, who was by him in the assault of July 18th,
1 learn thai he was wounded through the bowels, when about
one hundred yards from the fort. He exclaimed, "I'm shot,"
and attempted to pros forward. bu< was not equal to the task,
and fell. He was placed, after being taken from the field, on
the steamer " Cosmopolitan," with many others, and carried to
Hilton Head. The nature of his wound was such a^ to cause
him intense pain, and he expired within an hour of the time the
wounded were placed in No. 10 Hospital, at Beaufort. I was
pleased to find that his body received a proper soldier's burial,
in the Beaufort Cemetery, escorted by a detachment of the First
8. C. Vols.
As his Captain, I cheerfully render a merited tribute to his
memory, as a man ever a favorite among his comrades, and. as a
soldier, prompt, diligent and eager in the performance of his
whole duty. I have the honor to be, Colonel,
Your obedient servant, LUIS F. EMILIE,
Capt. Co. E, hWt Mass.
Col. E. N. Hallowell, Com'd'gr hUh Mass. Infantry.
CIVIII.
HUGH HAMMILL.
In the history of Mr. TTammtt.t., we have another instance of
patriotic ardor and heroic suffering for the cause of human lib-
erty; and another victim of the barbarities practiced upon our
noble men in southern prisons.
Hugh Hammill, was born in Ireland, in the year 1844. He
came to this country with his parents in 1846, and settled in the
city of Albany. At the breaking out of the war, he felt that
his adopted country needed his services, and, like many others
of his countrymen, he gave his heart and his life to the American
Republic.
HUGH HAMMILL. 747
He enlisted in Company E, Twenty-fifth Regiment of National
Guards, in May, 1862, and served for three months at Suffolk,
Va. He returned home on the 5th of September, and on the
14th of October he again offered his services to the government,
and became a member of the Tenth Regiment. He was after-
wards removed to the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regi-
ment of Xew York Volunteers, and was with them in their skir-
mishes and marches for hundreds of miles to Port Hudson. He
was also in the terrific charges upon Port Hudson, and saw hun-
dreds of his brave comrades fall, while he; equally brave and
daring, escaped the deadly fire of the enemy. Having most
faithfully served the country of his adoption, he returned home,
on the 1st of September, 1863.
But, Avhile there was any doubt as to the issue of the struggle
in which we were engaged, Mr. Hammill could not rest, and
notwithstanding his terrible experiences at Port Hudson, and in
the toilsome marches and skirmishes in which he had been
engaged, he, like a noble patriot, enlisted again, and on the 19th
of November, 1863, joined Compauy E, of the Seventh Heavy
Artillery Regiment.
He bravely fought in all the battles of the Wilderness, Coal
Harbor and Petersburg, and through all the terrible fires to
which he was exposed, we do not learn that he received any per-
sonal injury.
On the 16th of June, 1864, he was captured by the rebels,
and at the same time his Captain, and most of his company, were
taken prisoners. These wTere sent to Richmond, and then to
Andersonville prison. In consequence of the barbarous treat-
ment Mr. Hammill received, he became very sick, and, while
slowly recovering, he was removed to another prison. At that
time he was, in his feeble state of health, exposed, in the open
air, for three days and nights, to a severe rain storm. This
brought on a relapse, and he continued to sink until the 16th of
November, 1864, when death released him from his sufferings.
It is sad to contemplate such an end, for one who had mani-
fested such an ardent and persistent devotion to the interests and
welfare of his adopted country. But his deeds will never be
748 WILLIAM J. wiivik.
forgotten, and the memory of his worth will be gratefully cher-
ished by a large circle of relatives and friends.
Mr. IIwimm.i, was educated in the faith and worship of the
Roman Catholic Church, and was a member of thai church up to
the time of his death.
CXIL
WILLIAM J. WHYTE.
William J. Whtte, the son of James and Jane Welyte, was
born in Albany on the 6th of March, 1843. He was a youth
of mild and generous spirit, and of superior talents, and very
earl}' became interested in religious subjects. As his parents
had lost six out of eight children, and he was the only remaining
son, and as his lather too was dead, he was specially dear to his
widowed mother.
When the rebellion broke out, he, in common with many
others, was inspired with a youthful and patriotic ardor to serve
his country in the hour of peril. He was very anxious to enlist,
but his mother felt that he was too young to endure the hard-
ships and dangers of war, and endeavored to persuade him to
remain at home. But the very month that Fort Sumter was
tired upon, April, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Third Regi-
ment New York Volunteers, under Col. Townsend. His mother,
however, feeling that, after the great losses she had sustained,
she could not give up her only remaining son, obtained his dis-
charge from the regiment.
But the fires of patriotism were not extinguished in the heart
of her boy. He loved his mother and sister, and the home of
his childhood. He loved his church and his Sabbath school, for
he had been for fifteen years a scholar, and at this time he was a
teacher in the Albany Bethel Sabbath school, under the care of
the Rev. John Miles. But he loved also his country, and was
willing to jrive his life to sustain it.
He waited until May 31st, 1862, when he enlisted, for three
months, in Company A, Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. V. He
CHARLES S. HEERMANCE. 749
served through this period with great faithfulness, and was honor-
ably discharged.
On the 13th of October, 1862, he again enlisted, in Company
F, of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment New York
Volunteers. While connected with this regiment, he displayed
all the qualities of a good and brave soldier. But the hardships
to which he was exposed brought on a fever, and he died in the
hospital at Bonnet Carre, La., aged twenty years. He was buried
in the hospital burial ground.
We regret that we have no further particulars of his history.
cxx.
CHARLES SEDAM HEERMANCE.
Charles Sedam Heermance was born in Albany, of pious
parents, September 30, 1842. He was a member of the First
Congregational Sabbath school, and was an exemplary youth.
Being ardent in his patriotism, he joined the One Hundred and
Seventy-seventh Regiment New York State Volunteers, Company
B, that he might be of some service in sustaining the honor of
his country's flag. When his regiment was ordered off, they
joined the Banks' expedition and sailed from New York for New
Orleans, Louisiana. Shortly after their arrival, he was taken ill,
and soon died in the hospital, April 22, 1863. His remains, with
many others, were brought to Albany and deposited in the Rural
Cemetery. Thus he gave his young life, a noble sacrifice, for
his country. His noble example will long be cherished by loving
friends and a grateful community.
The following letter, from Captain Merrihew, shows the esti-
mation in which he was held by his officers and companions in
arms:
Bonnet Carre, La., April 23, 1863.
Mr. C. J. Heermance:
Dear Sir — The circumstances under which I now address you,
are painful to me, while to you they will be rendered doubly so.
750 GHABLE8 B. BEERMANOE.
Ii devolves upon me t<> communicate i<> you the sad intelligence
(»f the death of your son, Charles S. Heermanoe; he died here
in the hospital, yesterday afternoon about two o'clock, of chronic
diarrhoea. He had been in the hospital nearly all of the time since
our arrival at this place. We did nol consider him dangerously
ill, and, only yesterday morning, his physician told him that he
needed no more medicine; that with proper care of himself, he
would booh recover Disaccustomed health: but it was otherwise
ordered. In the afternoon, .shortly after dinner, he was taken
suddenly ill. and died almost immediately.
ll may seem hard that we should so suddenly be called upon
to mourn the loss of one so young and full of promise, and being
so far away from kind friends and loved ones at home; hut He
who doeth all things well, has seen fit to take him away, and,
while we mourn his loss, we have the happy assurance that he
has gone to that better world where, sickness never comes.
Charles was a general favorite in his company, both with offi-
cers and men. and particularly so with those who, like him, have
been confined in the hospital. They miss him there, for he was
always ready and willing to perform little acts of kindess, towards
those more unfortunate than himself.
You will please accept the heartfelt sympathies of the company
of which I now have the command, and of which Charles was
a worthy member, in this your great bereavement; for I can
assure you that your son had, while being associated with us here,
by his many amiable qualities, endeared himself to us all, and
we feel that the place now made vacant in our ranks by his death,
Ave may never hope to fill again, by one like him.
His remains have been properly interred, with a board with
his name cut thereon, placed at his head, to mark his final rest-
ing place. His personal effects are in my possession. Any
mementoes or keepsakes which I may find, together with what
little money he had, I will retain and deliver or forward to you.
I am, dear sir, your obedient servant,
E. H. MERKIHEW,
Captain Co. B, \llth JV. Y. 8. V.
STEPHEN P. PARKS. 751
CXXI.
STEPHEN PUTNAM PARKS.
Stephen, the son of William and Jane Ann Parks, residing
at 172 Lumber street, Arbor Hill, Albany, was born October 26,
1848. At the breaking out of the war, when only thirteen years
of age, he enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Regiment for three months
as a drummer boy, and was stationed at Arlington Heights, Fort
Albany.
On the 31st of March, 1864, he again enlisted as a drummer in
the Forty-third Regiment N. Y. S. V. He joined the regiment
at Brandy Station, Va., and was assigned to Company K. While
in the service, he was in the following battles: The Wilderness,
Va., May 5 and 6, 1864, and Spottsylvania Court House; Fort
Stevens, Washington, D. C, July 12, and Winchester, September
19. Capt. Wm. L. Thomson, who had command of Company K
during that time, writes of him as a good soldier, always doing
his duty. After the above, he was in the battles of Cedar Creek,
Coal Harbor, and the battles before Petersburg and Richmond.
On the 1st day of April, 1865, he was reported missing, since
which time nothing has been heard of him.
He was a member of the Arbor Hill Methodist E. Church. He
became connected with the church and school under the Rev.
Mr. Stratton's ministry, in the fall of 1860. He experienced
religion at that time, and well do his friends remember how
anxious he was about his soul. The night he went forward to
the altar will never be forgotten by his mother. On arriving at
home, he threw his arms around his mother's neck and said:
" Ma, I have been up to the altar this evening to be prayed for;
did I do wrong? " His mother told him no; that he was young
yet, and that he would have to meet his companions, and that
they would make fun of him. " Well, ma, I will pray God to
help me through with it."
About this time a young men's prayer meeting was started on
Sunday afternoons, before preaching, which has been kept up
until the present time. He never missed a meeting.
752 BENR1 8A1 BE.
When he lefl the school to go with the regiment, a copy of
the New Testament was presented t<> him by his teacher, which
he look with him to the front, and kepi h as his companion.
The Last Letter he wrote was before Petersburg, when he ex-
pressed a desire t<> come home. He wanted to see his mother.
lie asked his mother to pray for him, and requested her to ask
the school to remember him. lie was a member of the evening
class, of which his mot her was the leader, and he gave promise
of being a very useful man in the church and to society. Though
very young, he seemed always to be governed by a strong desire
to do right in all things, and to discharge faithfully his duty in
whatever position he was placed.
The motive that prompted him to go into the army was a
desire to serve his country, and not from any mere feeling of
adventure or excitement. His loss was deeply felt by his parents,
and mourned by his many friends, to whom he had endeared
himself by his uniform kindness. He wTas kind, affectionate; and
all who knew him loved him.
CXXII.
HENRY SAYRE.
Hexry Sayre was born in Lafayette, Sussex County, New
Jersey, April 6, 1841. He was the son of Daniel and Kebecca
A. Sayre, and from childhood was an affectionate and dutiful
boy. He was regular in his attendance at church and the Sab-
bath school, and was a consistent member of the Washington
Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church in Albany. It is worthy
of remark, that probably no Christian denomination sent so many
religious men to the war, as the Methodist Church. It is stated
that thirty thousand of her members offered their lives upon the
altars of their country during our late struggle. As a body,
these heroes were inspired not only with strong Christian princi-
ples and a pure patriotism, but also with a heartfelt opposition
to slavery, that had caused the war. They believed in human
HENRY SAYRE. 753
rights, and in the freedom of all men, and they were ever found
in the front rank of the armies that were battling for God and
humanity.
Mr. Sayre, like his other Methodist brethren, was full of
piety, patriotism and zeal in the cause that he had espoused.
For eight months he served his country in the State of Louisiana.
The climate and the hardships to which he was exposed brought
on the typhoid fever, of which he died May 19, 1863. He was
a member of Co. B, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh New York
State Regiment, and was aged twenty-two years, one month,
and thirteen days.
His young and afflicted widow received the following letter,
giving an account of the closing days of his life:
Camp Bonnet Carre, La., May 21, 1863.
Mrs. Henry Sayre, 208 Jay Street, Albany, JST. Y.
Dear Madam — In sorrow I make the announcement of the
death of your dear husband, Henry Sayre, of Co. B, One Hun-
dred and Seventy-seventh Regiment New York State Volunteers.
He died near one o'clock, 19th inst., after a lingering illness with
typhoid fever. He had the best of medical care and attention.
In fact, during all my acquaintance with the sick, I never have
seen such care and attention as was given to him. Tent mates
John B. Slingerland, Samuel Jackson and John E. Bailey,
are entitled to much praise for their determination to see he had
the best of care. Night and day they watched his bedside con-
tinually, ready to administer to his every want. Their untiring
exertions and the best medical skill, however, failed to restore
him, and he has gone forever from us.
I visited him often during his illness, and felt the greatest
anxiety about his welfare. For from my first introduction to
him by his old friend Lieut. Bennet, of my command, who spoke
in kind terms of his many excellencies of character, he became
greatly endeared to me, as he did to many other officers and
members of the regiment, who with me, mourn his loss.
I asked him a short time before he died, if he had any word
to leave for his wife. He said, " write her for me, and tell her
48
754 RQBEEI A. CADWELL.
that u\\ trusl is iii God." His request that I should write you
is my apology for doing bo. Undoubtedly the tidings that your
bosom companion is no more; that be died in :i land of strangers
far away from his home and kindred, will fall with crushing
weight upon your heart, already made anxious by bis long
absence from you. Bis aged, careworn mot her. whom he so
tenderly loved, must also be stricken down by this sad bereave-
ment. But you both have the consolation of knowing that the
departed was a true patriot and an earnest Christian, and that be
died in a glorious cause and with the warm sympathies of all his
comrades.
I trust, dear madam, that you may receive this sad intelligence
with Christian fortitude, and with a confiding trust in the wisdom
of God, who " doeth all things well."
Mr. Sayhe was buried on the 20th inst. in the Brigade Ceme-
tery. He had what is termed a Christian soldier's burial.
With assurance of my warmest sympathy in your great afflic-
I am truly yours,
M. L. FILKINS,
Captain Co. G, Yllth Regt.
The remains were, in May, 1864, brought home, and now rest
in the sacred city of departed heroes, the Albany Rural Cemetery.
CXXIIL
ROBERT A. CADWELL.
Robert A. Cadwell was born in Albany, 16th of April, 1845,
and was the son of Levi and Eliza Cadwell. He was baptized
in infancy in the North Pearl Street Methodist Church, and was
early instructed in the principles and duties of the Christian
religion. At the age of five years he became a member of the
Sabbath school, and continued in it up to the time of his enlist-
ment. He was a most affectionate child, and very quick to learn
ROBERT A. CADAYELL. 755
at home and at school. He was a great reader, and retained
what he read or studied.
During a revival in the Sabbath school, in 1856, he was hope-
fully converted, and was received to the church on probation.
At the age of sixteen he removed to Brooklyn and engaged in
business. While residing there he felt it to be his duty to do
all that he could for his country, and on the 17th of March, 1862,
he enlisted as a private in the Fourteenth Brooklyn Regiment.
He was in the battle at Centerville, and in many other battles
in which he distinguished himself for his coolness and bravery.
Under date of Upton Hill, Virginia, September 3, 1862, he
writes to his fond mother : " We have had some very hard times
here. We have been fighting for the last nine days, and the
slaughter has been so great, that we have but one hundred and
fourteen men left in our regiment. Our Captain, the Colonel,
and fifteen other officers have been killed or wounded. I received
nine shots through my pantaloons and my hat, but thanks to the
Lord, none ever grazed my body. I am completely exhausted
and can write no more."
In the terrible battle of Antietam, on the 17th of September,
1862, he was shot through the heart while his regiment was
moving in line of battle towards the enemy. He fell and
instantly expired.
His body, with hundreds of others, rests upon that field which
was saturated with the precious blood of the martyrs, to the
cause of human freedom. His soul has gone to its reward, in
the heavenly world.
In a beautiful tribute to his character, his Sabbath school
teacher says, that when a member of his class, Robert was
punctual, attentive, intelligent, and could always be relied
upon. He then adds, " His vacant place in the Sabbath school
tells us he has gone: but we may meet him where there are
' no rumors of wars,' and we shall find his crown bespangled
with stars, given to him by God, for being willing to sacrifice
all things, even life itself, in defence of the principles of justice
and humanity."
In the death of this promising youth, a widowed mother
756 JOSl Mi DUNHAM.
mourns the loss of hor only child. Bui she is sustained by the
consolations and hopes of the religion of Jesus; :in<l her afflic-
tion has quickened her activity in laboring to bring the members
of bis Sabbath school class and others, to her Saviour.
CXXIV.
JOSIAH DUNHAM.
Josiah Dunham, the son of Oscar and Gertrude Dunham, was
born in Albany, March 14, 1842.
Actuated by a pure patriotism, he enlisted in Company V
Forty-fourth New York Regiment, on the 2d of September, 1861.
He was at the siege of Yorktown, and in the battle at Hanover
Court House. He was shot on the 27th of May, 1802, and died
on the 29th of May.
Before the fatal moment that he received his death wound, he
had given evidence that he was a child of God. As the hour of
his dissolution approached, he prayed fervently for his relatives
and friends at home; for his country, and then for his soul, that
God would receive it to himself. Lifting himself in his bed,
with a countenance radiant with peace and joy, he exclaimed to
his tent mates: "Now, I am ready," and soon after he slept in
Jesus.
Josiah loved to read his Bible; he loved to pray, and labored
to live the life of a true Christian. Before entering the army,
he attended the First Baptist Church in Albany, and was a mem-
ber of the Sabbath school.
The following letter, from Capt. Allen, was received by the
father of the deceased:
Gen. F. J. Porter's Division, Camp near /
New Bridge, Va., June 4, 1862. \
Mr. Oscar Dunham:
Dear Sir — I have a melancholy though sacred task to perform,
which I hardly kuow how to approach.
JOSIAH DUNHAM. 757
You have doubtless heard, ere this reaches you, of the severe
battle of Hanover C. H. on the 27th of May; that the Forty-
fourth New York was engaged and got badly cut up, and that
Company F, in particular, suffered terribly.
Your son, Josiaii, was mortally wounded, and died on the 26th.
I saw him the day after the battle, and it is in compliance with
bis request that I write to you. He was lying in a room with two
other men, mortally wounded like himself. His eyes were closed
and he was apparently unconscious; but when I took his hand
and asked him if he knew me, he said, rousing up, but with a
good deal of effort, "Oh, yes, I know you, Captain," but imme-
diately relapsed into his former state. I thought it not best to
excite him, and turned to another of our wounded men, when I
was surprised to hear him call in quite a strong voice, "Captain."
I immediately knelt beside him. "If anything should happen
that I shouldn't stand it out, I want you to write to my friends."
I promised to do anything for him in my power, and asked the
address, and if there was any particular thing which he wanted
said to you. He replies: " Tell them how I died, and give my
love to my mother and sisters, and send them this picture. I
want them to give it to the owner."
He died like a brave man, in a good cause, and his last thoughts
were with his mother and sisters, and the friend he loved.
You have my warmest sympathies in your bereavement, and
in your severe affliction. The manner and circumstances of his
death will, I hope, be a consolation to you. I send the picture,
as he requested, and as he also requested me to write to the
owner, please allow her to read this.
I am, sir, very truly yours, C. ALLEN,
Captain ±Hh N. Y. Vols.
758 .ioiin c. c\i.\ 1.1:1.1 .
cxxv.
JOHN C. CALVERLY.
John ( '. < ' ai.ykki.y Left Albany as a member of Company F,
(Albany Co.) Forty-fourth Regiment \. V. S. V., when thai 1 <••_■!-
incut lcfi this city for the war. He was then eighteen years
old. He was, with his company, always on duty from that time,
until he was taken sick three weeks before his death. His whole
heart was with the cause for which he had given his life. In
several instance- during his short term with his company, he was
compelled to fall behind from fatigue during the march, but
always doing so unwillingly, and always at his post again before
a halt. He was on picket all night before he was taken with
the sickness which resulted in his death. Fever was brought
on by his over-exertion, and the unhealthy atmosphere of the
Peninsula.
He died on the 6th day of May, 1862, on board the steamer
" Ocean Queen," then used as a military hospital. His body was
embalmed and sent to Baltimore, in charge of Corporal D. W.
Chandler, who there delivered it to a brother of the deceased
soldier. The remains were taken to Albany, and on the 14th
day of May were buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery. The
cause of his death is sufficient proof of his fidelity as a soldier;
and the company of w7hich he was a member, at the time of his
death, in a series of resolutions, expressed their sincere regard
for him as a citizen and comrade, and their appreciation of his
many good qualities.
FERGUS MADDEN. 759
CXXVI.
FERGUS MADDEN.
Of this brave soldier the "Albany Times" thus speaks in con-
nection with his comrade, Mr. Scahall:
Of Fergus Madden we need not speak in terms of praise, his
deeds are his best eulogy. Like Scahall, where he was most
intimately known he was best loved and respected as a generous
and true hearted friend, manly and straightforward in all his
associations, of an irreproachable character and unsullied name.
He was a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-second New
York Volunteers, having enlisted in August, 1862. Possessed
with a laudable ambition of gaining a position in the profession
of arms, while in daily expectation of receiving a slight acknowl-
edgment of his services in the field, he was captured on the 6th
of May last, during the battle of the Wilderness.
As a prisoner of war he conducted himself, as he always did
when conscious of having done his duty, with " complacency and
truth and manly sweetness."
But a few months since, these young men were in the midst
of an extended circle of friends and relatives, in the enjoyment
of perfect health and all the comforts of a home, surrounded, as
they were, by everything that tends to make home happy. But,
true and patriotic, they fully appreciated the magnitude of the
contest, and knew that strong arms and loyal hearts could alone
avert the fearful calamities that threatened their country. With
these were they liberally endowed, and these they have dedicated
to their country's service. Neither died as soldiers wish to die,
on the field of battle, amid the shouts of contending; armies.
They pined within the dreary walls of a southern prison, far
from friends and home, the victims of a disease that slowly but
surely preludes death. Not even were they allowed to die
beneath the starry folds of the old flag they had borne victoriously
through many a fight. It was, however, some mitigation of the
horrors of death in their miserable abode, that two such friends
as they were from boyhood up, should cheer each other in their
760 GEOEGB W. 8CHERMERHORN.
efforts tn keep alive the spark of hope, ;hi<1 lighten fli<' evils of
the disease under which they lay prostrate. Both < 1 i < ■< I In the
morning <>f life, ere the flowers of early manhood had \<t
bloomed and brightened, to promise ;i future of honor and suc-
cess. Albany may well feel proud <>l t le patriotic and heroic
band of martyrs, who have yielded up their lives in the cause of
liberty and union.
CXIVIL
GEORGE W. SCHERMERHORN,
OF RENSSELAERVILLE.
George W. Schermerhoen was born in Durham, Greene
county, New York, March 25, 1838. The names of his parents
are Daniel and Lucinda Scheemerhoen.
The only information that I have been able to obtain concern-
ing him, is furnished in the following letter from his faithful
Chaplain, the Rev. L. H. Pease, addressed to Mr. Allen Peck:
Mr. Allen Peck :
Dear Sir — Before this reaches you, you will probably have
learned from other sources that you have been called to lay a
costly offering on the altar of your country, one which will cause
you deep sadness of spirit.
That select and esteemed regiment, the Forty-fourth, which
left Albany a few weeks since with so much eclat, and so many
hurrahs, has met a sterner and more relentless enemy than the
rebels, even the king who wields his iron scepter everywhere,
the king of terrors. And your son (Mr. Schermerhorn), has
been called as one of the first fruits of the offering of the Ells-
worth regiment on the altar of liberty.
Soon after we left Albany, the measles broke out, and this,
together with the great change in the manner of life at this
season of the year, and the great exposures to Avhich the men
have been subjected while getting used to camp life, have caused
us to be visited with more than usual sickness.
GEORGE W. SCHERMERHORN. 761
But not till this week have any died. This week five have
died, four in our midst, and one in Calorama hospital, on the
other side of the Potomac. The first, a son of Edward Gard-
NER, of West Burlington, Otsego county, died on Monday eve-
ning last, or rather Tuesday morning about one o'clock. The
second, a son of Colonel E. Belcher, of Newark Valley, Tioga
county, (I think) died about nine and a half on Wednesday eve-
ning, and on Thursday at about the same hour or a little later,
your son George was called to bid adieu to earth.
About the same hour John Hines, of Evans' Center, Erie
county, was called away, and also a man by the name of Wilson
on the other side of the river. A sad week, long to be remem-
bered.
Whether your son has fought a good fight or not, the battle is
over. He has finished his course and has been early called to fill
a soldier's honored grave. But, though he died far from kindred
and home, think not that he died unattended and friendless.
We are all brothers in this regiment. I conversed and prayed
with him a great many times during his sickness, and did every-
thing in my power to lead him to Christ. A hospital in the
camp is one of the worst places in the world, in which to pre-
pare to die in. But, though no mother or sisters attended him
in his last hours, the blessed Saviour was just as near as he
could have been, if our young friend had been at home sur-
rounded by friends; and the road to heaven is as short and
straight from here, as there, and God will take care of his dust
wherever it may lie.
His disease, in its later stages, was typhoid fever. He partially
recovered, and came over from the hospital to the camp a little
too soon, which was followed by a relapse. I cannot detail in
this place, the particulars of the different conversations which I
held with him. I repeatedly urged him to cast himself entirely
upon Christ, and endeavored to explain to him how to do it; and
more than once he affirmed that he did so. Whether he really
did give himself away, God only knows.
The last conversation that I had with him was on the day that
he died. I asked him, among other things, if he could put his
762 I i ' >EOB W. BCHERMERHi >i:\.
trust entirely in Christ. "Yes, sir," be replied, "with perfect
confidence." [prayed with him, and urged him to pray, and left
him to Bee him here do more.
We must leave him in the hands of God; bul let hia surviving
relatives beware bow they put off repentance t<> that worst ofall
times i" prepare to die, the death bed. And let them remember,
" Hearts like muffled drama are beating
Funeral marches to the grave."
I was in favor of having his remains senl home; so also were
many of his company. You can have them sent home now if you
desire it, by making the accessary arrangements. It is true, do
matter where our dust lies, < ■ < » « I will take care of it wherever it
may be; yet we have a preference. Many a soldier sleeps on
this "sacred soil;" a soil too sacred now for the tread of slaves.
And of sonic of these soldiers it may truly be said:
•• Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note,
As bis corse to the cold grave was hurried,
Not a soldier discharged his farewell shot
O'er the grave where the hero lies buried."
But those uncoffined and unmonumental graves shall only make
this whole land more dear in our sight, and nerve and gird our
spirits for its defence and deliverance.
1 trust you will never regret having sent your son forth. He
could not have died in a more glorious cause, or till a more
honored grave. Rather be prepared to send another, if need be,
to till his place. And may He who is a very present help in
every time of trouble, be better to you than sons or daughters.
So may you profit by this affliction that you will have occasion
to thank God through eternity, that it was sent. Accept, I pray
you, the sympathies and kind regards of a stranger hut a friend.
Yours, truly,
L. II. PEASE,
Chaplain VUh N. Y. S. V.
Ball's IIii.l. V v.. Nov. 24, 1861.
WILLIAM SNELL. 763
CIXVI1I.
WILLIAM SNELL.
What we have been able to learn of this patriot is communi-
cated in the following letter from one of his parents:
"William Snell, son of James and Eliza Snell, was born in
Albany, November 24, 1838. At the commencement of the
rebellion, he felt it to be his duty to offer his services in defence
of his country. Being a member of the Tenth Regiment, he
voted, with the company, to offer their services to the Governor,
and they were accepted. They were sent to New Orleans, and
there he served as Quartermaster's clerk. After the battle of
Port Hudson, they started for home, having been absent ten
months. He arrived in Albany on the 1st of September.
" The regiment lost most of their men, and those who sur-
vived were in a sick or dying condition. He remained home
about three months, until he recovered from the fever, of which
he had a severe attack. Very soon there was another call for
three hundred thousand men to join the army. Our dear son
returned to the war, giving as his reason for doing so that it was
the duty of unmarried men to be foremost in the defence of their
country.
" He went to Brooklyn and joined the Seventh Heavy Artillery,
Company H, which was sent to Fort Reno, D. C. Being a ready
writer, he was detailed for bookkeeper for the Colonel. While
at Fort Reno his leisure moments were spent in teaching his
comrades mathematics and war tactics.
"On the 2d of June, they received orders to go down to the
front, to a place called Coal Harbor, near Petersburg. I need
not inform you that the fight was terrific, and there fell several
hundred of our men. Many were wounded, and those who
remained, were captured.
"William Snell was among the captured. Three days after
the battle of Coal Harbor, which was on the 3d of June, he was
missing. Nothing; further was heard of him until we were
informed by the Second Auditor of the settlement of his affairs,
r64 i ran m» asi b.
and we ascertained he had died on the lot h day of October, 1864,
in a ivlirl prison. When he died, his age was twenty-five years,
tin months and fifteen daj s.
"He corresponded with each of the family in turn until the
31st <>t' May. His letters were very affectionate. He had a
pleasing way with him, which gained friends wherever he went.
He was a member of the Methodisl Episcopal Church, to which
his parents and sisters belong. While he was absent, he used to
say in his Letters thai he was striving to attend to his religious
duties.
■ He was very strongly attached to the Sabbatb school, and as
a teacher, he was much beloved and respected. He was benevo-
lent to the poor, and was naturally kind and sympathetic to those
who were in trouble, and to the sick. We hope to meet him
among the angels, where all tears shall be wiped from our eye-.
and where parting shall be no more."
CXXIX.
EDMUND HOLMES.
Edmund Holmes was born in Claverack, Columbia county, in
the year L835. He was the son of JOSEPH and CATHARINE HOLMES.
From his childhood, he was noted for his truthfulness and his
obedience to his parents.
At the time the war broke out, he was a shoemaker by trade,
and had a wife and several children. His strong love of country
led him to enlist July 17, 1862, in the One Hundred and Thir-
teenth Etegimenl \. Y. V.
His regiment was stationed at Fort Reno, D. G, for nearly two
year>. In May, 1864, it received marching orders, and all
through the battles of the Wilderness that regiment was ever
distinguished for its bravery. On the Jtith of June, many of the
regimenl were taken prisoners by the enemy, and among the
number was Edmund Holmes. He was taken to Anderspnville,
(ia.. where he remained until removed by death, August 21,
MINOT H. PEASE. 765
1864. His sufferings were very great, yet he never regretted
enlisting for his country. A short time before he died, he spoke
to a friend, who was with him, of his extreme exhaustion, and
turning over upon his side he expired. He was buried where he
died, and where many of our bravest and best are sleeping.
Mr. Holmes was a good citizen, a true patriot, a brave soldier,
and a kind husband and father. As his children grow up, they
will have the consciousness that their father gave his life for his
country; that even amid the horrors of a most foul and cruel
imprisonment, he did not regret the sacrifices that he was making
for liberty and the American Republic.
CXIX.
MINOT HENRY PEASE.
Minot Henry Pease was born in Albany, August 19, 1843,
and died September 23, 1862, aged nineteen years.
One month after he reached his eighteenth year, he obtained
the consent of his father to enlist, which he did at Fort Snelling
on the 23d of September, 1861, in Company D, Second Regiment
Minnesota Volunteers. He was in the battle of Mill Springs,
and was one of those who met the enemy face to face, and fought
hand to hand over the fence. Lieut. Tuttle writes to his father:
"Your son went into the battle at my side, and fought like a
man. He has gained a name with the Second Regiment."
He was also in the intrenchments at Fort Donelson, and
brought home some trophies, after presenting his officers with a
handsome secesh portfolio.
He was taken with typhoid fever at Louisville, from which he
partially recovered, and, being anxious to keep up with his regi-
ment, joined in the march of Gen. Buel from Nashville to Pitts-
burg Landing, and was on that bloody field just after the fight.
The fatigues and exposures of this forced march were too much,
and he was reduced by chronic dysentery, and forwarded by
Lieut. Moultox to the Pacific hospital, St. Louis, with the first
766 .ioiin \ w Bl i:i;k.\.
load ft" wounded from that sanguinary field. On the 30th of
April last lif obtained a furlough, and came home i<> die among
his kindred. He received his discharge for disability on the L6th
of duly. Since then he has suffered extremely, and at last his
disease ran into insanity, from which he only partially recovered,
and which terminated his life.
CXXXI.
JOHN VAN BUEREN.
John Van Bueeen was born on the 19th day of November,
1833, in the city of Dordrecht, Holland. He was the son of
Daniel Van Bueeen and Martina P. Anker, who emigrated to
America with him in the year 1848. Having a desire for a sea-
faring life, he left home at the age of twenty years, and visited
Holland, the East Indies and other countries. He returned home
after an absence of three years. During his absence, his letters
were always marked by a great affection for his relatives at
home. After his return and before his enlistment, he regularly
attended the Holland Dutch Reformed Church of Albany, and
was a member of the Bible class. Had he not been called from
home by the war, he would undoubtedly have become a member
of the church.
The Rev. Mr. Huboldt, then pastor of the church, had great
confidence in John, and deeply felt his loss from the city. At
the breaking out of the war, John exhibited an ardent patriot-
ism, and when advised not to go into the army, he replied that
his heart was with his adopted country, and he was willing to
offer up his life, if necessary, to sustain it. When advised by
his mother not to go, he answered: "Mother, you will be
proud of me when I return home." He enlisted on the 18th of
May. 1861, in Capt. Gbidley's Company A, Eighteenth New
York Volunteer Infantry. He participated in all the battles
that his regiment was engaged in under Gen. G. B. McClellan,
SAMUEL W. KELLY. 767
and was universally beloved and respected in his company as a
sincere friend and brave soldier.
On the 14th clay of September, 1862, at the battle of South
Mountain, Maryland, while making a charge with his regiment,
he was shot through the head, and almost instantly killed. He
did not speak after receiving his wound. He was buried by his
comrades on the farm of Mr. Jacob Goodman, near the village
of Burketville, Md.
At the time of John's death, his father and brother had just
returned from a three months' service in the Twenty-liflth N. Y.
Militia.
Immediately upon hearing of his death, his father proceeded
to the battle ground, but was unable to find the grave. It was,
however, afterwards found by his brother, who was then a mem-
ber of the Forty-third New York Volunteers. The head-board
contained the following inscription, roughly carved by some
friendly hand:
" John Van Bueren, Co. A. 18th N. Y. Vols.
" Killed September 14th, 1862.
"A Brave Soldier."
CXXXII.
SAMUEL W. KELLY
Samuel W. Kelly was born at Albany, April 8th, 1842, and
was the son of George W. and Julia A. Kelly. His father
died when he was an infant. When a child he was bright
and intelligent, with good moral habits. He was baptized
in the Methodist church, the Sabbath School of which he
attended. From his childhood up, he always respected religion.
At the breaking out of the rebellion, he was moved from
patriotic motives to enlist in defence of his country. He joined
the Thirty-fourth New York State Volunteers, and served with
the regiment nine months, when he was discharged on account
of sickness.
768 - IM\ il. W. M LL1 .
Alter returning borne, be enlisted May 31st, L862, in( lompany
\ \. V. s. V. ( i. .M.. and Berved out bis time of enlistment.
Winn on bis way borne, he was shipwrecked, and suffered greatly
for want of clol bing. The ladies of Philadelphia kindly furnished
him with the articles be needed. Notwithstanding all the suffer-
ings and hardships which be bad previously passed through, he
again enlisted against the enl real iea and persuasions of his friends.
He felt it to be his duty to help to put down the rebellion.
When asked by his friends, if he was not afraid of being shot,
he replied that he was willing to lay down his life for bis
country.
Jn November he enlisted in the (Tenth N. Y. M.) One Hundred
and Seventy-Seventh N. Y. S. V., Company A. He served with
the Regiment throughthe Louisiana campaign of General Hanks,
and was at the siege of Port Hudson when it surrendered to the
union tones. He was one of the first to carry provisions to the
starving rebels.
Before his departure for home he was taken sick with a fever,
and Buffered greatly until he arrived at Rochester, where he was
kindly eared for. He was taken to St. Mary's hospital, where
he was met by his mother. He never for once murmured, or
regretted having enlisted. He requested the prayers of his
mother and friends at home, and appeared satisfied when told
that his mother had always prayed for him. He died September,
L863, believing and trusting in the Saviour. His body Mas
brought to Albany, and buried in the Rural Cemetery.
The following notice of himappearedin the Albany " Knicker-
bocker."
Death of a True Hero — Another Victim of Disease. — It
becomes our painful duty, this morning, to chronicle the death
of another member of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh
(Tenth) Regiment — another victim of disease — Samuel Kelly,
of Company A. having departed this life on Wednesday after-
noon. He died in the hospital at Rochester, and it is consoling
to know a kind and affectionate mother and doting brother
attended him in his last moments. Young Kelly at first enlisted
in the Thirty fourth Regiment, and went off as a private in the
SAMUEL W. KELLY. 769
first rank. He served faithfully for some eight months, when he
was stricken down by disease, and, it being thought that he could
not recover, he received an honorable discharge on account of
disability. He came home, and with kind nursing and good care
was soon able to leave his bed, and, shortly afterwards, recovered
entirely from his sickness. His love of country would not per-
mit him to remain at home, so that when the Twenty-fifth Regi-
ment left for the seat of war the second time, prominent among
its gallant boys was the subject of this sketch. He passed
through the Virginia campaign, and returned with the regiment
when its time had expired. Again, when the One Hundred and
Seventy-seventh Regiment started on its long and perilous jour-
ney through the " sunny south," young Kelly could not be pre-
vented from accompanying it, and for the third and last time he
bade farewell to friends and home, intent in his patriotic motives,
if need be. to offer up his young life as a sacrifice in behalf of
the rights of his native land.
We sincerely condole with the afflicted mother in her distress
at the loss of her brave boy. His was a noble death, and though
in his patriotism he dared its terrors on many battle fields, a
gracious Providence willed it otherwise. He was spared the
agony of death on rebel soil. His last moments on this earth
were passed amid the kind attentions of a loving mother, whose
presence rendered his dying moments easy. The kind words of
a fond mother, were to him in his dying hours a consolation
which made death's terrors less painful to the gallant youth;
and those hands which first caressed him when a babe, now
smoothed the pillow of the dying boy, and closed his eyes in
death.
49
■ 7c JOSEPH GLADDING.
cxxim,
JOSEPH GLADDING.
Joseph Gladding was the son of Timothy C. and Sarah Aw
Gladding. Timothy Gladddxg, his father, was boru December
26th, L810, ;m<l became an eminently christian man. esteemed
and beloved by many friends. He was converted March 1. 1835,
and united with the Methodist Church, of which he was an active
member. He was appointed class leader February 7th, 1837.
From the time of his conversion until liis death, lie was ever
ready and willing to labor for Christ. Shortly before his death
he said: " For him to live is Christ; but to die, is gain." lie
departed this life December 14th, 1850, with bright hopes of
immortal happiness.
His only son, Joseph, was born in Albany, February 19, 1845.
He enlisted, December 26th, 1863, in the Eighteenth New York
( avalry, and left Albany for Elmira December 28th, arriving
there on the morning of the 30th. They remained in the bar-
racks at that place until February, when they were sent to Wash-
ington. They went into camp therefor five days, and left Wash-
ington for New Orleans, February 20th, and went into barracks
there, where they remained. As the company to which he
belonged Avere not supplied with horses, they were not sent
with the Red River expedition, but went to Brashear City, on
guard duty. They were there nearly a month. Not long after
he was taken sick with chills and fever and diarrhoea, and was in
the camp hospital about two weeks, when he was removed to the
Marine hospital at New Orleans.
On the 26th of September he received a furlough for forty
t\:iys. and came home, hoping to recover his health. But when
his furlough expired his health was no better, yet he was anxious
to return to his regiment, but was unable to do so until March;
and, although very feeble then, he felt that he must go. He left
Albany for New York March 10th; remained there until the
16th, when he went to New Orleans, arriving there after a tedious
passage of sixteen days. He reported at the Marine hospital,
JOHN G. PERKINS. 771
and the doctor, after examining him, said he must go right back
to New York by a hospital boat that was to start that day. He
had a quick passage, arriving at the McDougal hospital, April
8th. Thence he was conveyed to the Albany hospital, where
he arrived Saturday, April 15th. He was then very sick, and
much fatigued by his journey. Everything, however, was done
for him that could be done, but he failed fast; and on Tuesday,
April 18th, 1865, he died, aged twenty years. He was not con-
nected with any church, but he felt the need of a Saviour, and
requested his friends to pray for him, and he prayed for himself,
and we hope his prayers were answered.
Joseph was a kind and afFectionate son and brother, and his
loss is deeply felt by his relatives and friends.
CXXXIV.
JOHN G. PERKINS.
John G. Perkins, son of John H. and Elizabeth A. Perkins,
was born in Albany November 15th, 1846. He was an only son,
and during his boyhood he attended the Experimental school.
While in Albany, the family attended the Congregational church,
and he was a member of the Sabbath school. In 1857 his
parents removed to Hoboken, New Jersey, where he joined the
Dutch Reformed Sabbath school; his father being a member of
the Dutch church.
At the commencement of the war, his father, like many others,
lost all his property in the Southern trade. He then went to
Washington on business, where he was taken sick and died; leav-
ing a wife and two children (a son and daughter) to mourn his
loss.
After his father's death, John had a situation offered to him
in a dry goods store in Columbus, Ohio, where he had an uncle
residing. His uncle being a member of the Methodist church,
he joined the Bible Class connected with that church. He had
not been there very long when his Sabbath school teacher com-
. < Z .J»»ll\ <;. PERKINS.
mended raising :i company for the war. He being anxious to
fight for his country, joined his teacher's company in August
1862; being then only sixteen years of age. Being unaccustomed
to any hardships, he was taken sick while <>n board the boat thai
was conveying his regiment, the One Hundred and Thirteenth
Ohio Volunteers, from Louisville, Kentucky, to Nashville, Ten-
nessee. He grew worse, and when they arrived at Nashville il
was necessary t«» take him to the General hospital. No. '■'>. where
after two weeks' sickness he < li» ■ * 1 of typhoid pneumonia, at the
age of seventeen.
Word was sent to his mother of his sickness: but before she
could eel to him she received tidings of his death. She then
went to several of the leading men of this city, to ascertain if
she could have his remains sent home; but they gave her no
encouragement whatever, as no bodies were brought North at
that time. Through the kindness, however, of Dr. Ewing, the
body was embalmed and placed in a metallic coffin, and sub-
sequently sent home. The mother received many letters from
the doctor and the nurse regarding her son. In one from the
doctor, he says: "Your son fully realized the awful change that
was so soon to take place; but the nurses all assured me that he
was resigned and happy, and appeared to feel that beyond the
grave, he would be free from the strife and turmoil that had sur-
rounded him for the last few months. He spoke often of his
mother and his little sister Gkace, and wanted to see them very
much; but that pleasure was denied him. 1 believe he was truly
worthy of a mother's love."
In one of the letters she received from his Captain, he says:
"I truly sympathize with you in your loss, and I would like to
have been with your son in his last moments. I have been told
that he seemed anxious to see me to tell me something; perhaps
a message to his mother or his little sister; or perhaps he wanted
me to petition the throne of grace for him. I would willingly
have done all I could to relieve his sufferings; but he is gone.
What is our loss may be his gain. 'God doeth all things well;'
let us trust in Him."
His mother received many letters from her son while he was
AARON P. SPRINGER. 773
in the army. In one lie says: " I have bought a nice Bible, and
shall read it every day. If I get killed, or die on the battle
field, don't mourn for me; but remember I die defending my
country, and I hope we shall all meet in Heaven."
In another letter written just one month before he died, he
speaks of his camp life and reading his Bible. He then sent his
mother a lock of his hair.
John entered the army from a pure love of liberty. He
abhorred the system of slavery, and took every opportunity to
show his kindness to the unfortunate colored race.
On one occasion, having found an aged colored man who had
no home and was without food, he took his own dinner to him,
and supplied his wants until he was provided with a home.
While in the army, John was greatly beloved by his officers
and comrades. He was also an affectionate and dutiful son, and
his early death has filled the heart of his widowed mother with
the deepest sorrow.
cxxxv.
AARON P. SPRINGER.
Aaron P. Springer joined the Eighty-first Regiment of New
York Volunteers in September, 1861. He had, a few weeks pre-
vious to his joining this regiment, in company with Capt. John
Cook, of this city, formerly of the Ninety-first Regiment N. Y.
V., endeavored to raise an independent company for the war;
but through the urgent request of his friends, he was persuaded
to go to Fort Ontario, Oswego, where the Eighty -first Regiment
was being organized. But having been disappointed in obtain-
ing there a commission, which he had every reason to expect, he,
inspired with a pure patriotism, had his name enrolled as a pri-
vate in Company F, and started with the regiment for the seat
of war.
Being fifty-four years of age, the arduous duties and long
marches soon began to wear on his frame, and after passing safely
through the great battles of the summer of 1862, under Gen.
. (I GERRIT II. VAN DENB1 RG.
MoClellan, Immediately after tli.it memorable battle of Fail
Oaks, he was worn out, and came to the hospital :it Washington.
In a t'<\\ days he received leave of absence to \ i>it his home. lie
arrived home, where he was warmly welcomed by his family, for
he was an indulgent father and kind husband. He was greatly
exhausted, and received every attention that the love of his family
could render; bul in a few days he passed from time toeternity.
His two sons. Adrian and Charles, soon after joined the army
of freedom, both of whom were severely wounded — Adrian at
Coal Harbor, and Charles at Petersburg, Ya. Surely, none
could have done more for their country, than this noble and
patriotic family.
As to the character of Aaron P. Springer, it was spotless.
He was a noble citizen, and those with whom he associated, well
remember the genial smile with which he always greeted them.
It was often said of him that he never had an enemy.
His remains lie in the beautiful church yard at Schenectady,
where the turf grows over a good citizen, an affectionate father,
a brave soldier and a pure patriot.
CXXIVI.
GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG,
OF GUILDERLAND.
Gerrit II. Van Denburg, son of Teunis and Maria Van Den-
bur*;, was born in the town of New Scotland, Albany county,
June 21, 1837. From a child he was thoughtful and mature and,
when quite young, he was looked to for advice and counsel, by
his brother and sisters. As a son he was very obedient, dutiful
and affectionate. Study was a rare enjojmient for him, though
he longed to store his mind with knowledge. Being the oldest
living son, he was kept much from school to labor on the farm.
His taste for reading was very great, and his favorite books, when
young, were the histories of nations and the biographies of dis-
tinguished men.
GERRIT H. VAX DENBURG. 775
He was converted in the month of August, 1857. Soon after
this important event, he wrote thus to his mother:
" Dear Mother — I shall now reveal to you the great joy of my
heart. For more than a week I have been praying, in secret,
that my sins might be forgiven. Last Friday night, the Lord
gave the blest assurance that they were, and I have been happy
ever since. I am now determined to give up this world and
prepare for that which is to come. I am impressed with the
thought that I am called to preach the gospel. Pray for me, my
dear mother, that I may be faithful unto death."
Gerrit immediately united with the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and was, ever afterward, an active useful Christian. He
was not satisfied to enjoy God's love alone, but besought many
of his associates to turn to Christ and live. Feeling it to be his
duty to preach the gospel, he consulted with several eminent
ministers, who gave him encouragement; and he commenced
teaching in the spring of 1858, as a means of gaining funds to
educate himself. He taught one year, during which time he was
the means of bringing several of his scholars and friends to
Christ, He then attended school at the New York Conference
Seminary until his funds were exhausted, when he again resorted
to teaching. In this way he taught and attended school alter-
nately, until the month of August, 1862, when he enlisted in the
Eleventh New York Battery, known as the Havelock Battery.
He had thought of enlisting from the very first, but was prevented
by the feeling that he ought to pursue his studies for the ministry.
In writing to his brother, who thought of enlisting, he said: "I
say Amen; only feel yourself prepared to die, and able and
willing to endure hardships. Do not go unless your heart is in
the cause, and you feel it to be your duty. Had I not felt that
my duty was in a difierent direction, I should have been in the
field ere to-day."
When urged to stay at home, by those who thought he ought
to pursue his studies for the ministry, he said: I can better go
than some man with a family. I have no appointment for preach-
ing yet, and perhaps I can do more good in the army than any-
7 7 » » QEBRFT II. nan DENBUBG.
where else. I have made itasubjecl of prayer, and if God Leads
me thai way I'll go."
He entered the field August the L4th, L862, a short time before
the battle at Manassas; in which he «li<l bia part as a true soldier.
He was also in the battles of Gettysburg and Spottsylvania, and
the erreal fighl at Fredericksburg.
After the battle of Manassas he writes: •• I fell quite com-
posed during the fight; though the balls Hew close to my head
many times. I fell God was with me even then. Our boys are
brave and true, hnt boast not. I could give some different news
than what you saw in the papers. When you see the word
victory, he not sure; but hope and pray that it is true. Tell
mother not to weep for me; hut rejoice that if I live or die, my
character is blameless, and my affections set fervently to love
(iod and man."
Soon after he writes; '-Some of the battery desire me to
preach. I am living and talking Christianity among them, and
they need it much; 1 never was more stimulated to live a faithful
Christian; and God gives me grace according to my day."
Toward the latter part of September, he was taken ill with
bilious fever, and was conveyed to Fairfax Seminary hospital,
where he remained until that building was vacated for the
wounded of BuRNSIDE's army. He was then sent to Fort Schuy-
ler, and remained until April 20th, 1863. Being scarcely able
to again do a soldier's duty, yet very anxious to be active, he
persuaded his physician to allow him to return to Virginia. He
was very patient while in the hospital, although he suffered very
much, as his diary abundantly shows.
While there he wrote thus to his younger brothers:
" Dear Brothers — You cannot tell how I feel, when I write you
this letter. Every word of advice that I give you, I think may
be the last. You may die, or I may die. Philip was our
brother, and we loved him; yet he died. You think he went to
Heaven, don't you? He was good, and tried to do right; are you
both trying to do the same? Do you want to go where he is
when you die? I think you do. But you can not go there, un-
less you are good and love God. I was young once, and thought-
GEERIT H. VAN DENBURG. 777
less. I thought I knew as much as father and mother. But I
have learned better since. Mother is the dearest friend you
have on earth. She has watched and prayed over you many loug
weary nights. Do you try to please her? She will leave us by
and by. God will call her home to Heaven. Then, if you pro-
voke her now, you will be sorry all your life. O, brothers, I
can't keep back the tears as I write these words to you. Beware
of bad boys, whose influence is so destructive. How many
nights have I prayed to God that you might be kept from the
wrongs of other boys. I hope the day may come when I shall
be with you at home again. But if I should never come home
again, try to meet me in Heaven."
He left the hospital voluntarily, and says, after entering the
army again:
"I feel quite content, having volunteered a second time to
come to old Virginia. I pray that my health may remain good,
for I fear sickness more than the fight. I trust Heaven will still
be my protection, for thus far I have been wonderfully pre-
served. I have become strengthened by stemming the tide of
wickedness."
Soon after his return to the field, he, with the battery, engaged
in a battle near Fredericksburg, after which he writes:
" We have been in the fight, and lost a few men. It is bard
to see our brothers fall around us. We were in the front line
twenty-four hours, and all did their duty nobly. The fight con-
tinued one week. Our whole army did nobly. But, oh! what
a contest!"
Mr. Van Denburg held prayer meetings most of the time
while in the field, in which he seemed deeply interested. He
had several converts, of which he speaks in his diary. At one
time he says: "Had a happy meeting last night. All the con-
verts prayed. We have fourteen in all now." Afterwards he
speaks of A., or H., or B.'s conversion; so we feel assured that
the fourteen were not all that he was the instrument of brinsfinar
to Christ. In speaking of the meetings, his expressions were
like these: "Blessed meeting last night! The Lord filled all
our hearts. Was greatly rejoiced to hear the converts speak."
7 i 8 GBBKIT II. \ "AN DENB1 BG.
" li is surprising how our meetings prosper. We have a new
convert almost every night. Praise God for his goodness. He
i> in the army as well as at home." "Heard a discouraging word
about a couple of converts. I feel as though I was a pastor over
them, :in«l yet li<»w unworthy I am." Again he says: "Glorious
meeting! Another convert! Glory be t<> God for such ;i
meeting ! "
IK> seemed very much to regret Sabbath labor, and any dis-
turbance in tlic army <»n the Lord's day, and speaks of it frequently
in his diary, as well as in letters to friends.
He always wrote home immediately after a battle, if nothing
more than to say, "I am safe." After the battle at Gettysburg,
lir says:
"We have been in the fight, and were in the front line forty-
eight hours. When we Mere called, up, the line was vacant
where we went in, it having been temporarily broken by the
horrid tire of the enemy. But in the mean time they were more
severely injured than we were, for the field is strewed with their
dead, and our hospitals are filled with their wounded. I had
several close calls, and one shell came for me, but seeing it, I
jumped aside, and it fell exactly where I had stood. Our men
and officers fought nobly; wc lost a noble man in Sickles, and
another in Reynolds. I was quite composed on the field, and
endured all well. I rejoice to say I can look up to God, even in
the hottest of the fight."
Again he writes:
"Dear Friends at Home — lam again talking with you, although
at long range. And I must first tell you some good news. The
good Lord has blessed us greatly in our prayer meetings, and
some have been converted. I believe they have often started
meetings in the battery before, but always failed. But now,
praise the Lord, I believe they are established. I feel unworthy
to take charge of the meetings, but they unanimously voted me
in again the other night. I pray God to help me, for I want to
do his will. There is one thing binds me very much to our win-
ter camp, and that is the frequent sacred communings with our
Heavenlv Father. How dear it must also be to those who date
GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG. 779
tlieir conversion here. Thank Heaven, the Havelock Battery is
somewhat redeemed. Take courage and pray for us. Oh, if
you could attend a soldier's prayer meeting! We hold them
twice a week, and we are really blessed and happy in them."
Our hero was as remarkable for his industry as his piety. One
of his comrades remarked, that he never knew a person who
used his moments up so closely. He seemed to consider every
hour and every moment, as lent him from the Lord. He was
very fond of writing, and composed with great facility. We
regret that our limits will not allow us to give some extracts
from his poems and prose writings. For some weeks previous
to his death, he seemed to be impressed with the idea that he
would not live through the campaign, and expressed the same to
friends who were with him, and also in his letters to friends at
home.
The following are the two last letters that he ever wrote:
Near Coal Harbor, June 4, 1864.
Dear Friends at Home — In haste, I write a few words, just to
let you know that all is well with me and the rest of our battery.
We are now in line of battle, and have just fired several rounds.
Two rebel shells came very near our piece. But we are a pray-
ing band, (many of us) and we have such a trust in God, as
removes all fear. We have been on the Peninsula for some time,
and things move on steadily. But Richmond will not be taken
without a struggle. I hope none of you will give yourselves
any apprehensions about me, for all will be well any way. This
has been a very active campaign so far, and the soldiers have
been called to endure a great deal. But, as long as we make
progress, all say, so be it. But I must close. With hopes for
you all, and myself, in the same Saviour,
I am, as ever, yours, G. H. V.
The last letter was dated June 9th, in which he says: "I am
hearty and well. We lie strongly entrenched within six hundred
yards of the rebel batteries. We seem to be enough for them
on artillery. I was hit, yesterday, by a spherical case shot from
the rebel battery. But it only hurt for a moment. I take this
780 QEEB1T 11. nan DENBUBG.
as a warning to be ready. All goes well so far. Two non-com-
missioned ('Hirers, on my piece. have hem w i nillded. and we li;i\ e
lost a few horses. I am now standing at my post, Tearless: and
if I fall, il will he as a soldier: SO do no! he alarmed about me.
Ii' need hi«, I am ready for the worst.
With much Love to all. VAN.
The last entries made in his diary were as follows:
'•June 11/// Pleasant morning; all quiet; heart goes out in
praise to God. Had good sleep and feel refreshed. Rumored
capture of Fort Darling. P. 31 — Been very quiet all day, only
some sharpshooting. We tired two rounds. The enemy's sunken
mortar fired to-night. We got range of it and shut it up. W.
Koijektson was hit with a hullet slightly.
'•rJune 12th — Pleasant morning. I feel like meditating. After
we were through firing last night, W. It. and I had a pleasant
talk on religious experience. We are ordered to be ready at
noon to move with muffled carriage wheels."
Our hero obeyed the order to move, and at three o'clock oil
that beautiful Sabbath afternoon, his pure and bright spirit
moved from earth to heaven. While performing his duty, a
Minnie ball from a sharpshooter passed through his head and
killed him instantly.
Brave, noble, patriotic, Christian soldier, rest from thy toils!
Thy work on earth is done! A grateful people will forever
cherish thy memory and applaud thy virtues.
On examining Mr. Van Denburg's diary, after his death, there
was found a piece of paper, attached to a leaf, with these words
written upon it: " To be kept concealed until my death. — G. II.
V." Within were found the following messages addressed to
hi- relatives and friends:
" To Father. — I may at some time have wronged you; if I
have, I ask your forgiveness. I am younger than you, yet may
I not give advice ? Your days will soon be numbered. Will
you not turn your thoughts heavenward, and spend much time in
prayer? * * * *
" To Mother. — Your kindness has had great influence over me.
GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG. 781
Would that I could comfort your declining years. One favor I
ask: Weep not for me; you know it was my desire to go home.
You are my nearest friend. Put your trust in God. * * * *
" To Libby. — Your kindness I shall never forget, even in
Heaven. Oh ! that I could repay you. Lift up your head, and
press on till you meet me.
" To John (a brother-in-law). — You have been a brother to me,
always true. I pray to God that you may be rewarded. * * *
" To Rebecca. — You were the favorite sister of my youth.
Your gentle words have often changed my course. Whatever
conies, trust in Jesus.
" To Stephen (a brother-in-law). — You, too, are my brother.
So live on earth that you may meet me in Heaven. * * * *
" To Mary.— You have a good heart; never take it from
Christ, and you will be fit to speak the language of Heaven. This
world may fail to give you your due, but Heaven will make
it up. * * * *
" To Alicia. — Though young, you have been a cherished sister
to me. Look well to your feet, that they slide not. If I could
do you good, I would stay with you; but it is better for me
to £0. * * * *
" To Katie. — I have a true brother's love for you. Mark well
your footsteps. I have realized your interest for me. I hope
you will see me up yonder. * * * *
" To Isabella. — You have been very dear to me, and given me
a sister's love. Remember, you have had a brother's prayers.
Give your heart to Jesus, and you will meet me again. * * *
" To Peter and David. — My brothers, I cannot tell my interest
for you. I have prayed many times for you. Keep good com-
pany, and try to do right, that you may meet your two brothers
who have gone before you. * * * *
" To Myron, Martha and Anna (a sister's children). — I shall
go to be an angel. Be good, and come and meet me, by and by.
I loved you as though you were my own. * # * *
"Do you ask why I write thus. It seems suggested to my
mind that I may have no opportunity of uttering my last words.
It is evident to me to-night that I shall never see home again,
78S OEBBIT ll. \ an DENB1 BO.
and that ere long I shall go where II urn. and PmLEPare. This
may be ;i mistake, 1 >u t time will show. This world j> dark, but
there is light beyond the river. I love my country, and am
willing to die upon her altar. Good night, all. G. II. V."
Yes, dear, sweet, loving youth, good night. The angels have
bid you good morniug. 5Tou live now where "there is do night."
Vmi have joined the glorified spirits in the city of our God. May
your fervent prayers for your father and mother, brothers and
sisters, all be answered, and may the dear ones meet you on the
shiuing shore, never more to part.
The friends of the departed received many letters from those
who were associated with Mr. Van Denbubo, that were filled
with consoling words. We give a few of them to our reader,-.
The following was from Capt. Burton to S. Larchar, Esq., the
uncle of the deceased:
11th N. Y. Battery, (amp on
James River, June 14, 1864.
Dear Friend Larchar — It is with sorrow* I take my pen to
write this letter, that shall convey the sad news of death to
many, very many clear ones. Gerrit II. Van Denburg, a mem-
ber of this battery, was killed instantly by a sharpshooter's ball,
on Sunday afternoon, June 12.
Our battery had been in front the line, and within four hun-
dred yards of the enemy, for one week. Having reeeived order-
on the 12th to move at night, we were fixing a road to move the
artillery over quietly, when a rifle ball passed through Gebbto's
brain, entering at the left temple and coming out over the right
eye. The same ball slightly wounded another member of the
battery, Edmund D. Willard, of Albany. Gerrit sank down
dead, without speaking a word or uttering a groan. lie died at
his post, where he was always found, both in the service of his
country and of his Saviour. At about four o'clock on that quiet,
beautiful Sabbath day, we buried him beneath a cedar tree on
Gaines' Hill, Va.
I have written to you, thinking you might break the news to
his family more tenderly than I could. A diary, and some trifles,
GERRIT H. VAN DENBURG. 783
I will send to Teunis Van Denburg, Hamiltonville, as soon as I
get a chance to do so, as directed in the diary. The loss of
Gerrit from the battery is a great one, for he was one of the
best men in it; but I know that his loss at home wjll be much
greater than ours.
If the bullet that takes life in the army would only give pain
here, how much sorrow would be saved. But no; it flies on to
our northern homes, and strikes and tears many, many a heart
there. May God, who tempers the wind and storm to the shorn
lamb, protect the dear ones at home in their great affliction.
Send to them my heartfelt sympathy, and also that of every mem-
ber of the battery. What is our loss is his eternal gain, for he
rests quietly, where wars and tumults never trouble, where pain
and death never come.
It was impossible for me to have sent his body home, or we
should have done so. The depot at the White House was broken
up, and on Sunday night Ave commenced a march of thirty miles,
which ended at four p. m. Yesterday we arrived at James river,
about three miles below Harrison Landing.
Believe me ever, truly yours, J. C. BARTOX.
The next is a letter from his tent-mate to his father:
Camp of the 11th N. Y. Battery, June 14, 1864.
Mr. Teunis Van Denburg:
Dear Sir — Being a particular friend of your son, and in accord-
ance with his request when living, I, with a sad heart, write to
inform you of his misfortune.
On Sunday afternoon, at three o'clock, June 12, 1864, he was
shot by a sharpshooter through the temple, the ball passing out
the opposite side of his head, killing him instantly. Those say
who saw him fall, that they think he never knew what hurt him.
He did not speak a word nor move a muscle, but eased himself
down on his shovel, which he had in his hand at the time.
As I came out at the same time he did, and have always tented
with him, he seemed to me more like a brother than a friend.
But we trust he is better off than he was while living here; for
I believe he was a true Christian, and is now at rest.
i s 1 OBBBIT H. v \N DENBUBG.
I was conversing with turnabout an hour before his death, and
he seemed quite lively, and said he was ready for ;i hard march,
thai we heard, we had to make. We made ii on Sunday night
and Monday, and tins morning we find ourselves on the bank of
the .lames river.
It' there is anything you wish t<> know that I can inform you
of, or anything I can do for yon, J will gladly do it. I have his
diary and wallet, and other little articles, that I will send to yon
as soon as the mail gets to running regularly.
Yours, in much sympathy, EDWAED L. J'KAKSK.
This next letter is from a comrade, with whom Gerrit was
very intimate, and of whom he frequently speaks in letters to
friends at home.
Encamped on the James Kiver, ")
Neab Charles Citt, C. II., Va., \
June 14, 1864. J
Mr. Teunis Van De^burg, and Family:
My pen almost refuses its office, and my hands seem palsied, in
attempting the task that I have undertaken. Being, as I believe,
the most intimate friend of your son, I feel bound to acquaint
you with the mournful tidings, that on the afternoon of the 12th
instant, we consigned to the grave the mortal remains of your
beloved son Gerrit.
In his death I experienced the loss of my dearest and most
tried friend; else I would not have intruded upon your grief,
which is too sacred for the gaze of mere acquaintances. It will
be a great consolation to you to know that death to him was but
an entrance into glory, and the realization of the ardent desires
Avhich he often expressed. Like the Apostle Paul, he longed
"to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." He died
instantly, and without a groan or sigh. He had sometimes
expressed the wish to me that if he had his choice, it would be
in this manner he would like to be called home.
I first became acquainted with Gerrit in the fall of 1862, when
I came into the battery. Being quite intimate with Mr. and Mrs.
Larciiar, of Albany (his uncle and aunt) they gave me his name,
GERRIT H. VAN DEN BURG. 785
and asked me to find him out, and become acquainted with him.
This was the basis of an acquaintance which ripened into an
intimate friendship; and many a time have I blessed Mr. Larchar
as having been the means of enabling me to form so valuable a
friendship. He was a man of deep and fervent piety, which
pervaded his whole life, and toned his entire conversation.
Kind, affable and benevolent, he was much beloved and highly
respected by the men of our company. In our prayer meetings he
was leader, and often would these meetings have died out if it
had not been for his energy and perseverance.
When I first became acquainted with him, there seemed to be
a deep depression resting on his spirits, the cause of which he
afterwards told me. His chief delight then used to be to wander
off alone in some woods or field, and there by singing hymns and
prayer, to hold communion with his Redeemer. " Sweet hour
of Prayer," and hymns of a similar character, were great favor-
ites of his. He often expressed to me his desire at that time,
to die rather than to live, as he had no ambition for this world;
but looked forward to the bright land where there is neither
sorrow nor sighing, but where God shall wipe away all tears
from our eyes. What a blessed thought that he has realized his
hopes and aspirations; that he is now bowing in adoration before
the great white throne, or praising God, as he walks the streets
of the new Jerusalem with one to whom his whole heart was
bound by the tenderest ties.
Previous to his sickness at our camp near Arlington Heights,
in September, 1862, the sadness to which I have referred cast a
gloom over his whole conduct. But after he returned again to
the battery, in May, 1863, I noticed quite a change for the bet-
ter in his feelings. He was much more lively, and sometimes
indulged in hearty merriment, which surprised me, as I knew of
his previous sadness. One day I spoke to him, asking him the
reason of this change, and he replied, that while at Fort Schuy-
ler, his feelings had undergone a change, which led him to look
on life and worldly prospects with a brighter eye, and even to
lay plans for future usefulness. He said he desired now to live
50
786 GERRIT II. \ AN DENB1 BO.
for llir sake of his friends, and the good he might do in t lie
world) but that bis heart was not and could oever be here.
Mv earnest prayer has been, and will be, thai (i<>d may give
you and all his relatives grace to enable you to bear the trial.
The promise is, "As thy day is, so shall thy strength be."
With the most sincere sympathy and regard, I remain
Yours truly, WM. G. PATTERSON.
The gloom and sadness referred to in this Letter were caused
partly by the death of a very excellent young lady, to whom
Gekrit was on the eve of being married. She died ;i few weeks
before he entered the army. The subsequent change in his feel-
ings he speaks of in a letter written home, while he was at Fort
Schuyler. He says:
"I am convinced, by reflection, that I have been Dearly
deranged, with hard study and much trouble. I have felt dis-
couraged in regard to life. But I now have a greater desire to
live. I feel, at times, as though I was younger, and my hopes
much brighter than formerly. It is not strange that I was sad,
for, while laboring to obtain an education, I studied almost night
and day, and Sunday preaching made that a hard day for me.
The last year I was in school my health was more injured by
study than I was then aware of. My affliction, also, was very
severe."
Thus closes the earthly career of one wThose patriotism,
bravery, and devotion to Christ and humanity, have never been
surpassed. Among the hosts of American Patriots and Chris-
tians, he stands in the front rank; and with Mitchel, Rice,
Pruyn, Wilson, Pohlman, and others, he will wear an ever-
lasting crown.
ABRAM M. CARHART. 787
CXXXVII.
ABRAM M. CARHART,
OF GUILDERLAND.
Abram M. Carhart was the oldest son of Santord and Sophia
Carhart, of Guilderland, in which town he was born August
19th, 1844. Like most boys, he spent his early days at the dis-
trict and Sabbath schools. Nothing of interest to those out of
his own family transpired until his fifteenth year, when, while a
member of the " State Road Bible Class," and as the result of
faithful instruction, he was led, during a season of gracious out-
pouring of the spirit, to give his heart to God. He uuited with
the M. E. Church, of which he ever after remained a consistent
member.
When the war first broke out, he desired to enlist, but the
love of his mother kept him back. At last love yielded to duty,
and, with his parents' consent, he enlisted October 18, 1862, in
Company C, of the Tenth New York Militia, which was subse-
quently mustered into the United States service as the One Hun-
dred and Seventy-seventh N. Y. Vols.
Before the regiment left, however, he was attacked with fever,
and was, by advice of the surgeon, left behind in the care of his
family, to report when fit for duty. On Tuesday, December
16th, his regiment left Albany to join Banks' expedition. Jan-
uary 11th, it reached Bonnet Carre, La., where, in April, having
fully recovered, he joined it. A Christian Association having
been formed, he united himself with it on his arrival, maintain-
ing, in camp, the same manly Christian deportment that charac-
terized him at home.
On May 7th he started with the regiment, by way of the Amite
river, to Baton Rouge; thence to Port Hudson, passing nearly
through that memorable siege, shrinking from no danger or duty,
and always at his post.
On the 7th of July, about 10 a. m., with two comrades, Jesse
Dennison and James H. Beckwith, he went down to the Missis-
sippi to bathe, Beckwith alone being able to swim. After
788 JAMES A. BCRAFFORD.
remaining in the water a few minutes, Beck with came oul and
commenced dressing, when his attention was arrested by a cry
from Dennison. Turning round, he saw Abram's hands just
above the water. lie dashed in, hut was t<>" late. Abeam had
sunk to rise no more.
They left the river with sad hearts, and on their way were
greeted with shouts of joy. News had ionic that Vicksburg had
fallen. The next day the body drifted on shore, probably raised
by the firing of salutes in honor of the capture of Vicksburg.
Some of his company went down and buried him in his blanket
on the shore, when, as they turned to go back, one shout, long
and loud, was heard in camp. Port Hudson had fallen. Thus,
on the eve of victory, was this faithful soldier of his country
called to his rest, and while his comrades were shouting the cry
of victory below, he was, as a soldier of Jesus, singing the song
of victory on high. Several months after, his remains were dis-
interred, brought home, and now repose in the family lot in
Prospect Hill Cemetery.
CXXXVIIL
JAMES A. SCRAFFOPvD,
OF GUILDERLAND-
James A. Scrafford, the son of Jacob and Ann Elizabeth
Scrafford, was born in the town of Guilderland, and was seven-
teen and a half years old when he enlisted in the American
army.
Though not a professing Christian, James was a youth of
excellent moral character, and was beloved by a large circle of
friends.
He was connected with Company H, One Hundred and Seventy-
seventh New York Regiment, and was taken sick at Port Hud-
son. While in a feeble state, his coat and blanket were stolen
from him, and he took a severe cold, from which he never
recovered. He was sent to the hospital at Bonnet Carre, and
MICHAEL WAGNEK. 789
thence to New Orleans. A friend kindly wrote to his father,
describing his condition, and immediately the fond parent started
to go to his boy, and to bring him home.
James reached Albany in a state of extreme physical prostra-
tion, and his father took him to Bethlehem, to the residence of
his grandfather, William Scrafford, Esq. There he lingered
only one week, and expired August 28th, 1863.
It was a great consolation to the dear boy to die surrounded
by those who loved him, and who were ready to do every thing
in their power for his comfort. He was buried in the Hamil-
tonville Cemetery, Guilderlancl.
CXXXIX.
MICHAEL WAGNER,
OF GUILDERLAND.
Michael Wagner was born in Guilderland, Albany county, on
the 22d day of January, 1845. His parents Henry and Catha-
rine Wagner, were natives of the same town, but his ancestors
came from Germany. His father died in 1861, leaving a widow
and several children. Michael enlisted on the 27th day of
August, 1862, in Company H., Forty-third Regiment; two days
after, his brother Peter volunteered in the service of the United
States, and subsequently his brother William.
The mother of these brave boys, nobly gave them up one after
another, and bade them God speed as they left the home of their
childhood, to fight for their country.
Being thus deprived of the earnings of her boys, upon which
she had depended for the support of herself and family, she
engaged in house work to maintain herself and little family, until
the hoped for return of her soldier boys.
Patriotism seemed alone to inspire them, and Michael was one
of the first in his locality to volunteer. He was eighteen years
of age when he left home, and possessing great powers of
700 GEORGE VAN WIE.
endurance, be seemed fitted by nature lor the fatigues and priva-
tions of a soldier's life.
lie left the city of Albany with his regiment tor the field, and
for some time nothing occurred of special interest.
He was in the battles of Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Fredericks-
burg, &c, ending with the battle of the Wilderness. There
he was taken prisoner with his brother PETER. They wrere sent
to Richmond and confined there three months. From thence
they were removed to Andersonville stockade, remaining there
two and a half months. Finally they were taken to another
prison where they remained for two and a half months more,
and Michael died.
With the inhumanities and base cruelties of those awful dens,
he long struggled, and after he expired his body was taken, in
the presence of his brother, and thrown into a cart, and rudely
driven away for burial.
Peter was subsequently released and returned home.
CXL
GEORGE VAN WIE,
OF RENSSELAERVILLE.
George Van Wie, the son of Andrew H. and Harriet Lanphar
Van Wie, was born January 12, 1844, at Rensselaerville, Albany
county, NewT York. Affable and kind, he was beloved by many;
but most fondly is his memory cherished by the circle at home.
The winter previous to his enlistment, during a revival in the
Baptist church at Eensselaerville, he sought and found Jesus.
He soon after joined the Methodist Episcopal church as a proba-
tioner, and proved to be a true Christian. He was faithful in
the discharge of every duty, ever willing to acknowledge Christ
before men, and seldom absent from the prayer and class meet-
ings.
In the summer of 1862, being strongly devoted to his country,
he felt it to be his duty to stand up in her defence. His most
GEOEGE VAN WIE. 791
convincing argument was, " somebody must go;" and after count-
ing the cost, and fully realizing the dangers with which he would
be surrounded, he resolved to take upon him the privations of a
soldier's life. He therefore, July 17th, 1862, enlisted as a private
in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Company K, New
York State Volunteers, then forming. He took his final fare-
well of home August 16th, and on the 19th left Albany with his
regiment for Washington.
His letters written to friends at home, were ever cheerful, and
his expressions of love for his Saviour and his country were very
fervent.
The following is a specimen of the letters that he wrote to his
beloved parents:
Fort Reno, Head Quarters 7th N. Y. Artillery,
Near Washington, April 29, 1863.
Dear Father — I received your letter this afternoon, and was
much pleased to hear from you, and that you were all well. My
health is good, which, next to the religion of Christ, is the
greatest blessing a soldier can enjoy. The weather is splendid;
fruit trees are in full bloom and everything has the appearance
of approaching summer, which after the long winter we have
had, will be very acceptable to us.
You wished me to give you my experience. I have not much
time now; but I will improve the few moments I have; and after
general inspection, which is to-morrow, I will write again.
I do not think I enjoy myself as well as when I left home; but
I know I have a Saviour; one who died for me; one who is inter-
ceding for me; one who has promised to be with those who love
Him; and I feel thankful for all He has done for me. Although
I am far from the comforts of a home, and the means of grace,'
I have spent many happy hours. O, I never can forget those
prayer and class meetings at home; how many times God has
met with us and blessed us. But God is here. Yet I do not,
and cannot attend our little prayer meetings often, on account of
other duties. A soldier is deprived of many a happy hour he
might spend in the prayer circle in the chaplain's little tent, on
792 ' i I >BGE \ \n H II'..
: i «■(■<) 1 1 1 1 1 of his military duties. But may God help me to be
more faithful to Him; may I be more zealous in His cause; may
God help me t<> lie a shining Light, doing good i" my felloe
soldiers; and may 1 be the means, with God's help, of bringing
others to know of His goodness.
Pray tor the soldiers. 1 feel I need the prayers <>r all God's
people. I am in the midst of temptations, and I know not how
soon I may be called on the battle field. Bui wherever I am
may God be with me and with the whole army, and bless us;
and if consistent, bring about a speedy peace. -May the tlnir that
so long floated over a free and happy nation, come out as (lean
as the snow that descends from heaven, ami with not one star taken
from it; may all who arc in bondage be made free; and may reli-
gion prevail throughout the land. Pray for me.
Your son,
GEORGE VAX WES.
For nearly two years his regiment was stationed at Fort Reno,
D. C. ; but in the month of May, 18(54. marching orders were
received, and with brave and fearless h . rts, this noble band of
soldiers marched onward to victory, and alas ! how many to
death ! All through the battles of the Wilderness they fought
with unexampled bravery. Many were slain; hundreds wounded,
and a large number taken prisoners. Among the latter was the
subject of this sketch.
He was soon after conveyed to Andersonville, Georgia, where
he remained a prisoner until the month of November, following,
when he was exchanged and brought to Annapolis, Maryland.
He was so Aveak, from disease contracted in prison, he could not
he conveyed home.
Letters were received from him weekly, stating that he was
daily gaining strength, and that the holidays would find him
among his friends at home. But they were doomed to dis-
appointment. In about one month from the time he reached
Annapolis, word was received that he was failing fast, and that he
desired his lather to come to him.
His father hastened to the bedside of his dying son, and found
WILLIAM HAVENS. 793
the merest wreck of the noble boy, as he was when he cheerfully
girded on his armor, and bade farewell to the loved ones at home.
But the father found him ready, and waiting for the angel who
was to release him from his sufferings and give him rest, where
wars and rumors of wars can never come.
He talked cheerfully of death, saying that, " he had never
thought that it would be so easy to die, and go to heaven. His
sufferings had been terrible, but he had never regretted, for one
moment, entering the army. He was willing to lay down his
life for his country; and the enemy who had caused his bitter
sufferings and death, he left in the hands of a just God."
In three days after his father reached him, he died shouting
the praises of Him who had taken " from death its sting, and
from the grave its victory."
His remains were embalmed and brought to the Rensselaer-
ville Cemetery for interment, there to remain until the last
trumpet shall sound and the dead arise.
CXLT.
WILLIAM HAVENS,
OF BERN.
William Havens, the son of William and Margaret Havens
was born in Bern. December 30, 1835. He was an affectionate
son, kind brother, and a youth of excellent habits. During a
religious interest in the Reformed Dutch Church, in 1861, he
was hopefully converted and joined the Methodist Church. He
was a consistent and active Christian.
Although Mr. Havens was very reluctant to leave his wife
and three little children, yet he fslt it to be his duty to go forth
and fight for his country. Accordingly he enlisted as a private
in Company K., Seventh New York Regiment. For twenty
months he performed guard duty at Washington. During this
time he was in poor health, and was offered his discharge, but
he declined it, as he was determined to see the war through.
794 ADDISON I',. MILI.Kl:.
His regiment was ordered to the front, and he participated in
seven battles, in all of which he manifested the utmost fortitude
and bravery. He fougb.1 al Spottsylvania, North Anna River,
Tolopotomy Creek. Coal Harbor, and in the charge before Peters-
burg. On the 24th of" Juno. L864, he was mi picket duty within
a mile and a half of Petersburg. The woods were discovered t<»
lie mi fire, and he and his companions threw themselves upon the
ground, thinking that the enemy would noi see them. Bui he
was shot at. and wounded in the foot. Tw<> of his comrades
carried him to the rear, and a portion of his foot was taken ofl'.
But the wound did not heal, and his sufferings were vi rv intense.
On the L9th of July his leg was amputated, at the Hare wood
hospital, in Washington. The following day he died from tin;
effects of the operation.
He leaves a wife and three little children, in a destitute condi-
tion, to mourn the death of a kind husband and affectionate father.
After he was wounded he wrote twice to his family, commending
them to the care of their Heavenly Father.
CXLII,
ADDISON B. MILLER,
OF BERN.
Addison B. Miller was the son of Albert and Sophia Miller,
and was horn in Rensselaerville, August 18, 1845.
He was religiously educated, and early developed superior
talents, a sound judgment, and correct moral principles. He
was not a professed Christian, and when urging his parents to
let him go to the war, his mother said that if he was a Christian
she would give her consent. He replied: " Let me go, and I
will try and become a Christian." When told of the hardships
and dangers of a soldier's life, he said: " Some persons must go,
and I am no better than others."
He enlisted in Company D, Sixty-first New York Regiment.
After having experienced some skirmishing, he wrote home that
ADDISON B. MILLER. 795
he had no more fear while fighting than he had while writing his
letter. The marches through which he passed were very severe,
but he endured all without a murmur.
On the 13th of December, 1862, as he was bravely charging
the enemy's batteries, a musket ball struck him in the right
breast and passed through his lungs. He was borne from the
.field at night, and taken to a house in Fredericksburg, which was
used by the Fifth New Hampshire Regiment as a hospital. His
wound was dressed, and he lived until the next day, when he
died at ten o'clock in the forenoon. His remains were wrapped
in a blanket, and buried in a yard adjoining the house.
After he was wounded, he was conscious of his condition, and
manifested a submission to the will of his Heavenly Father. He
died putting his trust in God.
His letters which he wrote, have breathed the most earnest
patriotism, and expressed his readiness to die for his country's
cause.
The following is an extract from one. The date is not given:
Dear Father and Mother — As I have just fifteen minutes to
write, I thought that I would let you know that I am well.
We left Boliver Heights last Wednesday, and have been march-
ing ever since. Yesterday we were skirmishing all day. To-day
I have been on picket duty in sight of the rebels. We expect a
battle soon, and they must fight or run. This may be the last
that you will hear from me, but I hope that I shall meet you in
a better world than this. It does not make much difference
where or when we die, if we are only prepared. I hope and
think that I am. Your affectionate son,
ADDISON.
790 JOEL WILSON.
cam.
JOEL WILSON,
OF BERN.
Joel "Wilson, son of William and Mary Ann Wilson, was
borne in Bern, October 24, 1842. He was a dutiful son, a kind
brother, and a youth of excellent moral character. He desired,
at the commencement of the war, to enlist in the army, but, like
many others whom we have already sketched, was prevented by
the entreaties of his friends. At last they yielded to his earnest
patriotism, and, October 7, 1862, he joined Company C, One
Hundred and Seventy-seventh New York Regiment. An incident
occurred, after he joined the army, that made a deep impression
upon his mind. One of his associates, with whom he had been
intimate from childhood and who enlisted with him, lost both of
his eyes by an accident. Joel was deeply moved with sympathy
for his friend, and did all in his power to alleviate his sufferings.
He manifested towards him the kindness of a tender and affec-
tionate brother, and he became himself more serious, and loved
to attend religious meetings. We hope that at that time, he
gave his heart to Jesus, and made his peace with God. But of
this we cannot speak positively.
Joel was ordered, with his regiment, to Bonnet Carre, Louisi-
ana, and remained there until the 7th of May, 1863, when they
started for Port Hudson. He was left at Baton Rouge, sick, and
remained there until the 21st of July. He partially recovered
and joined the regiment again at Port Hudson. At that time he
Avrote a letter to his friends, in which he expressed the fond hope
of soon meeting again the loved ones at home. But, on the 8th
day of August, he went into the hospital with chills and fever,
and worn down with exposures and privations.
Soon, however, his regiment received orders to return, home,
and went on board a transport. But the order was counter-
manded, and, as Joel stepped from the boat, he said, with a sad
heart, "I shall never see home again.'' And so it proved. He
was able to walk about, but, on the morning of the 18th of
AZOR T. HAYES. 797
August, just after he had taken his breakfast, he fell and instantly
expired.
His remains were interred, near the hospital, on the 19th of
August. They were, however, subsequently taken up and carried
home, and, on the 29th of December, were deposited in a burial
place near his father's house, where he was born.
CXLIV.
AZOR T. HAYES,
OF BERN.
Azor T. Hayes, the son of Thomas J. and Mary Hayes, was
born in Bern, November 27, 1843. At the age of nine years he
became a Christian, and united with the Lutheran Church at
Bern. While at school he was distinguished for his excellent
deportment, his fine oratory and his fondness for history.
At the commencement of the war he desired to enlist to fight
for his country; but his mother felt that he was too young, and
that he would be exposed to many temptations in the camp.
Besides, she was a widow, and dependent, in a great measure,
upon him for a support. He however, told his mother of several
noble men who had been earnest and self sacrificing patriots, and
who had won for themselves a prominent place in history; and
he thought that perhaps he might become distinguished.
Before he was eighteen years of age he enlisted in Company
E., Ninety-third N. Y. Regiment. He served faithfully for two
years when his time expired. He re-enlisted, and was with the
regiment in all the battles in which it was engaged, up to the
time of his death. Of the circumstances of his death and burial
we know nothing;.
In the letters which he wrote to his mother he expressed the
deepest interest in the cause to which he had devoted himself,
and said that, if he fell in battle, all would be well. He leaves
a widowed mother, several little sisters and brothers, and a large
circle of friends, to mourn his loss.
798 JOHH Q. a. 0EO1 n>k.
CXLV.
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS CROUNSE,
or K\n\
John Qi inch Adams Cboi ntsb \\:i^ the son of John Chounse
:iikI MaBGAEET \ a\ Ai.i;\\M. lie was born on (lie 30th day of
April, L829, in the town of Sharon, county of Schoharie.
He was from youth a person of correct habits, and as soon as
he attained that age in which young men of purpose naturally
decide for themselves, lie became anxious to obtain a thorough
education, and as far as opportunity and means would admit, he
diligently pursued his purpose.
From his early years he suffered greatly from dyspepsia, and
this finally broke him down, while he was connected with the
army. Those who knew him best were apprehensive, at the
time of his entering the military service, that his constitution
would give way under the severities of camp life; and so, alas !
it finally proved.
John was a youth of great industry and energy, and at several
academies and seminaries, he prosecuted his studies with diligence
and enthusiasm.
He graduated at Union College, and was familiar with various
branches of mathematics, and different languages. He was par-
ticularly well informed in the German and French languages, to
which he gave special attention. His habits of reading and
study led him to collect scientific and literary works, and when
he entered the army, he had accumulated quite a large and valua-
ble library.
His political opinions were of the most decided character, and
they were the result of thought and honest convictions. He
made many speeches and Avrote a great deal for the advancement
of the cause of freedom. He never understood either the wis-
dom or statesmanship, in the idea often advanced by others, that
because a man was ignorant and defenceless, therefore he should
be made a slave. He supposed that one great object of all true
JOHN Q. A. CROUNSE. 799
governments was to keep the strong and powerful, from usurping
the rights and privileges of the weak.
To a mind imbued with such principles, it was perfectly natu-
ral, when the slaveholders inaugurated the rebellion for the pur-
pose of establishing an empire, the corner stone of which edifice
should be slavery, that he should be against the conspiracy, and
all Avho in any way aided or sympathized with the plot, and the
overthrow of the government.
As early as May 4, 1861, while he was attending Union Col-
lege, he wrote to his parents at Sharon, in which letter he first
intimated a desire to enter the service. He said:
"I reached Schenectady Tuesday afternoon, at two o'clock,
and, on arriving at college, found almost every body talking of
enlisting for the war. I was asked to volunteer myself, and said
I would think about it. I have thought about it, and have come
to the conclusion that, if it meets with your approbation, I will
enlist. Prof. Peissner is organizing a company, which he will
take command of himself. Quite a number of the students have
already gone, and more will follow, to the seat of war."
His worthy and venerable parents, although not less zealous
in the cause than their son, could not be prevailed upon to con-
sent to his going. They had already yielded to the importuni-
ties of one son, who was, at that time, in the military service;
but in this case they were apprehensive of the results, as they
fully realized that Johx could not endure the hardships of war.
Therefore they dissuaded him from the undertaking, and he
yielded to their request.
After he left college he became a teacher in the academy at
Knoxville, Albany county, and taught there for some time, to
the entire satisfaction of all. He raised that institution to a
very prosperous and thriving condition. But the situation of the
country still preyed upon his mind, and he felt that he ought to
make sacrifices as well as others. He saw his comrades and
associates going to the scenes of conflict and of danger, and he
could resist no longer. Contrary to the expectations and wishes
of all his patrons, at the close of the term, when the school was
in the most prosperous condition, he came to Albany, and in the
800 JOHN Q. A. CBOl NT8B.
month of July, 1862, enlisted .-is a private in the Eleventh .\<w
York Havelock Battery, for three years. There was do difficulty
at that time in hia getting a commission in some other company
then forming, but he chose fco go as ;i private in this battery, as
the young men composing it. were represented as persons of cor-
rect initial ami religious habits.
He left Albany almost the same day lie enlisted, and became
very soon engaged in active service. He was with the Army of
the Potomac, and participated in nearly all the battles in Vir-
ginia, lie was also at the battle of Gettysburg, in which the
battery performed a very active part. He possessed courage of
the highest order; a courage sustained by strong moral convic-
tions; ami under all circumstances he was a faithful soldier.
lint the forces of his constitution were gradually giving away,
under the severe hardships and exciting dangers that he was
called to encounter.
He was in the terrible battle at Chancellorsville, and he said
in writing to a friend, that the Sunday, on which that battle was
fought, was to him, one of the most terrible days he ever saw on
earth. The continuous roar of cannon; the fierceness of the con-
flict, and the awful carnage of the day very deeply affected him.
While he was in camp, he still cherished his fondness for study.
He wrote several times to a friend at Albany, for some French
and German books, that he might review some of his favorite
studies.
It was evident from letters received by his friends, that he
was conscious that the hardships of camp life were destroying
his health, and he was induced to seek for the position of a
teacher of the freedmen, which, unfortunately, for some reason,
he did not obtain. Could he have been assigned to some respon-
sible position in that department in time, his life might have been
saved, and the cause of human freedom would have had a most
faithful and efficient champion; one whose whole head and heart
would have been most earnestly engaged, in elevating and
directing the minds of an oppressed people. He, however,
gradually sunk under the service, until almost reduced to a
skeleton; when he was removed from City Point to the Baptist
JOHN Q. A. CEOUNSE. 801
hospital at Alexandria, Virginia, where, on the 12th of Novem-
ber, 1864, he died.
About two weeks before his death, a telegram was sent to his
parents at Sharon, Schoharie county, informing them of his con-
dition. His father was, at the time, in Nebraska territory on
business; but his aged and venerable mother, although feeble in
health, hastened to his relief, and for nearly two weeks had the
consolation of alleviating his sufferings.
During his protracted illness, his patience and fortitude never
forsook him. He expressed his perfect trust in God, and his
reliance upon divine mercy. On the day of his death, he
requested the principal nurse to tell his mother to stay with him
that night, for he thought that the crisis with him was near.
And so it proved. His last words to his mother were: "Be
composed for all is bright with me." Then, in a strong tone of
voice, he added, " Tell my friends I die like a man in my
country's cause, and am not afraid to die."
His mother caused his remains to be embalmed, and they were
taken to Sharon, where his funeral was attended by a very large
circle of friends. He was buried near and in full view of the
home of his aged and afflicted parents, in a quiet rural cemetery,
where the roar of hostile cannon, the conflict of fierce passions,
and the oppressions of the poor and the weak of the earth, will
never disturb him more.
His relatives in Albany county, in remembrance of his patriot-
ism and his many noble and manly virtues, have recently, by
voluntary subscription, raised a fund by which a suitable monu-
ment has been erected to his memory.
51
802 ALANSON Bi HolFMAN.
CXLVI.
ALANSON S. HOFFMAN,
OF COEYMANS.
Alanson S. Hoffman was born at Coeymans Hollow, October
18, 1839. He was of German descent; his ancestors having
emigrated from Germany to this country about the year 1670,
and settled at Claverack, Columbia county, State of New York.
They continued to reside in that locality till .shortly after the
commencement of the present century, when his grandfather and
lather moved from thence to Coeymans Hollow, Albany county,
where the deceased was born.
No event worthy of notice occurred during his childhood or
youth. At school he was an apt scholar, and a general favorite
with teacher and pupil. He was a young man of more than ordi-
nary intelligence, and possessed a remarkably happy and genial
disposition, and was liberal to a fault.
At the breaking out of the rebellion, he expressed his regret
that we were about to be involved in a fratricidal conflict, but at
the same time fully realized what was his duty, and what was
the duty of every man in the north during that terrible struggle.
His father was rather opposed to his going in the army, for he
was the child of his old age. But he said his country was in
peril and demanded his services, and that he did not think it was
manly for his son to stand back when his neighbors were march-
ing to the rescue of our government, some of whom were leav-
ing wife and children, while he was a single man. To Alanson,
it was hard to leave friends, home, and business for the priva-
tions of the camp and the perils of the battle field; but he said
that duty called him, and if he died, he died in a good cause.
After leaving home and entering upon the duties of a soldier, he
kept his father informed of his movements.
The following are extracts from one of his letters:
Bonnet Carre, March 10, 1863.
Dear Father — Once more I take my pen to inform you that,
through a kind Providence, my life and health have been spared,
ALANSON S. HOFFMAN. 803
and I hope I may be permitted to return to my home and friends
once more. Life, I know, is uncertain, but I am now enjoying
better health than ever before; still, I will not boast. * * *
We have an inspection every Sunday, and every man has his
forty rounds of ammunition, in case of a surprise. A few nights
ago, about twelve o'clock, when we were all nicely asleep, the
long roll was beaten. I was awakened from sleep, and it was
certainly the most solemn sound I ever heard. I did not lie
long, you may be assured, after waking. I must admit that I
was startled, but made up my mind to give the rebels at least
one shot before running, so I put on my belt, caught up my gun,
gave Jerry, my comrade, a kick, and ran out of my tent. I was
the first one out, and the first in line of our company. Lieut.
Mix came next. It was frightful to hear the officers calling the
men out. The Major ran through the camp and demanded
silence. It may be that there was not any shirking, yet I think
that the darkness hid many a pale face. I will say nothing of
my own, but I was bound to stick to the work. I am sorry to
say that a few in our company did not face the music.
But this could not be said of our little drummer boy, who
caught up a sword, and fell in line with the rest of us. We then
marched out about six hundred yards, on the double-quick, and
formed in line of battle. Our regiment was the first in the line.
Our Major (young Napoleon, as he is called, and whom nothing
can frighten,) marched us forward, gave us " right about face,"
ordered us to load, elevate our pieces, and fire. This order was
given by the General through the Major, and the whole was
accomplished in just six and a half minutes from the first tap of
the drum. Is not that pretty quick work, for the men to dress,
get on their accoutrements, and form a line of battle ? The Gen-
eral rode along our line and demanded attention to orders, when
he read an order from Gen. Sherman, to call us out and try us,
as he said we might be called out to face the enemy some night,
but if the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment was in
the advance, he had nothing to fear.
We can beat any regiment drilling I have seen since we have
801 ALANS. i\ B. HOFFMAN.
been here, and I do not except even the old regiments. Write
soon and give me all the news. Give my respects l<» all.
Your son, ALANSON HOFFMAN.
The following Letter, announcing his death, was received by
his father from Lieut. Leger:
Bonnet Carre, April 13, 1863.
Camp of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh N. V. S. Volun-
teers, Second Division, Third Brigade, Defences of New Or-
leans, Louisiana:
Died. April 13, at six o'clock in the morning, of typhoid fever,
A lan sox S. Hoffman, Company — , One Hundred and Seventy-
seventh Regiment N. Y. S. V.
Mr. Hoffman:
Dear Sir — It causes me much sorrow to be obliged to make
the above announcement to you of the death of your son. I
know it will cause you much sorrow, but it is so. God, in his
infinite mercy, has chosen him for a greater sphere of happiness
than is allotted on earth.
AlansOn was sick about three weeks, not dangerous, it was
thought, until last Thursday, when he began to fail very fast.
On Sunday he told me that he was going to die. I tried to
encourage him, but he told me that he would not be with us
long, and he appeared to be happy. This was in the evening.
About half past five in the morning he inquired for me. I went
immediately to see him. He recognized me, shook hands, and
in a few moments passed away.
He had srood care and attention, and good medical assistance,
but all has failed, and the melancholy fact of his death remains
to be communicated to his friends. 1 am glad to say that Alan-
son died happy. While he has been connected with the* regi-
ment, we have been intimate friends. I often went to his tent,
and, as a general thing, found him reading his Testament. This
should be a great consolation to you and his friends at home. As
for myself, I feel that I have lost a confidential friend, as well as
brother soldier. Respectfully yours,
Lieut. A. B. LEGER.
ALANSON S. HOFFMAN. 805
The following letter was received after the death of young
Hoffman from John M. Whitbeck, his mess-mate and companion
in arms:
Bonnet Caere, April 15, 1863.
Mr. I. Shear.
Dear Sir — It is with a sad heart and unwilling pen that I sit
down this morning to inform you of the death of our tent mate,
Alanson S. Hoffman. He died this morning about six o'clock,
and is to be buried this afternoon at half past two. He was taken
some three weeks ago with a diarrhoea, and remained in his tent
until about ten days ago, when he was taken to the hospital. A
fever set in, and he began to fail very fast. He has had the best
of care since he has been sick, and while he was at the hospital,
he wag taken care of by Stephen Schermerhorn, as good a man
as could have been selected from our company.
His death has cast a gloom over our company, and I suppose
it will in Coeymans Hollow. He was a boy that was liked by
all, and I do not believe he has done a wrong to any man inten-
tionally during his life.
He died happy, and I believe has gone to a home where there
will be no more sickness, and where friends will meet to part no
more. He told the doctor that he was not afraid to die. He
told Stephen in the night that he could not live, " but," said he,
"it makes no difference, Heaven is my home." I trust that this
will be a consolation to his relatives and friends. He has made
it a habit, since he has been here, to read his Testament every
day, and I have not heard him speak a profane word since we left
home. He was promoted to Corporal, but never served in that
capacity. It was his dying request that the Eev. Mr. Birch
should preach his funeral sermon.
From your friend, JOHN M. WHITBECK.
The following letter was received by his father from Lieut.
Peter A. Hoffman, of the One Hundred and Forty-third Illinois
Volunteers, brother of the deceased:
Fidelity, Illinois, July 14, 1863.
Dear Father — I received your letter in due time, but little did
I expect to receive the sad intelligence of the loss of an only
■sIH; |.\\ id ftfi ( I l.l.ncil.
brother. Little <li<l I expect, when we parted in Albany, that
he would be the first of the family to depart this life; one so
young and healthy, ;in<l apparently destined to live many years.
But such arc the ways of Providence, and if is <>nr duly to sub-
mit to God's will. The evenl may be intended for our benefit,
as il teaches us the uncertainty of life, and wains us to be pre-
pared for that day, when all shall be judged according to their
deeds on earth.
Sad as il is, to lose a sou and only brother, it would be unmanly
to repine, when so many have sacrificed their lives in the cause of
their country. It is a great consolation to know that he died in
the defence of his country's rights, which is next to his duty to
his God. He may have died alone in a strange land, without
father, sister or brother to soothe him in his dying hours; his
remains may be deposited far away on the banks of the Missis-
sippi river, with nothing but a rude stone to point to his grave,
yet to know that he died as he has died, is a far greater consola-
tion to a lover of his country, than to have had him deposited in
the most costly sarcophagus, attended with all the pomp and
pride of royalty, if above his name should be written: "He died
a traitor to his country." Your only son,
PETER A. HOFFMAN.
CXLVII.
DAVID McCULLOCH,
OF COEYMANS.
David McCulloch was the son of William C. and Mary A.
McCulloch, and was born May 3, 1841. He was a kind boy, a
dutiful son, and a generous and noble hearted brother.
While the traitors at the South were preparing to enter upon
their treasonable work, David often remarked that he was
resolved to leave his home and fight for his country, whenever
the Government should require his services. Accordingly, on
the 1st of August, 1861, he eulisted in Company D, Forty-fourth
david Mcculloch. 807
New York Regiment. He fought bravely in the battles at Han-
over Court House. Malvern Hill, Gaines' Mills, Antietam, Fred-
ericksburg, Petersburg, second Bull Run, Gettysburg, and in fact,
in every battle in which this gallant regiment was engaged, up
to the battle of Mine Run, when he was for the second time
taken prisoner.
He was first made a prisoner by the enemy about the 1st of
July, 1862, while fighting in the battles before Richmond. After
six days hard fighting he scorned to turn his back upon a foe
that was seeking: the life of his nation. His regiment having
suffered severely was ordered to fall back. But either he did
not hear the order, or not heeding it, he continued to fight, until
he was surrounded and seized by the enemy. The first saluta-
tion that he received was "Lay down that gun," accompanied
by an oath, and an opprobrious epithet, usually indulged in by
the southern chivalry on such occasions. He laid down one end
of his gun, and placing his foot upon the center of the barrel be
bent it, so that it could be of no use to the rebels. He then
delivered the useless weapon to them.
Mr. McCulloch was kept in prison thirty days, and had he
not had money with him to purchase food, he would probably
have starved to death. How he escaped from the foe, we are
not informed.
The second time that he was captured was about the beginning
of the year 1864. Then he had sixty dollars in his pocket, of
which the rebels at once robbed him. He was then carried to
some prison, and now for over two years his friends have not
heard directly from him. They suppose that he, like multitudes
of others, died from neglect and starvation.
His officers and comrades award to him the highest praise for
his uniform good conduct; his cheerfulness under privations and
sufferings, and his noble bravery upon the battle-field. No
danger seemed ever to intimidate him, and no amount of suffering
cooled the intense ardor of his patriotism. He loved his country
with an undying devotion. Just before leaving home, he
remarked to his mother, that he would fight the enemies of
his nation, while there was a drop of blood in his veins.
808 BTEFHEH Ifi 01 LLOCH.
It is sad, indeed, t<> think of such a hero passing from the
light mul happiness <>f his early home into the darkness and
horrors of a southern prison, there to have his life worn away
by the slow tortures <>f disease and starvation, and do friend to
minister to him in the lasl hour I But his history is thai of
thousands, whom American slavery lias claimed for its victims.
CXLVI1I.
STEPHEN McCULLOCH,
OF COEYMANS.
Stephen McCueloch was the brother of David, to whom we
have just referred, and was born in Cocymans, August 25, 1845.
He was a youth full of enterprise, ambition and intelligence.
He had, too, a very affectionate disposition, and was beloved by
all who knew him. He possessed the same spirit and feelings
in re sard to the war that fired the soul of his brother.
He enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh
New York Regiment. He never was in any very severe battle,
but discharged every duty assigned to him with great faithfulness.
On one occasion he was sent down a river to secure some flat
boats. The party were surprised by a guerrilla force and were
fired upon. Instead of surrendering, Stephen, with others,
leaped into the river, and swam to the opposite side. That
night he slept upon the ground in his wet clothes, and took a
cold, from which he never recovered. His system, heretofore
very strong, had been previously reduced by a severe chronic
disease, and his cold, with this, carried him rapidly to the grave.
For a time he was delirious, and he died in this condition on the
14th of April, 1863. His remains lie buried at Bonnet Carre,
Louisiana.
To the parents who thus gave up two sons for the country,
the sympathies of a grateful nation should be cordially extended.
JAMES WILSON. 809
CXLIX.
JAMES WILSON,
OF COHOES.
James Wilson, the son of David Wilson and Isabella Mills,
was born at Lansingburgh, New York, on May 11th, 1846. He
enlisted from Cohoes as a private in Co. H, in the One Hundred
and Fifteenth Regiment New York State Volunteers, and was
killed in the battle of Olustee, Florida, on February 20th, 1864.
Lieut. Clark, in his work entitled " The Iron-Hearted Regi-
ment," page 203, gives the following account of his death: "At
the battle of Olustee, Florida, he behaved very gallantly, and
fought with the coolness of a war-worn veteran, but sacrificed
his life nearly at its close. The brave young soldier fired away
his own sixty rounds of ammunition, and then sought a fresh
supply from his dead companion's cartridge box. Having loaded
his gun for the sixty-first time, he turned to Sergeant Gould,
and in his usual pleasant way said " Alf, which way shall I aim
this time?" The words had hardly escaped his lips when a cruel
shell burst in the ranks, and a piece struck him in the left thigh,
shattering it in the most frightful manner. A large stream of
blood spouted from the wound, and he fell to rise no more.
The boys carried him a short distance from the field, but he
was fast bleeding to death and must soon die, so they laid him
gently down at the foot of a tree. They took his Bible and a few
little keepsakes from his pocket, to send to his widowed mother:
then kneeling down on the ground they grasped his cold hands
affectionately, and with tears in their eyes said ' good bye.' He
looked up and sweetly smiled; it froze on his lips, and he closed
his eyes in death."
810 SEBASTIAN PEAB8E.
CL.
SEBASTIAN PEARSE,
OF WATERVLIET.
Skisastian Pkaksk was the son of Richasd S. and EvePeabse,
and was horn in Watervliet, on the 26th day of November,
L840. He attended school until he was seventeen years of age,
when he removed to Albany, and became engaged in the lumber
business with his uncle John Ward, Esq.
At the very first call for soldiers to defend the republic against
the attacks of rebels, he, like so many others whom we have
sketched, cheerfully offered his services, and enlisted in April
1861, in Company E, Third Regiment of New York Volunteers,
under Col. Townsend. He went to Fortress Monroe and re-
mained with the regiment a short time, when on account of his
superior intelligence and excellent character, he was transferred
to the Signal Corps, and stationed at Fortress Monroe, under
Capt. Seward F. Helpburn. Here he remained until his death.
The following account of him appeared in the "Christian
Intelligencer," soon after his burial:
"Died, at Fortress Monroe, August 22d, 1862, Sebastian
Pearse- of the Signal Corps.
"Mr. Pearse was a young man of noble promise, and pos-
sessed the unqualified respect of all who knew him. A year and
a half ago, when the country made an earnest call upon her
patriotic and loyal sons, he left his business which was opening
before him prospects of speedy and lucrative advancement, and
volunteered in the Third New York Regiment. He fought in
the battles of Little and Big Bethel, through which he passed
unscathed and with honor. Soon after he was detailed to the
Signal service.
"He joined the army and remained in it only from a pure
sense of duty. Nearly a year ago he was offered an honorable
discharge on account of a tendency to vertigo, from which he
occasionally suffered; but he scorned the idea of leaving his
post. His reply, on that occasion, displayed the Avhole principle
JOEL B. PITTS. 811
of his life as a soldier: 'I came here,' said he, ' to serve my
country, and as long as my country needs my services, I shall
remain.'
" During his last illness, his comrades, the officers and the nurses,
vied with each other in their tender attentions to him. The
Captain declared that he loved him as a brother, and the mourn-
ing over his loss was universal.
Through the kindness of the members of the corps to which
he belonged, his body was embalmed and delivered to his friends.
He was buried from the Reformed Dutch Church of Niskayuna,
Rev. John A. DeBaun, pastor, on the last day in August, 1862.
A detachment of the Tenth Regiment New York State Militia,
acted as pall bearers. A very large concourse of friends fol-
lowed the remains to the grave, and mingled their tears with
those of his bereaved, but not comfortless, parents. May the
Almighty Father, whom they have long trusted and served, bind
up their broken hearts, and may his rod and staff comfort them.
CLI.
JOEL B. PITTS
OF WATERVLIET.
Joel B. Pitts, son of Isaac B. and Allah M. Pitts, was born
in Nassau, January, 1843. His mother died while he was an
infant, and his father moved to Watervliet, Albany county, in
1845, and still resides there.
His health was never very good. He was always a kind and
affectionate boy, and possessed a good character. He never pro-
fessed religion, but from his last two letters we have reason to
hope, that the many prayers offered in his behalf, were answered.
From the commencement of the war, he felt a great interest
in it, and often expressed his desire to participate in it. But on
account of his health and youth, his friends opposed it. He was
told that when he was drafted it would be time enough for him
to join the army.
812 ARTlll B IIASWKLL.
lie was drafted, and, October 1st, lie joined the Seven! li \< \\
York Heavy Artillery, and remained al Fort Reno until May,
1864, when the regiment went oul as infantry.
lie was in several skirmishes, and in the battles of the Wil-
derness and Coal Harbor. At the latter place he was wounded.
dune 3d, in his right arm and in his left shoulder. He laid most
of the day in a pit used by a rebel sharpshooter. Late in the
afternoon he went to the field hospital, and from there to the
Columbian hospital, Washington, where the ball was removed
from his neck. In six weeks he was so far recovered as to be
able to go home on a furlough of sixty days. lie spent most of
the winter in the hospital.
During the winter the Surgeon talked of putting him in the
Invalid Corps, but he opposed it, and said that he had rather go
to his regiment, where he could do more good, and tight the
rebels.
March 6th, 1865, he left the hospital at Washington, and
joined his regiment at Baltimore. He was taken sick in a few
days with fever, and, April 3d, Avent to Fort Federal Hill hospi-
tal, where he died, April 13th.
He was delirious a week or more before he died, but lived
long enough to realize our triumph; for he wrote in his Testa-
ment, "Victory, victory over our rebel foes."
A Lieutenant, in writing of his death, said: "He was a good
soldier, and I wish that I was as well prepared to die as he was."
CL1L
ARTHUR HASWELL,
OF WATERVLIET.
Arthur Haswell was born in the town of Schoharie, Scho-
harie county, June 14, 1838, and wTas the sixth of a family of
eight children. His parents were Joseph A., son of Arthur
Haswell, of Watcrvliet, and Frances, daughter of Michael
Freligh, M. D., also of Watervliet, Albany county.
ARTHUR HASWELL. 813
Inheriting from his father an unbending integrity and intense
love of country, he felt, from the beginning of the war, the
injustice of the foes who had plotted the overthrow of the gov-
ernment, and he longed to engage at once in the conflict. Duties
at home prevented this; but, as regiment after regiment took the
field, the subject of his going was still renewed. His father
gave, at length, the son on whom he leaned the most, to his
country, and he enlisted as a private soldier in Company B, One
Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, at Albany, October 21,
1862.
He suffered much in the change of climate and hardships to
which that regiment was subjected. At the time of their first
active service, he was too ill to go with them, and felt keenly
the deprivation. He mentions, in a letter to his mother, the last
he ever wrote, that it was a hard sight for those who were left,
to see the regiment go to its first active service without them,
and hoped she would not think he had been unfaithful to his
duty.
His family, who knew him best, in a home where much was
required of him, cherish his memory as a son and brother of
more than ordinary purity and faithfulness. Shielded by Divine
Providence from temptation, in the comparative seclusion of a
country home, he bore an unexceptionable moral character, and,
during his short stay in the army, won the respect of both offi-
cers and men. Although he lacked the buoyant temperament so
necessary to the soldier, he was faithful and enduring, and, in his
letters home, which were frequent, never complained of the
hardships of army life.
An incident which occurred at the time of his leaving, will
serve to show his decision of character. He was packing his
knapsack for the last time, when he playfully remarked to his
sister that the canteen was intended for liquor, and asked if he
should take it. She replied that it was best to do so, it might
be necessary to life in case of being wounded and without help.
His manner instantly changed, and in a firm, decided tone he
said, " I will not take it."
His last illness was typhoid fever, and he was confined to the
■s 1 \ AKTIHK EASWELL.
hospital tnree weeks previous to his death. On the afternoon
of the 20th of April, hi& cousin, who was in the regiment, visited
him, to whom he gave his Bible, pocket diary, and some pressed
flowers, for his friends at home. This was his last interview
with him. He was at that time cheerful, hut did not expect i"
recover. lie read Ids Bible much while in the hospital, and it is
hoped that from its sacred pages he learned to trust Him who
can save at the eleventh hour.
He died during the night of the 21st of April, 1863, and was
buried at Bonnet Cam'. His remains were afterwards brought
home, and now repose in the Albany Cemetery.
The following is an extract from a letter written by Adjutant
Strong, to his mother, April 21, 1863:
" In my letter to you of April 19th, I mentioned that ARTHUR
Haswell, of Company B, was quite sick, and that I feared he
would not recover. I am deeply pained to inform you that he
died last night. We did not suppose he was so near his end.
From the first, however, he seemed to give up, and it seemed as
though he could not rally. Every attention was paid to him,
but it was all of no avail. I trust and believe that he is gone to
a better land, and that his spirit is now in heaven."
The following letter is from Captain Merrihew to Arthur's
sister:
Bonnet Carre, La., April 23, 1863.
Miss Anna Has well:
Dear Friend — The circumstances under which I now address
you are painful to me, while to you they will be doubly so. It
devolves upon me to communicate to you the sad intelligence of
the death of your brother Arthur. He died in hospital yester-
day morning, April the 21st, 1863, about two o'clock, of general
debility. He was without any apparent disease until a day or
two previous to his death, when he was attacked with diphtheria,
which has proved so fatal with us. We did not consider him
dangerously ill until he was attacked with diphtheria, when he
commenced to fail very rapidly; and all the skill of our physi-
cians here, could afford no relief, and he has gone to return to
us no more forever.
GEORGE W. KILBOURN. 815
" He who doeth all things well," has seen fit, in His infinite
mercy, to take him away; and while it may seem hard that you
should be called to mourn the loss of one so young, and full of
promise, and so far. from friends and loved ones at home; yet
you have the comfortable assurance, that he has gone to that
better world, where sickness nor sorrows ever come.
You will please accept the heartfelt sympathies of the com-
pany of which I now have the command, and of which Arthur
was a most worthy and esteemed member. I can assure you that
your brother had, while associated with us here, by his virtuous
conduct, and his many amiable qualities, endeared himself to us
all; and we feel that the place now made vacant in our ranks by
his death, we may never expect to fill again.
I am very respectfully, your friend,
E. H. MEIiRIHEW,
Capt. Co. B. 177th JST. Y. S. V.
CLIII,
GEORGE W. KILBOURN.
George W. Kilbourn, son of James and Cathareve Living-
ston Kilbourn, was born in the city of Albany, September 1,
1844. In his youth he was remarkable for his love of truth and
sterling honesty. His parents and friends could say of him that
they never knew him to tell a falsehood, or to do a dishonest
act. He was a pupil of the Sabbath school attached to the
church of which his parents were members, and always manifested
a deep interest in the worship of God's house.
At the commencement of the war, our young friend was
exceedingly anxious to enlist as a soldier in the defence of his
country, and was only deterred from doing so by the conviction
of his parents, that he was too young for such a service. As our
national perils, however, increased, and the family felt that
some one of their number should be given up to the service of
the country, George was permitted to go. Prompted by the
■sl<! JACOB VAN M.I, EN.
noblest impulses of patriotism, he enlisted October 10th, 1862,
as Sergeant in Company D, of the One Hundred and Forty*fourth
Regiment of New York Volunteers. Shortly after his enlist-
ment the regiment was ordered to New Orleans, and from thence
to Bonnet ( !arre.
Here our young friend was seized with the typhoid fever, and
died April 12th, L8@3, a little more than eighteen years of age.
The deep affliction into which his whole family was east by this
sad bereavement, and their feelings under it, are best described
by the father's own words:
'• We miss his cheerful face and manly form in the home cir-
cle; we miss him at the family altar, where, night and morning,
he bowed with us before God. We no longer hear his voice,
like sweet music, ascending in prayer, before he retires to rest.
But avc do not mourn as those who are without hope, for though
he made no profession of religion, I believe he loved God and
tried to serve Him. Often, unknown to me, after family prayer,
and when he was about to lie down to rest, have I heard his
voice in earnest supplication to his Heavenly Father."
A Lieutenant, who was sick with him in the hospital, and who
was with him when he died, expresses in strong terms his con-
viction that " George fell asleep in Jesus."
CLIV,
JACOB VAN ALLEN,
OF BETHLEHEM
Jacob Van Allen, son of John Van Allen, was born in Beth-
lehem, and in youth received a good education, at the district
school of his native town. He was also connected with the
Normal School at Albany, and with the Princetown Seminary.
Afterwards he taught school in the winter and worked on the
farm in the summer.
In July, 1862, when President Lincoln issued his call for
three hundred thousand volunteers, he enlisted as a private in
CHARLES VAN ALLEN. 817
Company E, Capt. N. H. Moore, in the One Hundred and Thir-
teenth Regiment of Infantry N. Y. State Volunteers. He was, at
that time, thirty-one years of age, and a patriot in principle.
Mr. Van Allen was a firm believer in American liberty, and
was a sincere patriot. He went with his regiment to Washing-
ton, D. C, where they were assigned the duty of guarding the
approaches to that city. He died, while in the service of the
United States, at Fort Reno, near Washington, November 13th,
1862, of typhoid fever. His remains were brought home and
interred in the cemetery of the Dutch Reformed Church at Fura
Bush, Albany county, N. Y. He left a widow and two children
to mourn his loss.
CLV.
CHARLES VAN ALLEN,
OF BETHLEHEM.
Charles Van Allen, the brother of Jacob, was born in Beth-
lehem, Albany county, November 16, 1839. He attended the
district school until he was thirteen years of age, when he com-
menced to learn the printer's trade at Albany, New York. He
worked several years for Luther Tucker, Esq., on the :< Albany
Cultivator," and other works.
The same call of the President that stirred up the patriotism
of his brother Jacob, tired his heart. Though anxious to enlist
in his country's cause, his duties to a young wife and two infant
children, depending on his labor for their support, for a time
restrained him. But his mind was relieved when George Daw-
son, Esq., editor and proprietor of the "Albany Evening Jour-
nal," announced that he would pay to the families of any six
printers, who would volunteer, four dollars per week, during
the time they remained in the United States service. Charles
was among the first to accept Mr. Dawson's noble offer, and on
the 31st of July, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company E,
(Captain N. H. Moore), of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regi-
ment, New York State Volunteers.
52
818 CHARLES \ w M.I.I v
Thus the brothers left Albany, side by side to battle, and as
it proved, l<> die for their country's cause.
Charles remained with his regiment until June 16, L864, al
which time, he, with a Large Dumber of his comrades, was taken
prisoner by the rebels at Petersburg, and carried to the Ander-
sonville prison, where, after suffering untold torture and starva-
tion, death came to his relief September L8, 1<S<54.
His wife and children regularly received the promised four
dollars per week from Mr. Dawson, from the day that Mr. Van
Allen joined the army, until the regiment was mustered out
in August, 1865, that is for nearly a year after Charles died.
The amount paid was six hundred and twenty-eight dollars; a
large sum to contribute to one family. But none but God can
know what a relief it was to the suffering and famishing martyr,
in a southern prison, to know that a patriot hand promptly
paid the promised sum to supply his family. The liberal donor
has the sincere thanks of the widow and orphans, and their
prayer to Heaven is, that God's blessing may rest upon him.
The contrast between the relations of Mr. Dawson to the wife
and children, and those of southern fiends to the patriot father,
may be seen in the light of the following lines, entitled "The
Andersonville Post Office," which describes an event that oc-
curred in that horrible den, where our hero perished:
No blanket round his wasted limbs,
Under the rainy sky he slept;
While pointing his envenomed shafts
Around him, death, the archer, crept.
He dreamed of hunger, and held out
His hand, to clench a little bread —
That the white angel with a torch,
Among the living and the dead,
Seemed bearing, smiling as he went;
The vision waked him, and he spied
The post-boy. followed by a crowd
Of famished prisoners, who cried
For letters from their friends.
Crawling upon his hands and knees,
He hears his own name called, and lo !
A letter from his wife he sees.
CHARLES VAN ALLEN. 819
Gasping for breath, he shrieked aloud,
And. lost in nature's blind eclipse,
Faltering amidst the suppliant crowd,
Caught it and pressed it to his lips.
A guard who followed, red and wroth.
And flourishing a rusty brand,
Reviled him with a taunting oath,
And snatched the letter from his hand:
" First pay the postage, whining wretch!"
Despair has made the prisoner brave:
" Then give me back my money, sir !
I am a captive, not a slave !
You took my money and my clothes,
Take my life, too, but let me know
How Mart and the children are,
„ And I will bless you, ere I go."
The very moonlight through his hands,
As he stood supplicating, shone;
And his sharp features shaped themselves
Into a prayer, and such a tone
Of anguish there was in his cry
For his wife and children, that the guard -
Thinking upon his own — passed by,
And left him swooning on the sward;
Beyond the " dead line " fell his head —
The eager sentry knew his mark,
And with a crash, the bullet sped
Into his brain, and all was dark.
But when they turned his livid cheek
Up toward the light, the pale lip smiled,
Kissing a picture, fair and meek,
That held in either hand a child.
The following letter from Capt. Moore to Governor Fenton,
does no more than justice to the memory of a brave and true
soldier. It can hardly be necessary to state that the request of
Capt. Moore was cheerfully granted by our patriotic Governor:
Albany, October 30, 1865.
To His Excellency Reuben E. Fenton, Governor S. JV. Y.:
I have the honor to recommend to you Charles Van Allen,
of Co. E, Seventh N. Y. Heavy Artillery, for a commission as
Brevet Second Lieutenant.
820 CHARLES van ALLEN.
Corporal Van Allen whs a brave and faithful soldier, always
ready to do bis duty, and when in battle, he was never known to
shirk; and I never had occasion even t<» reprimand him. He
served in my company from August, L862, i<» dune L6th, 1864,
when he was taken prisoner by the rebels, at Petersburg, Va.,
and conveyed to Andersonville pen, where he died. He was in
every battle in which his regimenl was engaged. He leaves a
widow and two children in this city. I am sure they would
prize such a commission highly, as proof that his meritorious
services have been appreciated.
Veiy respectfully, your obedient servant,
NORMAN H. MOORE,
Late Captain 1th N. Y. Heavy Artillery.
SHORT NOTICES. 821
SHORT NOTICES.
In the following pages, we present short notices, of other
deceased soldiers of the city and county of Albany, of whom
full information could not be obtained. And in this additional
list, we by no means comprise all the noble men from our city
and county, who offered their lives upon the altar of their
country.
Some time since a law was passed, requiring every town in
the State, to obtain some information concerning every soldier
who had enlisted in our armies during the late war, and send the
same to the Bureau of Military Record. Up to the time of our
going to press, reports had not been received from Albany, New
Scotland, Guilderland and Watervliet, of this county. Had we
been favored with reports from the three latter towns, as we
have been from the other towns in the county, our list, in these
short notices, would be more complete than it now is. We do
not profess, therefore, in this volume, even to give the names of
all the patriot martyrs from our county; but we surely present
enough to show the intense patriotism, the noble daring, the
lofty heroism, and, in very many instances, the earnest piety, of
the men who freely laid down their lives to perpetuate the
American Union, and preserve the honor and the liberty of the
American Republic.
Captain Henry S. Hurlburt, of the Ninety-first Regiment,
was killed in the assault on Port Hudson, June 14, 1863.
Previous to the breaking out of the war, he was in the
employ of the Central Railroad Company. When the organi-
zation of the Third Regiment under Col. Fred. Townsend,
was commenced, he recruited Company F of the regiment, and
went away in command of it. Some time after the regiment
entered the service he resigned and came home, and the Ninety-
first Regiment being in process of organization, he accepted the
command of a company attached to it. He was a young man of
patriotic ardor and fine soldierly qualities. Up to the time of
his death he had fought bravely and escaped the shot of the foe.
He had a large circle of friends to mourn his death.
S22 SHORT NOTICES.
Lieutenant Charles B. Pierson, of the Twenty-second Regi-
ment, died at Washington of wounds received at t h< • battle of
Manassas, aged twenty-live. He was wounded in the neck on
Saturday, and laid on the field till the following Tuesday. Hi*
funeral took place here on the L5th, and was attended by Com-
pany B and the Masonic fraternity.
Lieutenant James Reid, of this city, was a victim of the battle
of Bull Run. He was a member of the Twenty-fifth Regiment,
N. Y. S. M., in the first three months' call. Upon the return of
that regiment, he joined the Fifty-third as a Sergeant. When
that regiment was disbanded, his company attached themselves
to the Seventeenth Regiment N. Y. V., with young Reed as
Second Lieutenant. Reid was formerly a clerk with Messrs.
Van II ei sen & Charles of Albany.
Louis Reehl, Orderly Sergeant of Company K, One Hundred
and Seventy-seventh Regiment, died, aged twenty-live. He was
formerly a member of the Twenty-fifth Regiment (late Col.
Bryan), and was one of the lir.^t to respond to the call of the
country of his adoption, for the defence of its capital. The priva-
tions he suffered and hardships he endured, only nerved him for
still greater and more active duties. He became Orderly Ser-
geant of Company G, Tenth Regiment, X. (J., and discharged his
duties faithfully till worn out by sickness and disease. He came
home only to linger for a few short days, and receive his final
discharge.
Sergeant Henry B. Sanders, a native of Sussex, in England,
was born on the 11th of April, 1840. He was a talented, benevo-
lent and noble young man, and enlisted in Company R, Twenty-
fifth Regiment New York State Militia. After three months'
service, he was honorably discharged.
Being rilled with the spirit of patriotism, he re-enlisted on the
2d of September, 1861, and joined the Fifty-third Regiment.
From this he was transferred to the Seventeenth Regiment,
Colonel Lansing, where he served with great faithfulness and
bravery for two years, and received an honorable discharge.
He again enlisted, in the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment
New York State Volunteers, and was killed at Coal Harbor,
June 2, 1864.
Mr. Sanders was the army correspondent of the "Knicker-
bocker," and his letters were very graphic and interesting. He
also kept a minute journal of daily events and scenes. His loss
is deeply deplored by a large circle of warm friends.
SHORT NOTICES. 823
Sergeant Michael Judge was born in Ireland in 1836. He
resided in this country seventeen years, and then enlisted in the
Fifty-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers. He was at first a
private, but for his energy and bravery he was made First Ser-
geant, and held this position until he was shot at the battle of
Antietam. He was buried on the battle field.
Mr. Judge was the son of James and Bridget Judge, and he
leaves a mother and several brothers to lament his death. He
was a man of excellent moral character and was a member of
the Roman Catholic Church.
Corporal William H. H. Lamoreaux, son of Joshua and Eliza
W. Lamoreaux, was born in Westerlo, March 29, 1840. He
enlisted as Corporal in the Seventh Regiment, August 6, 1862.
He was killed in front of Petersburg, Virginia, June 16, 1864.
Corporal Jacob H. Slater, of Westerlo; born March 17, 1844.
Enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, August 2, 1862. He
was promoted to Corporal February, 1864, and was in all the
engagements of the Army of the Potomac, from the crossing of
the Rapidan till the battle of Petersburg. There he received a
wound in his left arm, and died from the effects of it at Wash-
ington, July 7, 1864.
Corporal David W. Chandler, enlisted a^ Albany, and was
with his Company, without intermission, until the battle of Han-
over Court House, with the single exception of being sent to
Baltimore in charge of John C. Calverley's remains. He was
a good soldier; a worthy member of his regiment. He received
three wounds, and, although suffering much, would not be
removed from the field, until those he thought needed assistance
more than he, were cared for. He died in the regimental hospi-
tal tent, on the 3d day of June, 1862; and was buried with a
comrade under an oak tree, near the camp. A Pennsylvania
Chaplain officiated.
Corporal James Stewart was born March 3, 1841, in Phila-
delphia, and came to Albany in April, 1848. He enlisted in
Company C, One Hundred and Thirteenth New York Regiment,
in July, 1862, and was killed May 30. 1864.
James was a brave and efficient soldier, and had he lived he
would doubtless have reached a higher rank than that of Corporal.
He was respected by his fellow soldiers and ardently loved by
all who knew him.
His death has fallen with crushing weight on his parents, as
he was their only surviving child. At the time of his death, he
was in the twenty-fourth year of his age.
82 1 SHORE vim i 3.
Corporal Alfred Lembeocht was born in Germany, and
enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, August, 1862. He
was taken prisoner at Coal Harbor, and was oever afterwards
heard from.
George Elder, son of George and Margaret Elder was
born in the city of Albany, on the 1 1th of July, 1845. The
family attend the North Dutch Church, and George was a
member of the Sabbath school connected with thai church.
He enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh New
York Regiment, on the 15th day of October, 1862, and he left
for New Orleans on the 17th of December. He participated
in the siege of Port Hudson, and was distinguished for his faith-
fulness and bravery. The hardships of the siege destroyed his
health, and he was prostrated by a ivxrv. Being unlit for service
he returned home on the 1st day of September, 1863, with the
hope that he might rally and he restored to health. But bis
disease baffled all medical skill, and he gradually grew weaker
until the 10th of September, when he expired.
During his sickness I visited him, and received from him evi-
dence of his perfect trust in his Saviour. His remains rest in
the Albany Rural Cemetery.
Dexnis Dunklv, etdisted August 20, 1861, in Company A. New
York State Volunteers. He was engaged in all the principal
battles until July 4, 1862, when he was wounded while on picket
duty, after the seven (lays' battle. He was sent to the general
hospital at Georgetown, and then transferred to the general
hospital on David's Island. He recovered, ami in February
re-enlisted in the Seventh New York Heavy Artillery. He died of
disease June 21, 1863. He was loved and respected by his
companions in arms, and after his death they furnished the
necessary means to have him embalmed, and sent to his parents,
who reside in Albany. The}- live to mourn the loss of a loving
and dutiful son.
Adam Campbell, son of William and Elizabeth Campbell,
was born in the town of Knox, August 30, 1842.
His parents died before he was fourteen years of age. He was
a dutiful son, and was always an affectionate brother. lie was not
a professor of religion, but was a thorough patriot, and fell that
the rebellion was a wicked and unholy one, and that it was his
duty to assist in crushing it.
He enlisted August 12. 1862, in Company K, One Hundred
and Thirteenth X. Y. Volunteer Infantry. He was in all the
engagements with his regiment until August 2">. 1864. At the
SHORT NOTICES. 825
battle of Reams' Station he was taken prisoner. He was a brave
and efficient soldier, cheerful and ever ready to do his duty. As
a prisoner he bore his misfortunes with great fortitude. He was
confined at Salisbury, N. C, at which place he died January 5,
1865, and was there buried. The history of the confinement and
death of our brave men in the prison pens, is well known. His,
was the sad experience of thousands of others.
William D. Sprinks was born in the city of Albany, Septem-
ber 2, 1841, and was the son of James and Matilda Sprixks. He
received from his parents a Christian education, and from child-
hood was a member of the Sabbath school connected with the
North Pearl Street Methodist Episcopal Church, of Albany. At
the age of fourteen years, he obtained a hope that he was a Chris-
tian, and united with that church. Afterwards he removed his
membership to the Washington Avenue M. E. Church, in which
he remained until his death.
Being inspired by a lore for his country, he enlisted on the
20th of August, 1861, in Company A, Forty-third New York
Regiment. He was in no general battle, but was in several skir-
mishes, in which he manifested great coolness and bravery. He
was seized with the typhoid fever at Camp Griffin, in Virginia,
and after four weeks sickness he died, February 25, 1862. He
was buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery March 2, 1862.
Thomas Wardrobe was born in Sandell, Yorkshire, England,
on the 12th of May, 1814, and came to the United States in 1843.
He was a professor of religion, and connected with the First
Baptist Church in Albany. His sympathies were strongly with
the Union, but he entered the army mainly because an only
son had enlisted under the age of sixteen.
He was a member of Company F, One Hundred and Seventy-
seventh Regiment N. Y. S. Volunteers, and was in Banks' expe-
dition. He participated in all the skirmishes of the regiment,
and in the taking of Port Hudson. During the siege of that
place, he was taken sick with the camp fever, followed by chronic
diarrhoea, with which he suffered until his term of enlistment
expired; then he started with the regiment for home, in the lat-
ter part of August, 1866, but he grew rapidly worse, and was
obliged to be left at Cleveland, Ohio. There he lingered twelve
days, and died on the 9th of September, at peace with God. He
was a true patriot, and never regretted that he had left home
and friends for his country. His remains were brought to Albany,
and interred in the Rural Cemetery.
James Prixgle. son of James and Jane S. Pringle, was born
in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1822. He was married in 1841 to Miss
«sl''i BHORT \<»TI< I 3.
Agnes Bbown, in Glasgow, and came to America the same year,
and settled in Canada. He came to Albany to reside in L852,
and was a bookkeeper with Messrs. Davidson & Villi:, hardware
merchants.
He enlisted in 186] in Company I. of (lie One Hundred and
Thirty-firsl Regiment, and was n faithful and brave soldier, lie
was lulled ai Port Hudson by the bursting of a shell. He leaves
an excellent wife and live children to mourn his loss.
.Mi-. Pringle's son, James, also served his country faithfully in
the navy, ami returned without injury.
William 1). Marshall, son of Charles and Mary Ann Mas
shall, was born in this city, April 17, 1843. His enlistment in
the army was made while he was an apprentice to the carpenter's
1 rade, on the 27th of November, 1861. He was a private in Com-
pany G, of the Forty-fourth Regiment. lie fell mortally wounded
in tlie battle of Hanover Court House, May 27, l<S(i2.
John Scahall. — Of those who volunteered to fill up the
depleted ranks of the Twenty-fifth Regiment was Joiix Scahall.
His career as a soldier, during that memorable period, was hon-
orable and meritorious. Ready to meet every requisition of the
Government for men, he again accompanied the same regiment
in 1862, and returned after another three months campaign in
Virginia. In the summer of 1863, leaving a lucrative employ-
ment, he enlisted in the Seventh Artillery, stationed at Forts De
Russey and Reno, in Maryland, where he remained until last
May. when his regiment, in compliance" with the request of its
gallant Colonel for a post of honor and activity, was ordered to
the front, on the march to Richmond, under Gen. Grant. He
passed through all of the severe engagements, which distin-
guished that campaign, down to the 16th of June, 1864, when he
wras taken prisoner. After having remained in Richmond a short
time, he was removed further south, and at last to Savannah, Ga.,
■where he died last August. The news of his death reached here
but a few days ago, with that of his friend and comrade in con-
finement, Madden, who died three days before at the same
place. — The Albany Times.
William G. Leddy, a lad who was only fifteen years of age
when he enlisted, died amid the horrors of Andersonville prison.
He was the son of the late Peter G. Leddy, a man much esteemed
in the community.
William H. Vandenburg. — Died, in Mount Pleasant Hospital,
near Port Hudson, AYllliam H., only son of Jacob L. and Cor-
SHORT NOTICES. 827
nelia Vandenburg, of the Boght, Albany county, aged twenty-
three years.
The deceased was a member of Company B (Capt. Merrihew),
One Hundred and Seventy-seventh New York Volunteers, and
enlisted, actuated by the purest patriotism. He was a most
correct and amiable youth, and gained the love of all who knew
him. His comrades in arms highly esteemed him for his unself-
ish devotion to their welfare and happiness.
The prayer meetings in the camp well attested his piety and
devotion to the cause of Christ. When it was evident that he
must die, he had a calm and implicit trust in his Saviour. Writing
to his parents, July 20, 1863, he said: "I hope you will pray
that I may have strength to reach home; or, if not, that we may
be permitted to meet in Heaven. Pray, also, that I may have
grace to die, if it is the Lord's will to take me."
This young man was given to God and the nation, by his
parents and two loving sisters, with many prayers and tears; and
in their deep affliction, they are consoled by the bright hope of
meeting the departed, in the realms of the blessed.
James Rice — Died, in November, 1861, at Camp King, Mun-
son's Hill, Virginia. He was but sixteen years of age when he
enlisted to serve his country. The boy left his home inspired
with the thought that he, in the hour of the nation's extremity,
might do something for our honor or protection. He joined the
army with high aims, and proved an active, faithful and efficient
soldier. While on picket duty, guarding his companions in
arms, he was shot by the enemy and fell. His last words to his
dear father were: "Father, I have done my whole duty to my
country."
William I. Wooley. — The patriotism of William I. Wooley
was strikingly conspicuous. He was one of the first to respond
to the call of his country, and in spite of ill health, and the
remonstrances of friends who felt that his impaired strength
rendered him unlit for service, he persevered in his noble efforts
for the defence of the nation until his death, which occurred in
the Georgetown hospital, July 13, 1861.
Wotkyns Van Derlip was born in Abany, April 21st, 1842,
and was the son of Elias and Margaret A. Van Derlip. He
was a most dutiful and loving son, a kind and affectionate
brother, and beloved by all who knew him. For some years he
was a member of the First Congregational Sabbath School of this
city; and, although he never united with any church, yet he had
the highest regard for religion, the Sabbath, and all sacred
things.
828 BHOET NOTIOE8.
When the rebellion broke out, al the call of the President for
troops, he enlisted as a private in the Twenty-fifth Regiment N.
V. S. Militia. He was stationed al Arlington Heights, where
he worked u| Fori Albany until it was completed. While
there on picket duty during a heavy thunder storm, he took :i
very severe eold. which e;uised congestion of the Lungs, and
finally resulted in consumption.
He returned with the regiment. Bui he was still very desirous
of serving his country, and assisting in crushing the rebellion.
Being physically unable to go into the field, he was employed as
clerk in the Provost Marshal's office at Albany until it was broken
up. Then he was appointed as clerk of a court martial in ses-
sion at Annapolis. This position he was tilling at the time of
his death. He was attacked suddenly with hemorrhage of the
lungs, and, after a few days illness, he died, Sunday. September
17, 1865. He fully realized his situation, and died happy, trust-
ing in Jesus.
Leonard Cornwell, of Bern, was the son of Albert and
Mary Cornwell, and enlisted in Company D, Sixty-first New
York Regiment. On leaving home, he was presented with a
Bible by his half brother, William Henry, and this holy book
was his constant companion, lie read it through while he was
connected with the army. After three days severe fighting at
Gettysburg, he was killed. This is all the information that we
have been able to obtain concerning him. We may reasonably
hope, that the daily reading of God's holy word, was blessed to
his soul.
James Edgar Wood was born in Bern, February 8, 1844, and
was the son of Abraham and Ldcinda Whipple. He was adopted
and brought up by his grand parents, Solomon and Catharine
Wood, and therefore took the name of Wood. He enlisted,
December 16, 1862, in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-
seventh New York Regiment. He was in General Banks' expe-
dition at New Orleans. He died of consumption, August 7, 1863.
The place of his burial is unknown.
John Lyon was born in the town of Bern, in the year 1843,
and was the son of Stephen and Catherine Lyon. He was a
youth of excellent moral character, and was a true patriot. On
the 8th of September, 1862, he enlisted as a private in the Sixty-
tirst Regiment of New York. He was stationed in Falmouth,
Virginia, where he faithfully discharged every duty to which he
was called. He was suddenly taken ill, and died on the 12th of
December, 1862. His officers give him the highest praise for
private virtues and public services.
SHORT NOTICES. 829
John Taylor, of Bern, enlisted September 1, 1861, in the
Ninety-first Regiment. Died in the hospital at Baltimore. His
remains were embalmed and sent home. Buried in Bern.
Daniel Van Deusen enlisted October 2, 1863, in the Tenth
Regiment. Died at Port Hudson, June 18, 1863.
William Post enlisted December, 1863, in the Seventh Regi-
ment. Killed in battle, June 7, 1864, at Coal Harbor, and
buried on the field of battle.
Orville Merihue, enlisted August 12, 1862, in the Seventh
Regiment. Died at Millen prison, from starvation and derange-
ment. Place of burial unknown.
William Harrison Canull enlisted November, 1861, in the
Ninety-third Regiment. Died, of typhoid fever, in Baltimore,
August 11, 1863. Buried in cemetery in Baltimore.
John Henry Canull, enlisted August 14, 1862. He was
killed in battle June 6, 1864, at Petersburg, by being shot
through the head. He was buried on the battle field.
Lucius E. Ball, enlisted August 6, 1862, in the One Hundred
and Thirteenth Reo;iment. Killed in battle at Coal Harbor.
Charles B. Bogardus was born May 6, 1839, in Bern. He
enlisted in the Seventh Regiment, August 6, 1862, and was killed
in battle at Coal Harbor, June 3, 1864. He was buried on the
field.
William H. Bogardus was born in Bern, June 30, 1845. He
enlisted in the Seventh Regiment, December 28, 1863, and was
in the battle of Coal Harbor June 3, 1864. He was taken
prisoner, and died in Salisbury prison, N. C.
George H. Warner was born in Bern, 1844. He enlisted in
the Tenth Regiment, Co. C, October 1, 1862, and died at home
of disease taken in the service, September 28, 1863. He was
buried at the Lutheran church Cemetery, Bern.
Peter William Warner was born in Bern, and enlisted in the
Seventh Regiment, January 6, 1864. He died at Andersonville,
Ga., of starvation, November 16, 1864.
Carpenter N. Wright was born in Bern, and enlisted in Com-
pany I, Seventy-sixth Regiment, October 19, 1861. He died at
Camp Convalescent, December 16, 1862, and was buried at Fair-
fax Cemetery.
830 BHOST NOTICES.
Edmund Bell was born in Bern, and enlisted in Co. E, Ninety-
first Regiment, October 26, L861. He died of wounds received
in the battle of Port Hudson. May 30, L863, and was buried at
Port Hudson.
Hiram Wilddat, of Bern, enlisted in Company I, Sixty first
Regiment, September, L862. He was wounded in the right
shoulder, in front of Petersburg, June 22, 1864. Died at <ii\
Point, dune 25, L864, and was buried there.
Peter G. Boucii, horn at Middleburg, July 11, 1828, and
enlisted in Company H, Thirteenth Regiment, August 31, L864.
He died at City Point, of disease, November 27, 1864. Buried
at Gallupville Cemetery, Schoharie County.
Cyrus B. Ostrom was horn in Bern, September 15, 1826, and
enlisted in Company I), Ninety-first Regiment, October 26, 1661.
He was killed in battle at Port Hudson, June 14, 1863, and was
buried at Port Hudson.
Jesse D. Wood was horn in Bern, August 11, 1846, and
enlisted in Company C, Tenth Regiment, October 1, 1862. He
died of disease while in service at Port Hudson, August 13,
1863. His remains were brought home and buried in Bern.
Chauncey Striner, born in Bern, enlisted in Company C,
Seventh Regiment, January 5, 1864. He died while a prisoner
at Andcrsonville, August 11, 1864.
Timothy McCarty enlisted in Company I, Sixty-first Regi-
ment, September 15, 1862, and was drowned at West Troy,
September 21, 1862. Buried in Bern.
Joseph B. Northrup, born in Bern, enlisted in Company I,
Sixty-first Regiment, September 15, 1862. He also was drowned,
at West Troy, September 21, 1865, and was buried in Bern.
John R. Frink, died at Bonnet Carre, June, 1863, of bilious
fever.
William H. Stalker, born in Bern, enlisted in the Sixty-first
Regiment, August 18, 1862. Died of disease at Washington,
May, 1864.
James H. Hammond enlisted in Company I, Seventy-sixth Regi-
ment, October 21, 1862, and died at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863.
SHORT NOTICES. 831
Jasper Haight was born in Bern. March 31, 1842, and enlisted
October, 186 1. He died at Fortress Monroe in 1862.
Hiram D. Wood enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment,
August 4, 1862, and died at Andersonville prison, December, 1864.
John Eanna was born in Ireland, and enlisted in Company B,
Seventh Regiment, August, 1862. He was killed in battle, at
the Wilderness, and buried there.
John Engle was born in Germany, and died in the service of
the United States.
Garret H. Vanderpoel, born June 30, 1842, and enlisted in
Company H, Ninety-first Regiment, October, 1861. He served
through all the campaigns of his regiment, until the 25th of May,
1863, when he was killed at Port Hudson.
John G. Wallay was born in Bethlehem, and enlisted in
Company F, Forty-fourth Regiment, September, 1861. He
served with his regiment, till about the time of the evacuation
of Yorktown, when he was taken sick and died in the hospital,
in September, 1862.
John Felay was born in Ireland, and enlisted in the One
Hundred and Seventy-fifth Regiment, in 1862. He died in the
service, in the Gulf Department.
John A. Everling enlisted in Company F, Fifty-first Regi-
ment, August 30, 1864. He was captured in battle at Poplar
Grove Church, in Virginia, September 30, 1864. Since then
nothing is known of him or of his fate.
*&
George W. Brown enlisted in Company H, Forty-third Regi-
ment, September, 1862, and died of sickness at Belle Plain, in
February, 1863.
John Flagel enlisted August 10, 1862, and was killed at Coal
Harbor, June 16, 1864.
James Herring, of Bethlehem, enlisted in Company C, Seventh
Regiment, August, 1862, and was killed in the battle of the
Wilderness.
Theodore Kirkham enlisted in the Ninety-third Regiment,
1861, and died in the service.
832 BHOBT notk'I -.
John Long, of Bethlehem, enlisted in Company K. One Hun-
dred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, September, L862, and died
in Louisiana, in L863.
M w s< iiindi. eb was born in Berlin, Prussia, October, 1847,
and enlisted in Company H, Forty-third Regiment, August 28,
L862. He was wounded and taken prisoner, .May 23, L864. He
remained in prison thirty-live days, and returned to our lines
and died in an hospital at Alexandria, dune l'7, L864.
Matthew Shtllfoed, enlisted in Company K. Seventh Regi-
ment, ai Bethlehem, August, L862. He was taken prisoner at
Coal Harbor, and died in Andersonville.
John Stultz, of Bethlehem, was horn in Germany. -January 7,
1843. He enlisted in Company B, Seventh Regiment, July 29,
L862, and was taken prisoner at Coal Harbor and died at Ander-
sonville.
Peter Taylor, of Bethlehem, was born July 10, 1818. He
enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, August 8, 1862, and
was killed at Reams' Station, August 25, 1864.
Joseph Kimmer, of Bethlehem, was born April 24, 1841, and
enlisted in Company D, Forty-sixth Regiment, July, 1861. He
served with his regiment till December, 1863, when he was
taken sick, and died in an hospital at Alexandria.
Stephen Walker, of Bethlehem, was born in Glarken, Scot-
land, in 1835. He enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and
Twenty-first Regiment, August, 1862, and was killed in the bat-
tle of the Wilderness.
Joseph Breche was born in Switzerland, 1823, and enlisted
in Company A, Ninety-first Regiment, August, 1861. He died
in an hospital at Baton Rouge, July 3, 1863.
George R. Bailey was born June, 1834, and enlisted in Com-
pany I, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, October
17, 1862. He died of typhoid fever in the hospital at Bonnet
Carre, March 21, 1863. His remains were brought home, and
buried in Albany.
James Albraight enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and
Seventy-seventh Regiment, October, 1862, and served with his
reo-iment till after the siegre of Port Hudson. He returned sick
and died at Albany soon after he was discharged.
SHORT NOTICES. 833
Eugene Bronk, son of John and Gantia V. Bronk, was born
in Coeymans. He enlisted, October 15, 1862, in the One Hun-
dred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, Company I, and died at
Port Hudson, La., in August, 1863, of fever. His remains were
brought home and buried in the Coeymans Cemetery.
Andrew B. Carknard, son of Robert and Catharine Cark-
nard, was born in Bethlehem, N. Y. He enlisted, October 16,
1862, in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, Com-
pany I, and died of bilious fever, at Bonnet Carre, La., in March,
1863. He was buried at that place.
Joel Carknard, brother of Andrew, enlisted October 17,
1862, in the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, Com-
pany I. He died at Bonnet Carre, in May. 1863, and was buried
there.
4
William H. Carknard, born in Coeymans, was the son of
John and Catharine Carknard, and enlisted July, 1862, in Co.
F, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment.
John E. Carknard was born in Coeymans; enlisted in the
One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Company F, July, 1862.
All that we know of him, is, that he died in the army.
Peter Lawson, son of James Lawson, was born at Coeymans,
and enlisted October 16, 1862, in the One Hundred and Seventy-
seventh Regiment, Company I. He died at Bonnet Carre, La.,
May, 1863, of typhoid fever, and was buried there.
Charles B. Lisk, son of John and Lydia A. Lisk, was born
at Coeymans, and enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirteenth
Regiment, Company F, August, 1862. He died in the hospital
of wounds received in the battle before Petersburg:.
John G. Rowland was born in Germany, and enlisted July,
1862, in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Company
F, at Albany. He died June 2, 1864, in Mount Pleasant Hos-
pital, of a wound received before Petersburg.
William Spanberg, the son of Hartford and Thankful Span-
berg, was born at Coeymans May 11, 1*38. He enlisted 1861
in Company E, Eighteenth Regiment, and participated in the
first Bull Run battle. There, instead of running, he retired
leisurely from the field, and when fatigued he rested in the open
field, regardless of a victorious enemy. Afterwards, he was
53
83 I SHORT NOTH I 3.
taken ill with typhoid fever, senl to the hospital in the vicinity
of New York, and died June 1 1. 1862. His remains were brought
Inline, and funeral services were held by Rev. James Birch, of
ili.' Methodist Church. He was buried in the Coeyinans Hollow
( Jeinetery.
,1 AMES W. SCOFTELD, SOD of JOHN SCOFIELD, was horn in Coey-
mans, and enlisted October 11, 1862, in the One Hundred and
Seventy-Seventh Regiment, Company L He died at Coeyinans
September, 1863.
Christopheb I. Sickles, of Coeyinans, enlisted October 17,
1862, in the One Hundred and Seventy-Seventh Regiment, Com-
pany L He died at Bonnet Carre in 1863.
Isaac Teal, son of John Teal, enlisted October 14, 1862, in
the One Hundred and Seventy-Seventh Regiment, Company I.
He died of fever at Bonnet Carre in 1863, and was buried there.
Joel Waters, of Coeymans, enlisted October 16. 1862, in the
One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, Company I, at
Albany. He died at Bonnet Carre, May, 1863, of typhoid fever.
Daniel W. Wise enlisted August, 1862. in the One Hundred
and Thirteenth Regiment. Company F. He died of wounds
received before Petersburg, Virginia.
William E. Becker was a lad some sixteen or seventeen years
of age. He enlisted October 14, 1862. Almost immediately
afterwards, he was prostrated with a violent fever, and his life
was despaired of. On his recovery, wheu in a very feeble state
of health, he joined his company (I, One Hundred and Seventy-
seventh Regiment), against the protestations of friends, thus
showing that he was actuated by patriotism. He participated in
the assault and capture of Port Hudson, where he exhibited a
daring and bravery far beyond his years. Being taken ill on his
way home, on arriving at Cleveland, Ohio, the patriotic and
generous ladies of that place took him in charge. There he
died, and his remains were entombed.
John McGaffix, of Cohoes, son of James McGaffix and Mar-
garet Bell, was born in the county of Ulster, Ireland, in 1842.
He came to this country with his parents in 1849, and settled in
Cohoes. He prepared for College under the Rev. C. N. Wal-
drox, his pastor, and was admitted to the Freshman class of Rut-
ger's College, New Jerse}', in 1860. During his Junior year, he
SHORT NOTICES. 835
enlisted as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Seventy-
seventh Regiment X. Y. S. V., and was killed instantly by the
discharge of a shell from the rebel batteries, at the siege of Port
Hudson on June 18, 1863. He was a member of the Reformed
Dutch Church of Cohoes, having united on profession in May,
1858. He was a young man of excellent disposition and pro-
mising talents, and was pursuing his studies preparatory to the
ministry, when he felt the Master had need of him in the ser-
vice of his country. He was buried by his comrades near the
spot where he was killed.
Adam Turner, of Cohoes, the son of Samuel Turner, was
born in Castlereagh, in Ireland, on March 12, 1823. He
married Jane Craig, November 10, 1848, and removed to this
country in 1850. He enlisted from Cohoes, as a private in Com-
pany I. Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, and died at Cohoes
from dysentery, contracted by exposure and fatigue with the
army before Richmond. He was buried, October 14, 1864.
James K. Stevens, of Cohoes, son of John Stephens and
Elizabeth Deitz, was born in Cohoes, on October 27, 1844.
He enlisted from Cohoes, in Company H, Fourth Regiment, New
York Heavy Artillery, and died in the hospital at Annapolis,
November 6, 1864, from sickness contracted in Richmond prison.
He was buried from the Reformed Dutch Church of Cohoes, on
November 13, 1864.
George E. Van Vliet, of Cohoes, the son of Peter Van
Vliet and Eliza Ferguson, was born in Railway, New Jersey,
in 1830. He enlisted from Cohoes, as a private in Company H,
One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, New York State
Volunteers, and died at the hospital at Bonnet Carre, Louisiana,
on May 18, 1863, in the twenty-fourth year of his age.
He united, on profession, in March, 1859, with the Reformed
Dutch Church of Cohoes, and wherever he was known, he was
recognized as an earnest and decided christian. He was prepar-
ing for the work of the ministry, and had finished his course at
Burr Seminary, Vermont, and was about to enter Hamilton
College, when he felt it to be his duty to enlist in the service of
his country.
Daniel D. Tuthill, of Cohoes, was born in the State of Con-
necticut, March 17, 1817. He enlisted from Cohoes, as private
in Company I, Seventh Regiment, New York Heavy Artillery.
He was wounded in the engagement at North Anna Bridge, Vir-
ginia, on May 30, 1864, and died at the hospital in Washington,
on July 9, 1864. He was buried from Cohoes, on July 16. 1864.
836 8H< >BT \<m< i 9.
Edward Greason, of Cohoes, boh of Thomas Greason and
Ellen Jones, was born al Hyde, Cheshire. England, December
12, 1832. He enlisted from Cohoes, in Company A, Seventy-
sixth Regiment. New York State Volunteers, and was wounded
:ii the battle oif Gettysburg, July 1. L863, after, which, he way
missing. He is supposed to have died on the field of battle and
to have been buried l>y the enemy.
Leonard G. Fletcher, of Cohoes, the son of [saag F.
Fletcher and Catharine Bovee, was born in Cohoes. February
25, L841. He enlisted from Cohoes, as a private in Company A.
Twenty-second Regiment, New York Stale Volunteers, and was
engaged in the second Bull Run battle, August 30, 1862. After
this battle he was missing, and is supposed to have been wounded
and died. lie was a Sabbath school scholar of the Reformed
Dutch Church of Cohoes.
Henry O. Osterhout, of Cohoes, son of William II. Oster-
hout and Sarah Ann Gardner, was horn in Bethlehem, Albany
County, on November 18, 1847. He enlisted from Cohoes, as :i
private in Company H, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regi-
ment, New York State Volunteers, and was with the army at the
siege of Port Hudson. lie returned home with his regiment in
September, 1*63, and died from sickness contracted during his
service, on June 19, 1864.
William H. Cranstox, son of James Cranston and Catharine
M. Wells, was born in the city of New York, on April 21, 1837.
He enlisted from Cohoes, as a private in Company A, the
Seventy-sixth Regiment New York State Volunteers, and was
killed at the battle of Gettysburg, on July 1, 1863. He was
buried from the Reformed Dutch church of Cohoes, on July 16,
1863.
Jacob Alonzo Taylor, of Cohoes, son of John Taylok and
Margaret Wheeler, was born in Troy, on December 20. L845.
He enlisted from Cohoes as a private in Company H, in the One
Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, New York State
Volunteers. He accompanied his regiment on its way home,
until he reached Rochester, New York, where he Was taken sick
and died, on September 3, 1863. lie was a scholar in the Sab-
bath School, and was beloved by all who knew him. His funeral
was held from the church, on September 6, 1863.
Franklin Comstock, of Guilderland, son of David S. and
Mart Comstock, was born in New Scotland, September 18, 1844.
He was an upright, industrious and amiable youth; and at the
SHORT NOTICES. 837
age of fifteen he became a Christian, and united with the Method-
ist Episcopal church. Actuated by the purest patriotism, he
enlisted October 18, 18(52, in Company C, One Hundred and
Ninety-ninth New York Regiment. Soon after his arrival at
Bonnet Carre, La., he was seized with acute rheumatism, and
taken to the hospital, on the 14th of January, 18(33. There he
suffered intensely for many long weary months, being much of
the time entirely helpless. But he bore his pains with heroic
fortitude, and without uttering a single complaint. His com-
rades were exceedingly kind to him, and did all in their power
for his comfort. But he died April 14, 1863, and was buried at
Bonnet Carre. In December, 1863, his remains were brought
home, and interred in the Prospect Hill Cemetery at Guilder-
land.
George Riter enlisted in Company I, Sixty-first Regiment,
August 30, 1862, and was killed May 10, 1864, at Po River, Va.
John Smith, of Knox, was born November, 1837, and enlisted
in Company K, Seventh Regiment, August 9, 1862. He died in
Baltimore, March 16, 1864.
Gabriel Secor was born in Knox, March 12, 1838, and enlisted
in Company D, Ninety-first Regiment. He was in battle at Fort
McHenry, and died at Fort Federal Hill. He was buried at
Bern.
Uriah Hollenbeck enlisted in Company G, Tenth Regiment,
and died in the service. He was buried in Cairo.
Madison Settle enlisted in Company G, Sixteenth Regiment,
and died in the service, and was buried at Fort Pillow.
Peter H. Stevens, of Knox, enlisted in the One Hundred and
Thirteenth Regiment, July 1862, and died.
Henry H. Allen, of Knox, was born May 10, 1843, and
enlisted in the Seventh Regiment, Company K, August 1, 1862.
After serving nearly two years, he w^as mortally wTounded, and
was buried near Petersburg
Joseph N. Bandy, born in Knox, April 1, 1821. Enlisted in
Company K, Seventh Regiment, August 12, 1862. After being
in the service nearly three years, it is supposed he died in a
rebel prison.
Adam M. Haines, born in Knox, December 27, 1836, enlisted
in Company D, Ninety-first Regiment, August, 1861. After
838 BHOBT NOT1GE8.
being in the service nearly two years, he was wounded at Porl
Hudson, from which he died in fourteen days. lie was buried
in New ( Orleans.
Am'Ki.w \V. BlELLOGG, of Knox, a private in the Havelock
Battery, son of Amos and Lucx Kellogg, was born in Florida,
Schenectady county, New York, June 1^. 1 -s_?2. He experienced
religion at Northampton, Fulton county, New York, in 1848, and
united with the Presbyterian Church of thai place He was. up
to the time of his death, a useful and active member. Pure
pat riot ism induced him to leave family and friends, and unite
with the many brave defenders of his country; and he enlisted
in the Havelock Battery, November 11, 1861. His battery was
in the battle of Manassas Junction, but his health was too poor
to admit of his participating in the same. He died at the Marine
hospital, of small pox. June 1, 1863, and to the last moment, was
constantly urging those around him, to prepare for death, lie
was buried near the hospital.
Amos Gideon Haines, born in Knox. August 21, 1839, enlisted
in Company I), Ninety-first Regiment, August, L861. He was in
Service nearly three years, and died of disease. His remains lie
in Knoxville Cemetery.
Elias IIane was born in Knox, September 28, 1844, and
enlisted in the Seventh Regiment, .Inly 2fi, 1862. He served his
country faithfully for two years, and died of wounds in the leg,
received at Coal Harbor. His remains rest in Knoxville Ceme-
tery.
David Barton, the son of Stephen and Polly Lincoln Bar-
ton, was born in Rcnsselaerville, April 30th, 1837. He enlisted
November 24, 1861, at Albany, and died at Key West, Florida,
April 28, 1862, of typhoid fever, and was buried there.
( 'iiarles F. Barton, brother of David, was born at Rcnsselaer-
ville, June 3d, 1847, and enlisted November 24, 1861, at Albany.
He died at Key West, June 28, 1862, with fever, contracted in
the service, ami was buried there. Thus fell two heroes from the
same patriotic family.
Edwin Crandall, son of William and Ruth Underhill Cran-
dall, was born March 16, 1841. He enlisted August, 1862, in
the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Regiment, Company F,
and died about December 23, 1862, from a wound received Dec.
13, in battle of Fredericksburg, and is buried there.
SHORT NOTICES. 839
Peter Raferty was born in Ireland, June, 1830. He enlisted
September 4, 1861, in the Third Regiment, Company L. He was
taken prisoner at Gettysburg, and died while in the hands of the
rebels. The place of his burial is not known.
Edward C. Platto, son of James A. and Christiana Platto,
was born in Albany, on the 8th day of July, 1827. He received
a good education, when his parents removed with him to Pough-
keepsie, where he learned a trade. In 1857 he again came to
reside in Albany, and was married, May 1st, 1859.
From the first breaking out of the rebellion, he manifested an
earnest desire to assist in crushing it. Through his wife's efforts,
he was kept back for a few months. But he soon came to the
conclusion, and boldly declared that his duty to his country was
first, and that to his family second; and accordingly he enlisted
in Company D, Tenth Regiment National Guards. His Lieuten-
ant wrote that in every battle, and when before Port Hudson, he
was always first at his post, and on one occasion, when the call
to arms was sounded, he rushed out with only part of his clothes
on, so anxious was he to be in his place.
Ten days before the regiment left Port Hudson for home, he
was taken sick of the typhoid fever. He was brought with the
regiment as far as Cleveland, O., where he was left in the hospi-
tal. On Monday, September 1st, he died, and on Tuesday,
September 2d, 1863, his remains were brought to Albany by
his two brothers, and deposited in the Dutch Reformed burial
ground on State street, in this city.
Alexander Swartwout, son of Miner C. and Susanna Swart-
wout. was born in Rensselaerville, June, 1824. He enlisted
August 6, 1862, and of his fate his friends know nothing.
Nathan Lester Fish, son of Dennison and Minerva Lester
Fish, was born in Rensselaerville, September 4, 1844, and
enlisted August 6, 1862, in the Seventh Regiment, Company K.
He served in all the engagements of the regiment until June,
1864, when he was taken prisoner at Petersburg, Va. He was
taken to Andersonville prison, and has never been heard of since.
Isaac E. Finch, son of Smith A. and Martha Knowles Finch,
was born in Rensselaerville, September 11, 1843. He enlisted
in Seventh Regiment, Company K, August 6, 1862. He was in
several battles, and was killed in the battle of Tolopotomy
Creek, and buried there.
Charles Greene, son of Almar W. and Maria Van Wort
Greene, was born at Preston Hollow, September 30, 1842. He
8 10 SHOBT \<>n< i 9,
enlisted in the Eighteenth Regiment, Company C, September
L8 61, and died in the hospital a1 Hilton Bead, North Carolina,
Feb. 2d, L862, and was buried there.
James Webb, of Westerlo, was born in the town of Fulton,
New York, on the loth day of June, L842. His parents were
As ihel and ( Iaboltne W"ebb.
Desiring to do wliat he could for his country, he enlisted in
Company K, One Hundred and Thirteenth New York Regiment,
known as the Seventh Heavy Artillery, August 1!'. L862.
On the loth of June, 1864, he wrote to his parents that he
had been in five heavy battles, and while they raged, he was
under tire every day. On the Kith of June, he was taken
prisoner before Petersburg, and carried to Andersonville prison.
Up to this time he had been distinguished for his cheerfulness;
his strict obedience to his superior officers, and his unflinching
bravery upon the battle-field. But on entering this horrible
prison, and being subject to the cruelties of the incarnate fiends
who took delight in his starved condition, and his agonies, his
health and spirits were both undermined. In the bitterness of
his soul, he said to his companions in wretchedness, "I shall
never see home again."
He lingered through the sad days and weary nights, until, on
the 15th of October, 1864, death came to his relief. AVhere his
remains lie none of his friends know. He was probably buried
with the other patriot martyrs, who were murdered in this
prison.
Levi Smith, son of Israel and Fanny Smith, was born at Pot-
ter's Hollow, November 21, 1841. He enlisted in the Seventh
Regiment, Company F, August It, 1862. He was taken prisoner
in the battle of Tolopotomy Creek, and died in Andersonville
prison.
Silas "White, son of Daniel and Mary Ann White, was born
at Preston Hollow, March 5, 1845. He enlisted in the Fifth
Regiment, Company I, February 1, 1862, and died with the
measles, at Baltimore, December 25, 1862. He is buried at
Preston Hollow.
William Shoness, son of Joshua and Abby Ten Eyck
Shoness, was born in Westerlo, June, 1844. He enlisted in the
Sixty-first Regiment, Company E. He died in the service of the
United States, near Fredericksburg, Virginia.
George Swabtwout, son of Miner C. and Susanna Cornish
Swartwolt. was born in Rensselaerville, June 14, 1844. He
SHORT NOTICES. 841
enlisted in October, 1862, at Albany. After going to the front,
he lived three months and then was taken sick with typhoid
fever. He died at Falmouth, Virginia, and was buried there.
Alfred Lawpaugh, of Westerlo, enlisted in Company K,
Seventh Regiment, August 14, 1862. Died at Washington.
His remains were brought to Westerlo and buried.
Thomas Westley Barker, of Westerlo, enlisted in Company
D, Sixty-first Regiment, September 1, 1862. Died in the service.
Jesse Dexxisox enlisted October, 1862. While on his way
home with his regiment, he died at Rochester, New York.
Johx Rider enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment, at
Westerlo, August 14, 1862. He was in the battles before Peters-
burg, June 16 and 22, and was taken prisoner, after being
wounded at the last named battle, and taken to Richmond. He
died from the effects of his wound.
George C. Woolley, of Westerlo, enlisted in Company K,
Seventh Regiment, August 14, 1862. He was in all of the en-
gagements of the Army of the Potomac, from May 15, 1864,
until he was taken prisoner at Petersburg, June 16, 1864. He
was confined at Andersonville prison, and died while there from
the effects of starvation.
David H. Crawford, of Westerlo, enlisted in Company K,
Seventh Regiment, August 14, 1862. He was killed in battle, at
North Anna River, May 27, 1864.
Marcus D. Lockwood, of Westerlo, born in 1847, enlisted in
Company K, Seventh Regiment. He was taken prisoner at the
battle of Petersburg, June 17, 1864, and died a prisoner of war.
Johx Wright, of Westerlo, enlisted in the Forty-third Regi-
ment. After serving twenty-one months, he re-enlisted in the
same regiment. He was wounded soon after, and died at Wash-
ington.
John Bowie, enlisted in Company K, Seventh Regiment,
August 2, 1862. He was in all the engagements of the Army
of the Potomac, from the crossing of the Rapidan to the battle
of Petersburg, June 16, 1864. There he was taken prisoner,
and confined in Andersonville prison, where he died from
exposure and starvation.
8 12 SHORT \<>i l< I.-.
David B. Wh.i.sky. of Westerlo, enlisted in Company K.
Seventh Regiment, August 11. L862, and was in all the battles
of the Army of the Potomac, from May L6, L864, till the LOth
of June, L864. Be was taken prisoner near Petersburg. Died
at Andersonville prison.
James Holmes was born in Westerlo, February 6, 1827, and
enlisted in Company K. Seventh Regiment, August 1. 1862. He
was in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, from the
crossing of the Rapidan to the assault of Petersburg, June 1<».
1864. He was then taken prisoner and carried to Andersonville,
where he died from exposure and starvation.
John B. Craft, of Westerlo, born in Coeymans, April 14,
1845, enlisted in the Seventh Regiment May 5, 1862. After
serving his term of enlistment, he again enlisted, for nine months,
in the Tenth Militia Regiment, .November, 1862, and again in the
Seventh Heavy Artillery Regiment. He was taken prisoner
dune 16, 1864, and died at Millen prison, from exposure ami
starvation, November 2, 1864.
( Iharles C. Baker, of Company E, Ninety-first Regiment, died
at New Orleans, aged thirty-five years.
John II. Briggs, of Company C, Seventy-Seventh Regiment,
wounded at the battle of Winchester, died at Taylor's hospital,
aged twenty-one years.
Samuel Burriskill, of Company C, Seventh Regiment, N. Y.
S. V. died November 7, 1863, aged twenty-one years.
Christopher G. Burns, after passing through the dangers of
fourteen battles, died of consumption, aged twenty-four years.
Charles Brice was killed at the battle of the Wilderness,
Virginia, aged twenty-three years.
William II. Barlow, Company E, Tenth Regiment, died at
Bonnet Carre, La.
John A. Christopher, aged eighteen, was killed in an engage-
ment near Rappahannock station, Virginia.
William F. Campion, killed at the battle of Antietam, was
buried from the residence of his father. He was a member of
Company B, Eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and was twenty-
three rears of ase.
SHORT NOTICES. 843
Henry Montraville was also killed in the above action and
was buried in Albany, 22d January, 1865.
John McDonald, of the Thirtieth Regiment, Xew York State
Volunteers, was instantly killed in action on the 30th of August.
He died as a true Albany boy, with his back to the field and his
face to the foe, young, handsome and brave; all who knew him
lamented his death. Hardly fifteen years of age in April, 1861,
he marched with the Twenty-fifth to Washington, and upon its
return enlisted in the D'Epineul Zouaves, and uncomplainingly
shared their privations and mishaps in the voyage to Hatteras,
and when disbanded joined the Thirtieth Regiment, in whose
ranks he bravely battled and nobly died.
Simeon H. Maxn, of Co. G, One Hundred and Twenty-first
Regiment, was killed in the charge in the battle of Spottsylvania
Court House, while on the top of the enemy's breastworks.
George Martin, after he had passed through all the battles
of the Peninsula with Gen. McClellan's army, at last at the
battle of Crampton Gap was shot through the heart, and leaves
a wife and child, and a laro;e circle of friends to mourn the loss.
Thomas L. Hartness was a brave soldier and devoted Sab-
bath School teacher, and died for his country.
Charles A. Haskell died at Bonnet Carre of typhoid fever,
aged eighteen.
Michael Harrigan died at Baton Rouge, aged eighteen :
member of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment,
F. S. Hurd died at Port Hudson; son of the late J. N. M.
Hurd. He was a member of Company A, One Hundred and
Seventy-seventh Regiment.
John B. Carter was killed at the battle of Winchester, Va.,
and was buried at Albany January 5, 1865.
Thomas Edward Cary was instantly killed, and left a father
and brother in the army.
Charles B. Chapman died, aged twenty-seven. He was a
printer, attached to the Ellsworth Regiment. He received a
wound in the breast in one of the battles before Richmond.
844 BHOBT NOTICES.
James De Laoet, whose affection, as the son of a widowed
mother, was equal to his courage upon the battle field, fell at the
slaughter at Aiitietam.
Wm. T. O'Brien died ;il Xcubern, N. C. lie was a member
of the Twenty-third New York battery.
Abraham S. Thornton, of the Seventh Artillery, who < 1 i<< 1 at
Washington, was buried from the Hudson Street Baptist Church.
Thomas Smith, .Jr., Company B, Berdan'e Sharpshooters, died
at City Point Hospital, Virginia, aged twenty-one. He was
wounded in a skirmish before Petersburg, on the sixteenth.
Clarence H. Stephens, a brave boy of nineteen years, fell
before the deadly lire of the rebel artillery.
John Shaffer, a young man of superior worth, after braying
many battles, died in 1863, and the last words upon his lips were,
" My mother."
Christopher Scheidler died, aged twenty-six. He was one
of the first volunteers in the war, and served in the Virginia
campaign in the Twenty-fifth Regiment.
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APPENDIX.
BRIEF HISTORIES OF THE REGIMENTS THAT WERE RAISED IN THE
COUNTY OF ALBANY. THEY ARE ARRANGED HERE, MAINLY IN THE
ORDER IN WHICH THEY LEFT OUR CITY FOR THE SEAT OF WAR.
TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT N. Y. S. M.
By Adjutant J. M. Kimball.
Head Quarters (N. G. S. N. Y.) 25th Regiment
N. Y. S. M., Albany, October 1, 1866.
Rev. R. W. Clark, D. D. :
Dear Sir — In accordance with your request, I send you an
account of the Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. S. M.
Having been Adjutant of that regiment for the last four years,
and a member of it for more than twelve years, I have the means
of giving you an accurate account of its services, in the late
civil war.
On or about the 19th day of April, 1861, Col. Michael K.
Bryan, then commander of the Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. S.
M., (then a part of the uniformed militia of the State,) received
orders from Gov. Morgan to hold his regiment in readiness to
move at a moment's notice.
On the evening of April 21, 1861, the order came from Gov.
Morgan to move the next morning, at nine a. m., to Washington,
D. C. The order was obeyed by the regiment with all possible
alacrity, and on the morning of the 22d of April, 1861, the regi-
ment, under command of Col. Bryan, proceeded by the Hudson
River railroad to New York, and from that city took the steamer
Parkersburgh for Annapolis, Md., where they landed on the
morning of the 26th of April, and the Colonel reported to Gen.
Butler, who was then in command of that post. On the mor-
ning of the 29th, the regiment arrived in Washington, D. C, the
fifth regiment that reached there in defence of the Capital, at that
critical hour of our Nation's history.
Upon arriving in Washington, the regiment was quartered in
a large building, near the Capitol. There it was drilled by the
Colonel, assisted by United States officers of the regular army,
for several hours in the forenoon and afternoon, until it became
846
APPENDIX.
otic of (lie best drilled militia regiments in Washington. Tho
commander of the regiment reported, on the arrival in Washing-
ton, directly 1<» Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott, who ordered the
Colonel to report with his command to Brig. Gen. Mansfield.
The regiment remained under (Jen. Mansfield's orders till the
23d of May, 1861, when the command came to cross that night,
at two a. m., the Long Bridge from Washington to Virginia. This
regiment was the second thai reached the Virginia side, the
Twelfth. Col. Butterfield's, being the first.
The Twelfth New York Militia, Col. BuTTEEFlELD, upon cross-
ing over the bridge, turned off to the left hand, and Col. Bryan
moved on with his command to Arlington Heights, where Fort
Albany now stands. The regiment, after taking two of the rebel
pickets, with their horses and equipments, prisoners, (which 1
think were the first prisoners taken in Virginia after the com-
mencement of the war,) encamped at four a. m. on the 24th of
May, 1861. Soon after they commenced the erection of Fort
Albany, which was mostly built by the labor of this command;
besides, some twenty acres of timber and wood were cut down
by them for military purposes. The fort was named Fort Albany,
in honor of the city from which the regiment came, by the men
to whom it was left by the military authorities at Washington,
at Col. Bryan's suggestion.
At the battle of Bull Run, the regiment was left in charge of
the fort they had built, and which was one of the barriers that,
after the disaster of Bull Run, on the 21st of July, 1861, saved
the Capital from the advance of the rebels, as appears by the
reports of the Generals of the enemy.
After the battle and defeat of the 21st, under McDowell, on
the night of that day, Col. Bryan was placed in command of the
fort, and several other regiments and batteries, to make a stand
in case the rebels advanced or pursued our flying columns from
that unfortunate field of battle. This certainly showed the con-
fidence of the Government in Col. Bryan and his men. But the
enemy did not advance. They feared the strength of Fort Albany,
and the other works erected beyond the Potomac.
Had it not been for these forts, erected on the south side of
the Potomac by Gen. Runyon's Brigade of Xew Jersey men, and
by the Twenty-fifth and Sixty-ninth Regiments New York, under
Col. Bryan and Col. Corcoran, the city of Washington would
doubtless have been taken by the rebels after the first Bull Run
battle. The Twenty-fifth Regiment bestowed an immense amount
of labor on these forts, and the importance of that service ap-
peared very clearly at that time.
This regiment was ever ready to obey every order, and faith-
fully performed every duty required of it by the Government. It
APFENDIX. 847
justly received the thanks of its superior officers. They were
not mustered into the service till the 4th of May, 1861, at Wash-
ington, and their term of service was three months from that
time.
With the loss of three men by sickness, who died at Washing-
ton, D. C, the regiment returned to Albany by railroad on the
1st of August, numbering live hundred and seventy-five men and
officers, and were mustered out at Albany on the 4th of August,
1861.
The regiment was commanded by Michael K. Bryan as
Colonel. James Swift was Lieutenant Colonel, and David Freed-
lander, Major. Company A, was commanded by Captain Jacob
Fredendall; Company B, by Captain Timothy McDermott;
Company C, was commanded by Captain Johx Gray; Company
D, was commanded by Captain Frank Marshall; Company E,
by Captain J. J. Huber; Company G, was commanded by Capt.
Henry Mulholland; Company H, by Captain Godefrey; Com-
pany L, by Captain Frederick Newdorf; Company K, by Capt.
Hale Kingsley.
The regiment was again, on the 31st of May, 1862, mustered
into the United States service at Albany, N. Y., by order of the
Government for three months, and on this occasion was ordered
to Suffolk, Virginia, where they remained till the 1st day of
September, 1862. Then they took passage, at Norfolk, on the
2d of September, on the steamer Baltic, for New York, where
they arrived after a stormy passage, on the 6th of September.
During this campaign the regiment was encamped at Suffolk,
Virginia, where they were in the brigade of General Max Weber,
commanding, which was composed of the Third New York Vol-
unteers; the Fourth New York Volunteers; the Thirteenth New
York Militia, and the Twenty-fifth Regiment, New York Militia.
The regiment attained great proficiency in drill while at Suf-
folk, and nine days after this regiment was mustered out of ser-
vice, the brigade of General Weber Avas ordered into the battle
of Antietam, where he was wounded, and General Mansfield
who was the commander of the post at Suffolk, was killed.
The regiment returned with five hundred men, having lost but
one man, who was accidentally drowned. Though they fought
no battles, they were ever ready to do so if required, while in
the field; and hundreds of the officers and men that first served
in the late civil war, in the Twenty-fifth Regiment, after it re-
turned to Albany and was mustered out, joined with their Colonel,
Michael K. Bryan, other regiments of volunteers, and fought
many battles. Many of them laid down their lives in the field,
anions whom was Colonel Bryan, who fell at the head of his
S.|S
APPENDIX.
regimenl a< Port Hudson. Others who have nobly served
through tlif war, have returned, and now reside with us.
During its term of service in L862, al Suffolk, Colonel Bryan
commanded. James Swift was Lieutenant Colonel, and David
Friedlandeb Major. Company A, Avas commanded by Jacob
Fredandoll: Company B, by Timothy McDermott; Company
C, by Captain John Gray; Company F, by Captain Michael
Kennally; Company G, by James M. Carlin, and Company K,
by Captain Hale Kxngsley.
Permit me to say all did their duty; and if ever the country
shall again need the services of her sons, the Twenty-fifth Regi-
ment which is now in a most efficient condition in regard to drill,
discipline and numbers, under its present able and zealous
officers, most of whom have faced the foe in the tight, will be
among the first to rally round the flag, and to defend the Ameri-
can Republic against every foe.
Respectfully yours,
J. M. KIMBALL,
AdjL 25th Regt. N. Y. S. JST. G.
* THIRD REGIMENT INFANTRY, N. Y. S. V.
The Third Regiment Infantry, N. Y. S. V., or "First Albany
Regiment," was organized at Albany. It was composed of com-
panies recruited and accepted as follows, viz:
Co.
Where recruited.
By whom recruited.
Date of acceptance.
A.
B .
p-
Williamsburgh, L. I. ..
Newburgh, N. Y
Albany, N. Y
Order 13, April 20, 1861.
Order 15, April 20, 1061.
Order 14, April 20. 1861.
Order 69, April 21, 1861.
Order 41, April 20, 1861.
Order 98, April 22, 1861.
Order 148,April 23,1861.
Orderl58,April24,lsr,i.
Orderl79,April27,1861.
Order 232,April 25,1861.
D .
E .
Albany, N. Y
Capt. Justus W. Blanchard . . . .
Capt. J. H. Ten Eyck, jr
F .
Q .
H.
I..
K
do
do
On the 24th of April, Captains Smith, Fullerton, Floyd,
Blanchard, Hulbert, Ten Eyck and Butler were directed to
meet and elect field officers, and, on the 25th, the election of
Frederick Townsend as Colonel, and Samuel M. Alford as
Lieutenant Colonel, was confirmed. These proceedings, however,
* For this and most of the other histories of the regiments, we are indebted to the
reports of Col. Doty, Chief of the Bureau of Military Record.
APPENDIX. 849
were set aside. At a meeting of the State Military Board, held
May 7th, it was, on motion of the Treasurer, "Resolved, That the
ten companies, commanded by the following Captains, to wit:
S. W. Fullerton, Jr., Abel Smith, Jr., E. G. Floyd, John G.
Butler, Justus W. Blanchard, Henry S. Hulbert, Isaac S.
Catlin, Jacob H. Ten Eyck, Jr., E. S. Jenny and John E. Mul-
ford, be and they are hereby accepted and organized into a regi-
ment, to be designated as regiment No. 3, and that the officers
of said companies be authorized to hold an election to elect the
Held officers for said regiment." Under this resolution the elec-
tion was held by Brig. Gen. Eathbone, on the 8th, at which
Frederick Toavnsend was elected Colonel, S. M. Alford, Lieu-
tenant Colonel, and George D. Bayard, Major. The State Board
confirmed the selections made, with date from the 8th. On the
14th of May the regiment was mustered into the service of the
United States by Capt. Frank Wheaton, U. S. A., and on the
16th (Special Orders No. 192) Col. Townsend was directed "to
proceed with his regiment to New York, May 18, and report for
duty to Gen. Dix. Arms and equipments to be issued upon their
arrival at New York."
The regiment left Albany for New York on the 18th May, and
arrived in that city on the 19th, and took quarters in the Park
barracks. It was armed with seven hundred and twenty mus-
kets, pattern of 1842, caliber sixty-nine (May 27), which were
changed (Maj^ 29) for Enfield rifles, caliber fifty-seven. Equip-
ments were also furnished, and (May 28-30) one hundred com-
mon and twenty-four wall tents issued to it by the State. On
the 31st of May it left New York for Fortress Monroe. The
expenditures by the State in behalf of the regiment up to August
15th, exclusive of subsistence and quarters, was fifty-five thousand
six hundred and twenty-four dollars and eighty -one cents.
The regiment reached Fortress Monroe on the 3d of June. On
the 9th it was ordered to move in support of the Fifth Eegiment,
in an attack on Little Bethel. The First, Second and Seventh
Regiments were also ordered to join in this movement. While
the Third was en route it passed in the vicinity of the Seventh,
and the latter, mistaking it for a force of the enemy, opened
with artillery and musketry upon Col. Townsend's column. The
fire was irregularly returned by the Third, and fearing that it
had fallen into an ambuscade, it immediately retreated to an emi-
nence near by. The true state of facts having been ascertained,
the regiments effected a junction, and resumed the line of march.
Little Bethel was found to have been evacuated by the enemy,
and the command moved forward to Big Bethel, where, after a
short engagement, a retreat was ordered. In this movement the
Third lost two men killed and twenty-seven wounded.
54
850 APPENDIX.
The regimenl returned to Fortress Monroe, and from thence
(July 30th) (o Baltimore, where it remained in camp, at Fori
McHenry, until April 1st, 1862, when it was sent to Fori Federal
Hill. From Federal Hill it was transferred to Suffolk, Ya.. where
it remained until September 12th. It then returned to Fortress
.Monroe, where it performed guard duty until the expiration of
its term of service.
On leaving the service it received the following complimen-
tary order:
Headquarters, Department of Virginia, "|
7th Army Corps, Fortress Monroe, Va., \
May 12 1863. J
To the Third New York Volunteers {Infantry):
The Major General commanding cannot withhold the expres-
sion of his deep regret that the term of service, for which a
large number of the men of the Third New York Volunteers
enlisted is about to expire, and that he is compelled to part with
them.
In discipline, good conduct, and a faithful discharge of their
duties, under all circumstances in which they have been placed,
he ventures to say that they are not surpassed by any other
regiment in the service.
Through the care, vigilance and fidelity of their officers and
their able commander, and through their own just sense of all
their obligations, under the military laws by which they have
been governed, they have earned a most enviable reputation.
To those who have re-entered the service, with an unshaken
determination to uphold the cause of their country against its
faithless enemies, he tenders his sincere thanks; and if those who
are about to return to their families and friends for a while,
should rejoin their comrades whom they leave behind, they will
receive as warm a welcome as that which awaits them at home.
JOHN A. DIX,
Major-Gen eral Commanding.
Official: Wilson Barstow, Aid-de-Camp.
The regiment took the field with seven hundred and ninety-six
officers and men. During its period of service it received one
hundred and sixty-two recruits, who, with about two hundred
re-enlisted men, and the re-enlisted men and recruits of the
Ninth Regiment New York Volunteers, who were consolidated
with it, remained in the field and continued its organization
under Col. Alford, who had been promoted to the command of
the regiment, on the resignation of Col. Townsend (July 2d,
1861). It commenced its service, as a veteran command, with
APPENDIX. 851
about eight hundred men, and subsequently received seven
hundred conscripts and about two hundred recruits, as well as a
number of men by the consolidation with it of the One Hundred
and Twelfth New York Volunteers.
The re-organized regiment was sent to Folly Island, where it
participated in the siege of Fort Wagner and Charleston. In
April, 1864, it visited Gloucester Point and West Point, and
made a reconnoissance to within a few miles of Kino; William
Court House. It then moved up the James River, under Gen.
Butler, as a part of the First Brigade (Col. S. M. Alford),
Second Division (Brig. Gen. J. H. Turner), Tenth Corps (Maj.
Gen. Q. A. Gilmore.) It was actively engaged and suffered
severely in the advance made by Gen. Butler, May 12th, 14th
and 16th, and lost fifty wounded, five killed and seven missing,
out of about two hundred and eighty-five engaged. About the
31st of May it was temporarily assigned to the Third Brigade,
Third Division, Eighteenth Army Corps, and moved to Coal
Harbor, where it remained until the 12th of June, when it
returned to Bermuda Hundred. On the 15th it started for
Petersburg, and reached a point within about two miles of the
city, where it encountered the enemy, charged his works, cap-
tured two hundred and fifty men of Wise's Brigade, the battle-
flag of the Twenty-sixth Virginia, and some nine or ten pieces
of artillery. It fell back on the 12th and resumed its old posi-
tion in the Tenth Corps. It was subsequently in action at
Bermuda Hundred, in front of Petersburg, Petersburg Mine,
Fort Gilmer, Chapin's Farm, Darbytown Road, first and second
Fort Fisher, and Wilmington, N. C. At Fort Fisher, the State
color which it carried was the first Regimental color which was
hoisted on the enemy's works. It was mustered out of service
in August, 1865.
FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
The Forty-third Regiment was recruited in the counties of
Albany. Washington and Otsego, and in New York city. It left
Albany September 16, 1861, under command of Colonel (after-,
wards Brigadier General) Francis L. Vinton. Arrived in the
field September 21, 1861, and from that time until it was
mustered out, was constantly in the face of the enemy.
It went out with seven hundred and six men, and, with the
recruits which it subsequently received, (including five companies
which were recruited for it at the close of the Peninsula cam-
paign in 1862) had a roll of two thousand three hundred and
twenty-seven. It returned with two hundred and ninety men
852 mm i.ndix.
and thirteen officers. Il was firsl assigned to General Hancock's
Brigade, in which il served until February, L863, when it was
selected as one of five regiments, distinguished for dash and
courage, to form a Lighl Division of the Sixth Army Corps. It
served in this divisional Marye's Heights, Salem Church and
Banks' Ford, and was the firsl regimen! thai planted its colors
on the enemy's works on Marye's Heights.
After the Chancellors vi lie campaign, the Lighl Division was
discontinued, and the regiment was assigned to the Third Brig-
ade, Second Division, Sixth Corps, in which it subsequently
served. It was mustered out June 27, 1865, with the following
battles, actions and sieges inscribed on its banners: Lee's Mills,
April 29, 1802; Warwick Creek, April 30, 1862; Siege of York-
town, 1862; Golding's Farm, June 27, 1862; Seven Day's Bat-
tles, 1802; Antietam, September 17, 1802; Fredericksburg,
December 12, 13, 14, 1802; Marye's Heights, May 3, 1863;
Salem Church, May 3, 4, 1803; Banks' Ford, May 4, 1803; Fred-
ericksburg, June 5, 1803; Gettysburg, July 2. 3, 1803; Rappa-
hannock Station, November 7, 1803; Locust Grove, November
27, 1803; Mine Run, November 29, 1803; Wilderness, May 5,
0, 1804; Spottsylvania, May 10, 12, 18, 1804: North Anna, May
23, 1804; Coal Harbor, June 1, 2, 3, 1864; Petersburg, June 18,
28, 1864; Fort Stevens, District of Columbia, July 12, 1864;
Charlestown, August 21, 1804; Opequan, September 19, 1804;
Fisher's Hill, September 22, 1804; Cedar Creek, October 19,
1804; Petersburg, March 25, 1805; Petersburg, April 2, 1805;
Sailor's Creek, April 0, 1805; Surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865.
TENTH, OR ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SEVENTH
REGIMENT N. Y. S. V.
The Tenth Regiment National Guards, was organized at Albany,
under Colonel Ira W. Ains worth, soon after the breaking out
of the rebellion, and performed guard duty and other services,
in aid of the General Government. By order of Gov. Morgan,
under a special order of the War Department, accepting volun-
teers for nine months, it tendered its services, for the third time,
to Gov. Morgan. In September, 1802, it was accepted, and
assigned to General Banks, under the name of the One Hundred
and Seventy-seventh Volunteers, and sailed for the expedition
in December, for the Department of the Gulf.
On its arrival at New Orleans it was attached to the Third
Brigade, Second Division, Nineteenth Corps, and served in hold-
ing the defences of New Orleans until March, when the cam-
APPENDIX. 853
paign of Louisiana was commenced. It served with the brigade
in two campaigns on the Amite river, each time being sharply
engaged by the enemy, and lost its first man in action. It then
participated in the campaigns from Now Orleans to Port Hudson,
and arrived in front of the enemy's works on the 23d of May.
On the 25th, General Banks, wishing to ascertain the position of
the enemy, and to open communication with the fleet, ordered
the regiment to cut its way through to the river. This service
was gallantly performed under a heavy tire from the enemy's
main works. The regiment approached so near to the fortifica-
tions, that the guns over-ranged, thus saving the regiment from
great loss in killed and wounded. The first blood at Port Hud-
son was drawn from the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh, on
this reconnoissance.
The regiment was actively engaged during the entire siege of
Port Hudson, taking part in the battles of May 27th and 29th,
and suffered severely. On the fall of Port Hudson, the time of
the regiment having expired, it returned home by way of the
Mississippi river, the route originally promised by General
Banks to the troops of his expedition. After being mustered
out of the United States service, it resumed its original position
in the Ninth Brigade National Guard.
FORTY-FOURTH, OR, PEOPLE'S REGIMENT.
This was a Zouave regiment, and was organized and numbered
the Forty-fourth, October 16th, 1861.
It was started with an earnest appeal to the people of our
State, commencing in the following language:
" To the People of the State of New York:
The recent assassination of the gallant and lamented Ells-
worth, and the barbarous manner in which the rebels have thus
far conducted their hostilities against the Government, has fired
anew the zeal of our young men, until all are chafing with impa-
tience to meet the foe.
The epiota of New York troops called for by the President is
already organized; and, if they were not, too much time would
be consumed in organizing under existing laws.
Under these circumstances, it has been deemed advisable to
raise a regiment from among the people of this State, each
town and ward to be represented by furnishing one man, to be
at once armed and equipped by voluntary subscription, and ten-
dered to the General Government, to serve during the war, as the
avengers of the noble blood spilt on the soil of Virginia on the
24th inst.'
854 APPENDIX.
This regiment, having been completed and drilled, made a
parade, October L3, L861. It was witnessed byan immense con-
course of our people. The regimenl made a splendid appear-
ance, and unit through the manual and various evolutions in a
very creditable manner. The loading and firing, especially, by
companies, platoons, and by the entire line, was admirably done,
and (dieited great applause. At the (dose of the parade a newly
invented battery was brought on the field— truly a terrible instru-
ment of destruction. Ii consists of five guns, and will discharge
sixty halls a minute.
On the 16th of October, Lieut. Col. Rice, of the Ellsworth,
or Forty-fourth, Regiment, received a beautiful sword, and some
other articles, at the house of A. McClure, Esq. The present-
ation was gracefully made by Mrs. Emily Barnes.
On the 2<)th of the same month the regiment left for the sent
of Avar. When the centre of the regiment was opposite the
house of Hon. Erastus Corning, the line was halted to receive
the regimental banner from the hands of Mrs. Corning. It was
very elegant, and when put into the hands of the standard
bearer, it was received with enthusiastic cheers by the regiment.
The ceremony was deeply interesting.
As this noble body of patriots left our city, they carried with
them the best wishes of tens of thousands, and how fully they
met the public expectations appears in the sketches of many of
them, who ottered up their lives upon the altar of their country.
It was mustered into service September 24, 1861, and served
in the following engagements, viz: Siege of Yorktown, Hano-
ver Court House, Gaines' Mills, Turkey Island Bend, Malvern
Hill, Second Bull Run or Groveton, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
Chancellorsville, Aldie. Gettysburg. Jones' Cross Roads, Rappa-
hannock Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court
House, North Anna, Bethesda Church and through the series of
battles and skirmishes before Petersburg and on the Weldon
railroad, up to September 24, 18(34.
The heroic Gen. Rice, who was killed in the battle of the
Wilderness, went out as Lieutenant Colonel of this regiment,
and Gen. Chapin, who was killed at Port Hudson, was its origi-
nal senior Captain.
The following account of the return of this regiment is taken
from the "Albany Express," September 28, 1864:
•' Our streets were unusually lively yesterday afternoon, the
citizens turning out in large numbers to witness the return of the
veterans of the Forty-fourth Regiment. The welcome extended
to them was as warm and generous as it was merited. It will be
remembered that but a few months after the commencement of
hostilities, a number of our most prominent citizens resolved to
APPENDIX. 855
unite their means and efforts to raise a regiment that would, in
every respect, be a model organization. The original plan was
to accept a man from each town in the State, but unforeseen diffi-
culties arose under this plan, and it was abandoned; and although
many parts of the State were represented in it, our own city and
county furnished a larger number than any other locality. The
Regiment was made up of picked men — men selected not only
with a view to their own physical advantages, but also with
regard to their moral worth; and we feel justified in saying, that
in these respects, no liner regiment ever entered the army than
was the Forty-fourth, when it left Albany nearly three years ago,
(October 21, 1861). They numbered ten hundred and sixty strong.
" Since then it has participated in twelve general engagements,
and in as many more skirmishes, and always with distinguished
bravery. But the fortunes of war told fearfully upon its ranks.
Brig. Gen. Eice and many others of the gentlemen who went out
in its list of officers, gave up their lives for the cause in which
they so cheerfully volunteered, lighting valiantly where the
hardest and bravest blows were to be struck, and dying with
their faces to the foe.
" During its service, upwards of seven hundred recruits joined
its ranks, and now, when one hundred and seventy return to their
homes, there are left in the field but three hundred. As an evi-
dence of the material of which it was originally composed, we
may state, that about one hundred and fifty of the rank and file
have been promoted into other regiments. The veterans of this
regiment, who are returning home, number one hundred and
seventy men and fourteen officers.
" On their arrival here, about four o'clock in the afternoon,
they were received by the Mayor, Common Council and the Citi-
zen's Committee, and under the escort of the Twenty-second
Veteran Corps (a neat and fine looking body of men), and the
Sixteenth Massachusetts Battery, they marched through a num-
ber of principal streets, exciting feelings of the warmest admira-
tion among the thousands of citizens who crowded the walk.
Passing up State street, they paid Mrs. Erastus Corning, Si\,
the compliments of a marching salute. When, three years ago,
the regiment started for the seat of war, it was presented with
an elegant flag by Mrs. Corning. This flag, having been worn
out, was returned to the donor, and a new one given in exchange,
about the 1st of January. 18(33.
"Arrived at the Capitol, Gov. Seymour was introduced by
Col. Conner to the men, who greeted his Excellency with around
of hearty cheers. Gov. Seymour addressed them briefly, allud-
ing in feeling and eloquent terms to their brave departed com-
rades, and tendering to his hearers, on behalf of the State, as
856 APPENDIX.
well as for the city of Albany, the mosl earnesl thanks. He
spoke of their services and sacrifices, and assured them thai their
deeds of patriotism and heroism would ever be the theme of
praise on the lips of their fellow citizens. The regiment then
marched from the Capitol to Congress Hall, where, as the guests
of the city, they partook of a substantial collation, after which
they were surrounded by many old friends, with whom they
passed a happy evening.
NINETY-FIRST REGIMENT N. Y. S. V.
The Ninety-first Regiment left Albany on the 20th of Decem-
ber, 1-861, on the transport " Knickerbocker." They arrived at
Governor's Island the next morning, where they encamped. The
regiment remained there until the 8th ot January following,
during which time they experienced considerable hardship, as
the weather was very cold, and very few of the men had been
used to such a life.
On the 8th of January, 1802, they were taken on board the
steamer " Ericsson," and on the morning of the 9th sailed for
Key West, Florida. The "Ericsson" was a large vessel, but not
a very fast one, and she did not reach Key West until the 19th.
On the 20th the regiment disembarked, and encamped on the
southern part of the Island.
During their stay at this place, the men were employed in
making military roads, and much time was devoted to drilling.
The Island was under the command of Brig. Gen. J. M. Brannan.
On the 20th of May, 1862, the regimen) embarked on the steamer
"Philadelphia" for Pensacola. That place had been evacuated
by the rebels a short time before, and troops were needed to
garrison it, and the Ninety-first was selected for that purpose.
Upon arrriving at Pensacola, the regiment was assigned to
quarters in the houses of the place, which had been deserted by
their owners. The men were kept busy for some time in assist-
ing in the building of a redoubt and other earthworks. While
stationed at this place, the regiment had a very pleasant time.
Their quarters were good, the climate was fine, and there was
an abundance of good water. The regiment was stationed here
seven months, during which time the place was never attacked
by the enemy in force, although the pickets were occasionally
visited by the rebel cavalry; and at one time ten men of the
Ninety-first, on the advance guard, wrere captured. When the
regiment reached Pensacola, and for some time after, the place
was under command of Gen. Arnold. He was relieved by Geu.
APPENDIX. 857
Neal Dow. While Gen. Dow had command, a number of expe-
ditions were sent into the surrounding country to capture, not
rebels, of whom there were a few in the vicinity, but furniture.
Once, however, on the 27th of October, 18b'2, several companies
of the Ninety-first marched some distance into the country, and
at night surprised a detachment of rebel cavalry. A short
engagement ensued, and six rebels were killed and seven taken
prisoners, and fifteen horses were captured.
In December, 1862, Gen. Banks' expedition reached New
Orleans, and shortly after its arrival, orders were issued for the
Ninety-tirst to proceed to that place. The regiment left Pensa-
cola in transports on the 24th and 25th of that month, and upon
arriving at New Orleans, were at once ordered to Baton Rouge,
where a large force was being concentrated for an attack on Port
Hudson. At this time the regiment was in splendid condition.
The men were well clothed and equipped, and were well drilled,
and under good discipline, and it formed one of the best regi-
ments in the Nineteenth Corps.
In the latter part of March, 1803, it assisted in the feint that
was made by Gen. Banks on the rear of Port Hudson, while
Farragut ran his ships past the place. After this it Avas taken
to Donaldsonville, and from there marched to Brashear city.
From here the Third Division of the Corps, under Gen. Grover,
to which the Ninety-first was attached, were taken up the Atcha-
falaya in transports, and on the loth of April were landed. That
day there was some skirmishing with the enemy, and on the 14th
the battle of Irish Bend was fought, the first severe engagement
that was participated in by the Ninety-first. The regiment did
good service on that day, and met with but comparatively a
small loss. Two men were killed, and some eight or ten wounded.
Sergt. Clark, of Company A, was killed on that day, and was
the first man of the regiment who was killed in battle. Imme-
diately after this battle, the enemy were pursued up the Teche
country by the whole Nineteenth Corps. At Bayou Vermillion,
the regiment participated in a little engagement, and had several
men wounded, but none killed. After this it accompanied the
corps to the Red river, reaching Alexandria on the 7th of May,
which place was taken without any fighting. The troops remained
in the vicinity of Alexandria until the latter part of May, when
they were taken by water to Bayou Sara, above Port Hudson,
and on the 24th that stronghold was completely surrounded.
On the 25th the brigade, to which the Ninety-first was attached,
made a forward movement, and had a spirited engagement, in
which seven of the regiment were killed.
On the 27th a general advance was made, and the rebels were
driven to their inner works. That day the Ninety-first suffered
358 APPENDIX.
Beverely. About sixty were killed or wounded. Major Stack-
house was wounded, and died from the effects <>f his wound.
Captains John Cooke and J. ( i. McDermott were also wounded.
The former losl the use of his arm for lite. Ai'ter this uo genera]
movement was made until the Nili of June, a day which will
always be remembered by the Nineteenth Corps. Ii was ;i day
of desperate fighting, by which nothing of value was secured.
Od ilia! day t lif regimenl had about twenty killed, and over sixty
wounded. Among the former were (apt. Henri Hulberi and
Adji. Sylvester Shepard; among the latter were Capt. William
Li i.. and Lieuts. Herwerth, Mathias, Stackhouse and Diamond.
ll wouldrequire pages to describe the scenes of thai day — the
most remarkable day tor the regiment of its entire service.
When the regimenl left New York it was about eight hundred
strong. On the L5th of June, L863, there were but two hundred
and twenty men tit for duty. Immediately after the surrender
of Port Hudson, the regiment went with part of the corps to
Donaldsonville, where there was a slight engagement on the L3th
of July, in which six of the regiment were wounded. After this
the regiment was stationed in the vicinity of New Orleans until
the latter part of August, when it was ordered to Brashear city.
Until about this time, the regimenl had been commanded by
( ol. Jacob Van Zandt. Under him it had done some hard fight-
ing, and gained a reputation for endurance, bravery and good
discipline, second to none in the Department of the ( in If. From
the time the regiment went to Brashear until it was finally mus-
tered out.it was commanded by Col. Jonathan Tarbell. It
remained at Brashear six months, doing garrison duty, during
which time little of importance transpired. In January, 1864,
nearly all the men re-enlisted for three years more.
In the latter pail of February the regiment was removed to
Fort Jackson, for the purpose of being paid and mustered on
their re-enlistment, and expecting to proceed from there, in a
short time, to the north, on a furlough. For some reason they
were detained there over four months. Previous to this, there
had never been much sickness among the men, but the unhealthy
situation of the fort had its eflect upon them, and before they
left, there were not sufficient well men to do the ordinary guard
duty; and when the regiment started for the north, on the 9th
of July, there was scarcely a strong, well man in it. Nearly
every one had suffered from the t\'\vv and ague.
The regiment came home by the way of the Mississippi, and
arrived at Albany on the evening of the L9th of July, receiving
an enthusiastic welcome. At the expiration of the thirty days
furlough it was ordered to Baltimore, where it remained, doing
duty in and around that city, for about six months. Here it
APPENDIX. 859
received large additions to its numbers of recruits from the north,
and became over sixteen hundred strong:.
In the latter part of February, 1865, the regiment was ordered
to join the Army of the Potomac before Petersburg, and upon
its arrival at City Point, was assigned to the First Brigade, Third
Division of the Fifth Army Corps.
The regiment participated in the glorious campaign which
resulted in the fall of Richmond, and the surrender of Lee's
army. It was in the battles of White Oak Ridge and Five Forks,
and other minor engagements. During this short and decisive
campaign, between forty and fifty of the regiment were either
killed or died of wounds received in action; and over one hun-
dred and seventy were wounded. Among the wounded were
Capts. George W. Hobbs and Andrew Dodds, and Lieuts. Dan-
forth, Chapman and Murphy.
The regiment marched to Washington with the rest of the
troops, and was at the grand review in that city on the 23d of
May.
Shortly after this the one year men, belonging to the regiment,
were sent home and mustered out; and about the middle of July
the remainder of the regiment returned to Albany, and were dis-
charged from the service.
To the survivors of this noble and heroic regiment, who are
now residing with us, Ave tender the warm thanks of the citizens
of Albany, and the lasting gratitude and admiration of the Ameri-
can people.
ELEVENTH NEW YORK HAVELOCK BATTERY.
From Capt. John E. Burton.
The formation of the Eleventh N. Y. Battery commenced as
early as the 10th of September, 1861, by a call, dated at the
rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, Albany, and
signed by James Rodgers and Henry D. Brower. An organi-
zation Mas not effected, however, until the 26th of October, 1861,
when the Rev. A. A. Von Puttkammer was elected Captain.
The Battery had its full complement of officers and men, and
was mustered into the service of the United States on the 6th of
January, 1862.
The following are the names of the officers at that time: A. A.
Von Puttkammer, Captain; R. C. Warmington, First Lieutenant;
-James Rodgers, First Lieutenant; G. A. Knapp, Second Lieu-
tenant; John E. Burton, Second Lieutenant.
The number of enlisted men then on the rolls, was one hun-
dred and fifty-eight.
860 APPENDIX.
In the fall of L861, the Battery was presented with a beautiful
banner, having on it an excellent portrait of General Havelock,
after whom the Battery was named. The gifl was from t In*
Ladies <»t' A Ibany.
Tlif Havelocks Left Albany on the 17th of January, 1862, and
arrived at Fort Ellsworth, Va., on the 25th; which place it gar-
risoned until the 30th of duly, 1862, when it Look the field, and
wss engaged in tin- following battles:
Second Bull Run, Aug, 26 and 27, 1862; Fredericksburg, Dec.
13, 1862; Chancellorsville, May 2 and 3, 1863; Gettysburg, July
1. 2 and 3, 1863; Mine Run, Nov. 30, L863; Spottsylvania C. II.,
May II. L864; North Anna River, May 24, L864; Tolopotomy
Creek, May 30, L864; Coal Harbor, dun.' 3d to 12th, L864;
Petersburg, dune Kith to 25th, 1864; Deep Bottom, Aug. 11.
1864.
The Battery was also engaged nearly every day, in the works
before Petersburg, from September, 1864, until the fall of Rich-
mond, and then, with a part of the Army of the Potomac, pur-
sued Lee's army, ami was in at tin' death.
At the battle of Chaucellorsville, the Battery assisted in repuls-
ing the enemy, who were following a retreating brigade of the
Eleventh Corps.
At Gettysburg, on the third day. it reinforced a part of the
line, at a time when it was wavering, ami some of our men laid
already thrown down their arms. But they fought with new
vigor, on seeing a fresh reinforcement. And in all of Grant's
campaign, in 1864 and L865 — those long, fatiguing marches:
those hard and tedious diggings, and those fierce ami bloody
Wattles — the Eleventh New York Battery was always foremost,
and was always relied on.
The Battery reached Albany dime .">. 1865, ami was mustered
out June 1 ">. 1865.
The names of the officers at that time, were: Geo. W. Davey,
Captain; G. X. P. Gam:. First Lieutenant: J. A. Manning, First
Lieutenant: Wm. Hastings, Second Lieutenant; A. G. Graves,
Second Lieutenant.
Names of those who were killed inaction, ami died of wounds:
Sergeant John R. Warmington, killed ;it Chancellorsville, May
;;. 1863; Private Henry D. Calloway, killed at Chancellorsville,
May 3, 1863; Private Gerrit II. Van Denburg, killed at Coal
Harbor, dime 12, 18€3; Corporal Wm. A. Van Gaasbeek, died
in hospital, at David's Island, June 23, of wounds received at
Coal Harbor, June 6, 1864; Private John II. Metoalp, died in
hospital, June 19, of wounds received dime 17, 1864, near Peters-
burg; Private Alfred C. Elwell, killed June 24. 1864, near
Petersburg; Corporal William II. I>kol'<;iiton. killed Sept. 28,
APPENDIX. 861
1864, near Petersburg; Private Jonathan W. Scott, killed Nov.
4, 1*64, near Petersburg.
Names of those who were wounded in action:
Edwin W. Burrage, at Manassas, Aug. 26, 1862.
John Markey, do do
Mark S. Acker, do do
Lieutenant James T. Wyatt, Chancellorsville, May 2, 1863.
Corporal Charles M. Swann,
Corporal Edward M. Manx,
Private Seth D. Patterson,
Private David I). Davis,
Private Duncan Cameron,
Private James W. Parnell,
Private L. M. Murray,
do
May
3, 1863
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
ysburg, July
3, 1863.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
June 24,. 1864
do
do
do
do
Private John Wilkes,
Private Archibald Bates,
Private John H. Sawyer,
Private Philip Gardinier,
Sergt. Orlando H. Cheney,
Sergt. Charles W. Kelly, Coal Harbor, June 8, 1864.
Private E. D. Willard, do June 12, 1864.
Private E. H. Popes, near Petersburg, June 17, 1864.
Sergt. Jas. Groesbeck,
Private Wm. H. Loag,
Sergt. James A. Manning,
Corpl. Adrian Gillett,
Corpl. Wallace Robinson.
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH REGIMENT N. Y.
S. V. (SEVENTH REGIMENT N. Y. V. ARTILLERY.)
To the Idndness of Dr. James E. Pomfret, the Surgeon Gen-
eral of the State of New York, we are indebted for the following
account of this distinguished regiment:
The One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment N. Y. S. V., after-
wards the Seventh Regiment N. Y. V. Artillery, was formed in
the Thirteenth Senatorial District, as the Albany County Regi-
ment, in obedience to General Orders No. 52, General Head
Quarters, State of New York, dated A. G. O., Albany, N. Y.,
July 7, 1862, under the auspices of the following committee,
appointed by his Excellency Gov. E. D. Morgan, viz:
Hon. Eli Perry (Mayor), Chairman, Gen. John F. Rathbone,
Hon. Lyman Tremain, John Tracey, Esq., Thomas W. Olcott,
862 APPENDIX.
Esq., Geobge Dawson, Esq., Hon. Clare B. Cochrane, Hon. J.
\. L. E*rutn, Frank Townsend, Esq., Samuel Anable, Esq.,
\Y. M. Van Antwerp, Esq., Hon. Geo. II. Thacher and Hon.
Henri A. Brigham.
The above gentlemen me1 on the loth of July, L862, and after
enlarging the committee, divided into sub-committees for cadi
ward and town in the county, they proceeded to recruit a regi-
ment.
The first man was enlisted on the 24th of July, and the last,
man on the 15th of August, of that year, during which time over
eleven hundred men were enlisted.
The regiment was mustered into the United States service on
August 18. 1862, by Captain Lewis O. Morris, Firsl United
States Artillery, its Colonel, with the following field and staff
officers:
Colonel, Lewis O. Morris; Major, Edward A. Springsteed;
Adjutant, Frederick L. Tremain; Quartermaster, E. Willard
Smith; burgeon, James E. Pomfret; Assistant Surgeon, J. Wes-
ley Blaisdell; Assistant Surgeon, George W. Newoomb; Chap-
lain, Humphrey L. Calder.
The companies had the following officers:
Company A. — Captain, Joseph M. Murphy; First Lieutenant,
Abraham Sickles; Second Lieutenant, John B. Read.
Company B. — Captain, Samuel E. Jones; First Lieutenant,
James Kennedy; Second Lieutenant, Wm. E. Orr.
Company C. — Captain, John A. Morris; First Lieutenant,
Howard N. Rogers; Second Lieutenant, Matthew Bell.
Company D. — Captain, Charles McCulloch; First Lieuten-
ant, Christian Schurr; Second Lieutenant, Henry C. Coulson.
Company E. — Captain, Norman H. Moore; First Lieutenant,
A. V. B. Lock ho w; Second Lieutenant, John F. Mount.
Company F. — Captain, Robert H. Bell; First Lieutenant,
Nathaniel Wright; Second, Lieutenant, Robert Mullens.
Company G. — Captain, Francis Pruyn; First Lieutenant,
John S. McEwan; Second Lieutenant, Charles W. Hobbs.
Company II. — Captain, Cap. McGitre; First Lieutenant,
Charles Ducharme; Second Lieutenant, Franklin Pettit.
Company I. — Captain, William Shannon; First Lieutenant,
Joseph O. Hair; Second Lieutenant, Teunis M. Ball.
Company K. — Captain, Samuel L. Annable; First Lieutenant,
Michael H. Barckley; Second Lieutenant, George Krank.
The non-commissioned staff:
Sergeant Major, George H. Treadwell: Quartermaster Ser-
geant, William Stevens; Commissary Sergeant, Frederick E.
Scripture; Hospital Steward, Alfred B. Huested; Principal
Musician, William Wilson.
APPENDIX.
863
The order to move was received at Regimental Head Quarters
at eleven o'clock a. m. on the 19th of August, 1862, and on the
same evening the regiment left Albany at six o'clock.
For this promptness in moving, the regiment received the
thanks of his Excellency Gov. Morgan; and an elegant silk flag
was given to it as one of the four regiments which first left the
State under that call for troops. On its arrival in Washington,
on the 21st of August, it was immediately placed in the defences
of that city, north of the Potomac.
In December the regiment was changed from infantry to artil-
lery, by order of the Secretary of War, and designated as the
Seventh Regiment New York Volunteer Artillery. Two com-
panies (L and M) were added in the spring of 1864, organized
as follows:
Company L. — Captain, James Kennedy; First Lieutenant,
Fred. W. Mather; Second Lieutenant, Chas. C. McClellan.
Company M. — Captain, George H. Treadwell: First Lieu-
tenant, George B. Smallie; Second Lieutenant, Edgar S. Moss.
Under the artillery organization, each company was entitled
to one hundred and forty-seven enlisted men and five commis-
sioned officers, and was soon recruited to the full standard.
While in the defences, the regiment was engaged in re-building,
strengthening and extending the works. It garrisoned, substan-
tially reconstructed and cleared the timber for three miles in
advance of the following works: Forts Pennsylvania (afterwards
Reno), De Russey, Kearney, Gaines, Bayard, Ripley, Franklin
and Alexander; and Batteries Smead, Reno, Cameron, Vermont
and Martin Scott. It also did duty on Mason's Island, on the
Potomac river.
On the 14th of May, 1864, the regiment was ordered to join
the Army of the Potomac. It left on the 16th, passing through
Bell Plain and Fredericksburg, and on the night of the 17th it
joined the army near Spottsylvania Court House, Va. With
other artillery regiments, it constituted the Fourth Division of
the Second Army Corps. On the 19th, it fought its first battle
on the Po river, defending the army trains from an attempt to
capture them by the enemy. It lost thirteen killed, sixty-two
wounded, and nine missing. Moving with the Second Corps
through Guiness Station and Bowling Green, it reached the North
Anna, and on the 23d was again engaged, losing four killed,
twenty-four wounded, and four missing. Leaving the North
Anna, it passed through Chesterfield, crossed the Pamunkey
river at Newcastle, and reached Tolopotomy creek, when the
Fourth Division of the Second Corps was broken up, and the
regiment joined the Fourth Brigade of the First Division of the
Second Corps. On the evening of the 29th, it made a charge
864 APPENDIX.
againsl the enemy's works, which were carried ;tl the cost of
twenty-four killed, seventy-one wounded, and twelve missing.
.Mo\ ing i" i li«' l«'l'i from Tolopotomy creek, il reached the enemy's
works at Coal Harbor, and on the 3d of June made its gallanl
charge, carrying the tirsl line of the enemy's works, capturing ;i
battle flag, three hundred prisoners, and getting possession of
several guns of the enemy. The losses of the regiment were
very heavy, there being no less than seventy-six men killed, two
hundred and forty-eight wounded, and one hundred and sixteen
missing; most of the missing being killed inside of the enemy's
works.
On the 4th of June, while examining the enemy's works, in
company with (Jen. Barlow, Col. Morris was shot by a sharp-
shooter, of which wound he died in the First Division Hospital
on the same day.
Swinging round from Coal Harbor, the regimen! crossed the
Chickahominy at Long Bridge, (hence to the dames river, which
it crossed at Windmill Point on transports, and passing through
Prince George Court House and City Point.it reached the south-
east of Petersburg on the night of the 15th. On the evening of
the Kith it participated in the unsuccessful charge against the
works of that city, losing in the charge thirty-five killed, one
hundred and five wounded, and three hundred and four taken
prisoners. Of these prisoners, few survived the lingering tortures
of Andersonville.
The regiment remained on duty near Petersburg during the
fall and winter of '64. It participated in the expeditions to
Deep Bottom on July 27 and August 22, from which place it had
just returned, when it was ordered on to the Weldon railroad,
to destroy it, which was done for several miles. It participated
also in the disastrous tight of Ream's Station, in which it suffered
greatly, losing a large proportion of officers, among whom were
Lieut. Col. Springsteed, Capt. Nathaniel Wright and Capt.
James Kennedy.
This was its last tight. It entered the Army of the Potomac
on the 19th of .May, with sixty-six officers and seventeen hundred
and seventy-four men fit for duty: and on the morning of the
2<sth of August, exclusive of the medical stall', it had six officers
and one hundred and sixty-eight men fit for duty.
On the 22d of February, 1865, a small artillery regiment being
required for duty in Baltimore, the Seventh was ordered to that
point, where it remained until mustered out in June and August,
1865.
The following officers were killed in battle:
Col. L. O. Morris, at Coal Harbor, Va., June 4; Lieut. Col.
E. A. Springsteed, at Ream's Station, August 25; Capt. Chas.
appendix. 865
McCullock, at River Po, May 19; Capt, John A. Morets, at
River Po, May 19; Capt. N. Weight, at Ream's Station, August
25; Lieut. J. B. Read, at Coal Harbor, June 3; Lieut. T. J.
McClure, at Coal Harbor, June 3; Lieut. C. S. Evans, at Coal
Harbor, June 4; Lieut. C. L. Yeaesley, at Petersburg, June 16.
The following officers died from the immediate effects of
wounds:
Capt. R. H. Bell, wounded at Po river, May 19; died at
Georgetown, D. C, June. Capt. C. Maguiee, wounded, captured
at Petersburg June 22; died at Petersburg July 4. Capt. Jas.
Kennedy, wounded, captured at Ream's Station August 25; died
at Libby September 9. Lieut. M. H. Baekley, wounded at Coal
Harbor, June 4; died in Washington, June 29. Lieut. W. E.
Oee, wounded at North Anna, May 25; died in Washington,
June 1. Lieut. Mattheav Bell, died of consumption, at Fort
Reno, D. C. Lieut. E. S. Moss, captured at Petersburg, June
16; died of yellow fever, at Charleston, S. C, October 6. Lieut.
C. S. White, died of typhoid fever, at the Smith House, July 15.
Theee were other Regiments organized in this city, but com-
posed mainly of recruits from other counties.
The Twenty-eighth Regiment N. Y. S. V. was organized at
Albany, on the 18th of May, 1861. It was composed of compa-
nies, recruited and accepted, from Lockport, Medina, Canandai-
gua, Batavia, Albion, Monticello, and Niagara Falls.
The Thirty-fourth Regiment Infantry N. Y. S. V. was organ-
ized at Albany, and left for Washington on the 3d of July, 1861,
via New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, where it arrived on
the 5th.
The Sixteenth Regiment Infantry N. Y. S. V., or " First North-
ern New York Regiment," was organized at Albany on the 10th
of May, 1861, from companies recruited in the northern counties
of the State.
55
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
OF THE
NAMES OF THE OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS NOTICED IN THIS VOLUME.
-A-. Page.
Albraight, James 832
Allen, Henry H 837
Angus, Sergt. Walter H 601
B.
Bailev, George R 832
Bailey, Corpl. John E 669
Baker, Charles C 842
Ball, Lucius E 829
Bandy Joseph N 837
Barker, Capt. Augustus 1 414
Barckley, Lieut. Michael H 545
Barker, Thomas W 841
Barton, David 838
Barton, Charles F 838
Barlow, William H 842
Becker, William E 834
Bell, Edmund 830
Bell, Lieut. Matthew 565
Bell, Capt. Robert H 451
Bell, Sergt. William H 617
Benedict. Bvt Brig. Gen. Lewis 88
Bogardus, Charles B 829
Bogardus, William H 829
Bogart, Maj. James H 343
Bouch, Peter G 830
Bowie, John . 841
Breche, Joseph 832
Briggs, John H 842
Briggs, William M 745
Brice, Charles 842
Brower, Charles M 715
Brower, Lieut. Henry D 499
Brown, George W 831
Bronk, Eugene 833
Bryan, Col. Michael K 195
Burhans, Capt. David 453
Burriskill , Samuel 842
Burns. Christopher G 842
c.
Cady, William C 684
Cadwell, Robert A 755
Campbell, Adam 824
Campion, William F 842
Cameron, Corpl. Robert H 641
Page.
Canull, John H 829
Canull, William H 829
Carhart, Abram M 787
Carknard, Andrew B 833
Carknard, Joel 833
Carknard, John E 833
Carknard, William H 833
Carroll, Capt. Edward B 433
Carroll, Col. Howard 236
Carter, John B 843
Cary, Thomas E 843
Caverly, John C 758
Chandler, Corpl. David W 823
Chandler, Samuel W 743
Chapman, Charles B 843
Christopher, John A. . 842
Clark, Lieut. William P 57^
Comstock, Franklin 836
Conley, John H 678
Corliss, Roswell B 717
Cornwell, Leonard 828
Crandall, Edwin 828
Cranston, William H 836
Craft. John B 842
Crawford, David H 841
Crounse, Sergt. William 620
Crounse, John Q. A 798
D.
Darling, Corpl. Robert B 652
Dawson, Maj. George S 318
DeLacey, James 844
Dempsey, Lieut. James L 514
Dempsey, Lieut. John M 524
Dennison, Jesse 841
Douw, Capt John DeP 384
Dudley, Orange 725
Dunham, Josiah 756
Dunkin, Dennis 824
E.
Elder, George 824
Engle, John 831
Evans. Lieut. Charles S 549
Everett, Capt. Robert B 450
Everline. John A 831
868
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
*• Pa .
Fee, Capt. John A 127
Felay, John 88]
Fellows. Addison J 7 12
Fish, Nathan L 889
Finch, Isaac ]•: 889
Flagel, John 881
Fletcher, Leonaid G 886
Fredenrich, Sergt. Charles II 696
Frink, John R 880
Frisby, Col. Edward 119
G.
Gates, Corpl. George T 628
Gerling, Sergt. James S 606
Gladding, Joseph 770
Goewey, Lieut . John T. B 559
Goldwail , Thomas 737
Goold, James E 719
Greason, Edward 830
Green, Charles 839
II.
Haight, Jasper 831
Haines. Adam M 837
Haines. Amos G 838
Eammill, Hugh 746
1 la in mi i in I. .lames II 830
Hane, Elias 838
Harvey, Levi 1 727
Harrigan, Michael 843
Eartness, Thomas L 843
Haswell. Arthur 812
Haskell, Charles A 843
Havens, William 793
Haves. Azor T 797
Heald, Lieut. Charles W 454
Heermance, Charles S 749
Herring, James 831
Higham, Edward A 733
Hill, Lieut. Edward B 586
Hill. Lieut. Luther 11 567
Hoffman, Alanson F 802
1 lollenlieck, Uriah 837
Holmes, Edmund 764
Holmes, Corpl. Erastus H 671
Holmes, James 842
Hotaling, Sergt. Andrew T 615
Huntley, Justin R 698
Hard, F. S 843
Hurlburt, Capt. Henry S 821
J.
Jackson, Col. William A 129
Jaques, Sergt. Maj. LP 591
Judge. Sergt. Michael 823
K.
Kellogg, Andrew W 838
Kelly. Samuel W 767
I' i • .
Kennedy, Capl . James 120
Kilbourn, George W 816
K immer, Joseph 882
Cing, Robert II 688
Kirkland. Theodore 881
L.
Lamoreanx, Corpl. William H II... 828
Latham. Corpl. Charles (i 683
Lawson, Peter 888
Lawpaugh. Alfred 84]
Leddy, William (i 826
Lembrocht, Corpl. Alfred *2I
Lewis. Corpl. Alonzo E 646
Lisk, Charles B 888
Lockley. John A 788
Lockwood, Marcus D 8 1 1
Lodge, Capt. Douglass 185
Loomis, Samuel G 728
Long, John s".2
Ludden, Corpl. Alonzo G 672
Lyon, John 828
M.
Madden, Fergus 759
Maher, Lieut. Patrick 575
Mann, Simeon II 848
Marshall, William 1) 826
Martin George 843
Mattoon. W. V. R 735
McCartv. Timothy 830
McCulloch, David' 806
McCulloch, Stephen 808
McConncl, Lieut. Henry 664
McDonald, John " 843
McDonald, Maj. Miles 855
McGaflm, John 834
BfcGuire, Capt. John 443
McMahon, Col. James P 226
Merihevv, Orville 829
Merriman, Capt. H. N 123
Miller, Addison B 794
Mitchel, Gen. Ormshy M 53
Montraville, Henry 843
Morgan. Lieut. James II 542
Morris, Capt. John A 440
Morris, Col. Lewis 0 21 I
Moore. Corpl. W. H 649
Murry, Corpl. William 624
N.
Northrop, Joseph P 830
Noxon, Lieut. Robert G 577
o.
O'Brien, William T 844
Orr, Lieut. William E 539
< >sterhout, Henry 0 836
Ostrom, Cyrus B 830
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
869
A • Page.
Parks, Stephen P 751
Pearse, Sebastian 810
Pease, Minot H 705
Percy, Sergt. Gustavus A 623
Perkins, John G 771
Phillips, Lieut. John P 571
Pierson, Lieut. Charles B 822
Pitts, Joel B 811
Platto, Edward C 839
Pohlman, Lieut. William H 404
Post, William 829
Piatt. Col. George W 210
Priugle. James 825
Pruyn, Maj. Charles E 280
Q.
Quay, Corpl. Lewis W 664
Quay, Sergt. Paul 618
R.
Raferty, Peter 839
Ranna, John 83 1
Read, Lieut. John B 562
Reehl, Orderly Sergt. Louis 822
Reid, Lieut. James 822
Rice, Gen. James C 65
Rice, Sergt. Alexander D 609
Rice, James 827
Rider, John 841
Riter, George 837
Roach, Corpl. Isaac J 665
Rowland, John G 833
Russell, Adjt. John H 381
s.
Sanders. Sergt. George . . .# 611
Sanders', Sergt. Henry B 822
Sayre, Henry 752
Scahall, John 826
Scheidler, Christian 844
Schermerhorn, George W 760
Schindler, Max 832
Scofield, James W 834
Scrafford, James A 788
Secor, Gabriel 837
Settle, Madison 837
Shaffer. John 844
Shepard, Lieut. Sylvester B 573
Shoness, William 840
Shillford, Matthew 832
Sickler, Christopher J 834
Sitterly, Corpl. Martin 661
Slater,' Corpl. Jacob H 823
Slawson, Alexander S, 734
Smith, Corpl. Albert C 639
Smith , John 837
Smith, Levi 840
Smith, Thomas, Jr 844
Snell, William ' 763
Southwick, Lieut. James McA 578
Page.
Spanberg, William 833
Springer, Aaron P 773
Springsteed, Maj. Edward A 336
Sprinks, William D 825
Stackhouse, Maj. George W 361.
Stafford, Lieut. Col. M. B 277
Stalker,' Orderly Sergt. P. M 589
Stalker. William H 830
Stephens . Clarence H 844
Stevens. George 740
Stevens, James K 835
Stevens, Peter H 837
Stewart, Corpl . James 823
Striner, Chauncey 830
Strong, Adjt. Richard M 362
Stultz, John 832
Sullivan, Capt. John 447
Swartwout, Alexander 839
Swartwout, George 840
T.
Taylor. Jacob A 836
Taylorj John 829
Taylor, Peter 832
Teal, Isaac 834
Temple. Capt. William J 410
Thornton, Abraham S 844
Tremain, Lieut. Col. F. S 243
Turner, Adam 835
Tuthill, Daniel L 835
V.
Van Allen, Charles 817
Van Allen, Jacob 816
Van Bueren, John 766
Van Deusen, Daniel 829
Van Denburg, Gerrit H 774
Van Denburg. Corpl. Philip 656
Van Denburg, William H 826
Vanderhoof, Sergt. Joseph C 613
Vanderlip, Wotkyns 827
Vanderpoel, Garret H 831
Van Gaasbeek, William A 707
Van Hagcn, Jesse D 744
Van Rensselaer, Col. Henry 207
Van Santvoord, Capt. Eugene 402
Van Vliet, George E... 835
Van Wie, George 790
Visscher, Harmon. Jr 739
Visscher, Col. James D 231
w.
Wagner, Michael 789
Walker, Stephen, 832
Wallace, Maj. William 349
Wallay, John G 831
Wardrobe, Thomas 825
Warner, Peter W 829
Warren, George H 829
Waters, Joel 834
870
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
Page. Pag< .
Webb, James mo Wood, Hiram I)
Wbite Stephen R 718 Wood, James E 828
WhiteSilas B40 Wood,JesBeD BIO
Whyte, William .1 748 Wooley, William 1 821
WilliamSOD, Lieut . .lames 46'
Wild. lav. Hiram 830
Wilson, Col. John 141
Willsey, David B 842
Wilson, James 809
Wilson, Joel 796
Wise, Daniel W 834
Wolcott, George B 096
Wooley, George C 841
Wright, Carpenter X 829
Wright. John 841
Wright', Capt. Nathaniel 4 16
Xearsley, Lient. Charles L 554
Young, Corpl. James 645
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