USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > The heroes of Albany. A memorial of the patriot-martyrs of the city and county of Albany, who sacrificed their lives during the late war in defense of our nation 1861-1865 > Part 27
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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 HEALD, 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 field in the rout of that bat- tery, and discovering the Captain, whom he knew, and whose helplessness was 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
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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 offer 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
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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 the 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 find the enemy, that friends were often mistaken for focs, and that our own regiments sometimes fired 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,"
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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 seemed 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
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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 active 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
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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 carth- works which prevented a rapid advance.
On the afternoon of the 16th, the First Brigade of the Second Corps 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, and 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,
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but surgical aid could not be hoped for until after dark. A hasty examination showed that a Minnie ball had penetrated the Cap- tain's leg just above the left knee, glancing downwards, proving that the shot had been fired by a sharpshooter from the elevated position of the earth-work which the regiment was facing. But it was deemed a mere flesh wound, and the only remark it elicited from the Captain was made to a wounded officer near him: "This books me for a thirty days' furlough."
It was soon ascertained that other Albanians had suffered. Near him lay the lamented Adjutant MCDONALD, of the Sixty- first, mortally wounded, and Acting Lieutenant MAHAR, also of the Sixty-first, with his leg shattered. The Adjutant lived but a few days. 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
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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 within 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 weeks, 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
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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, but 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 best 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
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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- meneed 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
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and to secure freedom to the enslaved, will ever be a proud boast with those who bear his name. But his 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 in 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 prae- 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.
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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, Com'd'g.
HUGHI 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
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before Petersburg, on the 16th of June last, he received the wound which, despite long and patient 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 to his family our sym- pathy with them in their bereavement.
Resolved, 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.
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