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 28
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GEO. W. QUACKENBUSH, President. G. BAKER, Secretary.
RESOLUTIONS OF COMPANY B, 10TH 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,
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.MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON.
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 by 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.
One 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 !
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MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON.
And thou, O, red and trophed Wilderness !
Didst see him in thy midnight depths the same In valiant strength; again fierce numbers press, A legion, a vast legion breathing flame. And he with not a score; Old Glory streams, With scarce a guard; to it he, burning, leaps, Ilis 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, O Petersburg ! oh, scene of dread, Oh, scene of dread and woe, thon 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 " lligher !" 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 !
HIIS 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:
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MAJ. GEORGE S. DAWSON.
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, who 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 Memoriam-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.
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MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED.
XVIII. 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. SMITHI, 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 again, 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 scat of war on the 19th, and arrived at Washington, District of Columbia, on the 23d of August, and was ordered to garrison the forts in the vicinity. Major SPRING- STÉED 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
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MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED.
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, 1864. 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, 1864. 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 off 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 day 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
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MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED.
We took up a position about one thousand five hundred yards from the works, and remained there until six o'clock, when we were ordered to advance and take the enemy's works. We advanced under a terrible fire from the batteries. When we got near the works, part of the line 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 to stop. We halted in a 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. I supposed at first that it was from one of our own men in the rear trying to fire over us, but 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, but 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 fire on them. I ordered the men to stay where they were, but some of them threw down their arms and went in, and the rest soon followed. I stayed there until nearly all the men were gone; when I thought it better to risk the enemy's bullets than a prison. So I 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 be got together this morning. Maj. MURPHY is in command. Major PRUYN is missing, and I think is either killed or wounded. It was a terrible day for our regiment. We lost very heavily in crossing the field, but the men behaved splendidly. I 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.
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MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED.
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 fight, in which I lost Capt. MORRIS and MCCULLOCH killed, and Capt. BELL wounded in the leg, which has since been amputated. I
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MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED.
also lost a number of men. In Col. HASTINGS battalion, Lieut. KRANK was wounded in the head. The loss of men and officers in my battalion was the greatest. Total loss, four officers and forty-three men killed and wounded. As soon as this brush was over, we fell back a quarter of a mile, to the crest of another hill, and formed line again, our brigade having the right, and Col. TANNAT's the left of our division line. My battalion was in a very strong position.
We had scarcely got in position before Col. TANNAT's brigade was attacked, and had a severe fight at very close range. Although my left joined his right, the rebels did not attack us, except to drive in our skirmishers. We were relieved on this line about half 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. SPRINGSTEED, while in command of his regiment, bravely and nobly leading his men at the battle of Ream's Station, on the 25th of August, 1864, received a wound from which he died a few minutes after. He 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 N. Y. V. ARTILLERY, CAMP NEAR PETERSBURG, VA., Aug. 1st, 1864.
To his Excellency HORATIO SEYMOUR,
Governor of the State of New York:
Sir-The Coloneley and Lieutenant Coloneley 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. SPRINGSTEED,
Major 7th N. Y. V. Art., Comdg.
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MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED.
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, Maj. Gen. Comdg. Second Corps.
August 1st, 1864.
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, ALBANY, May 10th, 1866. 3
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 DIVISION SECOND CORPS, 1st August, 1864.
Major SPRINGSTEED 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. 148th 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, 22D ARMY CORPS, WASHINGTON, D. C., Aug. 4th, 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
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MAJ. EDWARD A. SPRINGSTEED.
of his duty, sober, industrious and always attentive. I do not hesitate to recommend him for promotion to the Colonelcy of his regiment.
J. A. HASKINS, Lt. Col., A. D. C., Chief of Artillery, late Comdg. Div.
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. STONEHUSE, A. A. General.
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MAJ. JAMES H. BOGART.
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 cireles 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
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MAJ. JAMES H. BOGART.
achievements of the Zonaves excited great enthusiasm among the young men of Albany, and a company was organized. Of that joyous band who sought at first only manly exercise, but who nobly responded to their country's call, the sepulchre of battle has received a fearful proportion.
Mr. BOGART, besides being a youth of great promise and ardent patriotism, was a follower 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 flowed 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. BOGART 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 H. 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 you 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
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MAJ. JAMES H. BOGART.
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, 162d N. 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
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MAJ. JAMES H. BOGART.
singularly fatal to his immediate kindred, as one relative after another had gone there, and met the last summons.
In the fierce siege of Port Hudson, Mr. BOGART 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 fire swept the plain, and the record of each day's progress was written in the sad sacrifice of human life.
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