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 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68
On Sunday, the 14th of June, 1863, a day when at least pious and God-fearing soldiers are most reluctant to fight, 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 with 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
347
MAJ. JAMES H. BOGART.
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
MAJ. JAMES HI. BOGART.
memory of an unfeigned love, and that will not obtrude itself: but he has in this city, amidst his associates, in the assemblage of the young, in the association of his church, those who know that the holocaust which these days are 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 H. 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 ever 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."
349
MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE.
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.
HIe 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.
Ilis company was known as Company F, and, at the time of his leaving Albany for the seat of war, consisted of eighty-four men, only five or six of whom were left to return to Albany and relate their experience of the war. Four other Albanians, namely, VISSCHER, NEWMAN, MITCHELL and BURHANS started at the time he did to raise each a company of volumteers, 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 first engagement with the enemy was at Fredericksburg, in December, 1862, 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, and 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 and priva- tion. After rejoining his regiment, he soon after engaged in the battle of Gettysburg, July, 1863. Shortly after this, he 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. SEYMOUR, 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 fight 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
351
MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE.
armies, and by some mistake or blunder, a New Jersey regiment, supposing them the enemy, opened a heavy fire 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- soy 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 agrecable 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 MEAGHIER'S Brigade frequently was the guest of Major W. in camp. Owing to the location, and the circumstances attendant
352
MAJJ. WILLIAM WALLACE.
upon the great battle of the " Wilderness" (the rebels retaining for a long time, the possession of the field within their lines), it was impossible for his friends to recover the body of the deceased at that time. It has since been ascertained that his remains, with those of other brave Union men, and rebels, were buried, promiscuously, on the field, leaving no mark or trace by which his grave could be discovered, or his person iden- titied.
Major WALLACE was a prominent leading member of the Typographical Society of Albany, and, at one time, President. He was also a delegate from that body to a National Convention of Printers, composed of delegates from a large number of the States of the Union. He was, besides, an active, energetic mem- ber of the fire department of the city for several years, having served in Hook & 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.
MONDAY EVENING, May 30th, 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 and patriotic Major WILLIAM WALLACE, who fell fighting 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."
353
MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE.
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, LEGRAND 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-
23
.
354
MAJ. WILLIAM WALLACE.
mitted to the family of deceased, and duly spread upon the minutes. GEORGE W. QUACKENBUSII,
President.
JAMES O'SULLIVAN, Recording Secretary.
HOOK AND LADDER 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, 1864, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That we have heard, with deep 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. FINNEGAN, Secretary.
355
MAJ. MILES McDONALD.
XXI. MAJOR MILES McDONALD.
This officer was born 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 he 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:
DEATII 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
356
MAAJ. MILES MCDONALD.
of such painful intelligence would, to a certain extent, blunt 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 swift eleetrie messenger communicates to us that another brave fellow has sacrificed his life upon the altar of his country, how painfully sad are the reflections that 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, must always cast a cloud over the 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 bright 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 Regiment was organized, full 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, 1861, 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. His many noble traits of character soon made him a universal favorite, and for his gallantry and heroic bravery at the battle of Antietam, he was promoted to a second Lientenancy. 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
357
MAJ. MILES McDONALD.
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 ยท 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 fine 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-
358
MAMJ. MILES MCDONALD.
plicity 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, by 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 grave, and may " the bright light of a 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 mother 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 that the heart-broken mother, and those now bowed down with grief. may receive that consolation which he who affiets can alone afford.
LINES ON THE DEATH OF MILES MCDONALD, ADJUTANT SIXTY-THIRD REGIMENT N. Y. S. VOLUNTEERS.
BY DR. LAWRENCE, SURGEON OF THE REGIMENT.
Adjutant McDONALD, 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, 1862, 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: God's will be done !"'
Toll the bell sadly, the young and the beautiful
Now lies a pale corpse in the scenes he held dear; Toll the bell sadly, the brave and the dutiful,
War's victim. before us, is stretched on the bier.
359
MAJ. MILES McDONALD.
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.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.