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 34
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
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. He 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
409
CAPT. EUGENE VAN SANTVOORD.
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 fire 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."
110
CAPT. WILLIAM J. TEMPLE.
XXVIII. CAPTAIN WILLIAM JAMES TEMPLE.
Our city has not given to the war a more brilliant intellect, or more splendid mental attainments than were possessed by this young hero. Though he died just as he was entering upon his twenty-first year, still he lived long enough to prove his power of thought, his capability of rapid acquisition in knowledge, and his 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 Instre and its refining influence upon his whole nature. Capt. TEMPLE was a gentleman of elegant and polished manners, winning address, and noble and generous impulses. He partook of the traits of his distinguished father, Col. TEMPLE, who was governed by a high sense of honor, as well as a pure patriotism.
He was born in Albany, March 29th. 1842, and was the son of Col. ROBERT EMMET TEMPLE and CATHARINE JAMES, daughter of the late W.M. JJAMES, of Albany. At an early age he was sent to a boarding school, and was successively under the care of Mr. WATSON. at Kinderhook, N. Y .; Dr. THOMAS READ, of Geneva; and Mr. A. N. SKINNER. of New Haven.
Ile 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- cers, who were associated with him, have said that they never
411
CAPT. WILLIAM J. TEMPLE.
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 circun-
412
CAPT. WILLIAM J. TEMPLE.
stances connected with his last moments, that can not fail to be interesting to his friends, as showing the true, brave-hearted WILL. TEMPLE. The battle was growing warm, and he was lead- ing a detachment of his regiment as skirmishers, to ascertain the position of the enemy. On they went amidst the fire; coming to a fence, they hesitated; and he, leaping on top, sword in hand, encouraged and cheered his men onward, when the fatal bullet closed his life forever.
" A more shocking blow could not have befallen the family." The following appeared under date of May 6, 1863:
" Capt. TEMPLE wasa young man of remarkably fine qualities, and 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 he 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 dear 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: "I have kept an eye upon your boys, being partly responsible for them. They are all doing well. Lieutenant TEMPLE is an excellent officer." Some three weeks since I met
413
CAPT. WILLIAM J. TEMPLE.
young TEMPLE again. He had been on a brief visit to Albany, and was returning to his regiment. He had been promoted to a Captainey, 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, Mrs. 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 few 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."
414
CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER.
XXIX. CAPTAIN AUGUSTUS I. BARKER.
AUGUSTUS I. BARKER was born in Albany on the 24th day of April. 1842. His mother, JEANNETTE JAMES, daughter of the late WILLIAM JAMES, Esq., died two weeks after his birth.
Ilis early life was marked by no circumstances of peculiar interest. Like most 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. Ile remained in that institution until the year 1861, when he enlisted in the service of his country.
He first received a commission as Second Lieutenant in the Fifth Regiment 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, 1862, 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 the service.
Up to the time of his regiment's joining Gen. BANKS, it passed a somewhat inactive life, and without any particularly exciting incidents. But 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. BANKs' 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, Capt. BARKER was taken ill with
415
CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER.
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 ELLSWORTHI 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, Richmond. 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 N. Y. CAVALRY, BOONSBORO, 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
416
CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER.
two days, without food for men or horses, and with not more than four hours' rest out of the forty-eight. I am now sitting upon a bundle of wheat, writing upon my knee, in haste, as the mail leaves in an hour; and after this day the Lord only know's when and where we may halt again. No longer are we under Gen. STAHE'S command, as he was relieved at the same time as HOOKER: but Gen. KILPATRICK is our leader now, and we are as proud to be led by him as he told us in an address after the battle of Gettysburg, "he 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, BUFORD and KILPATRICK. They are so well organized and concentrated as to be irresistible, when maneuvered 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 KILPATRICK's reports and the correspondence from the command. Within three miles of Frederick city, General STAHL turned his command over; and, after a grand review of four thousand five hundred cavalry and six pieces of artillery, by General PLEASANTON, our chief, we were sent off 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 alloted 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, ont of three hundred and fifty who started out with us two weeks ago. One officer killed, two wounded and six missing; just think of it! It would be impossible for me to ·tell you of our hair-breadth escapes, but, father, I assure you, that never before, since my enlistment in this war, have I sat so calmly upon my horse, resolved to fight and die honorably, if necessary, for my country.
Yesterday 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
417
CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER.
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 many 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
418
CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER.
In the following letter from Lieutenant A. B. WAUGH, we have an account of the death of this accomplished and brave officer:
CAMP 5TH NEW YORK CAVALRY, STEVENSBURG, VA., Sept. 20, 1862.
Mr. WM. H. 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 withont 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, 2dl Lieut. Co. L, 5th N. Y. Cavalry.
419
CAPT. AUGUSTUS I. BARKER.
As soon as Mr. BARKER 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 BARKER, of the Fifth New 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 II. BARKER, 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. BARKER'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. MAR- SHALL, preceded by SCHREIBER's band. The remains of the gal- lant officer were deposited in the cemetery."
Capt. BARKER'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. BARKER, 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
CAPT. JAMES KENNEDY.
XXX. CAPTAIN JAMES KENNEDY.
CAPT. JAMES KENNEDY was born in the city of Albany, Feb- ruary 15, 1833. He was the eldest son of Jons 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. Hle 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, he joined the army, and was commissioned First Lieutenant in Company B, of the One Hundred and Thirteenth N. Y. Infantry, on the 4th of August, 1862.
He served faithfully with his regiment in the defences of the National Capital, until February 12th, 1864, when he was pro- moted to the Captaincy of Battery 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 men, as well as by his own unflinching bravery.
At Coal Harbor, on the morning of the memorable 3d of June, in that terrible charge, when the gallant Seventh lost six hun- dred of their brave comrades. he led his men over the enemy's
421
CAPT. JAMES KENNEDY.
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 field 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.
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.