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 42
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He resided in the city of Troy when the rebellion commenced, and the question of duty which was before him, whether to remain with his little family, or enter the field, made him very restless. In the spring of 1862 he made a change in his busi- ness and was just settling in Pittsfield, Mass., when another call was made for troops, and he could hesitate no longer. He said, at that time : " These children (two little boys, the eldest three years) shall not live to say their father took no part in this great struggle for the rights of our beloved country ? I shall go for the sake of my boys." He assisted in raising a company to be attached to the Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and was elected orderly of Co. B. by every vote of the members. They were greatly disappointed at his not receiving a commis- sion as Lieutenant, and they showed their warm friendship by presenting him with a handsome purse. In the spring of 1863 he was promoted to a Second Lieutenancy. The regiment did garrison duty around and near Washington, and rendered valua- ble services in the building of fortifications at Fort Lyon. But the movements and experiences of Lieut. DEMPSEY may per- haps be best learnt from his letters, which were written to his
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mother and sisters, and to his wife. In the winter of 1864 his own family joined him, and remained at Harper's Ferry until his death. After several short letters, expressive of his love for the dear ones at home, and his interest in the sacred cause to which he had devoted himself, he writes thus:
UPTON HILL, VA., May 22, 1863.
My dear Sister MARY-one and all-Your ever welcome letter of the 7th inst. arrived here yesterday; also the paper containing the glad tidings of the regiment which our noble brother has been with for the past two years, through so many trials and dangers. You may well say, rejoice with you, upon his safe return to his dear home, which I know he loves so well. I wish it could have been so ordered that HENRY and myself could have been there to welcome him.
But so it is. We must remain to help finish the great work which could not be completed during his time of service; and it is the sincere desire of my heart that we may be able to do as much, and act as nobly, in trying to crush this wicked rebellion, as he, our brother, has done.
You say you dare not ask him whether it is his intention to return to the field. I think he has done his share. Yet, as regards the matter, I leave it with him. Should he enter the service again, nothing would please me better than to get a transfer, that we might come in the same regiment. I received a letter from LIBBIE of the same date as yours. Her health is not very good. The little boys are quite well. I wish you or mother, with brother JOHN, could make her a visit. She likes her new home very much.
I do not hear from brother HENRY. It is strange that he does not write. His camp is about fourteen miles from here. If I could get a pass, I would make him a visit.
I like this camp better than the old one, for many reasons. I think it is more healthy, and, for my own part, I feel much bet- ter. Our list of sick is much less than formerly. The 29th of this month will make it one year since I entered the service of the United States, and I should not feel sorry to be discharged
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LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY.
before another year rolls round. But we can not finish this big job in that time. One thing I am confident of: we shall finish it, if it takes five times two years.
My love to sisters, mother and brother, as well as little EMMIE. I send her some flowers, picked from the garden of a rebel, now in the Southern army. God bless you all.
From your affectionate brother, JAMES.
HARPER'S FERRY, July 20, 1863.
My dear Mother, Brother and Sisters-You no doubt wonder at my long silence; but you will understand it, when I tell you of the changes of the regiment. On the ninth of this month we received marching orders. So sudden and rapid was the move- ment, that I lost all my clothing, except what I had on, together with my blankets. I had not even a change of under clothing. What I have on, I have worn two weeks. But I am wasting time talking of my poverty.
We left Washington on the ninth, at eleven o'clock at night, and rode all night, and next day till night. We arrived at Sandy Hook, which is a mile below Harper's Ferry. On our way, we had one man killed by falling from the cars. We were then ordered to march through the roughest country I have ever seen. Afterwards we camped on the Heights for a few days, our regi- ment doing picket duty at the river, and the rebels being on the other side. They often asked us, why we didn't take the place. Well, on Tuesday we were ordered to march to Harper's Ferry, pontoons being used to ferry us over. Our men were all anxious to reach the opposite shore, and not a man flinched. The rebels had everything prepared to give us a warm reception, but their firing was silenced by our sharpshooters, and they fled, leaving their guns loaded, which we captured. Our cavalry lost several, killed and wounded, while they captured a number of prisoners. The next day they had an engagement eight miles from here.
But I will leave this subject and tell you something to inter- est you more. I have seen our brother HENRY and he is here with me at Harper's Ferry. Do not be frightened, for he is not wounded nor dangerously sick, yet is completely worn out with
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fighting and marching. It would melt a heart of stone to hear him relate what he has gone through. How thankful I feel to my Heavenly Father for sparing him. I am thankful to you, my mother and sisters, for your prayers in behalf of my brother and myself, since our departure from our dear old home. Truly they have been answered, and Providence has now kindly directed this meeting, when a brother needs so much kindly care.
I will tell you how I found him. On Thursday I learned the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Regiment was some two miles from here. It was night, and I could not get a furlough then, but I learned they were to pass our camp the next day. I was up bright and early, that I might not miss seeing him, providing he was not one of that number of noble fellows who fell on that awful battlefield. I soon learned they were to take another direction, and turning my steps to gain some tidings, I met one of the regiment, who had been allowed to go ahead. He told me, on my inquiring for HENRY, that he was Corporal in Com- pany F, and was safe. This was cause for thankfulness, and I hastened back to the camp, on a run, my time being so short. The next day I tried, in every way, to get permission to visit the regiment, it having camped two miles from here for rest. But we were expecting marching orders, and no passes could be given. I started without permission (something I never had done before), and went as near as in sight of the camp. But I was so constantly reminded of doing wrong, that I turned back and gave up all hope of seeing him. The next day our company was ordered to do provost guard duty, and, at about twelve o'clock, my attention was called towards the ferry, when who should I see but my brother, trying to hobble along. I ran to meet him, and he was so overjoyed that tears flowed down his checks. I took his gun, and we started for my quarters. My first duty was to procure medical aid for him. Our surgeon prescribed for him, and advised a place of quiet rest.
I procured board for him in a private family: but the walk being so long for Dr. CLARK, he has got permission for him to enter the General Hospital. The surgeon will send a statement to his regiment. He says he will get along if nothing unfavor-
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LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY.
able sets in while he is so weak. You must not worry about him. I shall see him when I can. and do for him all I can. We are both so very grateful for this providential care. He had been granted a place in an ambulance, but he gave way for others whom he thought worse than himself. May God spare us both to meet you all once more, and may He bless you all.
With love from us both, JAMES.
HARPER'S FERRY, July 31, 1863.
My dear Sister-Many thanks for your very kind and interest- ing letter of the 27th, just received. I wish it had been a day sooner. Our brother left yesterday for Washington, with six others. They were sent away because the room is needed for the wounded, a flag of truce having gone for those left in the rebel lines. HENRY is stronger, and the Doctor thinks he will get along now, and soon be able to join his regiment. I wish he could have had the money you enclosed, for the poor fellow needs it. I did for him all I could, but my means were low, not having been paid for some time.
I shall write and send HENRY the money as soon as I learn where to direct to him.
With love to all, your affectionate brother, JAMES.
STRASBURGH, May 19, 1864.
My Dear Wife-This is the first opportunity I have had to write you. No doubt you have heard of the severe battle we have been engaged in. I have great reason to thank our Heavenly Father that I went through it unharmed. Many of my comrades have been called, to give an account of the deeds done in the body. Our regiment suffered greatly. We had in all- killed, wounded and missing, two hundred and thirty. As near as we can learn thirty were killed. The enemy outnumbered us two to one. We were obliged to leave our dead and wounded in their hands.
Col. LINCOLN was wounded and is a prisoner. Capt. BAKER was killed, and also Lieut. R. W. WAKEN. Capt. CHANNY and Lieut. AMERDAM are taken prisoners. Capt. WILLARD, wounded
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LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY.
and in our hands. Lieut. MUNERCENT, wounded. My company have lost seventeen men, and I am the only officer in command. We have only one officer left to each company. I have just returned from picket duty, and am most worn out. May God bless you and our little ones, and spare me to return to you. JAMES.
The following is Lieut. DEMPSEY'S last letter that has been furnished me. Like the others, it reveals his warm affection, his cool bravery, and his ardent patriotism.
HARRISONBURG, September 26, 1864.
My Dear Mother and Sisters-As I have an opportunity of sending a letter, I improve it, knowing you must be anxious to hear from me. You have doubtless seen by the papers, that we have been engaged in some severe battles this past week. I have been in both of them-that at Winchester and the other at Fisher's Hill. Our loss is great, but small compared to that of the enemy. We completely demolished the whole of EARLY's army, and have driven them like a whirlwind before us. In the first battle, our regiment lost one hundred and nine men. Capt. THOMPSON was killed and our Adjutant was wounded. I had thirteen in my company wounded.
I am sorry to inform you, that in the last battle, our little Major, one of my warmest friends was severely wounded, and I had three of my best men wounded. We are now encamped (for a few days or so) about one hundred miles from Harper's Ferry. Perhaps we shall get orders to march in the morning, if so, I shall not be surprised if we tried Lynchburg again. I think we shall take it, and if my brother JOHN is there I am bound to bring him back with me. I do wish you would write me oftener, for I do like to hear from home. As regards my writing I have but little time, being in command of the company. Much love to you all. Yours in affection, JAMES.
Thus our hero passed through hardship after hardship, and battle after battle, without a murmur; always hopeful, always courageous, and always at his post of duty. But his last hour was approaching. He who had so often and so miraculously
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LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY.
escaped the showers of shot and shell upon the battle field, is doomed at last, to receive the one missile out of the thousand, upon which his death sentence was written.
With his usual buoyancy and invincible courage, he went forth on the morning of October 14, 1864, to engage in the terrible battle of Cedar Creek. While leading his company against the foe he was severely wounded in the forehead by a bursting shell. Several others were killed by the same shell, and among them Col. WELLS, acting Brigade Commander, a most ardent friend of the Lieutenant.
Lieutenant DEMPSEY was borne from the field, and died Octo- ber 17, 1864. Of his last days, and of the estimation in which he was held we have an account in the following letters, both ad- dressed to his afflicted widow :
SMITH HOSPITAL, WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA, October 17, 1864, MONDAY EVENING.
My dear Mrs. DEMPSEY-I wrote you last Friday and gave you, as correctly as possible, the detail of all I knew relative to your husband and my friend. Saturday he remained much the same, sleeping most of the time. I could not carry on any con- versation with him as he only answered my questions by " yes " or "no." I asked him if he knew me, he replied "yes." I then asked him to call my name, but he did not answer. I told him that I was Dr. SMITH, and asked him if he knew me. He replied " yes." Once he asked for water, and, occasionally, he said something, evidently in delirium, about the battle, such as orders to "advance," " halt," " steady, there," "close up," &c. I tried to converse with him about you and his children, but he did not seem to understand me. I asked him if I should send for you, he quickly replied "yes." This was the only time when he evinced any emotion. I asked him if I should write to his mother and sisters, he said, " yes." I think he did not have full possession of his intellect at any time after he was wounded. Sunday he remained much the same. I kept my best nurses, from our regiment, by his bed-side, constantly, when I was not with him. He would eat but little. I had his food carefully
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prepared for him by a union lady who lives near here, and visits my hospital daily. To-day he appeared much the same (evidently much weaker) until five o'clock in the afternoon, when he died, so quietly that we hardly knew he was dying. He was wholly without pain and seemed like one sleeping.
During the whole time he has been with me, I believe he has suffered no pain. I gave him no medicine, as he did not require it. His head was kept cool and the room still and quiet. He and Captain SOLEY had my room; large, clean and with good air.
Enclosed you will find his Masonic pin and a ring I took from his finger. His old clothing I have thrown away, as it was much soiled and torn by pieces of shell, etc. His knapsack was in the regimental wagon, and I sent for it while the wagon was passing this place on its way front.
I have carefully embalmed the body; dressed it, and covered the wound. I think you will have no trouble in keeping it several days after it reaches your home. Of course, you will send word to his lodge, that his old friends and brothers may meet and do honor to their companion.
I wish I could be near you at this time, and take part of this great grief from you, and use my strong and willing hands for your benefit. Should you, at any time, require a friend or need friendship exhibited in any manner, call upon the friend of your husband through all things, and your friend, C. B. SMITH.
OPESUM CROSSING, VIRGINIA, December 7, 1864.
My dear Friend-Until yesterday, I knew nothing of your whereabouts. I should have written you immediately after the loss of your husband, but we were in the field and I had no op- portunity. That field of "Stickney's Farm," was a terrible one to us all. Not the least among its sorrowful memories is that of the loss of your brave, noble, genial husband. Brave and courageous as ever a man was in the field ; the life of the social circle about the camp fire ; beloved and respected by every man and officers in the regiment; he has gone to return no more. None knew how much he was estimated until his memory and brave deeds alone were left us.
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LIEUT. JAMES L. DEMPSEY.
You were not left alone in your grief. The warmest sympa- thies of us all, mingle with your tears. As no one can supply his place in your heart, at your table, and around your fireside ; so in our hearts, and around our bivouac fire, there is a place for- ever vacant.
He has left behind a reputation of which you may be proud, and to which his children can point without one regret, or shadow of blush. Scarcely a day passes that I don't hear an exelama- tion, "poor DEMPSEY, 'twas too bad." Though near him when he was struck, I didn't know of it till Sergeant HOUGHTON came to me and said, Captain DEMPSEY is hit, shall I go to him ?" I looked round and saw him staggering about, apparantly uncon- scious. I at once sent HOUGHTON to him, directing him to lead the Lieutenant into a small ravine, where he would be out of the way of the shells which the rebels were raining down on us. That was the last I ever saw of your husband,
The country can never repay the sacrifice you have been called upon to make. No truer soldier, no braver or more cheerful comrade, has been offered upon liberty's altar than your own brave husband. I learned your address of Dr. SMITH. Accept for yourself and family the earnest sympathy of
Your friend, A. POTTER,
Lieut. Col. Com'd'g 34th Mass. Inf'try.
Mrs. JAMES L. DEMPSEY.
When the telegraphic wires bore to his home the sad news that he was wounded, a sister started immediately to go to him. But before she reached Harper's Ferry, she heard that the be- loved brother was no more. With a sorrowing heart she returned home, with his widow and the two fatherless boys. His funeral took place from the residence of his mother, October 28th, 1864, and was attended by a detachment from the " Vete- ran Reserves."
His body was borne, with military honors, to the Albany Rural Cemetery, where, side by side, the brave brothers sleep. The bereaved relatives are sustained under their great sorrow by the hope that the parted will meet again.
524
LIEUT. JOIIN M. DEMPSEY.
XLVII. LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY.
JOHN M. DEMPSEY was the second son of LAWRENCE and ANNA DEMPSEY, and was born in Westchester county, October 6th, 1836. He was a child of a quiet and thoughtful turn of mind; obedient to his parents, and full of kindness towards his sisters. Very early he manifested a thirst for knowledge, and desired to receive a liberal education. But the pecuniary circumstances of his parents only enabled them to give him the advantages of a common school. When he was fourteen years of age, his father died, and he felt at once the responsibility of making exertions to aid in support of the family. He served as clerk in several establishments in Albany; but most of the time he was in the clothing store of Messrs. DAVIS, CRAFT & WILSON. Mr. CRAFT was one of his warmest friends, and took a deep interest in his welfare.
To his widowed mother and fond sisters, JOHN was everything that could be desired. He seemed to combine the qualities and services of father, brother and son. He was ever ready to sacri- fice his own interests for the happiness of those around him; and he seemed to live for the consolation and welfare of the dear ones, over whom a great shadow of sorrow had fallen.
But while thus devoted to those who were bound to him by the tenderest ties, he was not indifferent to the agitating questions relative to our National affairs. Upon the plottings of the traitors to the Republic, in 1860 and 1861, he looked with the greatest solicitude. Being sensitive by nature, he was keenly alive to the honor and prosperity of his country, and, at the first call for troops to sustain the Government, he resolved to enlist. In connection with Mr. M. H. DONOVAN: (afterwards Captain,)
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LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY.
he made every exertion to raise a company to be attached to the Eighteenth N. Y. Vol. Infantry, expecting to hold a commission as First Lieutenant. Owing, however, to the rapidity with which regiments were formed at that time, a change was made in the number assigned for each company, and companies were consolidated, leaving a surplus of those who expected offices. As his was a spirit of pure love for his country, he lost no time in controversy for office, but enrolled his name at once as a pri- vate in Company F, Eighteenth New York State Volunteers. He was, however, immediately promoted to the position of Orderly. To buckle on the armor for the ranks required but little effort, compared with that which it cost him to reconcile his mother and sisters to this step. Yet such were his convic- tions of duty that he could only answer to their entreaties and tears, " I shall not fall before God's appointed time." His sister remarked: "There are those that can be better spared than you; those who are of little use at home." He replied calmly, though his eye flashed with emotion: "Our army must not be made up of worthless men!"
During the stay of the regiment at the barracks in this city, an incident occurred worthy of note. He was presented with a pack of playing cards. These he sent home, with the message: "I shall have no use for these in the army;" and to the spirit of this resolution he firmly adhered, never once using a card during his time of service.
On the 17th of June, 1861, he bid adieu to those whom he so dearly loved, and received the parting blessing of his mother. His leaving home at that time was made more sorrowful from the fact, on that day the eldest child, and only son, of his widowed sister-a beautiful boy of eight years-had been carried to the grave; the sister having been made a widow but six months previously by the death of her estimable husband, Major A. R. TEN BROECK, formerly of U. S. Army.
The regiment started for Washington on the 18th of June, and was encamped near Washington and Alexandria till the first Bull Run battle, in which it took a part. Through this he passed safely.
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LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY.
In the autumn the regiment became a part of the " Grand Army of the Potomac," under Gen. MCCLELLAN.
Mr. DEMPSEY, by his kind manners and great efficiency, won the esteem of all his comrades, and, on the 2d of December, 1861, he was promoted to the office of Second Lieutenant in Co. F. His promotion was received with great enthusiasm by his numerous friends.
Hle was also the recipient of a sword, sash and belt, presented to him by his company. For these marks of favor he expressed his profound gratitude, in his letters to his friends.
Mr. DEMPSEY, like his brother, was very faithful in writing home, and from his letters, we can best present the details of his military career.
After the disastrous battle of Bull Run, he thus writes to his sister:
ALEXANDRIA, VA., July 24, 1861.
My dear Sister- The battle of Bull Run was as hard fought as it was discouraging. You ask, how I stood it; I will tell you. When we started from here, we had our haver- sack (which was soon emptied), blanket, canteen and a rifle. Most of the boys threw away their blankets, and some their can- teens; but I thought the blanket came very good at night, and the canteen when I was thirsty, so I brought them all home with me-this camp, I mean, for it is the best home I have had since I left old Albany. Don't think that I complain, for I do not intend to complain of anything necessary to a soldier's life. My greatest desire is to do my duty. I did not expect, before me, a path strewn with roses, so I meet with no disappointments.
Tell mother she must not worry, nor have any anxiety about me. I shall endeavor to take the best care of myself I possibly can. Tell her to be of good cheer, for I am here in a good cause.
" We live in hope, though clouds appear, They linger but a day; The sun, to us, a gift so dear, Will scatter them away.
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LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY.
Thus life is but an April shower, And troubles are but rain; And hope, the sun that in an hour, Will bring us joy again."
With very much love for you all,
Your affectionate brother, JOHN M. DEMPSEY.
The regiment with which Lieut. DEMPSEY was connected, took part in all the engagements under Generals McDOWELL, MCCLEL LAN, BURNSIDE and HOOKER. They were in the seven days' battle before Richmond, where hundreds fell at his side, and he escaped with only a bullet denting his left shoulder strap.
The battle of South Mountain was one that shed great glory upon his regiment. With bayonet charge, they drove the enemy up and over the mountain, an ascent which it seemed almost im- possible to climb. Of three officers who reached the summit, Lieut. DEMPSEY was one. Through all these battles, he was ever the same brave soldier, faithful officer, and kind, sympathiz- ing friend.
His letters refer to some of these battles, and describe, with considerable minuteness, others. He wrote to his mother and sister as follows:
NEAR BERKLEY'S LANDING, VA., ON JAMES RIVER, OFF CITY POINT, July 5, 1862.
My dear Sister-To-day I received three letters from your dear self, and was glad to learn that you had received the pack- age of money.
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