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 43
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I will now try and give you a short account of what we have been through the past week.
On Friday morning, the 27th ult., our brigade was called on to cross the Chickahominy, to reinforce Gen. PORTER, who had been fighting the day previous. On the night of the 26th ult., the troops all around our neighborhood were in great glee, hav- ing heard that PORTER had driven the enemy and scattered them in all directions. Cheer after cheer was heard, and the bands
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struck up the National airs. The merriment was kept up till after midnight, but the morning was saddened by the enemy shelling our camp.
After crossing the Chickahominy, we found our services were not needed, and were ordered back to eamp again. We had not been in camp but a short time, when we heard a great tumult in front of our lines. We were ordered in line again. Our regi- ment had no more than got in line, directly in front of our camp, when the enemy commeneed throwing shell in and over our camp ground, killing one and wounding three others of Company I in our regiment. As the men stood in line, Company I's place was next to ours (Company F), on our right, and the range of cannon was directly over the two companies, the shell falling in front, over and around us. After a while, with great hesitation, we were ordered out of the range of the enemy's guns. Shortly after, the guns were silenced, and we were dismissed.
We went in the camp once more, it being dinner time; we partook of our meal, and had just finished, when we were ordered out again, and again marched across the Chickahominy-over another bridge, lower down than where we crossed in the mor- ning. We had a long, quick and tiresome march. Arrived at our destination about five P. M. We were ordered in battle shortly after, directly where the enemy was getting the advan- tage of our forces engaged. We were marched to the front, through a shower of shell and bullets, and held the enemy in check till nearly dark. Our brave men fell on all sides, as the enemy's forces far exceeded ours in numbers. We held our ground till, unfortunately, the regiments, both on our right and left, gave way. The enemy was turning our right flank before we received orders to full back, or to march by the left flank. We had no sooner turned to the left, when we saw the enemy turning our left. We were completely surrounded, and were obliged to fall back under a cross fire of both the enemy, infantry and cannon-the balls and shells whizzing and bursting all around our brave fellows.
The closest call I had, was a bullet just grazing my shoulder strap on my right shoulder. How wonderful that so many of us
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escaped the terrific fire. Soon after, we were again reinforced, and the enemy driven back to the old point, and held in check for the night. All our forces that were the other side of the river, recrossed during the night, and then destroyed the bridges. Our brigade went into camp that night, but was ordered out again the next morning at three o'clock.
Our division partly covered the retreat, and was at one time very nearly cut off; but thank God, we have been spared through it all. We were the last forces in here, and started on our last march at midnight, after a great battle, with severe loss on both sides.
This is not half that I might mention, but enough, as I have not the time to write more, neither do I care to write of it. It is sad enough to think of.
Your affectionate brother. JOHN.
On the 10th of October, 1862, Mr. DEMPSEY, for his gallantry and bravery, was promoted to the First Lieutenancy in Company F, Eighteenth Regiment. His eminent qualities and unselfish devotion to the welfare and honor of his country, entitled him to even a higher rank; but while others less worthy were strug- gling for promotion, he was bending all his energies to faithfully discharge the duties of his position, whether as a soldier, as orderly, as Second or as First Lieutenant. The cause in which he was engaged absorbed his whole being. He lived for the union of the United States and for the freedom of mankind, and to maintain these he was willing to die.
All his letters breathe the same spirit of ardent patriotism; deep affection for the friends at home; a high sense of personal honor and integrity, and profound gratitude to God for his great goodness.
Lieutenant DEMPSEY's term of service having expired, he returned to his home, where as we may naturally suppose, he was cordially welcomed. Before he reached home, his sister asked him whether he intended entering the service again ? He replied: " I make no promises. A man cannot tell in these times what he will do. One thing is certain. If God spares my life
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and blesses all with health, I shall have a pleasant long furlough at home, when my time expires. So the furlough proved to be, though shadowed by clouds of fear in time of battle; for there were two dear brothers still in the field.
To show the love of his men, after they were mustered out, three of them called at his home and presented him with a silver watch. Speaking of it, he said, "I could not refuse to take this; yet it seems wrong to take what was so hardly carned. Many of the men have repeatedly offered me money, which, while appreciating their kindness, I have refused, and persuaded them to keep ; but these three got ahead of me."
Though our hero entered again upon the duties of civil life, his thoughts seemed all turned to the great work of the nation; and it was only the tender home ties that held him back. But these at last he felt must be broken, as his place of greatest usefulness was in the field. He seemed to feel a higher Spirit working upon his own, and calling him to that post of duty.
Accordingly he resolved to again buckle his armor; and he enlisted March 29, 1864, as a private in Company G, Forty-third Regiment New York State Volunteers. Again he received the blessing of his mother and sisters; but it was mingled with bitter tears, as they knew from experience the fearful dangers to which he would be exposed. Reaching the regiment, then at Brandy Station, Va., he was most warmly welcomed by his friend, Col. JOHN WILSON and Capt. JAMES D. VISSCHER, and was appointed Orderly in Company G. On the 3d of May, 1864, he was com- missioned First Lieutenant.
As the army advanced, our brave Lieutenant passed safely through the first day of the battle of the Wilderness. But the second day, May 6th, 1864, he was wounded and taken prisoner.
The following is his first letter from the enemy's country. It came through the lines by a flag of truce, for General WADS- WORTH's remains.
NEAR MINE RUN, VA., May 13, 1864.
Dear Mother-I was wounded and taken prisoner on the night of the 6th inst. You must not be alarmed. Much love to all from your affectionate son, JOHN.
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LIEUT. JOIIN M. DEMPSEY.
On the 13th of September, 1864, Lieut. DEMPSEY was released from prison, and writes as follows:
ON BOARD TRUCE BOAT NEW YORK,
OFF CITY POINT, September 13, 1864. S My Dear Mother and Sisters-How do you all do ? I do so want to know. We are bound for Annapolis, Md. We shall probably stop at Fortress Monroe. I left the hospital at Lynch- burg, Va., on the 8th inst.,-stopped in Provost guard-house till the next morning; then was sent to Richmond and arrived there at 9 P. M., and was taken to Libby Prison, and remained there till 2 P. M. the next day, when the doctors came in, and sent thirteen of us (myself among the number) to the hospital. On the 10th and 11th, the doctors went through the hospital, pick- ing out men to be paroled, and as I was one of the fortunate ones; I am out of rebeldom and homeward bound. There are about three hundred sick and wounded on board.
I have tried to learn of brother HENRY's whereabouts, and, as near as I can find out, he is at Andersonville, Georgia. I have heard of brother JAMES several times. There are a number of his regiment on this boat, having been captured during the sum- mer. He was safe up to the 18th of June. His regiment has been engaged in a number of battles in the valley. His Captain was at the hospital in Lynchburg, Virginia.
My wound is nearly healed, and, although, I am not feeling very strong now, I think after I have a few weeks of good " Yankee " living, I shall be as good as new, and none the worse for battle; and able to give the "rebs" another turn. I cannot express my delight on seeing our dear old flag once more. Will try and write again on arrival at Annapolis.
Remember me to all kind friends. Hoping soon to hear that you are all alive and enjoying the blessing of health, I remain with much love, Your affectionate son and brother, JOHN.
GENERAL HOSPITAL, CAMP PAROL, SECTION A, ) WARD 3, NEAR ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, October 12, 1864. J
My dear Sister-Yours of the 7th is received. I was pleased to learn you had heard from brother JAMES so lately. I have
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not been able to write home for several days, but thought I must write a few words this morning, knowing my silence would cause some anxiousness.
My wound has been growing worse since the third day after my arrival at section D, and, the last five days. I have been unable to leave my bunk. Yesterday the surgeon looked at my wound and had me removed to this hospital, which has every appearance of being a much better place for either the sick or wounded. I think, had I been sent here in the first place, my suffering would not have been so great. The treatment at section D, did more harm than good.
A month has passed since my parol, yet I have no furlough. Should I now receive one, I fear I shall be unable to travel, and think it doubtful whether the doctor would allow me to try it. Had I obtained a furlough two weeks ago, I could have endured the journey home quite comfortably. Now I am obliged to keep perfectly quiet, confined closely to my bed. How long this will last I cannot say. Perhaps I have not suffered quite enough with it. I may have another such time as I had at Lynchburg.
I do not know whether you understand the nature of wounds or not, but will tell you how mine has troubled me. While at Lynchburg it huffed. It now has gangrene and will probably huff again, which causes it to pain me most intensely. I had but little rest last night, and some nights can scarcely close my eyes. But, doubtless, the treatment here will enable me to get well much sooner than when in " rebeldom."
I may not be able to write every day. Please write me often, and send papers. Direct as heading of this. Excuse pencil scribbling, as I am obliged to write while lying in bed. Remem- ber me to kind friends. With much love, JOHN.
As JOHN was so feeble, a beloved sister hastened to him to bestow upon him a sister's kind attention. During her absence from home the eldest brother, JAMES L. was wounded, and another sister was called from home, but to return with the life- less form of that brother.
The funeral took place, yet the absent sister and suffering
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brother were not told of it, for fear of the result. Thus, while the eldest son was being carried to the grave, the second was in a hospital anxiously watched by a sister, and the third a prisoner in the hands of a cruel enemy; the agonized friends not know- ing whether he was living or dead. A kind Providence spares the second son, and the brother and sister reach their sorrowful home, November 4, 1864. Again his wound grows worse, but kind surgical care rendered by Dr. J. H. ARMSBY, and the good- ness of God restores him. But he has not the activity and vigor of former days.
After enjoying the pleasures of his fond home for a few short weeks, JOHN left the cherished spot never to return. The duti- ful and affectionate son, the kind brother, the noble, heroic patriot went forth to give his little remaining strength, and his shattered body to his country. On the 25th of March, 1865, his regiment was ordered to aid in retaking Forts Steadman and Fisher. While leading on his men, as the advance picket, he fell, mortally wounded. His left thigh bone was broken, yet his coolness did not forsake him. Feeling he was losing blood rapidly, he tied a silk handkerchief above the wound, and rallied his men to hold the position, which they had won at such a fear- ful cost. Owing to the terrible exposure to the fire of the enemy, he was not taken to the hospital in the rear till evening; then he was most tenderly cared for by the Hospital Steward, DAVID NOR- WOOD, a member of the Forty-third Regiment. After receiving surgical treatment he was sent to City Point Hospital ; there he suffered six weeks with the most uncomplaining fortitude. He was as brave in his sufferings as he had been as a soldier in health.
While there, he wrote the following letter to his afflicted mother, which was the last of his series of interesting letters sent to his fond home :
SIXTH CORPS HOSPITAL, CITY POINT, VA., April 4, 1865.
My dear Mother-Here I am once more, flat on my back. I presume that you have heard from strangers all about my mis-
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fortune, as I was obliged to get them to write for me. But as I feel much better to-day than I have since I was wounded, I thought it would be much more satisfactory for you to receive a line from my own hand. I was wounded on the 6th inst., and I assure you it is a severe one. But the surgeon says I shall get along, as I have good health, and good courage. There was only one other officer of the regiment wounded, the Second Lieutenant of my company. He occupies the next bed to mine. His wound is in his left arm. He received it on the 1st inst.
My wound is a compound fracture of the thigh bone (left leg), but I am perfectly willing to put up with what suffering I am about to go through, if the war is only closed, as they tell us it is now. I presume you have heard all the good news, therefore I will not be troubled to write any more, as it is a terrible task for me to write lying on my back, and in such severe pain as I am. Remembrance to all inquiring friends, and abundance of love to one and all. May God bless us all.
From your affectionate son, JOHN.
As soon as permission was given, two of his sisters went to him, which was two weeks before his death. His sufferings were intense, yet so tender was he of his sisters' feelings that they were told only in low murmurs. When he was almost fainting from agony, he would ask his sisters to sing. "Sing something soft and plaintive," he would say. Endeavoring to suppress their deep emotion, they would sing such hymns as he loved. The following sweet hymn was one of his favorites:
" Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to thy bosom fly, While the billows near me roll, While the tempest still is high. Hide me; Oh, my Saviour hide Till the stormn of life be past, Safe unto the haven guide; Oh, receive my soul at last."
As the sisters paused, he would say: "Oh, that is so sweet." His wonderful fortitude astonished the medical attendants, while
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his patience and courage won the love of all who were near him. One remarked: "His patience is an example to us all."
We rejoice to know that our hero received every attention from the surgeons and nurses in the hospital. Fond sisters, too, did all that their loving hearts and tender sympathies could sug- gest. But the wound was beyond the reach of surgical skill, though his strength of constitution, and power of endurance, encouraged the surgeons to make every possible exertion to save him.
He was well aware of the nature of his wound from the first, yet was anxious that every means should be used for his restora- tion. He desired to live for his mother's and sisters' sake, though he was fully prepared to yield to the will of his Heavenly Father. He was too weak to talk much, and said but little of life or death. His prayers were whispered, and his thoughts were between his Maker and himself. He had no fears of death. He said to a friend: "I have always thought a man should so live that he may be ready to die." He was sensible almost to the last breath, returning the kisses of those so dear to him. As the last moment approached, the surgeons and friends in the hospital gathered near his dying bed. Prayer was offered, and as the shades of evening drew near, his noble spirit was freed from its sufferings. He died on the 6th of May, 1865.
The sisters, with sorrowing hearts, returned to their homes with their sacred charge, the remains of their dear brother JOHN. This was the second time that one of the sisters had returned with the cold form of a hero brother.
The Albany Burgesses Corps claimed the privilege and the honor of conducting the funeral services, thus relieving the heart- stricken mother and sisters. Everything was done by them with the most tender and brotherly care. The committee of arrange- ments consisted of Capt. M. H. DONOVAN and Mr. H. C. HASKELL, who proved themselves to be the true friends of the departed and his afflicted family. The remains sleep in the Albany Rural Cemetery by the side of those of the eldest brother, that only seven months before were borne to this city of the dead.
Although we have devoted so much space to the DEMPSEY
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brothers, yet we cannot leave them without speaking of HENRY, who has survived the hardships and dangers of the war.
HENRY L. DEMPSEY, third and youngest son, entered the vol- unteer service August, 1862, in the One Hundred and Twenty- fifth Regiment, Company F. His decision to enlist, almost crushed his mother, as he had never scarcely spoken of taking such a step. After he had taken it, he said: "I have thought of it much, and feel more at rest now that I have enlisted. Should I live through it, and we all return, I shall not be ashamed to meet my brothers."
After various experiences, and the faithful discharge of his duty, he was promoted to the position of Corporal. He passed through several battles, in which his regiment was engaged, unharmed, except at Gettysburg, where a ball bruised his hip.
On the 2d of December, 1863, he was taken prisoner, while on picket duty. About two hundred were taken at that time. The Lieutenant of his company wrote thus, December 10, 1863, to Mrs. ANNA DEMPSEY:
" It becomes my painful duty to inform you that your son, Corp. H. L. DEMPSEY, was taken prisoner on the night of the 2d instant, while on brigade picket. I regret it exceedingly. Corp. H. L. DEMPSEY was one of the best men in my company. In camp, he was always ready to perform all duties imposed upon him. In action he was brave, almost to rashness."
Col. CRANDALL also wrote as follows:
" The capture of HENRY L. DEMPSEY I regret exceedingly, and should feel very much chagrined had it occurred by any fault of mine. The brigade picket was sent out to cover our retreat, and the officers of the day failed to notify them when to come in."
His sufferings, as a prisoner, were terrible, beyond all descrip- tion. Of forty of his regiment who were taken prisoners, only seven survived the barbarities inflicted upon them. He was four months at Andersonville, one of the southern hells, and no imagi- nation can picture the horrible suffering's that he there endured.
At one time his left limb was drawn up, and the flesh was cracking and almost ready to fall off. With his penknife he cut away the diseased parts.
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LIEUT. JOHN M. DEMPSEY.
Notwithstanding the agonies that he endured, he still clung to the hope that he would one day escape out of the hands of the fiends, into which he had fallen. While others yielded to des- pair, he kept moving, having noticed that those who remained still, and gave up, were sure to die. Day after day he hobbled about with his emaciated body, supported by a stick or a cane.
For thirty-one days the rain fell upon him, and his clothes, as well as the Bible that his mother had given him, were perfectly saturated with water. This Bible he had read through in that awful stockade; it was his constant companion, and with the pho- tographs of his brothers and sisters, was his only comfort. These he would not part with, even if he was starving.
During the whole time of his imprisonment, one year and three days, he never once heard from his home; nor did the anxious ones at home, for ten months, know anything of his fate.
What then was their joy to have the lost one again restored to the family circle. It was as a beam of light through the deep darkness that had so long enveloped them.
As a prisoner at the south, he was dragged through the follow- ing places, in many of which there was simply a variation of the horrors that awaited him:
He was captured at Mine Run, Virginia, December 2, 1863. He arrived at Belle Isle December 6th, and left March 15, 1864. He was thrust with the Andersonville prisoners March 2d, and left September 9th. He arrived at Charleston, S. C., September 11th, and left October 8th. He reached Florence, S. C., October 8th, and remained until November 28th. He was taken to Savannah, Georgia, November 29th, and left November 30th. Being released, he arrived at Annapolis, Md., December 5, 1864. He left Annapolis December 15th, and reached home on a furlough December 16, 1864. His furlough expired in one month when he reported at the hospital in Annapolis. But before the order came for him to join his regiment, the final victory was won over the enemy, yet such is the severity of war, that, although he was at Annapolis when his brother JOHN M. was buried, he could not be permitted to attend the funeral. It was intimated to him that nothing would be done if he took leave;
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but he said, "I had done nothing dishonorable through all my time of service as a soldier, I cannot do it now." He submitted to the restriction, though it was painful to endure. He was mustered out of service June, 1865.
May his life long be spared, and may the richest of Heaven's blessings rest upon him ! May the mother and sisters be also cared for by divine Providence, and may all the surviving mem- bers of this noble family receive that to which they are entitled; the gratitude, the affection, and the admiration of all loyal hearts throughout the American Republic.
,
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LIEUT. WILLIAM E. ORR.
XLVIII. LIEUT. WILLIAM EMMET ORR.
WILLIAM EMMET ORR was the son of DAVID ORR, Esq., and was born in the city of Albany, September 12, 1841. His anees- tors combined the best, and most vigorous qualities of the Scotch and Irish character ; and young ORR partook largely of these elements. In his early childhood he manifested an amiable and lovely disposition, great purity of heart and of life, and was re- markable for his obedience and affection as a son. At the age of sixteen years, during a season of special religious interest, he consecrated himself to the service of his blessed Saviour, and united with the Second Presbyterian Church, of this city, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. SPRAGUE. He entered upon the christian life with high aims, and with just views of the nature and obligations of a publie profession of his faith.
He was educated at the excellent school, conducted by the Rev. Mr. PIERSON, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and was afterwards a student at the Rochester University. His intellectual attain- ments, combined with his social and benevolent traits of charac- ter, rendered him a most agreeable companion; and those who were with him at Fort Reno, and other places where he was stationed, speak of him with fondness and admiration.
He was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the One Hun- dred and Thirteenth N. Y. S. V. (Seventh N. Y. Artillery) on the 7th day of August, 1862, and assigned to Co. B. He served with his company until he was promoted to First Lieutenant in Co. E, in January, 1864. He was detailed as Acting Assistant Adjt. General on the staff of Col. LEWIS O. MORRIS, commanding Second Brigade, HASKINS' Division of the Twenty-second Army Corps. He retained his position after the brigade joined the
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Artillery Division of the Army of the Potomac. He participa- ted in the engagements at River Po, May 19, 1864; at Milford Station, May 21, 1864; and at North Anna River, May 23, 1864. In all these battles his gallantry and efficiency attracted universal attention. One who saw him on the field, when shot and shell were flying thick around him, and his comrades were falling, said that his bravery could not be surpassed. In the thickest of the fight, his calm resolution, and fervid and lofty patriotism never forsook him. He looked not at danger, but at duty. He asked not for a position of ease and safety, but for one where he could best serve his country and honor his God.
After spending a night in the rifle pits with Col. MORRIS, he retired with others in the morning to the woods to take break- fast, when he was shot by a rebel, who fired from a tree. After receiving the fatal wound, he was borne in a rough conveyance forty miles, to Port Royal. Thence he was transported to Wash- ington city. The last few days of Mr. ORR's life, were days of extreme prostration and suffering. He was attended by his devoted parents, who did all in their power for his relief. But on Thursday morning, June 2d, 1864, at half-past two o'clock, his feet and hands grew cold, his breathing was labored, and in a few moments he bid farewell to his dear friends, his delightful home, his bleeding country, and was attended by the angels of God, to the mansions prepared for him in the heavens, by the Saviour whom he loved.
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