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 44
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On the 6th day of June he was buried with military honors, in the Albany Rural Cemetery, a spot peculiarly sacred to us, it being the resting place of so many noble patriots. The funeral was attended by the Governor of the State and his staff, and the body was escorted to the tomb by Company A of the Tenth Regiment.
The following is an extract from a letter written by R. S. NORTON, Lieutenant and Acting R. Q. M., Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, near Petersburg, Va., June 30th, 1864:
" I cannot close this letter, without referring to the personal character and moral worth of Lieutenant ORR, and the warm feeling of friendship I felt for him during our acquaintance, and
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LIEUT. WILLIAM E. ORR.
particularly from the time we left the defences to the morning he was wounded. During this time, our duties caused us to be together the most of the time; he as A. A. A. G., and I as aid to Col. MORRIS. In the high opinion I had formed of his excel- lence of character and soldierly qualities, I found I was not mis- taken.
" Perhaps it would interest you to hear the circumstances relat- ing to his receiving his wound, as given by one who was present at the time. On the fatal morning, after being in the rifle pits all night, we went across a field into a piece of woods to take breakfast-Col. MORRIS, Lieut. ORR and myself. Upon rising from the ground, Lieut ORR stepped aside a moment, and imme- diately returned saying he was wounded. The Colonel made a severe remark upon the careless firing of muskets by the men, supposing that it had been done by one of our own men. We all thought so then, but when the ball was extracted it proved to be a rebel bullet. He requested me to tie up his arm in a sling, and after doing so, we helped him on to his horse and took him to the hospital. We did not think it a serious wound at the time, and in answer to my question if it pained him much, he replied that it did not, but his arm felt numb.
" The intelligence of his death was received in the regiment with great surprise and deep sorrow."
The Albany Zouave Cadets passed a series of highly compli- mentary resolutions in relation to the character and services of our departed hero; and the family of the deceased received the warm sympathy of a large circle of relatives and friends.
5.12
LIEUT. JAMES H. MORGAN.
XLIX. . LIEUT. JAMES H. MORGAN.
AMONG the many brave young men who stepped forward at the first call to defend our Government, was the subject of this sketch. He was a native of the city of Albany, and after having received his education in our first schools, he entered upon the study of the law.
His talents and earnest application won for him the high com- mendation of his professors, and his scholarship and urbane man- ners made him a favorite and chosen friend among his fellows.
Having completed the prescribed course, he graduated with honor, and immediately began the practice of the law in the office of the District Attorney, in the city of Albany.
He remained thus for some length of time, until a more pro- mising position was offered to him in the western part of the State, which he accepted. He was here, surrounded by the new duties and responsibilities of his profession, when the rebellion broke out.
The history of that time shows a spirit of self-denial and sac- rifice unequaled. The exigency called for the noblest and best, and they were given. What a gift it was can only be known to those in whose hearts it has left an aching record.
Mr. MORGAN entered the army as First Lieutenant of Company G, Eighteenth New York Volunteers, Col. WILLIAM A. JACKSON. The regiment engaged in active service immediately, and, at the disastrous retreat of Bull Run, suffered considerably, as a greater portion of it was composed of young men, unused to hardship.
The fatigues and exposures of that time made serious inroads upon the health of Lieut. MORGAN.
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LIEUT. JAMES H. MORGAN.
At the termination of this campaign he suffered a severe at- tack of inflammatory rheumatism, and was obliged to resign. A promotion and furlough were offered to him, but as the state of his health would render him unfit for service for some length of time, he chose to resign. Two years later found him again in the field. His regiment (Seventh New York Artillery, Fourth Brigade, First Division, Second Corps, Gen. HANCOCK) was or- dered to the front, and there experienced some of the most trying service of the war. Out of seventeen hundred men, com- posing that regiment, who left Washington for the front, only a mere handful remained at the expiration of their term of enlist- ment. Toil, suffering and death had done their perfect work, and among those to whom this martyrdom was decreed was our young soldier.
He was taken a prisoner of war at the battle of Ream's Station, 25th August, 1864. Out of his company, but one Sergeant and six men were left.
This disaster was not known to his family and friends for many weeks. After having exhausted every means in their power to ascertain his fate, the terrible fact was at last discovered.
Death in the field; in an hospital; anywhere, would have been merciful compared with this. The treatment that he received is too horrible to relate. His mother and sisters can not speak of it without tears. He was removed from Libby prison to Salis- bury, N. C., a change for the worse, if such can be conceived. Here his martyrdom was completed by the incarnate fiends who had him in charge, and he died, a prisoner of war, on the 21st of November, 1864.
More than ordinarily gentle and refined in his manners, he was yet possessed of great firmness and courage, and many acts of personal daring and bravery are known that reflect eredit upon him as a soldier.
With high toned morals, talents and cultivation of no common order, a career of honor and usefulness was open to him in civil life. His patriotism and sense of duty forbade him to pursue this when his country demanded his services in the field.
As a son and brother, he endeared his home circle to him by
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LIEUT. JAMES HI. MORGAN.
his genial virtues and manly worth. The memory of his ever generous and affectionate qualities is fondly treasured in the hearts of those who lovod him best.
His loss has brought a weariness of sorrow to them that will not pass away. Many such homes there are in the land. but " every heart knoweth its own bitterness."
545
LIEUT. MICHAEL H. BARCKLEY.
L. LIEUT. MICHAEL HENRY BARCKLEY, OF KNOX.
LIEUT. BARCKLEY, son of HENRY BARCKLEY and MAGDELANE LIVINGSTON, descendants of revolutionary times, was born in the town of Knox, Albany county, N. Y., November 15, 1840. In early life, he manifested an unusual fondness for books, and made great proficiency in his studies. His parents resolved to give him a thorough education, but were compelled at times to check his rapid progress to preserve his health. He received a religious education, and was a youth of excellent morals. His parents belonged to the Reformed Dutch Church, and he was a faithful member of the Sabbath school. He entered the junior class of Union College in 1861, and graduated with honors in July, 1862, in the 22d year of his age.
He returned home with his feelings fired with love of country, which were, if possible, increased by those of his parents ; and feeling impelled by a sense of duty to answer his country's call and haste to the field of conflict, he at once enlisted as a recruiting officer, and commenced his labors in his native town. He was so much beloved, that many, who were otherwise timid, became inspired by his example, and rallied around him. In three or four days he had a sufficient number of recruits to present with himself at the rendezvous in the city of Albany; so that in the organization of Company K, of the Thirteenth Regiment N. Y. V., he, as a reward for his patriotic services, was at once elected First Lieutenant.
As soon as his position was determined, the patriotic people of Knox in a mass meeting of both sexes, resolved to do him all the honor in their power, and as an expression of their high ap- preciation of him and the noble cause for which he so cheerfully
35
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LIEUT. MICHAEL H. BARCKLEY.
gave himself, raised a sufficient sum to purchase a sword, sash, belt and pistol, (the best that a line officer was allowed to wear) which were presented to him at a large and enthusiastic meeting in the town of Knox just before his departure to the field. The equipage was presented by Rev. E. E. TAYLOR, and the sash adjusted by Miss E. BOGARDUS, in behalf of the ladies. The Rev. E. E. TAYLOR then made the presentation address to the unusually large andience, who were assembled in the open air.
The following is a synopsis of the speech by Rev. Mr. TAYLOR: "Civil government was formerly connected with that of the church. It has since been changed; but nevertheless necessary, and its support is equally binding upon us. And if there are differences in the moral characters of men, that difference should be considered in the selection of the best men under God, "who setteth up nations and destroyeth," for this great work. And if government is committed to men, then it is their duty to maintain that government by the use of any necessary means to subjugate foreign foes or rebels. As evidence, it is recorded 1 Chron. 5, 22: ' For there fell down many slain because the war was of God.'
"However horrible the character of war may appear, it is one of God's commands that we, his servants, rally on the side of the right and put down unholy rebellion, for the 'Captain of our salvation' hath said of him who 'taketh the sword (wrongfully) he shall perish by the sword.' It is further recorded, Jer. xlviii, 10: 'Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.'
" We present to you this equipage in the name of God and our country. You stand before us now in the military character. This has become a necessity. May God sustain you in your trials, give you a valiant heart, shield you from evil, and return you and your comrades to us again in peace, if it may be, or, if it must be that you fall, be yours an honored grave, and ours, with you, by and by to enjoy the bliss of heaven. We pledge to you our prayers and anxious sympathy.
" You go forth as our representative; in it we feel honored. You are to make for us our history, and, joined with the patriot
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LIEUT. MICHAEL H. BARCKLEY.
army, are to crush, once and forever, rebels and rebellion, and put the despots of the world before a free people; to trample beneath your feet not only this rebellion but its cause, whereby the foundations of our republic shall be laid deeper, made broader and built firmer, over which our national ensign shall wave while time lasts."
To this Lieutenant BARCKLEY replied as follows:
"Reverend Sir-I accept these testimonials of regard from the patriotic citizens of my native town, who have confided them in trust to me, and here promise to hold them sacred, to use them where duty calls, and never return them dishonored. And to the ladies, this beautiful sash I shall ever hold in remembrance of your attachments to the cause we all hold so dear."
The regiment which he joined, commanded by Colonel MORRIS, left Albany August 14, 1862, and were assigned to the defences of Washington and stationed at Fort Reno, afterwards called Fort Pennsylvania. Subsequently, the regiment, changed to the Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, was ordered to the front and engaged in several battles and skirmishes, and finally in the terrible conflicts at Coal Harbor. There this noble youth was mortally wounded. A shell struck him below his right knee and he fell with his face towards the enemy, on Saturday, the 4th of June, 1864.
After suffering upon the field, he was taken to the surgeon's quarters, where his limb was amputated above the knee. He did not long survive the operation, but died on the 6th of July, 1864, at ten o'clock, P. M. He was attended by his devoted mother, who did all in her power to alleviate his sufferings.
During his sickness he was calm, communicative and cheerful, and felt that in serving his country he had served his God. Just before his death, he said he could not die in a better cause. He was regarded as one of the bravest of the brave, and greatly beloved by all who were associated with him. His remains were borne away from the hospital by his friends and relatives and attended, with military honors, to his native hills.
The funeral services of Lieutenant BARCKLEY were attended on Sabbath, the 10th of July, in the Reformed Dutch Church at
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LIEUT. MICHAEL HI. BARCKLEY.
Knox, his native village. The coffin was strewn with flowers, and the sword which had been presented to him upon his depart- ure for the seat of war, and which he had so valiantly wielded in his country's defence, was lying upon it.
Citizens from every direction flocked to the house of mourn- ing until the church was filled to its utmost capacity, the vestibule crowded, and the grounds in front filled by a multitude from far and near, who were deeply interested, and seemed to appreciate and realize the loss that the country and the community had sustained. The scene was truly solemn and impressive.
The Rev. W3I. P. DAVIS, of Guilderland, assisted the pastor, the Rev. E. VEDDER, in the services. In view of this Providence being accepted by the community as a general affliction, Mr. VEDDER selected for his text, as an appropriate subject, the latter clause of the third verse of the tenth chapter of Leviticus: "And Aaron held his peace."
After the solemn exercises, the coffin being covered with the flag of his country, the assembly followed his remains, in slow and solemn procession, to the new cemetery; and in a most beau- tiful spot, overlooking the place that gave him birth, selected and given for that purpose, was deposited the lifeless form of the once loved and noble youth, Lieutenant BARCKLEY.
549
LIEUT. CHARLES S. EVANS.
LI. LIEUT. CHARLES SWAINE EVANS, OF RENSSELAERVILLE.
CHARLES SWAINE EVANS, the son of HENRY I. and EUNICE M. EVANS, was born in Rensselaerville November 10, 1840.
He early displayed a strong affection for his parents, and many amiable and noble qualities that endeared him to a large circle of friends. He became hopefully converted, and made a profes- sion of religion in the winter of 1862, in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Rensselaerville. His life clearly indicated the sin- cerity of his profession, the depth of his love for his Saviour.
Animated by a pure and lofty patriotism, he enlisted August 2d, 1862, in Company K, Seventh Heavy Artillery Regiment, and when promoted, he was transferred to Company I.
He was in the battles of Fredericksburg Road, Milford Station, North Anna River, Tollapotomy Creek and Coal Harbor. As a soldier, Lieut. EVANS was brave, cheerful and always at his post. He shrank from no duty, and was never intimidated by danger. His companions speak of him in terms of the highest praise. While suffering from long marches, unsuitable food and exposure to storms and the cold, he never was heard to utter a word of complaint. His letters, written to his dear parents and sisters at home, breathe a spirit of the warmest affection and deepest inte- rest in their welfare, as well as devotion to his Saviour and to his country's cause.
The following letters, addressed to the members of the church with which he was connected, show his religious feelings while he was in the army:
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LIEUT. CHARLES S. EVANS.
FORT PENNSYLVANIA, HEAD QUARTERS 113TH REGIMENT N. Y. S. V., October 24, 1862. Brothers and Sisters of the M. E. Church at Rensselaerville:
My heart is with you, but I would that this Sabbath morning I might worship God with you in the old basement, and once more mingle my prayers and songs of praise with yours; and with you feel the influence of the Holy Spirit, strengthening us for the performance of our duty, and filling our whole soul with enjoyment. But God, who moves in a mysterious way, has ordered it otherwise, and in obedience to what I considered my sacred duty, I am to-day far from home and its comforts-far from privileges which I onee so much enjoyed; yet I trust and firmly believe that I am not far from the Lord, and I will praise HIim this morning. Nothing but my own acts can deprive me of the comforts of His religion, and the enjoyment of His presence.
The excitement of leaving home, the novelty of the soldier's life, and the influence of the associations into which I was thrown, notwithstanding I endeavored to be fortified by grace, all tended to lessen my enjoyment, and to separate me from the God I love. But I am grateful that I have never lost sight of Him, and that I have tried to be faithful in praying to Him, and in attending to all the means of grace within my reach. For the past few weeks I have been endeavoring, by reflection and prayer, to increase my faith, my enjoyment and my hold upon eternal life; and I have reason to think that God has blessed me. I have more strength, more confidence, more peace; and in writing these few lines, I feel great joy to think that, though absent, I can give in my testimony to the power of religion. May the Lord bless us, may His spirit guide us, and may we all at last dwell in the bright world above.
Conscious that I am trying to do my duty, and feeling that I am on the strongest side, because the Lord God is with me, I am perfectly contented.
You can realize the danger of the body to which I am exposed; but no one, unless by experience, can tell the danger to the soul.
Christians, pray for me, that I may be prepared for all that awaits me; that though I fall by the bullet or by disease, I may
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LIEUT. CHARLES S. EVANS.
come off conqueror. Pray that if it is the Lord's will, I may be preserved; but His will, not mine, be done. Meanwhile the Lord watch between us. Trusting in God,
I am, yours truly,
CHARLES SWAINE EVANS.
FORT RENO, D. C., March 22, 1863.
Brethren and Sisters-I deem it a great privilege, and may God bless me in the use of it, that though separated far from you, I am able to express my love for God's service, and my desire to be one of His most faithful servants, and to merit the promised reward. In looking over the past eight months, I can- not but see and feel very grateful for the many evidences I have of God's care. His mercy and His love have been manifested in the preservation of my life and health, in the midst of dangers, exposures and hardships; and the continued blessing of His Holy Spirit alone has kept me safe while in the midst of the tempta- tion and the evil with which I am surrounded. I derive great enjoyment from the consciousness of God's approval, in the gift of my services to my country; and possessing, as I trust, His religion, I am better enabled to discharge my duties, undergo hardships and submit cheerfully to the deprivation of privileges and blessings. It seems to me now, that without this blessed religion of Christ's, the only thing which can satisfy and fill the human heart, my life would be blank indeed, and my situation almost unbearable.
Though we have weekly meetings, and the preaching of the gospel, which I am faithful in attending, I miss very much your Thursday evening prayer meetings, and Saturday night class meetings, which were such helps to me at home. But the memory of those early days in God's service, and of the vows I paid Him in your presence, and of our prayers, tears and songs of praise, give me strength to overcome much of the evil there is in camp life.
I am glad to hear that the spirit of the Lord has been at work in Rensselaerville, convicting, converting and saving souls that were dead in trespasses and in sins. I pray that God may keep you, and especially those who enlisted when I did, from the evil
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LIEUT. CHARLES S. EVANS.
in this world, and bless you in all your efforts to do good, and may He at last crown you in Heaven.
In return, give me your earnest prayers, that I too may be kept from sin, and may exert an influence for Christ, and never bring any reproach upon His name. Pray, if the Lord wills that I should live until this wicked rebellion is crushed, that I may be a useful member of society and a true Christian, constant in the discharge of duty. But if it is the Lord's will that I should lose my life, may I die a Christian soldier, gaining an entrance to Heaven, where no war nor battle sound is heard. and where we can all praise God through eternity.
Your brother in Christ, C. SWAINE EVANS, Co. K., 7th N. Y. Vol. Artillery.
The sentiments and principles expressed in these letters, Lieut. EVANS labored to carry out in his daily life. Among the sol- diers, he was the consistent, faithful and earnest Christian, and the warm, sympathizing friend. His reliance upon God was constant and firm, and he never forgot that he was the professed disciple of Jesus Christ. His religion sustained him in the camp, on the battle field, and in the last trying hour.
On the 3d day of June, 1864, at three o'clock in the morning, a terrible charge was made on the enemy's works at Coal Har- bor. Through that severe fight Lieut. EVANS passed unharmed. But two days afterwards he was wounded by a sharpshooter, and after lingering a few hours in great agony, he expired. He was conscious to the last, and expressed his perfect trust in the blessed Saviour.
He was buried the same day at Coal Harbor, where his remains still rest. Everything possible has been done to recover them, but the place where he was buried is now plowed over, and the headboard was found two miles from the spot.
Among several letters received by the friends at home, is the following from Mr. BLANCHARD:
GALLUPVILLE, April 8, 1866.
My acquaintance with Lieut. C. S. EVANS was somewhat limited. His mind was well cultivated, and his Christian charac-
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LIEUT. CHARLES S. EVANS.
ter without blemish. He was always reliable, and everywhere truthful, affectionate and kind. He was a model young man and Christian. He gave good evidence of his patriotism by leaving his friends and the work of preparation for a life of usefulness, as an ambassador for Christ, to endure the trials and exposures of the battle field. But he now rests from his labors, and has gone to his reward. Yours truly,
H. BLANCHARD.
The following letter, written before Mr. EVANS was promoted to the Lieutenancy, shows the estimation in which he was held by a superior officer:
HEAD QUARTERS, DRAFT RENDEZVOUS, RIKER ISLAND, February 17, 1864.
To all whom it may concern:
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Sergt. C. S. EVANS, Battery K, Seventh N. Y. Artillery, as capable of holding a com- mission. He has been under my command some four or five months, and during that time I never found him away from his post. He was always ready and willing to do his duty. He is a good soldier and a perfect gentleman, and nothing could give me greater pleasure than to see him receive his commission, for I think he has honestly earned it. He could do our country, in this her hour of need, better service in such a position than the one he now holds. If it were necessary to say more for him, I would do so.
CHARLES C. BAKER, Major 39th Regiment N. Y. V.
Of the fond brother a dear sister thus writes:
" None knew him but to love; none named him but to praise. We miss him in the home circle, for he was so kind, so good, so noble. But he is to-day in a brighter and better world than this, and we are trying, by the grace of God, to exclaim: 'Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.'"
554
LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY
LII. LIEUT. CHARLES L. YEARSLEY.
CHARLES L. YEARSLEY was the son of HENRY and SARAH A. YEARSLEY, and was born in West Troy May 19, 1843.
He received a Christian education, and his amiable qualities and affectionate disposition made him a great favorite in the home circle, and among all his friends. Early in life he became a member of the Sabbath school, and was very conscientious in observing the Sabbath, and attending upon the public worship of God.
From the commencement of the war he was very desirous of entering the army and fighting for his country. He often urged his parents to let him go, but they were for some time unwilling to part with the object of their affections. His love for his mother was very strong, but he said to her one day, " the love of country and the love for one's mother are alike, and we ought to be willing to die for either."
He enlisted August 13th, 1862, in Company H, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, afterwards the Seventh Heavy Artil- lery, and left Albany for the defence of Washington on the 19th of August. There he remained until May 15, 1864.
Towards the latter part of the year 1863 he was promoted to the position of Orderly Sergeant, and on the 15th of April, 1864, was made Lieutenant, in consequence of his faithful servi- ces and superior soldierly qualities.
In June he was ordered to charge the enemy's works in front of Petersburg, and having had the command of Company G from the third of that month, he led them forward. As the engage- ment opened he was badly wounded, and his friends urged him to go to the rear. But he pushed on, and was again wounded.
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