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 46
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The early life of WILLIAM was passed without anything of special interest. He received a good common school education and learned the trade of a tinsmith. For a number of years he worked for Mr. E. C. BLAKEMAN, of Albany.
In the year 1860 he was married to Miss ALIDA HARE, of Esperance, Schoharie county. When the war broke out in the spring of 1861, and the Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. S. M. was preparing to take the field, Mr. CLARK was among the earliest to volunteer to accompany them. He served faithfully the three months, and on the return of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, find- ing the Ninety-first N. Y. V. about being organized for three years' service, he, in September, enlisted as Third Sergeant in Company A. of that Regiment. He remained with them in the Florida and Louisiana campaign until the battle of Irish Bend, April 14th, 1863, when he fell, shot through the head, while nobly doing his duty in a charge on the enemy. He lived about an hour after being struck, but was not conscious of anything. At the time of his death he was acting as Second Sergeant of his company. A commission as Second Lieutenant from March 9th had been awarded to him, but had not reached him when he fell upon the field.
571
LIEUT. JOHN P. PHILLIPS.
LIX. LIEUT. JOHN PETER PHILLIPS.
JOIIN PETER PIALLIPS, was First Lieutenant in company F, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment N. Y. S. V. He was born in the village of Fishkill, Dutchess county N. Y., on the 25th of July, 1829. His parents gave him a good education and trained him in the principles of honesty and virtue. At the early age of sixteen he left home for New York. Here he showed great energy in the prosecution of his business, and in resisting the temptations of the city. He removed from New York to Albany where his efforts in business were crowned with success. Here he married on the 18th of April, 1852. He was very fond of his home, and greatly enjoyed it till the tocsin of war sounded through the land. He was then a member of the Tenth Regi- ment, and had made himself master of the drill, and manual of arms. When the Twenty-fifth Regiment started for the seat of war, he very much wished to go with them, and nothing but the ties of family restrained him. At this time the people were not impressed with the magnitude of the struggle, and expected it would soon be over. At last his regiment was called into ser- vice, and he cheerfully obeyed the call. " I go," he said, " not with the expectation of any pecuniary reward, but because I believe that it is my duty to give up everthing for my country." The regiment were ordered to Louisiana, and when they arrived there, were marched up the country. At Bonnet Carré Lieuten- ant PHILLIPS was seized with the typhoid fever, from which he never recovered. When they reached Baton Rouge he was very weak, and soon after, the regiment's time being out, they were ordered home. Lieutenant PHILLIPS arrived in Albany in a state
572
LIEUT. JOHN P. PHILLIPS.
of great bodily prostration. He was unable to caress his chil- dren, whom he deeply loved, or to make himself understood by his fond wife. On the fourth day of his return, and the 4th day of September, 1863, he departed this life. His remains were interred in the Albany Rural Cemetery, there to rest till the bright morning of the resurrection day.
So sinks the soldier to his rest With all his country's wishes blest
573
LIEUT. SYLVESTER B. SHEPARD.
LX.
LIEUT. SYLVESTER BARRETT SHEPARD.
THE subject of this sketch was the eldest son of SYLVESTER F. and CATHARINE B. SHEPARD. He was born in Albany, New York, July 25, 1841, and was killed at the siege of Port Hudson, June 14, 1863. Amiable in his disposition, active in his habits, and quick in perception, his manly deportment and generous feelings made him a favorite with his companions. He very early offered his services to the government, and enlisted as a private in the Albany Burgesses Corps, which left Albany April 30, 1861, and became connected with the Twenty-fifth Regiment, stationed at Arlington Heights.
He returned after three months' service, and immediately commenced recruiting a company for the Ninety-first Regiment, then organizing. Enlisting for three years, from December 6, 1861, his energy and success in raising a company secured him the appointment of Second Lieutenant in company C. The regiment, numbering nearly nine hundred men, left Albany, for Governor's Island, December 25, 1861; which place it left for Key West, January 8, 1862, arriving there on the 20th. It remained at Key West until May 2d, when it was ordered to Pensacola. In the fall of 1862, Mr. SHEPARD returned north to recruit, and, after partial success in regaining his health, he returned in time to join the regiment before it was ordered to Baton Rouge, to join the expedition under General BANKS.
The wearisome and varied marches of the troops in this divi- sion, from the early spring of 1863 to the fall of Port Hudson, are matters of history. A letter from a member of the Ninety- first, dated July 27th, says: "The siege of Port Hudson was a weary work, and both parties fought with the greatest bravery. Our own regiment suffered severely, and the men behaved nobly. On the 14th of June we made an assault on the enemy's fortifi-
574
LIEUT. SYLVESTER B. SHEPARD.
cations, but were repulsed, and such a scene of carnage I never wish again to witness. Our regiment acted as grenadiers, approaching the breastworks with hand grenades, under a per- feet shower of bullets, which mowed down the brave fellows by scores. But few reached the trenches, and those only to be repulsed and taken prisoners. I laid for five hours within half pistol range of the enemy, continually exposed to the cross fire from the rifle pits, with my comrades falling around me."
In this engagement, Lieutenant SHEPARD took a prominent and brave part. The attack, which was one of the most hazardous and disastrous of the war, was made early in the morning, and the Captain of his company fell at the beginning of the engage- ment. The command devolving upon young SHEPARD, he was encouraging and leading the men forward when a ball pierced his left breast, and the noble hero fell a sacrifice to his country's cause. His remains were recovered and subsequently brought home.
An Albany paper, speaking of the event said: "The loss of young SHEPARD is a terrible blow to his family and friends. Highly gifted, and enthusiastic in his profession, had he been spared he would have made his mark in the army. He met his fate worthy of a brave boy. He died, with his face to the enemy, while leading his men up to the mouth of the enemy's cannon. His memory will be cherished by his many young friends, who sadly deplore his premature death."
A letter from Captain WILSON, of the Ninety-first, to a member of his family, says: "Your brother has earned for himself the reputation of being a gallant and brave officer; and I have heard the men speak in glowing terms of his conduct in several hard fought battles, especially those of the 25th and 27th of May. You have the proud satisfaction of knowing that he died for his country, and that he faithfully did his duty as an officer and gentleman, and that he fell as a soldier should, with his face to the enemy, gallantly leading his men to the charge. He was a great favorite with the Colonel, who sincerely mourns his loss, as well as all the other members of the regiment."
Lieut. SHEPARD was promoted to the First Lieutenancy of his company, May 19, 1862, and appointed Adjutant of the regiment.
575
LIEUT. PATRICK MAHIER.
LXI. LIEUT. PATRICK MAHER.
PATRICK MANIER was born about the year 1821, near Roscrea, in the county of Tipperary, Ireland. He came with his parents to the United States about the year 1824. The family settled in Albany, where his father and mother died. He married early in life, and had two sons, both of whom are now living. His occupation was a saloon keeper, and he was highly respected by every one who knew him. He served for twelve years in the Twenty-fifth Regiment N. Y. S. M., and was a prominent mem- ber of the Emmet Guards, being treasurer and Second Lieuten- ant of said company.
He went to California, where he was not very successful, and after many years returned to Albany.
At the commencement of the late war, he went with the Twenty-fifth (Colonel M. K. BRYAN) to Virginia, as Sergeant in company B, Montgomery Guards. A few months after the expiration of his term of service, he enlisted in Captain MICHAEL O'SULLIVAN's company (F,) Sixty-third N. Y. V., Irish Brigade, and his son DANIEL enlisted with him. He was promoted to the position of Commissary Sergeant, and in the discharge of his duties gave universal satisfaction. On the battle field of Antie- tam he was promoted First Lieutenant, a just tribute to his integrity as well as to his military talents.
He commanded company F, while Captain O'SULLIVAN Was absent from wounds received at the battle of Antietam. He also commanded the company after his Captain's discharge through disability from March to June, 1863, when he was mustered out with other officers, in consequence of the consolidation of the Sixty-third into two companies. He returned home, and resumed
576
LIEUT. PATRICK MAHER.
his old occupation. He re-enlisted as private in the same regi- ment, and was present in the sanguinary battles of the Wilder- ness, Chancellorsville, &c., and in those at Petersburg. His courage and capacity for command being severely tested, he was recommended for promotion to Governor FENTON, and was at once placed in command of a company.
In one of the engagements at Petersburg, June, 1864, a ball shattered his left thigh and amputation became necessary. He came home and died in Albany, and was buried by the Emmet Guards, the company in which he commenced his military career.
He had the satisfaction to receive his commission as First Lieutenant a few days previous to his death, as a recognition of his services in the field, and of his devotion to the Union.
577
LIEUT. ROBERT G. NOXON.
LXII. LIEUT. ROBERT G. NOXON, OF WATERVLIET.
ROBERT G. NOXON, son of PETER B. and HELEN NOXON, was born in the town of Bethlehem.
Actuated by the true spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in Com- pany F, Thirtieth Regiment, October 8th, 1862. He remarked to his mother that she should be proud to have a son in the American army, to sustain the government and the Union.
Lieut. NOXON was in several battles, in which his bravery and devotion to his country were conspicuous. After the battle of Fredericksburg, he was transferred to the Seventy-sixth Regi- ment, Company F.
In the terrible battle at Gettysburg, he was mortally wounded, and laid upon the field for fifty-four hours, in great suffering. He was wounded in the thigh by a Minnie ball, that passed through the bone and fractured it. It was several days after he was wounded before he was taken to the hospital. He sur- vived his wound but forty days, when he was released by death from his extreme sufferings. His remains rest in the Albany Rural Cemetery.
37
578
LIEUT. JAMES MCA. SOUTHWICK.
LXIII. LIEUT. JAMES MCALISTER SOUTHWICK.
LIEUT. SOUTHWICK, the son of HENRY C. and MARY SOUTHI- WICK, was born in the city of Albany, September 5th, 1841; and died in camp near Warwick Court House, Va., on the 4th day of May, 1862.
As a child he was noted for truthfulness, moral courage, kind- ness of heart and obedience to his parents. When he grew older, these qualities were strengthened and brightened by his manly and courageous advocacy of those principles which he deemed to be right and just.
When the storm of war burst forth, he never hesitated or doubted as to the line of duty, but immediately began to prepare for the contest. He was in the employ of Gen. JOHN F. RATH- BONE, who bears testimony to his high integrity of character. Although his connection with him was of a business nature, the General pressed him into service as an assistant, at the bar- racks in this city, where he was employed during the fall of 1861.
Becoming impatient to participate in active service in the field, he joined the Ninety-third Regiment New York State Vol- unteers, then organizing at the barracks, and was immediately elected Second Lieutenant of Company A. He left the city with the regiment, and the following letters give a partial account of his movements:
MERIDIAN HILL, March 23, 1862.
My dear Parents-I doubt not that by this time you are quite vexed at me on account of my very great tardiness in not writing you before. But better late than never, you know, so please pardon me this time, and expect better things in future.
579
LIEUT. JAMES MCA. SOUTHWICK.
When we left New York it was almost dark, you will remem- ber, so that it brought us to Philadelphia at midnight exactly, where a most welcome and sumptuous repast awaited us. We had then to march about one mile through the city to the depot, where we took the cars, and laid in them all night, in the depot, on account of a train, which left before we got there, having broke down just out of the city.
At last, about seven A. M., we got started, and, after many stops and vexatious delays, about one P. M. arrived at Perryville, Md., where the ears were taken on to the ferry boat and ferried bodily over to Havre de Grace. There the Fourth New York Regiment is stationed. We left there immediately, arriving in Baltimore about dusk, when we marched through Pratt street, where you remember the Eighth Massachusetts boys met with trouble last spring. We here partook of the hospitalities of Baltimore, provided for us by the citizens, and I assure you I never felt so grateful for a meal in my life as I did for that. I tell you what it is, the boys of the Ninety-third New York will long and gratefully remember the gentlemen and ladies of Phil- adelphia and Baltimore.
We rested here about two hours, when we again jumped on the cars for Washington, which place we reached about five o'clock A. M. About noon we left the city, marching about two miles out on the Bladensburg road, where we pitched our tents, and got our first taste of camp life; and I assure you that that night's sleep was most deliciously enjoyed by about eight hun- dred and fifty of the most tired and forlorn looking fellows that ever formed a regiment. We were most beautifully situated here, on a high hill overlooking the country around for miles; and wherever the eye could reach, nothing, hardly, but little white tents dotted the landscape.
But already it has got to be an old story here to visit a camp, or to stand in the evening, looking at the camp fires of a neigh- boring regiment, and wake up in the morning to find the camp deserted, and not a sign or vestige left to remind a person, that the night before a bustling crowd of blue coats had been there.
580
LIEUT. JAMES MCA. SOUTHWICK.
Where had they gone? Well, that was just what nobody knew; and so it goes.
Last Tuesday we received orders to leave Bladensburg for this place, expecting to leave the next morning for Alexandria, there to start for James river. But here we are yet.
We are in Gen. PALMER'S Brigade, CASEY'S Division, and have had marching orders since we have been here; but it is my honest opinion we will never get more than fifty miles from here. I am perfectly contented and satisfied here, and enjoy myself very much.
My most affectionate love to you all, beloved parents, brothers and sisters. Write me soon.
Your affectionate son, JAMES.
IN CAMP, SEVEN MILES FROM FORTRESS MONROE, April 2, 1862.
My dear Father-You will no doubt be rather surprised to learn of our sudden departure from Washington, which we left last Thursday P. M.
We left Meridian Hill last Thursday about five P. M., crossing the Long bridge in total darkness, and marching that night seven miles to Alexandria. We arrived there about eleven-thirty P. M., and camped on the sidewalks, in doorways, and under stoops, which was very uncomfortable, I assure you. I sat up all night in a doorway, with a blanket around me, but slept not at all. The next day, Saturday, we marched out about two miles from the city and camped, would you believe, in the midst of a heavy snow storm, which shortly, however, turned into rain. Our men had to lie right down in it, on account of our tents not arriving. They were detained by a great crowd of wagons on the road, sixteen thousand men having crossed the bridge the same day we did. We laid there that night, and the next morning, Sunday, we again commenced our march, returning to Alexandria, where we embarked on the steamer " Vanderbilt" for Fortress Monroe. On our way down the river, we had a fine view of Mathias Point, and of a number of splendid fortifications, but lately evacuated
581
LIEUT. JAMES MCA. SOUTHWICK.
by the rebels. We arrived at the Fortress at nine A. M. Tuesday, April 1st.
We disembarked under the guns of the Fortress, and marched three miles to Hampton, which you remember was laid in ruins by the rebels, under MAGRUDER. The walls are still standing, and also the stockade and earthworks, erceted by the rebels. Our men that night slept in the ruins of a church and in the grave yard attached to it, on top of graves, &e., which I assure you was rather a new situation for your son JIM to be placed in. At any rate, no ghosts disturbed my slumbers, which were pretty sound, I assure you, after our tiresome journey. We arose with the dawn, and started on five miles further to this place, where we camped a few hours since. What the name of this place is, I could not say, but suffice it to say that Norfolk is just over the river, and possibly my next letter may be dated from there.
I am just as fresh this moment as though I had not marched a foot, with all my goods in a knapsack on my back. I send you a peach bud, plucked in Hampton, which was just handed me by one of the men. The trees are all blossoming, birds singing, and the weather beautiful in the day, but chilly at night. My most affectionate love to mother, JULIA, and my dear brothers and sisters.
Your affectionate son,
JAMES.
NEAR NEWPORT NEWS, VA., FRIDAY, April 11, 1862. 5
My dear Sister-I received your very truly welcome letter last evening, and though suffering from a very severe sore throat, brought on by the cold rains of the past few days, I hasten thus early to answer it. You speak of BEN having commenced a let- ter, which I assure you I would be very happy to receive, not having heard from him since leaving home.
The " Merrimac " is flying around here, making the folks at New- port News and vicinity feel anything but easy. She captured two of our transports yesterday, and it was expected that she would attempt to run past the fort. If she ever gets out, there will be a big time, for they will have to run her ashore or tip
582
LIEUT. JAMES MCA. SOUTHWICK.
her over before they can take her. A year ago to-day, Sumter was bombarded.
Sunday. April 13, 1862 .- I have done no duty in three days, on account of my throat, which has worried me considerably.
I am, your affectionate brother, JAMES.
Lieut. SOUTHWICK remained with his command until he was taken ill with the disease which terminated his life. Had he been less earnest in the discharge of his military duties, his life might have been prolonged; but after being sent to the hospital at Newport News, he learned that the regiment had marched for Yorktown. He rose from his cot, and rode on an army wagon to Warwick Court House, where the regiment was then quartered, a distance of several miles, and immediately applied himself to his duties. But the fever proved too strong, and he was forced again to a sick bed, from which he never rose. On the day that our army marched into the rebel intrenchments at Yorktown, his spirit took its flight to the eternal world.
Thus he passed away in the flush of youth, and with the brightest prospects before him; for he was richly endowed with those qualities of mind and character which, had he been spared, would have won for him honor and promotion. He was a soldier of undaunted courage, inflexible integrity, and was scrupulous and self-exacting in the discharge of every duty devolving upon hin. He won the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and his family lament the loss of an obedient, truthful son, and a loving and affectionate brother.
The following letter respecting him, was received from Col. CROCKER:
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 22, 1866.
Sir-It affords me much pleasure to be able to certify to the excellent character and great personal worth of Second Lieu- tenant JAMES M. SOUTHWICK, late of the Ninety-third New York Volunteers. I was familiarly acquainted with him and highly esteemed him on account of his manly virtues, his excellent qualities as an officer, and his patriotic zeal in the cause of his country.
583
LIEUT. JAMES MCA. SOUTHWICK.
He joined my regiment (the Ninety-third New York Volun- teers) in November, 1861, and was soon after commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company A, and continued to serve as such until his death, which occurred at the siege of Yorktown, Va., May 4th, 1862.
In the great contest in which his country was engaged he manifested the strongest feeling in behalf of the Government, and emphatically denounced the efforts of rebels and traitors to destroy it. He never seemed to doubt but that the Government would prevail against its enemies, and that the war would result in more firmly establishing the institutions of the country upon the principles expressed in her Declaration of Independence, than ever before. He expressed a desire to serve his country in her hour of trial, and a willingness to risk his life in her just cause. Such I believe were the motives that led him to enlist.
As an officer, he studied to know his duty, and always per- formed it nobly and well. He was gentlemanly and courteous in his deportment; a man of most excellent morals, and he seemed to be guided by the Golden Rule, " Do unto others as you would that they should do unto you." He was kind and attentive to the wants of soldiers in his charge, and they appreciated him as one of their best friends. He won the confidence and respect of all the officers of the regiment, and his loss was most heartily deplored by the entire command.
His disease was typhoid fever. He first complained of ill health about the 20th of April, and by my directions was sent to the hospital. But the next day, learning that the regiment was ordered to move to the extreme front, he left the hospital to rejoin his command, stating that he felt better and desired to be with his regiment in the expected engagement; that he could not endure the idea of his men going into a fight and he not with them to share the duties and dangers of battle. Most of the baggage had been left in the rear, and the weather being rainy and bad, he was necessarily exposed.
The severe hardships and exposures of the camp proved too much for him, and brought on his disease with renewed force, and terminated his life, as before stated.
584
LIEUT. JAMES MCA. SOUTHWICK.
In his death we all felt that the regiment had lost one of its best officers, and the country one of its noblest and bravest defenders. Every officer and man in the regiment was a sincere mourner over the event, which had so suddenly and unexpectedly deprived them of their brave and true comrade in arms.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
JOHN S. CROCKER,
Late Colonel 93d N. Y. Vols., Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S. V. To H. C. SOUTHWICK, Albany, N. Y.
The following resolutions were adopted by the officers of the Ninety-third Regiment N. Y. S. V., on the death of Lieut. JAMES M. SOUTHWICK :
BIVOUAC OF THE 93D REGIMENT, N Y. S. V. ) NEAR WEST POINT, VA., May 10, 1862.
At a meeting of the officers of the Ninety-third Regiment New York State Volunteers, held at the Bivouac, near West Point, Va., May 10th, 1862, Capt. GEORGE B. MOSHIER was ap- pointed chairman, and Lieut. HENRY P. SMITH secretary. On motion of Lieut. HENRY C. NEWTON, a committee of three was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the feelings of the officers of the regiment, on the announcement of the death of Lieut. JAMES M. SOUTHWICK, of Company A, Ninety-third New York Volunteers.
The following named officers were appointed as such com- mittee, viz :- Lieut. HENRY C. NEWTON, Capt. N. J. JOHNSON, and Lient. JAMES W. RACE.
The following resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, The officers of the Ninety-third Regiment New York Volunteers have heard with profound sorrow of the death of Lieut. JAMES M. SOUTHWICK, (formerly of Albany) which occurred at our late camp near Warwick Court House, Va., on the 4th day of May, 1862:
Resolved, That by the death of Lieut. JAMES M. SOUTHWICK, the army has lost an accomplished and efficient officer, and his fellow officers a trusty and valuable friend, who had become
585
LIEUT. JAMES MCA. SOUTHWICK.
endeared to them by his many noble and generous impulses-his manly and upright bearing and gentlemanly deportment.
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