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 47
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Resolved, That we sincerely and deeply deplore his death, and that we will ever cherish a lively recollection of his many virtues, and that his memory will never be obliterated from our hearts.
Resolved, That we tender his family and many friends our heartfelt sympathies.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the different newspapers at Albany, and a copy transmitted to his parents. Lieut. HENRY C. NEWTON, Capt. N. J. JOHNSON, Lieut. JAMES W. RACE.
Committee.
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586
LIEUT. EDWARD B. HILL.
LXIV. LIEUT. EDWARD BAYARD HILL.
Ox the list of patriotic names of the brave and gallant men who went forth to battle, and perchance to death for the salvation of their country in the hour of her greatest peril, that of EDWARD BAYARD HILL claims a place in the foremost rank.
He descended from a parentage of strongly marked and strik- ing characteristics, and gave unequivocal evidence that he in- herited a large share of the intellectual power and energy, which distinguished both his father and his grandfather. The latter at the age of fifteen years, entered the Revolutionary army almost at the commencement of that great struggle, and continued in it to the end. It is probable that he never attended school a single day in his life. He was therefore truly a self-made man. At an early day after the close of the Revolutionary war, he purchased a farm in the town of Florida, in the county of Montgomery, upon which he resided, and which he cultivated with his own hands for a period of over sixty years, and until his death, which occurred about nine years ago.
At the time Mr. HILL the elder settled in Florida, the country was new and mechanics were few and far between. To a man of his intellectual resources and indomitable will, this occasioned little or no inconvenience.
He wanted a house and a barn, and he built them. He wanted blacksmith work, and he furnished it from his own hands. Indeed, whatever he needed for himself and family, he made. He did all this, although he had never served one day as an apprentice to any trade. Some years after the close of the revolutionary war, Mr. HILL united with the Methodist Episco- pal church, and became an effective local preacher of that denom- ination. His discourses were marked with the fervor and earnest-
587
LIEUT. EDWARD B. HILL.
ness which might have been expected from a strong but uncul- tivated intellect.
A gentleman of high standing in the county of Montgomery, who was perfectly competent to express an opinion upon such a subject, was accustomed to say that if NICHOLAS HILL, the elder, had been an educated man and had directed his attention to either of the learned professions, he would have made a very distin- guished man-a declaration in which all who knew him most heartily concur.
Mr. HILL, the elder, was a man of most commanding and im- posing presence. He was tall, erect and well proportioned. His face was strongly marked with those intellectual qualities which arrest attention and command respect. He was one who could not walk the street without arresting the attention of the passer by, and being recognized, at once, as a man of mark.
NICHOLAS HILL, Jr., the father of Lieutenant HILL, and one of the most distinguished members of the American bar, was too well known to require any particular description. He had the advantage of his father in the enjoyment of a common school education. But not satisfied with this he left the paternal roof and by his own energy secured academic advantages, which his father's means were not sufficient to provide.
Lieutenant HILL was born in the county of Saratoga, but came with his father to Albany at an early period of his life, where he resided some twenty years before he entered the service.
He studied law with his father, and obtained a license to prac- tice. After his father's death, he became a partner in the firm of CAGGER, PORTER & HILL. His professional career was hardly opened, when he was summoned to another field of action. When the news of the attack on Fort Sumter reached the north, Lieutenant HILL, in common with thousands of our young men whose names have since become historic, at once resolved to enter the service of his country.
He applied to several influential friends of Albany to sign a recommendation for his appointment to some office in the regular army. He obtained such a recommendation and started for Washington, at that critical juncture when the massacre of the
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LIEUT. EDWARD B. HILL.
Massachusetts soldiers at Baltimore had interrupted all communi- cation between the northern States and the Capital. To get to Washington through Baltimore at that time, required all the courage, coolness, and strategical skill, which are usually need- ful in the movements of armies through a hostile territory. That coolness and that skill were exhibited by the youthful private, in making his way to the quarters of the beleaguered Commander- in-chief.
Ile went to Washington through Baltimore, and his arrival there at midnight, by a devious and perilous route, with impor- tant military intelligence from the north, was a joyful surprise to General ScorT, the President and Cabinet. The value of the service was immediately recognized by his appointment as a Lieutenant in the regular army.
Lieutenant HILL had command of a battery in the first Bull Run battle, in July, 1861, and young and inexperienced as he was, obtained the credit, which cannot be awarded to all, upon that occasion, of saving his battery and bringing it back to the Union lines uncaptured and unsurrendered.
In one of the battles on the Chickahominy, in July, 1862, Lieut. HILL was wounded in the arm by a Minnie ball, which entered his wrist and came out near the shoulder. The wound, though severe, was not deemed mortal. He was brought to the Brevoort House, in New York, where every attention was bestowed upon him by an affectionate mother and kind friends; but these proved unavailing, and he died on the 13th of June, 1862, in the twenty-eighth year of his age.
His manly bearing as an officer, his courteous treatment of his subordinates, his coolness and unquestioned bravery in the hour of conflict, had greatly endeared him to all his companions in arms, and to all with whom he had become acquainted. He pos- sessed all those qualities which were well calculated to inspire hopes of distinguished services and a brilliant professional career.
Thus perished one among the thousands of those generous and patriotic young men who, like Lieut. HILL, rushed into the com- bat, and freely gave their lives for the freedom and independence of their country.
589
ORDERLY SERGT. PETER M. STALKER.
LXV. ORDERLY SERGT. PETER M. STALKER.
PETER M. STALKER, son of JAMES and ISABELLA STALKER, Was born on the 11th of March, 1842, at Perthshire, Parish of St. Maides, Scotland.
When ten years of age he accompanied his parents to America. Ten weeks after their arrival, his father and older brother died of cholera. This occurred the 22d of August, 1854. Both were lain in the same grave in Ida Hill Cemetery, Troy, N. Y.
PETER and his mother were now left alone in a strange land; but nothing could induce them to return to their friends at home. This soil had become sacred, for it held their dead.
At eleven years of age PETER went to work, that he might not be dependent upon his mother; but he still continued his efforts to acquire an education, and was never happier than when engaged in the evening with his books, at his mother's side.
When he was about sixteen years old, they came to Albany, and shortly after he commenced fitting himself for a trade. He won the confidence of all by his industry, faithfulness and piety.
At this time he became a member of the Tenth Regiment, Capt. DODDS. When the war broke out, this regiment volun- teered, and he was among the first to fight for his adopted coun- try. Leaving home, he enjoyed perfect health, and escaped all injury until the 24th of March, 1863, when he was wounded at Ponchatoula, La.
He was taken at first to the Marine Hospital with his Captain, who was also wounded by the same ball. After a short time the Captain, having somewhat recovered, returned to his regiment, and the Sergeant also returned to camp, preferring to be with the "boys." And here we must pay a tribute to the lamented
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ORDERLY SERGT. PETER M. STALKER.
Lieut. WILLIAMSON. On the arrival of the Sergeant, the Lieu- tenant gave up his tent and bed to the wounded soldier, and did all that he could to contribute to his comfort. This is but one of his many acts of Christian kindness. None knew or appre- ciated him better than our young friend.
His wound was not considered dangerous, and he would pro- bably have recovered from it, but was seized with diarrhea, which, in conjunction with the wound, resulted fatally. He died in the hospital at Bonnet Carre on the 18th of July, 1863.
Although death came unexpectedly, he was not the less pre- pared to meet it. In his many letters he always expressed a willingness and readiness to die if necessary, placing his depend- ence upon Him who notices even the fall of a sparrow.
After some months, Capt. FILKINS kindly volunteered to go on and bring home the remains of the dead heroes.
Sergt. STALKER was among the number who were brought to our city, and buried, with military honors, in the Albany Rural Cemetery. His funeral took place on the 10th January, 1864. He is now resting in the north part of the cemetery, where a beautiful stone has been erected by his mother.
His memory will be cherished by his numerous friends, whose grief at his early death has this consolation, that he was pre- pared to die, and died cheerfully for his adopted country.
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591
SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES.
LXVI. SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES.
IRVING P. JAQUES, son of EDWARD and EMILY JAQUES, was born at Nassau, N. Y., on the 6th of March, 1844. His charac- ter for energy aud bravery began to develop in very early youth. At school he was the acknowledged leader in study or sport, and was the pride of his teacher. He was distinguished for his powers of oratory, and his knowledge of mathematics.
In manners he was gentle and affectionate, to a feminine degree. Indeed, so remarkable were his personal attractions that every one seemed drawn towards him. In the home circle he was the idol of his family, being remarkable for his strong affections and prompt obedience.
While filling the situation of a clerk in a village store, the sound of the first gun fired in Fort Sumter reached his ears; and though scarce seventeen summers had passed over his head, he was inspired with an uncontrollable desire to assist in maintain- ing the rights of his country. Accordingly he enlisted, August, 1861, in the Forty-seventh New York Regiment, " Washington Greys." The regiment was, in two months, ordered to Annapo- lis, to take part in the expedition to Port Royal, under Gen. SHERMAN. Here the brave but frail boy, while in camp, was attacked with typhoid fever, which so prostrated him that his superior officer, Col. MOORE, advised him to quit the service. The first intimation his parents received of his condition, was the following letter, received from the State Comptroller of Maryland.
ANNAPOLIS, October 20, 1861.
E. JAQUES, Esq. :
My dear Sir-Your son IRVING is now lying sick of typhoid fever, and is expecting his discharge from service. His regi-
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SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES.
ment was ordered to strike tents and embark on Friday last, and had no time to arrange for his comfort and care. I have taken him to my home, and called my family physician to see him, who thinks his case decidedly improving. I think he is very anxious to get home, although he uses but few words. He has just said he would like to have you to come here immediately, and there is little doubt but that he would improve more rapidly in the atmosphere of home. Until you come, I will see that all necessary attention is given him.
Yours very respectfully, W. L. W. SEABROOK.
IRVING's father immediately responded to the call, and, in a few days, the sick boy was at home, and again received to hearts filled with gratitude to God for his safe return. They also felt inexpressible thankfulness towards the ministering angels of the stranger family, who had so kindly supplied to him the place of both father and mother. Mrs. SEABROOK, as well as her hus- band, had strongly espoused the Union cause, and was an active worker in it, visiting the sick soldiers in camp, and making every one as comfortable as circumstances would allow. While thus engaged, she heard of IRVING in the following manner. She was told that a young man had been left behind by his regiment, on their departure for Port Royal, but where he was, no one could tell. She, however, determined, if possible, to find him, and made the tour of the town. After a long search, amid many discouragements, she found him at the house of a colored nurse, where he had been kindly placed by the Captain of his com- pany. Immediately, and while even ignorant of his name, she procured a carriage, and carried him to her own home, and attended him as carefully as though he had been her own son. God bless the Christian patriot, Mrs. W. L. W. SEABROOK.
IRVING's discharge from the army was soon procured, and, on the recovery of his health, he entered the store of an uncle, in Marion, Wayne county, in the capacity of bookkeeper. But he found it impossible, while the dismal clouds of war grew thicker and blacker, to remain contented at his occupation. Accordingly,
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SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES.
in July, 1862, he again enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, raised in the counties of Wayne and Cayuga.
Passing over his eamp life, we find him at the inglorious sur- render of Harper's Ferry, September 15, 1862. He was paroled and sent to camp Douglass, Chicago. While there, he was chief clerk in the office of Brigadier General TYLER. He returned to Washington in the winter of 1862; encamped at Centreville, Va., and was immediately promoted to Sergeant Major, from the ranks, over all non-commissioned officers, by Colonel MCDOUGALL. The Colonel had, for a long time, been sensible of his fine mili- tary qualifications, and he fully appreciated his upright soldierly conduct. During the time that he was Sergeant Major, he won the admiration and esteem of both officers and men.
But his active spirit chafed at the dullness of camp life, and when the order to march to Gettysburg came, he had a great desire to become an active participator in the approaching battle. He made all necessary arrangements, borrowed a rifle of a com- rade and received a reluctant permit from his Colonel to step into the ranks of the Second Corps, prepared for a deadly charge upon the rebel batteries, on the eve of July 2d. Yet it was evident that the poor boy was not hurrying on to his fate with- out some misgivings. Just before taking his place in the ranks, he turned to a comrade, saying: "STERLING, do you think we shall have a hard fight?" "Yes," his friend replied, " IRVING, I'm sure we will." He gazed a moment thoughtfully and mourn- fully into his friend's face, then silently tearing a leaf from his memorandum book, he wrote his parents' address and handed it to him, saying: " STERLING, if I fall, tell my father and mother." He turned, stepped into his place, and, in a moment more, lay dead at his friend's side. "Mother," was the last word he ever spoke. "Mother," was the last word he ever wrote, and " good night, dear mother," were the closing words to his last letter written home, a short time before that fatal evening. Oh, 'tis a long, long good night where no morning is to come. May God look with pity upon every mother in the land who has thus received from her soldier boy the long "good night." The
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SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES.
circumstances of the dear boy's death are given in the following letters, addressed to his afflicted mother:
HEAD QUARTERS, 11th REGIMENT, N. Y. V. CAMP NEAR ELK RUN, VA., August 16, 1863. S
Dear Madam -- I have just returned to the regiment and found your letter awaiting my arrival. I hasten to reply, regretting that I did not receive your letter sooner. It is my sad duty to inform you that your son was killed at Gettysburg, Thursday, July 2d. He was killed instantly in the beginning of the action, being shot through the head. I saw that he was buried by him- self, and his grave marked with his name and regiment. I visited his grave and wept over the last resting place of the brave boy. He was a young man of whom I thought very highly. Hle died nobly doing his duty, and in a glorious cause. I sym- pathise with you in this your deep affliction. I mourn for him myself, as one of the bravest and most gifted young men who fell on that bloody battle field.
My own wound has nearly healed. I was in Albany last week, on my way back. Had I known you resided there, I would have called upon you, and explained these things to you. You have my sincerest sympathies in this, your affliction.
I am, very truly yours,
C. D. MCDOUGALL, Col. 111th N. Y. V.
WARRENTON JUNCTION, VA., July 29, 1863.
Mrs. JAQUES-I received a letter from you yesterday, dated July 17th, making inquiries in regard to the death of your son at the late battle of Gettysburg. InviNG had insisted all along on the march from Centreville, and contrary to the wishes of his superior officers, that if a battle occurred, he might be allowed to take a place in the ranks of the company of which he was a member. There is a strong probability that if he had remained in the rear of the regiment, he might have been alive to-day. But his ambition and courage prompted him to go into the ranks and share the dangers of his companions, with a musket in his hands.
5. 5
SERGT. MAJOR IRVING P. JAQUES.
It was about sundown on the 2nd of July, when part of our forces had been driven back by the enemy, that our brigade was brought into the fight. IRVING was killed in less than ten min- utes after they started, by a bullet through his head. He left no parting word for he was killed instantly. He was buried on the field on the spot where he fell. You have lost a noble son. It is hard to part with him, but he leaves sweet and glorious memories behind him, and his name is added to the long list of those who have died that a nation might live. I tender to you in behalf of the regiment, our tenderest sympathies in your bereavement. That you may receive that support and consola- tion, that flow from an implicit reliance upon the divine power, that orders all thing well, is the prayer of
Your obedient servant,
WILLIAM VOSBURGH, Surg. 111th N. Y. V.
Thus fell the noble boy at the age of nineteen years, a young martyr to liberty and the Union. He now sleeps his last sleep in the little graveyard at Nassau, almost in sight of the home where he first saw the light, and where death and sorrow had never before come.
596
SERGT. CHARLES. H. FREDENRICH.
LXVII. SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH.
CHARLES H. FREDENRICHI, the son of PHILIP and SARAH FRED- ENRICHI, was born in Albany, October 23d, 1841.
He was a youth of a retiring and generous nature, and was greatly beloved by a large circle of friends. Leaving school at an early age, he assisted his father in his business, and displayed great energy and perseverance in discharging his duties. He was an affectionate son and brother, and greatly contributed to the happiness of the home circle.
CHARLES enlisted in Company B, Tenth or One Hundred and Seventy-seventh New York Regiment. On the eve of his de- parture with his regiment, his friends presented him with a sword and accoutrements, as evidences of their appreciation of his patriotism and valor.
His virtues as a man and a soldier, and the time and circum- stances of his death, may be learned from the following letters:
Died, at Bonnet Carré, La., March 10th, 1863, Sergeant CHARLES H. FREDENRICH, of Company B, One Hundred and Seventy- seventh Regiment N. Y. State Volunteers.
To PHILIP FREDENRICH, Esq .:
Dear Sir-The painful duty of communicating to you the above sad intelligence devolves upon me. I can scarcely find words to express my feelings in transmitting to you this painful intelligence. Death has again entered our ranks, and robbed you of a beloved son, and us of a beloved comrade.
God, in his infinite wisdom, has seen fit to take him from us, in the bloom of his youth. In the freshness of his strength, he has been called upon to yield upon the altar of his country, all
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SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH.
that a soldier has to give-his services and his life. While we bow in humble submission to the will of "Him who doeth all things well," we would drop the tear of regret upon the grave of our departed brother. To you, sir, and all of the members of your family, we, as a company, offer our heartfelt sympathy, and pray that God, in his infinite mercy, may sustain you in this your greatest trial.
Your son died of typhoid fever, after an illness of about three weeks. We did not think him dangerously ill, until a few days previous to his death. All that medical skill, combined with watchful care, could do, were done, but without avail. He retained his reason (with a few momentary exceptions) to the last, and wished to be remembered to his parents, a few moments before he expired. HENRY SAYRE, of our company, attended him during the last few days of his existence here, who will com- municate to you more particularly than I have. His remains have been interred here, and his grave plainly marked. His personal effects I will forward to you the first opportunity.
Again offering you our condolence, with wishes for your health and welfare, I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
CHAS. E. DAVIS,
Capt. Co. B, 177th N. Y. S. V.
BONNET CARRE, April 10, 1833.
Dear bereaved Friends-Having had the care of your son CHARLES, I thought it my duty as a friend to tell you of his illness and of his last wishes.
A few days after his first attack, I was asked by Dr. CRAIG to go and take the full charge of him, and I consented. The same morning I went to the hospital and found CHARLES pretty ill, although perfectly rational. He seemed very much pleased to think I had come to take care of him, and I saw that he felt better than he had done. The doctor also noticed it. Having had the care of several that had been sick with the same disease, the doctor told me to do as I had done for all the rest. I went immediately and got sponges to bathe his parched face and fore- head. Never before have I seen a fever take hold of a person as
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SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH.
it did of him. It was impossible for him to sleep, or get any rest. Ilis face could not be left over fifteen minutes at a time without bathing. After three days the fever took a turn, and as you have been ere this informed, for the worse. I immediately told CHARLES of his condition, and asked him if he had anything to send to his parents. He received my words with perfect com- posure, and put his hand out to take hold of mine. I took his hand, and as long as I live, I shall never forget the looks he gave me. I give you his words: "Oh ! HENRY, bid my father and mother, and brothers and sisters, good bye. Tell them I am going to leave this world. I am tired of this life, and am satis- fied to die." This was about eleven o'clock. He lingered until about one o'clock, when his senses left him, and at ten minutes of two o'clock he expired. Several times I heard him call for his mother, saying: " Why don't she come."
My feelings at his death can only be equaled by your own. If it had been my brother, I could not have felt any worse. I read the Bible to him, and did all that was in my power to make him comfortable.
I took his effects, as he gave them to me, when I first went to take care of him, and turned them over to Capt. DAVIS. I saw that he was properly laid out. After he was put in the coffin, I marked and cut his name on a board, and placed it at his last resting place, which is in a field selected by the General for the purpose. It is about one-quarter of a mile from the camp.
He was buried by the whole regiment, the Colonel dispensing with all duties that afternoon, to give the companies an oppor- tunity to be present. Every officer, from the Colonel down, was in the line, and every private out of the hospital also. He was beloved and respected by all who knew him. As far as practica- ble, while sick, he was visited by all the officers-the Colonel seldom letting a morning pass without seeing him. Hoping that I may return and tell you more particulars,
I remain, your obedient servant,
HENRY SAYRE, Co. B, 177th N. Y. S. V.
To PHILIP FREDENRICH and family,
No 208 Jay street, Albany, N. Y.
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599
SERGT. CHARLES H. FREDENRICH.
HEAD QUARTERS 177TH REGT. N. Y. V., DEPARTMENT 3 OF THE GULF, BONNET CARRE BEND, March 18, 1863. 1 Mr. PHILIP FREDENRICHI:
Dear Sir-Ere you receive this, you will have been informed of the sickness and death of your beloved son. CHARLES stood the sea voyage and our march well, and weighed twenty-five pounds more than he did when he left home; in fact, was the picture of health, and the admiration of the regiment until the 21st of February, when he was taken ill with symptoms of fever. The Sergeant at once sent him to the hospital, hoping by prompt treatment to avert the threatened malady, but each day more fully developed the progress of the fever; and although the sur- geons were watchful and untiring in their efforts to save his life, and the nurses, together with a special nurse detailed from Com- pany B, were unceasing in their labors of love and devotion to him, and to save a beloved comrade from sinking beneath the ravages of the disease. Alas ! it was all of no effeet.
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