llti 013 703 069 A Hollinger pH8.5 Mill Run F3.1955 6', OIJITUARY ADDRESS, p 492 "^ '''"'■ <>' • A^|*'^ "• 'I'll*; .4 11^^^ RE-IMER11E\T OF THE RE^il^S Copy 2 OK JAMES PEPPER PR ATT, ""Firsl Vmw. and Adjutani IstBat., Utli Re^M U. S. Infantry: DELIVERED AT I.O(iANSPOHT, IND., NOV. l^th 1865, BY REV. 3J[. M:. post. Published by Request of the Officers of the Reg't. LOGANSPOBT. BRINGHIKST & I)A(tUE. PKIXTER!^. 1866. OBITUARY ADDRESS, ON THE 0( CASION OK TJIK RE-WTERMENT OF THE REMAINS OF JAMES PEPPER PRATT, Fiivsl JJeut. and Adjutant 1st Bat , lltii Keg't U. S. Infantry: DELIVERED AT LOGANSPOKT, IND., NOV. l^th 1865, BY liEV.M:. IML. POST. Published by Request of the OfRcei^ of the Reg't. LOGANSPOKT. BPJNGHURST & DAGUE, PRIXTEKS. 1866. Jo OBITUARY ADDEESS. Justice and judgineut are tlie habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face —Psalm 89, 14. This expresses confideiuH' and praise in regard to God's gov- ernment over the world. When, in the dim, short-sighted percep- tions of men, God had forsaken the earth and its affairs were misru- led, this cheerful trust in Him was sung: "Thy throne dwells in jus- tice fitly manifested injudicial works ; thy merciful faithfulness shall _^ strikingly appear." Love, just, allwise and almighty, ever cares '^ for its oftspring and determines their events. The >t*^ forbears*^. •%,''y t and He interferes. He gives and He takes away alike in goodness, though, in the tumult^f tlie perverse forces and the awful tread of Providence, ruling and over-ruling. His wisdom be not always to us visible, "have faith in God.'' The sorrowful sowing and the joy- ous reaping are both in his hand, and in due time and ways "the end of the Lord" shall be revearcd. This is the consolation to mourners ; this, the confidence of happy issues, in the labors and sacrifices inseparable from all good success, all true pi'Ogress of mankind. It is now five months over one year since the battle of Hano- vertown, Va. There fell Adjutant Pratt "after a day in which he had borne himself with signal gallantry." Beneath the bough of a monumental locust tree, "in a rude grave made by faithful com- rades," safely have his remains reposed. Naturally lie had desii-ed, if he should fall, to be buried among his kindred, and near the home which nurtured him when a boy. Naturally, also, the lov- ing heart, bereaved, chooses the resting place of its cherished dead where often the eye may linger and weep, and the treasured relics seem still closely to connect the living and the dead. At length, the rigors of war and the sanitary laws of Providence no longer for- bidding, the sad, grateful transfer and re-union have been made. — The duty awaits us, fittingly to lay to sleep by the side of the be- loved mother's dust, the dust of her noble son. With advantage to-day avo pay these funeral rites. The lapse of time has ])ronght the auspices of a glorious peace. We see now clearly tliat not in vain was poured out this young life, that the he- roic blood, thus freely shed, not only has illustrated the strengdi and the beauty of patriotism and left an atti'active example of duty, but has been the necessary price of th^country's present integrity and deliverance, and the precious, availing sacrifice to inaugurate for this and future time, for our own and other lands, a better, a prosperous and happy era. "\Ve can now begin to estimate the sub- lime imi^ortance of that patriotic self-devotion which later posterity will more worthily estimate. It is but a brief record, a budding life, we here note and com- memorate. .fames Pepper Pratt, the eldest son of Hon. D. D. Pratt, was I)orn in Logansport, Indiana, October 9th, 1841. lie takes rank with others — not a sntall number — who, in various departments of public service, have honored this community, in which they wei'e ^born and bred. His natal city accepts him among her jewels. He imiiressed cftseiwers of his early youth as modest, affectionate, du- tiful, Avitli a genial humor, a keen sense of tUp ludicrous, the sham and the uidvind, and ready, generous sympathy for the suffering and the wronged. He was fond of books and retirement, yet not unso^ ciable, and with true companions frank and communicative. He had a subtle fancy, a flowiug pen. and a groAving taste for literature, especially the speculative and pdJftlcal, and in literary composition Avas excelling. His promise Avas of a life in quiet studies, or in professional and civil affairs, of capabilities suited to mental achieA'ements, ratlier than of the duties which belong to the camp, the march and the battle ; yet he had an intelligent sense of public interests and a filial sympathy with the great heart of the nation. — Passing from our city schools in 1858 to "Wabash College, and nearly tAA'O years later becoming a member of Yale, where he grad- uated in 1861, conciliating in all the warm esteem of teachers and schoolmates — he entered the law office of his ftither, with nothing more foreign to his desires than the profession of ai"ms, nothing less anticipated than the career of a soldier. But when the terrible war pressed on the country, and her appeal was ringing tlu'ongh the land, for the service and self-sacrilHce of her sons, Avhen honor and gratitude, interest and riglit, justice and humanity, wise patri- otism and the broadest philanthrophy were combined to incite him to put off the garb of a citizen and put on the harness of the Avar- rior, our young townsman appreciated the call, the grandeur of the struggle and the magnitude of its issues. In October, 1861, he went to Indianapolis and enlisted as a privates for tliree years in tlie 19th regiment of the United States Regnlars. Four montlis he (;heerfully served in the ranks, meeting tl)e sharp contrast to his former literary ease and atllupiit domestio conjforts witli a happy disposition, whicli was coiitinnally turning into mirth what others only felt as hardships and ])rivations. Tu Fchruary, 1862, upon his nomination by President Lincoln, lie was conlirmed by the Senate a Second Lieutenant in the eleventh regiment of United States In- fantry, and on tlie second of Jidy following he received his com- mission as a First Liontenant in the same regiment — to rank in this office from the 15t]i day of May, 1862. The Spring, Simimer and autumn of that year were employed^on recruiting service in the States of New York and Massachusetts. But early in the Spring of 1863 he hailed with pleasure the ^mmons Avhich allowed him to ioin his regiment in the field. Thenceforward he shared the various fortunes of the Army of the Potomac, the partial disas- ters, the hurried and wearisome marches, the discomforts and irk- someness of the camp, the perils of the fierce encounter, the jiibi- lant victory. At Chancellorsville was his first battle, at Gettysburg- he was twice struck ; he also participated in the engagements at Bristoe and Rni^pahannock Stations. For the first time since he had been connected with tlie army he visited home on a short leave of absence, in December, 1863. — The next winter his regiment was employed in the responsible ser- vice of guarding the Orange and Alexandria Rail Road, the line connecting the army with its base of supplies, and such was the reputation of the regiment that it was not allowed to be relieved till the last moment before Grant began his advance upon Rich- mond. On the first day of January, 1864, Lieutenant Pratt had again been promoted, and became Adjutant of the 1st Battalion of his regiment. He went through those dark, tcrriffic eight days of battle in the Wilderness, the action at Spottsylvania Court House, the sharp contest at the crossing of the North Anna, and with the army had crossed the Pamunkey, in all the great exposure and fa- tigue, unharmed and improved in health, signalizing him self and more and more Avinning admiration and credit for his gallant conduct. When, near Hanovertown, on the 29th of May, 1864, Sunday afternoon, at five o'clock, in full life and spirits, he fell, shot by a bullet through the heart. His body was borne four miles back to the field hospital, with a view of embalming it, but this proving impracticable he had a soldier's burial, wrapped in his blanket, with a rude headboard to tell where he lay. 6 His death, though instantaneous, seems not to liave been ehtirely witliout premonition. During tliose somber and severely contested days at an early period of the advance on Richmond^ his letters, hurriedly written, show that he was aware of the strong uncertain- ties of the issues to him. Under this consciousness, pressing some- times like a shadow of the coming end, his energ'y and valor wefe most distinguished. This is gathered from nothing which fell from his lips or pen. In his communications there was no vain glory to detract from our respect for his ability and prowess. That he was active and skillful, sagacious and trusty, an officer of much prom- ise, very clearly appears from other sources. The modesty that was characteristic is happily noticed in the various sketches which have been given of his lift?. In a genial and discriminating view of him which, soon after his death, was furnished for the press in his native town, the statenient occurs : "Our readers will readily recall many of his graphic descriptions of battles and campaign life which found their way into the papers of this city. Of his own share in these various engagaments but little is known from his letters and conversations, for he rarely spoke of^himself. They who were with him, however, Ofler one testimony to his coolness and unflinching courage, and that he was never so thoroughly at himself as when under tire, or in danger." His character rises in dignity and in claims to esteem and honor in proportion to the care with which it is examined, and as the facts which i-eveal it are known. Of his true heroism and other excellent qualities, we accept the testimony offered by some of his brother officers. They speak with a tender memory of him as a comrade, always kind, manly and courteous^ All affirm that in the hour of battle none did a soldier's duty more fearlessly and valiantly. His early friends are not surprised to hear of his considerate and generous bearing toward the men in the ranks, and of the love reciprocated by those under his command. — • He had a very quick sympathy for the suffering, and a very open hand for their relief. His personal habits were not prodigal, his means were not wasted in vices, yet what he drew from the Government barely sufficed for the ft'ugal manner of his life and the liberal manner of his charity. We who saw him in opening youth are prepared also for that developed manhood which drew from a col- legemate at Yale, in a memorial address before a meeting of their class, these eulogistic words: "Those of us who knew him most intimately, bear uniform testimony not only that he was a man of much more than ordinary ability, for he was a good talker and a graceful yet earnest wi'iter, but also that he -was a frank, genial, manly companion. We remember, as if it were yesterday, his ringing, hearty laugh, and tlie quick, ready liumor, tliat was never at fault for a repartee." It is in place here to state that, while at college, sevei-al productions from his pen attracted favorable re- gard. Of his lighter cffiisions was the song, written for Presenta- tion Day, and after his deatli, solemnly sung at the Ti-iennial meet- ing of his class ; approaching the sad, speedy close — "we see him," continues this appreciative classmate, "on the afternoon of that fate- ful 29th of May, for oiTe supreme, shining moment, a gallant figure, full of the calm valor of a conscious heroism ; his eyes flashing; his fiice inspired with a tierce glory caught from the storm of battle — and the next — he has fallen dead ; but triumphant. A noble young heart had, in an instant, ceased beating forever — but liow full of the grandest significance had been this brief life. He had lifted him- self into the sublime greatness of one selfsacrificed for liis country. And we seem to see, out of the storm and tread of the carnage, be- yond the smoke and confusion of battle, a glorious vision of na- tionality and manhood. It is struggling up : it is unfolding itself; it is coming forth in imperial beauty out of the fii-e of the conflict, and all the future is giving it joyful salutation. It is the Temple of Liberty redeemed out of dishonor ; it is man lifted from the thrall- dom of his old despotisms— freed from the badges of an historic shame." From the cherished grave of our youthful townsman, which henceforth we keep, a lesson of devotion to country and to liuman- ity shall long be gratefully learned. Not we only, but those who come after us, will repeat the brief story of his life and selfsacrifice, and feel a fresh and inspiring sense of the beauty, and grandeur and true worth of a human career given to great principles of right and well-being ; for he has not been consumed by the rust of idle- ness and the canker of luxurious indulgence. He has not been killed by vices ; he has not died in a coui-se of political self-seeking, amid plots and counter plots, and partisan blindness to truth and righteousness. He has not gone from the meanness and guilt of hoarding up and gloating over wealth, which, as to personal or social uses, or any valuable ends, was scarcely less one's own after death than before. From no ignoble pursuits of selfish passion or selfish coldness, contracted sympathies, and denial of the relations of a patriot and of a man, has he passed away. Not for him is there need of falsehood to cover worthlessness, or a cautious silence not to waken the memory of selfishness and crimes. No blush of Bhame will be kindled when his name shall be spoken, or the tablet of his grave arrest the eye ; but there shall arise the noble image of a young man of the character, self-culture, tastes and means which promised enjoyment and success in an honorable profession or in some attractive walks of peace, who, under true and generou.- impulses from an intelligent sense of the interests to which he was related, of the worth of his country, its institutions of freedom, it^' civilization.- its union, and of its Just and humane cause in the mor* tal strife against its assailants, accepted his personal responsibility and with a manly heart obeyed the voice of duty, tearing himself from the quiet delights of liis home, and froiu congenial associates, freely to peril and yield his life. As we look upon his suggestive marble, the otfering which he has made to patriotism and huinaii- ity shall shine forth in imperishable beauty, a bright illustration commending lofty, bencticent pnuciples of action. Thus we interpret "the waste" of this precious life poiu'cd out. Not ingloriously, not in vain has it been ! Oh uo ! His days were indeed few, and his end in the wild, dark turm'oil of bloody strife : but we may not fear to pronounce his a truly illustrious life. He fell like a star just risen, but it was a star. For worthy temporal ends, both personal and social, he has done more that entitles him to be remembered Avith gratitude and honor, tlian do the majorit) of those who live their three-score years and ten. We grieve that we shall see his face uo more. Alas, for the hearts of friendship, fl'aternal and sisterly affection and parental hopes, pierced with the bullet which pierced the bosom of the friend, the brother, the son. But he is gone — let us thank God — for so exalted a cause. The memory of patriot heroes is a treasure for their kindred and all who knew them, a treasure for the nation and for the Avorld. It can do what gold is impotent to procure, and physical force can- not compel. It can elevate the man ; it can form brave and true hearts ; it can supply the willing service of active minds and hands, and stalwart limbs and ample stores, in every social and national emergency. It can throw a cheering light and give strength where- ever men struggle for the right. Far down in the ages of the fu- tui'e the remembrance of those who have not counted their lives dear for liberty, and country, and mankind, shall be as ointment poui'ed forth ; it shall be a perpetual blessing like the memory of those who bled at Marathon and Thermopylje, at Lexington and Bunker Hill, presenting an example evermore Avhicli shall nourish a heroic race, prepared to furnish the champions and martyrs requi- red, till despotism and wrong shall be linally overthrown. Free- dom, loyalty, all the principles of human brotherhood and christian civilization, shall be the more precious, the more secui-e from as- sault and confirmed in their sway, from the costly sacrifices, which, under God, have made them triumphant. "VVe will fondly treasure the await for the soldier of the cross. The Author of this address cannot forbear to append a few let- ters of Adjutant Pratt to his honored E'ather. They are the last he wrote, and will be read with a melancholy interest, and a fresh respect for the memory of the writer. It has been fitly said of them, "Some of his letters, written in pencil, on scraps of paper soil- ed loith the dust and smoke of battle, are models of unstudied and unconscious pathos and beauty." Subjoined, also, is an extract from a kind letter written b> Ma- jor Gordon of the same regiment, and as an officer, an intelligent gentleman and a true friend, held in high esteem by Adjutant Pratt. 10 Heau-Quarteks IsT Battalion, 11th Infantry) Alexandria. Va., March 31st, 1864.( My Dkak Father : — I received to-day your letter written from Wabash. You are over worked and out of spirits. Now can't you single out a couple of weeks and witli Juii, come and see me. — Here are hotels or tents as you choose, hills, sights, and pleasant weather; you ca)i get an insight into army life that will be inter- esting. I can take you to the hundred forts and works around Washington. We can visit the army front together, for a daj or two. You can see an old classmate, who certainly is to be believed when he says he Avould be delighed to liave the opportunity of dis- cussing bygone times with you. In fact, ''to sum up," it Avould bo a caj^ital idea. Now take it up without long rumination. Pack a valise in the evening and lake the morning train, for if the thing is delayed a day it will be forgotten, or I shall be ordered away. Juil would certainly enjoy a visit, for horses are plenty, sights abundant, and. once in Mrs. Underwood's circle, lliere are acquaintances of supe- rior attractions. I have abundance of time to make her stay agree- able. Washington, with all its Avonders, is only half an hour dis- tant ; the regiment is well stocked with chivalrous Lieutenants, and t am confident she would enjoy herself hugely. Now do come and bring her with you, and don't delay the matter an hour, for we may reasonably expect orders to join the main army very soon. Some five or six thousand troops around us haA'e been ordered to the front within the past week. Grant is dragging every uni- foi'm to where it should be. Those beef-eating thoiisands who for three years have been squatting in Washington defences, perched in their snug nests, and looking with dove-like interest at their stronger brethren doing desperate battling all around, whose only tales of service are their startled interest Avhen the tide of battle swept almost within sound ; this legion of gloved heroes have been taken where sterner service will be seen. Hampered commanders with their battalions have, time and again, when in sore need, prayed for them, btit hitherto they have been jealously guarded from any exposure. We are so essential in our particular service that our time here will be lengthened considerably, T think. The Quartermaster and myself are going to Baltimore on Sat- urday to spend a day with my old Captain, now Col. Thomas, in command of some three thousand colored troops near there. He has been sending us urgent invitations for a month to come and see him. [ trust to see you in the course often days hei'e. Your affectionate son JAMES. 11 Head C^isaktkks 1st Battalion Hth InkantrvJ Bealetoii, Va., April 30tli, 1864.^ My Deak Fathkk :— We loft Alexandria yesterday at 11 and went in eauiiJ here last evening. W'e expeet to niareli to-morrow for tlie front. The tirst consequences of a return to life in tiie tield were a chill and a burning' fever all night. I'll soon get accus- tomed again though to exposure. A battle is expected very soon. Write to me as soon as you can* Good-bye, love to all, Your art'ectionate son JAMES. iJivoc.vo Near Mine Kun, Va.,> Evening, May 4th, 1864.^ My Deak i atheh : — We left camp near Culjiepper last night nX 12 o'clock and marched swiftly nnd steadily along until 2 o'clock this afternoon ; 14 hours of hard manhing. We were soexhansted that we all went to sleep at the halt, and I have just woke up to find nothing but a dull glow in the West, in place of a hot sun ; the valley full of white mist, and tlie plaintive evening music of aneigh- ijoring marsh, n full chorus. I have just sent around (xcn. Meade's battle address to his troops ; a splendid composition. We expect 'ever\ hour to go into a(^tion. [t will be desperate, (iod grant it may be successful. May 10th.— -It looks dark. We liave been tighting seven days now. (jrod grant we mav win. Your afl'ectionate son JAME8. If I am killed do get my body and bury it decently. (xood-bve, JAMES. May l;}tli, 18()4. My Deak Fatiiek t — Still alive, but the excessive fatigue and lighting have been terrific. Wc have been under tire ever since the 5th. The regiment lost 8.-} yesterday ; only 139 left. 1 tliink we shall fight again to-dav. Ciood-bve. Yoiu* son JAMES. Evening, May IGth. My Dear Eathek : — Still in existence. We had a heavy en- gagement on the 12th ; lost 83 men and an officer. Out of 300 men we only have 126 left. We are badly used up. but hope to stand it through. Love to all, Julia and Charlie. Your aflection.'ite son •' ^ VtFS, 12 Near SporrsvLVANiA, C. II., Va.,> May 19th, 1864. 8 o'clock.^ My Dkak Father: — Still nnhui-t and in good spirits We were under an awfnl artillery fire yesterday, but behind good works and well protected. The dirt showered over ns though, plentifully, as the shot would plump into the breastwork. Both sides haA'e been very quiet to-day so far. The picket lines this morning are only a few yards apart. We can distinctly see all their movements. My health is much better for our few days stationary actions, fearfully black, and eating some three pounds of meat per diem. The first mail we have received since the first of May came last even- ing; while others were jolly over long, loving letters from home. 1 had to content myself with a pipe and memories ! Out of 345 men we left Alexajidria with, the first of the month, we have 160 left, find six officers less than we started with. Well, good-bye, God grant the right may win, and that we may see each other again. Love to Julia and Charlie, and all friends. Your affectionate son JAMES. Camp Nkar Saxton's Junction,) , May 24th, 1864.( My Dear Father : — We crossed the North Anna yesterday af- ternoon. It was waist deep and very swift, with a I'ough bottom, and the crossing was very difficult and slow, a squadron of cavalry dashing ahead of us. Our division was the first of the army across, and as soon as they reached the top of the high precipitous bank of the river, commenced a brisk fire. All out of breath, half the com- mand barefoot, we formed and advanced a mile in splendid line, and then held the gi'ound while other troops crossed. About six last evening we sustained a heavy attack, but repulsed the enemy twice, with little loss to ourselves but inflicting a ten-ible one on the enemy. Our artillery, splendidly posted on the other side of the river, rained a perfect storm of iron over our heads into the enemy, while we were fighting our best. So far to-day we have been quiet. Our pickets are a mile in front along the railroad run- ning from Gordonsville to Saxton's, and there uniting with the Predei'icksburg and Richmond R. R. The Junction is about three miles to our left, where they are now fighting hard with the second and ninth corps. This morning early, I had the pleasure of reading to the regi- ment from the top of the breastwork, as a rostrum, a congi*atula- tory order from Gen. Meade for our gallant conduct yesterday 13 I must tell you of a little personal iucirlent liappeniuo; yester- day. Just after we had gained our present position, one of tlie 2nd Infantry men reported to his commanding otRccr that he had seen a battery wheel into position near a white hous(! about three- fourths of a mile in front of us. 1 was on horseback near him at the time, and immediately rode to Gen. Ayres' headquarters and reported the fact. If it was true, we all knew, their tire would en- filade our line terribly. While they were examining the positon with their tield-glasses, I told the Gen. I would ride over to the place with his permission and tiJul out certainly. He hesitated a moment and said yes. I skirted around a couple of miles, — must hurry up, firing commenced, — I went within twenty yards of the house, saw no battery, but ffet a whole volley from their cavalry, and was nearlj' captured. Please don't publish any of these hurried lettei's. Good-bye, Hud God bless you all. Love to Julia and Chai-lie. Your alfectionate son JAMES. Indianapolis, Indiana,) Nov. 3d, 1865.^ Hon. D. D. Pratt — My Dear Sir : — I received a letter from .Judge J, W. Wright, who was then on his way from Richmond, Va., with the remains of your dear son James, informing me that it was the wish of the officers of the regiment tliat I should attend the funeral, and deliver an address upon the life and character of him whom we all loved so well. Should the funeral be deferred some time until the great press of our business in court is over, it would^f accordant with the wishes of the family, as with those of his higher officers, afford me a melancholy pleasure to endeavor to do justice to the merits of the dead as a man, a citizen, and a soldier ; and to find in his life and death, the beauty of his sacrifice, and the sweet, sad uses of his early and glorious death. I loved him well, and valued him as an officer most highly. As a thinker and companion he was neces- sary to me in the field, where there is so little thought and com- panionship of soul. I have felt but one loss during the war so much. I do sincerely sympathize with you all, and mingle my tears with yours. I am, yours truly, J. W. GORDON. 14 CaBIP llth TnfaNTKV, RiOHiUuND, Va.,) Nov. 9th, 1865.S Hon. D. D. Pkatt — Detir Sir : — The following' order has givei.' U8 the mournful .satisfaction of paying tlio last act of love to one of our conu-ades, wiih whom in times past we have so often shared the plejisures. the liardships and dangers of a soldier's life. It is a satisffcuon to all of us, that liis hody lies no longer in its alien res. ing place. The hostile lines that suiToundcd his grave have disappeared, and it seems so proper thjtt Virginia should receivt- with sadness her living, and with sadness give up her patriot dead. Knowing that it Mas Jaincs' wisli to sleep his long sleep by the 'de of lus mother in our quiet village grave-yai'd, T have done with pleasure all you asked. T must jgot forget to mention here the assistance i-endered rae by Captain Ellsworth and Lieuts. Nealy and Kcuriington. who acconipanied me to the grave. Other officers c'leerfidly offered to go, and it gave me much pleasure to see thai James was remembered and loved l»y those who knew him best. We found the ground beneatli the lonely locust tree undisturb- ed sve that the beating of winter storms had moulded the hasty mound, and the bloomings of sumnu'r had honored it with some slight garlands. The rough iiead l)oard placed in such sadness and haste over the friend of njy boyhood, still bore his name. As 1 siood by that gra\ e once more in the evening twilight, 1 remembered well my thoughts on that May morning when the fresh upturned grave told me too sadly that I siiould never more hear the voice or see the smile of him I had loved so dearly. I re- membered too, J had thought with pain of his Father, and the anxious hearts that were waiting for us both in our western home, which it was decreed he ne^'er, never more should greet. Home, we took flni — first to his soldier's home — his regiment — to those men who had seen his heart brave and true by the glare of a thousand cannon, and had known his fine genial nature by the light of a hundred camp fires. All day long, as w^e traveled back through woods and hills and valleys, the thought came of the long hours in winter quarters where his bright humor never failed us — of dreary marches through Virginia — of nights we have slept under the drenching rain — of days of liuuger — days of battle when his courage never faltered. On reaching the regiment every honor was shown him tiiat a soldier's love and pride could dictate. The flag which he had fol- lowed so often through the din and smoke of battle was placed on 15 rl»>:i(l tliiit fia.ii- had covrrod it 1i;mI covered iioiic )>r:tvor. iioiic l)Oil( r. The next afternoon t)ie funeral corfegf w as formed in o'M('i- ence to the accompanying order. The coflin. wrapped in the o'd flag, was placed on a caisson drawji by six white hor.es, precdeci ijy the escort and baud. Our regiment and tlie officers aiid ni.my of tlie men of the I2tli Infantry formed the proces.sion. Will) muffled drum the march into TJiolimond Avas made with nil iha, w IS left of poor T*ratt. Often tlie anticipation of this march hjwl tired his sorl, bui how little did any of us then think how sad this march would be. Ma- ny days with gloomy Jiope and weary feet, it had been his gi'Ctit aim. The best strength of his life was given in its accompli hmeni, yet, he must die with the campaign unfinished — the cause unv.'Oii ! The triumph and glory f^ill coldly and unheeded on his cofliii.- - Life's battles and victories are past for him. It Avas with sad pride we paid the funeral honors to this gal- lant officer in the fallen citadel of the rebellion. Welefth'iuat sunset on the way to our old quiet home, Avhere Avith our bra.A'e young friend (Capt. Palmer Dunn,) they Avill sleep undisUu'bed ne.ir those they love so well, in patriot soldiers, graA^^s. Their I'vcs were short, but by their death they will live forever. A g. .efnl country thinks more of them in their honored graA^es, than it c'oes of a thousand palsied, living hearts who could not in the dark days of the past, raise their arm to strike for their country's good. To one so noble, young and gifted life was precious, but he pre/ened an lionored soldier's grave next to a soldier's life in days of siorm and battle. Yours truly, I. B. WRIGHT, Brevet Capt. U. S. A., 1st Lieut, llth Inf. Head-Quarters Regiment in the Field, llth L^. S. Tnf.,> Camp near Richmond Va., NoA^ 8th, ].^65.S General Orders No. 7. The order of proccession for escorting the remains of the la. e 1st Lieut. James P. Pratt to the railroad station. Funeral escort in column of march under command of Brevet Capt. Irvin B. Wright, assisted by 1st Lieut. A. A. Harb.ick, con- sisting of four sergeants four corporals and forty-two private^. The following officers of other regiments, having kindly con- sented to act as pall-bearers, on the occasion, in connection with several officers of this regiment, they Avill arrange themselves ac- cording to the folloAving order. 16 PALL BJKAKEKS. 1st Lieut. E. A. Ellsworth, Bt. Capt. U. S. A. 1st Lieut. E. S. Hunting-ton, llth U. S. Inf. Bt. Capt. David Hazzard, 1st Lieut, llth U. 8. Inf. 1st Lieut. Hunt, 12th U. S. Inf. Bt. Capt. John H. Patterson, llth U. S. Inf. 1st Lieut. Netterville, 12th U. S. Inf. 1st Lieut. Allstou, 12th U. S. Inf., Bt. Capt. U. S. A. 1st Lieut. Tompkins, l2th U. S. Inf Enlisted men of the regiment with side anus. Officers of the llth U. S. Infantry with side ai'ms. Invited officers of other regiments. The deceased having been peculiarly identified with the isl Battalion, llth U. S. Infantry, in many of its severest battles, it is directed that the command of the whole devolve upon Capt. John M. Goodhue, commanding said battalion. By command of Bt. Maj. and Capt. A. E. LATIMER. [Signed] Henry Wagnkk . 1st Lieut, llth U. S. Inf, Act'g Adj. Reg't in the field. 17 Take Him Home. Inscribed to Hon. D. I). Pratt, upon the burial of his son, Lieut. Jame? P.Pratt, Itih V. S. Infantry. Oh take him lionie ! too loii"- has he been lying, That bi-ave young martyr, in the traitor earth ; 'Twoukl have removed one half the pain of dying To ftxU amid the hills that gave him birth. And yet his noble spirit never faltered Along the bloody pathway he has trod ; Strong, brave and true, his course he never altered. Until at last it led him up to God. There is no sacrifice so near perfection As young life offered on its country's shrine ; No nobler impvtlse ever gave direction To lead a soul upward to the divine. For every selfish thought, each low, base feeling, Must flee before this offering of life ; And noblest manhood, in its true revealing. Alone can brave the sacrificial knife. And, oh ! the gathered host of such high spirits That smiles above our brighened stars to-day. No favored land of all the earth inherits Nor shining planet in the heavenly way. O brave, true souls ! in young life's rosy morning. To offer up your golden summer years, Upon your country's shrine — her page adorning With hero names, set round with diamond tears. How those dear names like brilliant stars will cluster Around our hearths and hearts through coming time ; How in our evening skies those forms will muster. Transfigured, making every life .sublime. Take him up gently — all his dust is holy ; Softly encase him in his coflRn bed ; Then bear him homeward, tenderly and slowly, And lay him down beside his kindred dead. There let him rest beside his sainted mother. Softly and sweetly as in days of yore. While in the coming years one and another Shall follow after to the silent shore. And in the diadem our God shall gather To grace his brow through all eternity. Most loved and cherished by the Son and Father, Such martyr lives as his will surely be. MARY E. NEALY Washington, I). C, Dec. 14th, 1865, LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 013 703 069 A 013 Hoi Mill Ru , iRRARY OF CONGRESS 013 703 069 A » Hollinger pH8.5 Mill Run F3-1 955