I 
 

^ ... 
 
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iM E M O R I A L 
 
 OF 
 
 EDWARD C. D. LINES, 
 
 LATE 
 
 Captain of Co. C, 2d Reg't Kansas Cavalry. 
 
 'I 
 
 NEW HAVEN: 
 
 Turtle, Morehouse & Taylor, Printers. 
 1867. 
 
2ct 
 
 " Eddie," as he was familiarly calleol in the family- circle, was born in New 
 Haven, Conn., in May, 1836. His childhood and yonth were marked by the same 
 attractive traits of character that distinguished his maturer years. He was always 
 a favorite in every circle with which he was in any way connected. His parents 
 cannot recollect a single instance when, by any misconduct of his, they felt a pang 
 or shed a tear. His whole life was specially marked in a preeminent degree by an 
 unselfish, self-sacrificing spirit ; and in this spirit, when the peril of the nation 
 called upon the people to rally for its salvation, it may be truly said of him as of 
 thousands of others, 
 
 Thy life a willing sacrifice was given, 
 Thy country's life'to save. 
 
 To treasure up therefore in a permanent form, some suitable memorials of his 
 " useful life and heroic death," these papers have been arranged and published. 
 Unavoidable circumstances have occasioned protracted delay, but it is believed, 
 nevertheless, that what should have been done at an earlier period may be wisely, 
 appropriately and profitably done now. May we not hope that many of the young 
 men of our day may find in these pages another incentive, to a higher and purer 
 life. C. B. L. 
 
 November, 1867. 
 

 ADDRESS BY REV. S. W. S. DUTTON, D. D., 
 
 AT THE FUNERAL OF CAPT. E. C. D. LINES. 
 
 We commemorate to-day, in sorrow yet with grateful pride 
 and joy, another of the costly sacrifices laid upon the altar of 
 patriotism, humanity and religion — a husband, a father, a son, 
 a brother, in the flower of early manhood, freely offered, from a 
 sense of duty to country, to righteousness and to Grod, 
 
 Such sacrifices are not in vain. They who offer them do 
 more, perhaps, by their heroic death than they could do by 
 their continued life. Though dead they speak, and all the 
 more impressively and effectually because of their deaths Yet 
 in order to this influence of their example, it is necessary that 
 their heroic service and sacrifice should be known. It is emi- 
 nently proper, therefore, that on this occasion there should be 
 given a brief account of the youthful patriot martyr, whose 
 body, recovered from a far distant battle field, we are now to 
 deposit in the cemetery of his native city. 
 
 The patriotism of Mr. Lines began to be signally manifested 
 five years before the commencement of the present war, and 
 was called out by the aggressions of that great iniquity which, 
 long the chief cause of our national troubles, at length broke 
 out in open rebellion. When the territory, pledged forever to 
 
 4^ 
 
freedom by the faith of the nation, in the " Missouri Compro- 
 mise," as it was called, was open to slavery by the repeal of 
 that compromise in what was named the "Kansas Nebraska 
 Bill," it was seen that the only way to preserve that vast and 
 fertile region to freedom, was to occupy it with such a number 
 of freedom-loving citizens as would constitute a majority in 
 the Territory, and so control the character of its institutions. 
 Accordingly, patriotic men, in various parts of the country, 
 and especially in New England, inspired by then- own zeal for 
 the interests of our country and humanity, and also by the zeal 
 and aid of others, emigrated to that part of the country ; and, 
 after a severe, protracted and sacrificing struggle with ihe un- 
 scrupulous and ruffianly bands, who from various parts of the 
 slaveholding region, and especially from the neighboring coun- 
 ties of Missouri, invaded the Territory, and trampled on the 
 rights of its real citizens, and assumed its civil control, they 
 succeeded at length in rescuing Kansas from slavery, and 
 making it a State more devoted, probably, to the interests of 
 freedom than any other State in the Union. A noble work of 
 righteousness and humanity — causing the first turning of the 
 tide in favor of freedom ; a tide which has swept on and will 
 sweep on till slavery is banished from the whole country. 
 
 In that movement, as is well known by tliose who hear me, 
 the father of our departed friend, Mr. Charles B. Lines, who 
 had occupied a prominent i)lace of influence in this community, 
 and especially in the Church and congregation worshiping in 
 this Sanctuary, participated, being the leader in the formation 
 of a company, which went out to Kansas and settled the town 
 
of Wabaunsee. At that time, Edward, his second son, then 
 twenty years of age, though having a good position and fair 
 prospects here, expressed his earnest desire to be permitted to 
 take part in the enterprise. He joined the company, which 
 left us with the hearty approbation and Christian benediction 
 of a multitude here. Hardly had the colony become settled, 
 when the territory was invaded by armed bands of "Border 
 Ruffians," as they were appropriately termed, who murdered 
 men ia their houses and fields, burned the new city of Law- 
 rence, and were determined to lay waste the towns and cities 
 of the Free State citizens, and to control the elections and civil 
 affairs of the Territory in the interest of Slavery-extension. 
 At that time, a military company was organized in Wabaunsee 
 and vicinity, which marched at once to Lawrence. One of the 
 most active and influential in raising this company was Edward 
 Lines, who was chosen Lieutenant, and on the subsequent 
 illness of its Captain was much of the time its actual com- 
 mander. This company, being armed in the most effectual 
 manner with Sharpens rifles, (which, by the way, were raised 
 for them by subscription at a meeting in this very church, quite 
 unexpectedly indeed, in response to an incidental statement 
 during the progress of the meeting, that they had been dis- 
 appointed in receiving, from another source, the necessary 
 weapons for their self-defence,) this company, thus constituted 
 and armed, was among the most efficient and self-sacrificing in 
 defending the Territory against the savage invasions of that 
 period, and in maintaining the rights of the Free-State 
 majority. 
 
In that campaign, young Lines suffered severely from ex- 
 posures and hardships, contracting a disease which disabled 
 him for months, and nearly cost him his life. But it was a 
 school of training for the future. In it he developed, in a 
 remarkable degree, the qualities of a thorough and able military 
 character — courage, coolness, sagacity, firmness, enterprise, and 
 high appreciation of strict military principle and order, and 
 determination both to regard and secure it. 
 
 When the war of the rebellion began, by the assault upon 
 Fort Sumpter, in the Spring of 1861, and the President of the 
 United States called, by Proclamation, for 75,000 troops for a 
 service of three months, our young friend was the first man in 
 the county in which he resided to volunteer. He enlisted in a 
 company which was made up from citizens of three contiguous, 
 sparsely settled counties. He entered the service as a private, 
 but upon the occurence of a vacancy a few days after the com- 
 pany was organized, he was unanimously chosen lieutenant, the 
 company having become a part of the 2d Regiment of Kansas 
 Infantry, under command of Col. Robert B, Mitchell. 
 
 Here I will digress for a moment to refer to an event that 
 occurred about three months before this, the remembrance of 
 whicli is an unspeakable consolation to sorrowing hearts to» 
 day — the public profession by Mr. Lines, of his faith in Christ 
 and his devotion to His service. In January, 1861, he united 
 himself to the Church in Wabaunsee, together with his wife. 
 He had been trained, from childhood, in the nurture and ad- 
 monition of the Lord, and had always been correct in his 
 principles, pure and upright in his conduct, and thoughtful 
 
upon the themes of religion ; but had not before decided to 
 take an open position on the Lord's side, in the way of His 
 appointment. Thus he had the highest qualification for the 
 perilous service upon which he was soon called to enter, — faith 
 in Christ, the Savior of sinners, and faith in God, the God of 
 Providence, the God of battles, the God of righteousness and 
 grace. And so, when the war began he engaged in it as a 
 soldier of Christ, as well as a soldier of his country. 
 
 His military merits were soon discovered and appreciated by 
 Col. Mitchell, who, on account of the illness of his Adjutant, 
 appointed him acting Adjutant. This position of acting Ad- 
 jutant he held during that most trying summer campaign in 
 Southwest Missouri, under the command of the heroic and 
 lamented Gen. Lyon. In the various marches, skirmishes and 
 battles of that campaign, he was very active, brave and efficient. 
 In the severest of the fights, the fearfully contested battle of 
 Wilson's Creek, in which Gen. Lyon fell, leading on his men 
 against superior numbers, Mr. Lines was greatly exposed, riding 
 hither and thither over the battle field to carry orders, and had 
 early an increased responsibility, because both the colonels of 
 the two Kansas Regiments, Col. Mitchell and Col. Dietzler, were 
 wounded and borne off the field. Mr. Lines was in the van 
 of the conflict, near Gen. Lyon when he was killed. His expo- 
 sures am his remarkable preservation are seen in the facts, tht.t 
 his sword was struck, and severely marked by three rifle balls, 
 his saddle was raked by a canister shot, two horses during the 
 day were shot under him, and he was, towards the close, while 
 on the retreat, struck on the shoulder with a piece of spent 
 
shell, which did him no harm beyond a lameness for a few 
 days. 
 
 Col. Mitchell, afterwards, expressed to a friend the highest 
 admiration of the courage, self-possession, efficiency, fidelity 
 and thorough soldierly bearing of Mr. Lines, on that day of 
 fearful fight. He said that he had been sending him with 
 orders here and there over the field, in the face of musketry 
 and cannonade, when, in one of the pauses of his work, Mr. 
 Lines rode up to him, and said, "Don't feel any delicacy, 
 Colonel ; send me anywhere you wish me to go." 
 
 His courage, and his humanity also, and self-forgetfulness, 
 are seen in another fact, which occurred at the beginning of 
 the retreat, after the death of Gen. Lyon. They were passing 
 through groves of timber, in which shot and shell were cutting 
 their way so thickly, that there was a continual dropping on 
 them of leaves and twigs and branches, when he heard on one 
 side the groaning of a boy. He went to him, and found he 
 was one of the drummer boys, or one attached in some way 
 to the musical service. Mr. Lines dismounted, placed the 
 wounded boy upon his horse, and led him on, necessarily at a 
 slow gait, till they were beyond the reach of the enemy. 
 
 Though the regiment originally enlisted on a call for three 
 months service, yet through the influence of the patriotic Col. 
 Mitchell, they served between lour and five months. Soon after 
 they were mustered out of service, in the autumn of 1861, they 
 w'ere organized anew as the 2d Regiment Kansas Cavalry ; and 
 Mr. Lines was appointed 1st Lieut, of Co. C. In this position 
 he served only a short time : his Col., Robert B. Mitchell, was 
 
soon after promoted to a Brigadier General, and appointed him 
 as one of his Aids. Gen. Mitchell, with his brigade, was sent to 
 join the Army of the Cumberland, on the east of the Missisippi. 
 And in all the weary forced marches and severe engagements of 
 that Army, in Kentucky and Tennessee, Mr. Lines endured 
 bravely, and was entirely unharmed. In the desperate fought 
 battle of Perryville, in which a part of our forces were allowed 
 to contend against superior numbers, though reinforcements 
 might easily have been brought up, Gen. Mitchell's brigade was 
 in the thickest of the fight, and performed distinguished service. 
 Such was the confidence of Gen. Mitchell in Mr. Lines, that he 
 was accustomed to ask him to perform many duties of a 
 responsible and critical nature, which perhaps did not strictly 
 belons: to him but to other officers. And the General used to 
 give his reason in such language as this, when he had sent him, 
 for example, to station pickets at night, a service not pertaining 
 to his office : — "When I know you have stationed the pickets, 1 
 can sleep.'"' Indeed, such was his over- work in consequence of 
 the confidence reposed in him by his General, and his own desire 
 to do all in his power, that he felt it necessary to resign his 
 position as Aid, and request to be returned to his old Com- 
 pany, in the 2d Kansas Cavalry. This was in November, 1862. 
 His Company, hearing that he was about to return to them, 
 unanimously recommended him to be appointed to the office 
 of Captain, which was then vacant ; and he was accordingly 
 appointed. In this position he remained, sharing in all the 
 severe service of that Regiment during the remainder of 1862, 
 
 and the Spring and Summer of 1863. 
 2 
 
10 
 
 His position as Captain was one of peculiar exposure ; for 
 on account of the confidence of the Commander in him, and 
 his well disciplined Company, that Company was selected as 
 the advance guard of the Brigade Command, a place of special 
 danger in a country where the enemy is accustomed to the 
 practice of ambush. And it was Capt. Lines' custom always 
 to ride in front of his Company, because he thought it his duty 
 so to do. He used to say to his father, when exhorting him 
 not to expose himself unnecessarily: — "Do not give yourself 
 any uneasiness about me. I shall not risk any unnecessary ex- 
 posures, and on the other hand, I shall always endeavor to be 
 just where my duty calls me." 
 
 It was in the performance of this duty, leading his Com- 
 pany as an advance guard, that he lost his life by a volley 
 from a party of the enemy in ambush, a few miles from Fort 
 Smith, Arkansas. 
 
 The account of this, I will give in the language of an eye- 
 witness, the Surgeon of the Kegiment, Doct. J. P. Boot, for- 
 merly Lieut. Gov. of the State of Kansas, and one of the origi- 
 nal Wabaunsee Colony, addressed by him in a letter to Capt. 
 Lines' bereaved wife. He says : 
 
 "Long ere this reaches you, you will have learned of the 
 .death of your dear husband, whose remains we have this day 
 buried in the U. S. Cemetery, at Fort Smith ; the members 
 of the Kansas Cavalry, standing as tearful mourners around 
 his grave, as with military honors we bade adieu to the body, 
 that so recently contained the spirit of the brave, noble, high- 
 minded, gallant and lovely officer, who by heroic deeds in his 
 
11 
 
 country's service, as well as private acts in social life, had en- 
 deared himself to all who knew him. 
 
 In our recent campaign of several weeks of almost constant 
 forced marches by night and day, Col. Cloud had selected your 
 husband's company as his special body-guard for his brigade 
 command — a deserved compliment to the bravery and integrity 
 of Capt. Lines, and his gallant company. 
 
 During most of our recent marches, extending a distance of 
 nearly five-hundred miles, through Southwestern Missouri, 
 Northwestern and Western Arkansas, both above and below 
 the Arkansas River, through the Cherokee Indian Nation, to 
 Fort Gibson, through the Creek and Choctaw Nation, well on 
 to Texas, constantly chasing rebels of every grade, from the 
 bushwhacking assassin bandit, to the rebel who dared to stand 
 behind his cannon, and contend for his ground, until put to 
 flight by our surer aim and sterner purpose, Capt. Lines was 
 most of the time in our advance. 
 
 We had chased G-en. Steele and Cooper nearly to Texas 
 without getting a general engagement with the enemy, and had 
 turned back towards Fort Smith, where we expected a battle 
 with Gen. Caball. In this, however, we were disappointed ; 
 for the cowardly traitor left our front during the night ; and 
 the next day, Gen. Blunt ordered Col. Cloud, with a portion 
 of his Cavalry and Artillery, to pursue. This order was 
 promptly obeyed. When about twenty miles south of this 
 place (Fort Smith) we overtook the enemy and engaged him, 
 strongly posted among the mountains, immediately upon what 
 is called the Back-bone — a high ridge of rocky and timbered 
 
12 
 
 land. The battle was opened by a volley of musketry, nearly 
 in our faces, from a company in ambush. Capt. Lines' com- 
 pany was in the advance and received the first shock, at which 
 your husband received a fatal wound from a rifle ball. 
 
 Capt. Lines fell while gallantly leading his men, at the head 
 of our column. I was riding with Col. Cloud, close behind, 
 and immediately went to the Captain's assistance. But all I 
 could do was to alleviate. With a smile he said to me : 
 ' Doctor, I am mortally wounded. I have felt all the time that 
 I should not survive this Campaign. I do not fear death. 
 How sad my wife, my father and friends will feel ! This is all 
 that troubles me.' He cheered his wounded comrades who were 
 groaning around him ; but not a groan or murmur escaped his 
 lips. He desired me to tell you and his father and his friends, 
 how he died. Never did bravery show itself more than when 
 with heroic fortitude he bore his most excruciating pains with- 
 out a sigh of sadness, while the groans of the wounded were on 
 all sides, and the shot and shell of the enemy were falling thick 
 around us. * * * He lived between three and four hours, 
 long enough to be cheered by the knowledge that the enemy 
 had been routed completely, and had hurried from the field, 
 leaving their dead and dying in our hands. 
 
 What can I say to cheer your widowed heart ? When danger 
 threatened Kansas in its early history, your husband gave 
 himself to her defence. Never can I forget those scenes in 
 which I knew him so well. When the present rebellion first 
 broke out, he again sprang forward to rescue his country, and 
 foremost on many a hard fought field has he testified his gallant 
 
13 
 
 patriotism and undying devotion to tlie cause of freedom. A 
 shower of leaden hail has been falling around him since, as 
 Adjutant of the 2d Regiment of Kansas Volunteers, in the 
 Wilson's Creek battle, he fought close beside the lamented 
 Lyon, up to the hour when he lost his life at the battle of 
 the Back-bone. 
 
 I knew him well, and dearly did I love the brave, good young 
 man. All loved him. He has left a host of friends, both in 
 military and civil life, who will ever cherish the memory of 
 Capt. E. C. D. Lines." 
 
 A few additional particulars are given in a letter from J. W. 
 Robinson, also a Surgeon of the 2d Kansas Regiment. He 
 says : " Mr. Lines was aware he should live but a few hours, 
 and said that he died where he preferred to die — at the head 
 of his Company. He had always tried (he said) to do his duty 
 to his country, and he only regretted that he had not been able 
 to do more." He died, Dr. Robinson adds, firmly believing in 
 his better estate in the world to come. 
 
 Of the great respect and affection with which he was re- 
 garded, there is abounding testimony. Dr. Robinson says, 
 "No man was ever more beloved by his company than he was ; 
 and no man more properly deserved it." He adds, that they 
 were "almost fi-antic with grief" at his death. 
 
 The Manhattan Independent, published near his home, says, 
 "We honored him for his self-sacrificing patriotism. He saw 
 the liberties of his country imperilled, and he only thought of 
 how he could devote a brave heart and an earnest life to her 
 cause. He was the first man in his county to enlist. * * '•'* 
 
14 
 
 While Kansas has a history, his name will be mentioned as 
 one of her most honored sons ; one of the martyrs to the 
 cause of liberty, whose fame, though pure and spotless now, 
 will shine with increased lustre as the ages roll on," 
 
 The Union, published at Fort Smith, Arkansas, where his 
 body was buried, says of him, "Never, since our connection 
 with the army, has the fate of a man created a wider and more 
 heartfelt sorrow ; never was the sacrifice of one's life for his 
 country made more bravely and seemingly more cheerfully." 
 
 The spirit which actuated him in entering and continuing in 
 his country's service, is well expressed in his own language, in 
 a letter to his wife, then in this part of the country. It was 
 written after his first period of service, subsequent to the bat- 
 tle of Wilson's Creek, and just upon his enlisting again for 
 three years or during the war — a dark hour in our country's 
 history. He says, "I have sometimes thought that I would 
 retire from my country's service to my home and family. But 
 I know it would be wrong, and that you would love me less 
 for deserting my country in this dark and trying hour. Lives 
 must be given up, riches and all man possesses must be cast 
 aside, and our country's flag kept waving, I thank God 
 every day of my life, that my arm is kept strong to battle 
 against our country's enemies. And it is a wonder to me, 
 that so many of our country's young men should persist in 
 remaining inactive, and allow for one moment a doubt as it 
 regards our success." 
 
 And then in his last letter, written just before the battle in 
 which he lost his life, and evidently tinged with the feeling 
 
15 
 
 which he expressed to Dr. Root, when he said, "I have. felt 
 all the time .that I should not survive this campaign," he re- 
 marks, " we are expecting a battle, and I wi'ite this knowing 
 it is possible that this may be my last letter to you. But I 
 hope that God will spare my life for your sake. If I should 
 be killed, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that I 
 died with my face to the enemies of our country, and in its 
 defence. May God watch over you, and bless you ! If I die, 
 think that it is God's will. And do not give up, but live as 
 happy as you can, and teach our sweet child to love the memory 
 of its father." 
 
 His motive in all his military career was not personal ambi- 
 tion, but pure and earnest patriotism, and a sense of duty to 
 God and the cause of righteousness and humanity. 
 
 And now, in conclusion, need a word be said to commend his 
 example to us, especially to the young men, many of whom 
 have known him — his example of patriotism, of purity, of 
 courage, of self-sacrificing devotion to the right, and especially 
 of faith in Christ and fidelity in his service. 
 
 We mourn that his life was so short. But it was not short, 
 if we measure it by deeds and services instead of years. And 
 his example will inspire many to be like him, and to fill more 
 than one place like his. Then we know that he died in the 
 Lord's time, and we have been taught by our friend's exhor- 
 tation, as well as by the principles of piety, to say, "Thy 
 will be done." And assured of his interest in Him who is the 
 resurrection and the life, we may well rejoice in our loss as his 
 infinite gain. 
 
16 
 
 With such thoughts we may adopt the words of the sacred 
 poet, in our last address to him whose body we are now to con- 
 sign to the grave : 
 
 " Go to the grave in all thy glorious prime, 
 In full activity of zeal and power ; 
 Thou art not called away before thy time ; — 
 The Lord's appointment is the servant's hour. 
 
 Go to tlie grave ; at noon from labor cease ; 
 
 Rest on thy sheaves, thy harvest-task is done ; 
 Come from the heat of battle, and in peace, 
 
 Soldier, go home ; with thee the fight is won. 
 
 Go to the grave; for there thy Savior lay 
 
 In death's embrace, ere He rose on high ; 
 And all the ransomed, by that narrow way. 
 
 Pass to eternal life beyond the sky. 
 
 Go to the grave : — no ; take thy seat above ; 
 
 Be thy pure spirit present with the Lord, 
 Where thou for faith and hope hast perfect love, 
 
 And open vision for the written word." 
 
LETTER FROM GEN. MITCHELL. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM A LETTER WRITTEN BY GEN. ROBT. B. MITCHELL, 
 TO THE FATHER OF CAPTAIN LINES, JUNE 11, 1864. 
 
 Upon the organization of the Second Kansas Regiment in 
 May, 1861, under my command, I found your son, an officer, in 
 one of the companies. 
 
 The conviction formed from the slight acquaintance I had 
 with him prior to his entrance into service, that he would 
 demonstrate the possession of peculiar abilities as an officer, 
 induced me to observe him carefully in the discharge of his 
 official duties. 
 
 I found him apt to learn the minutige of such duty, prompt 
 and correct in its application, and while rigid in the require- 
 ment of the performance of every duty by the men under his 
 command, yet, by his kindness and care for them, the respect 
 enforced by his position and commands, was accompanied by a 
 deep, earnest and soldierly affection on the part of the men of 
 his company. In his associations with his brother officers, his 
 high-toned bearing and conversation, his geniality of manner, 
 his knowledge of his new profession, his correct and conscientious 
 performance of duty, and his considerate regard for the feelings 
 of others, under the most irritating of circumstances, made him 
 
 universally loved, admired and respected. 
 3 
 
18 
 
 Upon the long and weary march in Missouri, immediately 
 following the muster into service of the regiment, when those 
 young troops — almost entirely unsupplied with the essentials to 
 a soldier's comfort, and when inexperience made such lack more 
 difficult to be borne — executed marches and endured privations 
 almost unequalled before or since by veteran soldiers, his 
 cheering voice was constantly heard encouraging the weary, his 
 hand was extended to help the wayside fallen, and despite his 
 delicate frame, by the strong purpose consequent upon his con- 
 viction of the necessity for the sake of others of remaining at 
 his post, he bore up against all hardships, and in the most 
 gloomy periods, when fatigue, exhaustion, lack of food and of 
 sleep, tended to dispirit all, he, supported by a conviction of 
 duty to be done, and by the dictates of that kindness that 
 induced so large a forgetfulness of self, unmindful of his own 
 safety, his health, or his comfort, devoted himself to the task 
 of restoring confidence and strength to the weary and disabled 
 for new exertions ; all this was done by him without orders or 
 direction, and while he was unaware that his conduct was the 
 subject of obsei'vation or commendation by his superior officers, 
 who recognized the great and faithful services rendered by him 
 at the time. 
 
 In the affairs at Forsyth and Dug Springs, his conduct was 
 marked by distinguished gallantry. 
 
 The illness of my Adjutant, Lieut. Thompson, enforced his 
 absence from duty, and Lieut. Lines was detailed to perform 
 the duties of Adjutant, in his stead. 
 
 Lieut. Lines brought to the performance of the multifarious. 
 
19 
 
 constant and arduous duties of the position of Adjutant, the 
 same urbanity and conscientiousness in the discharge of duty, 
 that had characterized him as a company officer, together with 
 an amount of administrative ability that won from all the 
 warmest encomiums. 
 
 In this position, the relation he bore to me was of an ex- 
 ceedingly confidential nature, and the ease with which he com- 
 prehended all plans, issued the necessary orders for their 
 execution, and superintended the details of such execution, 
 the aptness of his suggestions and his undirected action, all 
 demonstrated to me the possession of talent of an unusually 
 high order, and induced me to regard him rather as a friend 
 and adviser, than as a junior officer. 
 
 Upon the field at Wilson's Creek, where the long, weary 
 campaign of 1861 culminated in that heroic struggle of the 
 lamented Lyon, against an enemy five times the number of 
 his little band, the gallantry and efficiency of your son were 
 particularly conspicuous, and did much to inspire the regi- 
 ment with the spirit that enabled them to withstand and beat 
 back the successive charges of an enemy so much exceeding them 
 in number. From the nature of the duties attendant upon his 
 position as Adjutant, he was very much exposed to the enemy's 
 fire ; but he rode unscathed and erect wherever his presence 
 could be of service, his clarion voice shouting words of encourge- 
 ment or direction, or when the stern duties of the day permit- 
 ted, speaking words of solace and comfort to the stricken. 
 Among the brave men upon that field he will ever be remem- 
 bered by those who saw him as among the first and bravest. 
 
20 
 
 I was left wounded at Springfield, Mo., subsequent to that 
 engagement, while the regiment proceeded to Fort Leaven- 
 worth, having an engagement with the rebels at Shelbina, Mo., 
 while en route. 
 
 In the labors consequent upon the muster-out of the regi- 
 ment at Fort Leavenworth, 1862, prior to its re-organization, 
 the knowledge of the practice of the army, and its routine of 
 official transactions and papers, which Lieut. Lines acquired 
 with great facility and applied with great exactness, tended 
 much to expedite the formation of the new organization. 
 
 During the winter of 1861-2, 1 was in almost constant, daily 
 intercourse with him in Washington, and the affection and 
 respect that his conduct in the field had won, was strengthened 
 by new developments of his possession of great social charms, 
 eminent purity and honesty of character, and a quickness of 
 perception and depth of understanding, that made his facile 
 conversation and geniality of manner doubly attractive. 
 
 Upon assuming command of a Brigade, I detailed him upon 
 my personal staff as an Aide-de-Camp, in which capacity he 
 was with me from May, 1862, until October, of the same year- 
 
 With my command he proceeded from Fort Kiley, Kansas, 
 to Corinth, MissiBsijDpi, thence to join the army of Maj. Gen. 
 Buell, at Nashville, Tennessee. He was with me in the 
 Kentucky campaign in the summer of 1862, and participated 
 in the engagement at Perry ville, and at Lancaster, Kentucky, 
 in that campaign. 
 
 During this period, I had frequent occasion to call upon him 
 for the performance of duties of danger and importance, and I 
 
21 
 
 was always well assured that if knowledge of his profession 
 energy, endurance and conscientiousness could accomplish the 
 task set before him, it would he done. 
 
 At the conclusion of the Kentucky campaign in October, 
 1862, Lieut. Lines returned with me to Kansas, and there 
 yielding to the solicitations of his friends and his own conviction, 
 that he could be of greater service with his regiment, — then I 
 think in Arkansas, — he returned to duty with it. 
 
 I urged him also to take this step, despite my disinclination 
 to lose so valuable an officer, so honorable a gentleman, and so 
 true a friend, from my staiF, because I believed that in the line 
 of his regiment, he could more readily obtain that promotion 
 that his long, valuable and faithful services and his eminent 
 fitness for high rank demanded, than he could in the staff 
 corps. Justice to him, the service, the cause, and the country, 
 demanded this personal sacrifice at my hands. 
 
 His new field of duty being widely separated from my own, 
 I heard but seldom from him, but always that his career was 
 marked with those honorable and soldierly qualities that had 
 always been attendant upon his actions. 
 
 One letter informed me of his promotion, and the com- 
 mencement, as I believed and hoped, of a series of rewards, in 
 more and more advanced grades of rank ; and the next that I 
 received bringing any news of his regiment, told the sad story 
 that he had fallen. 
 
 The intelligence came at the evening of one of the days of 
 the hard fought battle of Chicamauga. With the din of the 
 cannon still ringing in our ears, with the occasional shot that 
 
22 
 
 told of the vigilant sentinels' watch of the movements of the 
 enemy, with whom the next day we were again to struggle, 
 with the groans of the wounded and dying ascending in our 
 hearing, we who had known and served with your son, forgot 
 for a time, the terrible business and incidents of the day, and 
 were called upon to join with our sorrow for those who had 
 that day fallen by our side, tears for the memory of our friend, 
 our comrade, our brother officer, who had met a soldier's fate 
 on a far distant field. 
 
 Tired, weary and worn, with the dust of battle still on our 
 faces, those who had known "Ed Lines" sorrowed for his 
 untimely death, and recalled with melancholy pleasure the 
 many instances of courage, gentleness and kindness, with 
 which association with him was so fraught. 
 
 But he is gone ; you have lost a good and affectionate son, 
 the cause has lost an able and a brave soldier, the country a 
 patriot, and we, his associates, have lost a true and well tried 
 friend. 
 
 May we not hope that the story of his upright life and 
 glorious death, told by some appreciative and able tongue, will 
 furnish a bright exemplar to which you, the father of so good, 
 so noble, so pure a son, may see other fathers pointing their 
 offspring as a model for a true and perfect life. 
 
 With assurances of my condolence in your great bereave- 
 ment, I am very truly. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 ROBT. B. MITCHELL, 
 
 Brig. General. 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 Captain Lines was very affectionate toward his family and friends, and unusually 
 thoughtful of them, especially in writing whenever it was possible. A few 
 extracts from the hundreds of letters received from him, are given below, which 
 indicate the current of his thoughts and the character of the man: — 
 
 Extracts from letters to his wife, when first entering the Army. 
 
 '•Tou must remember there will be a great number of "Eddies" in this war, 
 and some of them must die before our country is again quiet, and if God sees fit 
 that I should be one to surrender my life for my country's good, I shall not com- 
 plain ; pray and trust in God ; He rules every thing for good. 
 
 We are going South with Gen. Mitchell ; " duty calls me to active life — and I 
 expect to see within the next few weeks, many a noble man die a soldier's death 
 and fill a soldier's grave. I trust Eddie will be spared ; it is hard to think that 
 many kind husbands are leaving their dear ones for the last time, and at the boats 
 this eve, it was hard to see the wives taking a farewell kiss of many a brave and 
 noble man, for some must die." 
 
 Wabauksee, Kansas, \ 
 October 8th, 1861. j 
 Dearest and beloved Kittie, 
 
 I arrived in Wabaunsee Saturday evening. They were all glad to see me. Our 
 dear brother Elsworth, I found to be in a dying state ; he knew me but said but 
 little. You can imagine how I felt, coming home after such a trip to spend a few 
 days with those I love, to find one of them so near the other world. He died last 
 night and was willing to go; his trust was in God. It is a hard blow to us all. 
 But father and mother were so much relieved to know that he had put his trust in 
 the Lord. Dearest Kittie, this is a hard blow for me, I so little expected to fit.d 
 one so loved to be taken from us. I have looked to such a pleasant visit, and to 
 find all so changed, it makes me feel as I never felt before. But it is God's will and 
 I submit. I know it will be hard to go awaj-^ and part with father and mother ; it 
 seems as if it would be a last and a long farewell. But I think it a duty I owe my 
 God and my country. If Kittie were here, it seems to me that I could not again 
 part. But it may be for the best; Elsworth dead, Kittie miles away, and nil looks 
 so dark, it seems that I am no longer that Eddie of old, but a soldier whose life 
 is one of trial and hardships, and but a step from the other world. It is hard thus 
 
24 
 
 to reflect, but I can not help it, and we must look at it just as it is, and be pre2]ared 
 for the worst. As I looked at our dear one this morning, cold in death, I could but 
 feel that I should soon follow him to the Happy Land. I have for some time felt 
 that death was not far off, and now it almost stares me in the face. But I fear 
 not; in God I trust, and it makes me happy when I know that Kittie will submit to 
 His will. Dearest and much loved one, could I but see you once again I would be- 
 so happy, and if it is possible for me to get to you, I shall try nn- best so to do. 
 
 Planter's House. Leavenworth, Kansas. ) 
 
 May 28th, 18G2. f 
 Dear Father. 
 
 I have but a few moments to write, as it is now after eleven o'clock, and I am 
 quite tired. We have had a review to-day, by Blunt, of the troops ordered to 
 Tenn., and this afternoon and evening wo have been shipping troops, and I am 
 tired out. "We start to-morrow at noon. I go with the expectation of seeing some 
 hard fighting, and knowing that I may be one of the Kansas men that will not 
 come back. But it is all right ; duty calls and I am ready and willing to take my 
 chances. From the news we get now it looks dark for our troops, and some think 
 that we will be ordered from St. Louis to Washington. I care not, if we can only 
 do some good I hope that you will write to my dear wife often, and in case I 
 should fall, do what you can to make her happy. I will write as often as I can, 
 and tell you all. But I feel confident that I will come out all right. 
 
 Ever your loving son, ED. 
 
 In Camp near Murfreesboro, Tenn., I 
 September 3d, 1862. J 
 Dear Father. 
 
 I have but a few moments to write. I am quite well, — never better in my life. 
 We are on the march for Nashville, Tenn. It is very hot, and wo have warm work 
 before us. I think it is about even with the North and South. It looks dark for 
 us. Direct your letters to me, at Nashville, Tenn., care Gen. R. B. Mitchell. My 
 love to all. — In haste. Yoiw affectionate son, ED. 
 
 Battle Ground, near Perryville, Ky., I 
 October 10th, 1SG2. ) 
 Dear Father. 
 
 We have just finished a big battle. I am unhurt. — None of Gen.'s staff are in- 
 jured. We have lost, of our connnand, (Mitchell's alone), 500, — our whole loss is 
 yet unknown. I am satisfied with our success ; but for three days and nights 
 .having been in the saddle; hungry' and worn out, I cannot write. We have 
 all of our dead (as well as theirs) yet to bury. I have lost some good friends in 
 this fight. I will write iu a few days. M}' love to all. Our Wabauusee boys are 
 all well. In haste. Your aflectionate son, ED. 
 
25 
 
 Head-Quarters, S. W. Dist., Springfield, Mo., | 
 
 March 12th, 1863. f 
 Dear Father. 
 
 I am quite well, and have all I want to do. I am engaged now in hunting Horse 
 Thieves. Caught two Saturday night, and got seven head of Stock ; and five to- 
 day. The Boys are all well. I will write -you a letter in a few days. I am ex- 
 pecting a letter from you. My love to all. I hope that mother is well. 
 
 Tour dear son, ED. 
 
 After his last visit, in speaking of hi^babe, be writes : 
 "Our married life has been so pleasant, I can and do think of it every 
 day as a bright spot in my life. I hope God in His goodness, will spare us 
 to each other, and that long years of happiness are in store for us. I will be care- 
 ful and hopeful ; how dearly, fondly I love our sweet babe ; I trust she may be 
 spared to us. God has been so kind in giving us such a treasure ; can we ever 
 thank Him as we should. May God bless and protect her, and give you strength to 
 bear with her, and bring her up as we both so much wish to. ' I feel so happy that 
 I have seen her and pressed her to my heart.' " 
 
 His last letter to his jather. 
 
 Near Cincinnati, Ark. 
 In the field and on the march to Fort Gibson, ) 
 August 19th, 18G3. \ 
 
 Dear Father. 
 
 "We have just stopped here for a few moments ; we are on a forced march to 
 join Gen. Blunt, at Gibson. We have had a hard trip since we left Cassville, but 
 of this hereafter. I will only say that I have had the advance, and we have done 
 some good work. "We expect some hard fighting, and if I should be killed, I want 
 you to settle up my business. I have Pay due me from July 1st. and Kittie will 
 be entitled to a Pension. I would like to have it attended to at once. I fear not to 
 die, but tremble to think of the effect it would have upon my dear wife and little 
 one ; but God rules and I trust all to Him. You will hear, as soon as the battle is 
 over, of me, and, either dead or alive, it shall be a good account; I have brave met, 
 and we will do good work. I can't write more, I have so much to do. If I fall, 
 ray papers will be sent to you. My love to all. 
 
 In much haste, your aflFectionate son, ED. 
 
 Fort Smith, Ark., ) 
 
 September 2d, 18G2. J 
 C. B. Lines, Esq. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I take my pen to perform one of the most melancholy duties of my 
 hfe. I must acquaint you of the death of our beloved comrade in arms, and your 
 dutiful and brave boy, Edward (Capt.) Lines, of Company C, of 2d Kansas Cavalry. 
 
 4 
 
26 
 
 On the 8th day of August we left Sprhigfield, to reinforce Gen. Blunt, then at 
 Fort Gibson. We have been on a forced march nearly ever since that time. "We 
 found the enemy at Briertown or Brierville, in the Cherokee Nation, four days 
 after leaving Fort Gibson ; drove them to Perryville, near the Texas line, and 
 burned the town; then we started for Fort Smith. Gen. Caball, with about 2,500 
 men, undertook to dispute our passage, but finally, after throwing a few shell at 
 us from two howitzers, run. Our command, under Col. Cloud, marched about 17 
 miles.|and were ambushed by the rebels. Company " C " being in our advance. The 
 enemy formed in a dense growth of small timber and brush, and when our scouts 
 came up, they let them pass through without firing a gun, but when Company C 
 came up, they opened upon them »very heavy volley of infantry in two columns. 
 
 Tour son was killed at that time. He was in the extreme advance, (as was his 
 custom,) and was shot by a minnie ball, through the bowels and liver. He lived 
 about 2^ or 3 hours after the wound, remaining entirely sensible to the last 
 moment. He died as brave a man as ever gave his life for his country. Not a 
 murmur or complaint escaped his lips. He said he should live but a few hours, 
 and that he died where he preferred to die, at the head of his Company, firmly 
 believing he would be better off in the world to come, and sending his warmest 
 love to his wife, and father, and mother, and all his dear friends. 
 
 I cannot write as I would, I am so pained at the loss of Eddie ; his Company 
 are almost frantic with grief. I had no idea he was so beloved, except by myself! 
 My heart is too full to write more. 
 
 Yours, in affliction, J. W. R., 
 
 Ass't Surgeon 2d Kansas Cavalry. 
 
 Fort Smith, Ark., ) 
 
 Aug. 3d, 1863. j" 
 Chas. B. Lines, Esq., 
 
 Dear Sir: — With feelings of keenest sorrow I write you a brief account of the 
 wounding and death of your dear son, my dear friend, and one of the bravest and 
 best officers that have ever given their lives to their country. Capt. Lines' Com- 
 pany was made Col. Cloud's " body guard" for his Brigade command, when we left 
 Springfield, and on all our forced marches, for several hundred miles, has been in 
 the advance. 
 
 For nearly five hundred miles of almost uninterrupted forced marching, we have 
 had nearly a continuous fight, chasing bushwhackers and rebels of every grade, 
 skirmishing by day and skirmishing by night. Near Fort Smith, Col. Cloud's com- 
 mand was divided, a portion coming to the Fort with Gen. Blunt, and the remain- 
 der taking the southern road after the fleeing Gen. Caball. Tired as we all were, 
 we overtook the rebels about twenty miles from Ft. Smith, strongly posted in the 
 mountains, in one of the strongest natural positions for defence I have ever seen 
 Previous to the final engagement wo were skirmishing with pickets, rear guards, 
 Ac, until your son boldly pushed forward with his brave boys, met almost at the 
 muzzles of their guns the deadly discharge of over two hundred rifles, muskets, ic. 
 Capt. Lines received a wound from a rifle ball, the ball entering the abdomen a 
 
27 
 
 little to the right of the centre and passing out beneath the ribs on the left side of 
 the body. The intestines were wounded, and several small vessels were severed, 
 causing slow but fatal hemorrhage. I was immediately with the Capt. as he fell 
 from his wounded horse, and never have I seeu more nobleness of spirit, more un- 
 flinching coolness and bravery displayed, than was exliibited during the last hours 
 of your son's life ; his cheerfulness was wonderful, notwithstanding his pains were 
 extreme ; he murmured not — not even a groan escaped his lips. From the first, he 
 was fully aware of his critical condition, and that he could not recover. He often 
 spoke of you and of his own little family. The leaving of his friends being his 
 only regret — of them he spoke freely. He had an affectionate spirit, he loved and 
 in return was beloved by a host of good and brave men, who will ever remember 
 Capt. Lines with feelings of pure respect and esteem. I wish I could say some- 
 thing that might relieve the poignancy of your grief I can only point to the God 
 you worship, for comfort, and pray that we all may be prepared for our final de- 
 parture, whether it shall be amid the din and smoke of battle, as dies the noble 
 brave, or with our loving families in peaceful homes. 
 
 I have written in great haste, having a thousand things on hand. Please accept 
 my heartiest sympathy, and believe me, as ever, your true friend. 
 
 J. P. R., 
 Surgeon 2d Kan, Cavalry. 
 
 Extracts Jrom a Jew oj the many letters received by his family, after 
 the death of Capt. Lines. 
 
 Lawrence, Kansas, ) 
 
 October 2d, 1863. \ 
 Dkar Sm AND Friend. 
 
 You do not, I trust, need telling, that in ypur terrible loss — which we count our 
 own — we all deeply sympathize. At such a time, as one says of one in similar 
 circumstances : — " the poor common words of sympathy seem such a very mockery." 
 I need not here repeat them. Nor is the road to "The Comforter" one so un- 
 traveled by you in the past, that in this new affliction you need a guide to the 
 presence of that friend. You have so often proved his faithfulness, that you are, 
 with the Psalmist, fully prepared to say, "Even the night shall be light about me." 
 — " Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." I feel that our Churches have been 
 smitten in the loss of one, of whom, though often mentioned in my hearing during 
 my long journeyings, I have yet heard no word but as in his favor as a soldier and 
 man. Need I say more to you, to his mother, his wife or of him. 
 
 What you deem the best obituary notice published, with any added particulars, 
 from your pen, we would crave for permanent preservation in our "Record" of 
 Kansas Churches. 
 
 Your friend and younger brother, L. B. 
 
 C. B. Lines, Esq. 
 
28 
 
 Lawrence, Kansas, ) 
 March 9th, 1864. J 
 Hon. C. B. Lines. 
 
 Dear Sir: — You have received a heavy blow, but it does not fall alone upon you. 
 I feel that I have cause to mourn the loss of a dear friend in your noble hearted 
 son, and the State has lost a treasure not easily replaced. Please accept my heart- 
 felt sympathy iu this affliction. 
 
 Very truly, your friend, C. R. 
 
 New York, ) 
 
 October 16th, 1863. ) 
 My Dear Friend. 
 
 I have just received notice of the death of your son. I must say, in view of the 
 facts of his death and of your well grouuded hope of his preparation for the 
 change, that I feel like offering you my congratulation rather than any ordinary 
 expressions of condolence. It is a great thing for a man to give a son to die as he 
 died, in the assurance of hope for the hereafter. He will live in the affections of 
 all his family for generaHoiis ; his deeds of valor and sacrifice will be told at the 
 fire-sides of your children's children, for centuries, and the fact and glory of dying 
 for his country is inseparably connected with his name for all time. Do not mourn 
 for him I Thank God rather that you had such a son, and that he gave himself so 
 nobly to the cause of right and liberty. 
 
 Yours truly, S. B. C. 
 
 Mr. C. B. Lines. 
 
 Springfield, Missouri, ) 
 September 19th, 1863. f 
 Dear Sir. 
 
 The news lately received of the death of your sou, Capt. Lines, is sad. It brings 
 to me the intelligence that I have lost a firm and true friend, a brave and gallant 
 officer, while to you it conveys the information that you have lost a son who was 
 an honor to his parents. It was not my fortune to be with him on that day, but 
 knowiug him as I did, I feel proud to learn that he died nobly, that he was stricken 
 down while in the discharge of his duty to his country, and ho died, as he had 
 lived, loved and honored b)' all who knew him. I sincerely sympathize with you 
 in this affliction. 
 
 Respectfully, 0. A. B., Lt. Col. 2d Kan. Cav. 
 
 C. B. Lines, Esq., Topeka, Kansas. 
 
 Lawrence, Kansas, 
 
 December 8th, 1863. 
 
 Hon. C. B. Lines. 
 
 Dear Sir: — Now that the first mevitablc pang has been assuaged by time, will I 
 obtrude upon the sanctity of your grief, if I assure you how nuich I .sympathize 
 with you in the loss of your son Edward. Althougli a comparative stranger to 
 you, I could class him as one of my valued friends. During my connection with 
 the Second Regiment, I had many opportunities to learn and admire his many good 
 
29 
 
 qualities, and to know tliat to many beside myself ho endeared himself. Beside 
 your personal loss, the State has lost a gallant soldier and honest gentleman. Will 
 you consider me one who knew his worth and lament his loss. 
 
 I am, very dear sir, yours respectfully, E. D. T. 
 
 New Haven, Conn., ) 
 
 October 24th, 1863. J 
 My Dear Friend. 
 
 I need not assure you that I was deeply affected when the news came that Ed- 
 ward had fallen. The loss of such a young man, to his family, to his parents, and 
 to society, it is painful to think of. What ties are broken, — what fond anticipations 
 destroyed, — what hopes crushed. But when we look at life as it is — but a brief 
 speck in the whole of man's existence— what matter is it so far as the individual is 
 concerned, whether it is terminated a few years sooner or later. To man the only 
 question of importance is : has the life, whether longer or shorter, been what life should 
 be. And oh, how well does your son's record answer this question. To family 
 and friends the death of one so loved, and so apparently needed by them, is a great 
 affliction; and to human vision an irreparable loss. But faith can look beyond the 
 present appearance and trust in a Heavenly Father who looks beyond the present, 
 even to the end, and orders all things well. — making " all things work together for 
 good to those who love God." And then what cause you have to rejoice that your 
 son has been taken in the fullness of honors, and placed beyond the possible danger 
 or fear of failure. Your dear son has secured what but few ever attain in this 
 world — his name will go down in history as one of the martyrs for liberty and free- 
 dom, — with the Warrens and Hales of the Revolution ; and the Lyons, the Russells 
 and the Blakes, that Connecticut has given to their country in this war. 
 
 Hoping to see you again in the flesh, and earnestly praying for God's blessings to 
 rest upon you and all near and dear to you. 
 
 I am, Truly yours, S. D. P. 
 
 Lawrence, Kansas, ) 
 Nov., 1863. f 
 Dear Sir: — 
 
 I heard of the death of your son with deep sorrow. Honored and good, he has 
 been cut down in the sprmg of life, and has gone where the tumult of battle will 
 never molest him. Perhaps your son never fullg realized the weighty issues that 
 are staked upon the result of this war ; but I knew him well enough to be sure 
 that he did not fight for paj', or glory, merely. Our dear Lord, who gave His life 
 to save a world, will welcome with unutterable love one who fell in the effort to 
 lift and save a race. In His arms you can leave your boy with the assurance that 
 it is well with him. And if at times you feel that your son is lost to you, try to 
 comfort yourself with the thought that lie may be nearer to you now, and more 
 helpful, than when he was on the plains of Arkansas. 
 
 I pray that you will accept my deep sympathy for you in this bereavement. The 
 event will not have happened in vain, if it brings you nearer to that cross where 
 alone is rest. Most truly, H. M. S. 
 
30 
 
 Letter Jrom his jormer Teacher 
 
 V Hi 
 November, 1st, 1867 
 
 New Haven, Conn., ) 
 
 Hon. Charles B. Lines. 
 
 Dear Sir: — I am glad to learn that you are about to publish a memoir of your 
 sou, Edward, who gave his life for his country during the recent rebellion. His 
 noble record should be preserved, because we instinctively feel that the memory of 
 such a man should not perish, as well as because wo want to spread and perpetuate 
 the influence of his example. 
 
 His was a great contribution to the vast sura of noble acts by which our country 
 has been saved for liberty, and liberty for the world. But beyond even this, we 
 are brought to honor our common human nature more by these instances of heroism 
 and devotion, that show us what lies dormant and concealed in it, until some stir- 
 ring call brings it out to the sight of men. 
 
 The thought that the quiet, unassuming lad, who sat before me among his hun- 
 dred and fifty schoolmate.«, has been in counsel and in action all that your son was, 
 heightens to me the value of those who occupy their seats now. I see the possi- 
 bilities that lie undeveloped, and feel that my work is ennobled by them. And not 
 students mereh^ but men everywhere, at the plough, in the workshop, are more 
 now to us than they were some years ago Their thoughts, their rights, their dig- 
 nity weigh more in our estimation. Grateful as we are to those who fell in this 
 war, we have not yet learned to appreciate fully their influence on the present 
 as on all the future. 
 
 " They died in giving [usl 
 Liberty ; but left a deathless lesson, — 
 A name which is a virtue ; and a soul 
 Which multiplies itself throughout all time." 
 
 Your son for years sat before me, as I sat where I am now writing. As my eye at 
 this moment falls upon his seat and desk, I recall him perfectly; quiet, unassuming, 
 studious, eminently trusted to do his duty at all times, honored and loved by all 
 who knew him ; wliat else should we have looked for but a life, however long or 
 short, filled out with duty performed. How blind were we not to see in him all 
 this surety for his future. The old Spartans went into battle with their crowns 
 already on their heads. There was that in them which ensured victory even in 
 defeat. If our eyes had been opened as those of a prophet of old, we should have 
 seen him even in his boyhood thus crowned for life by his virtues, his firmness 
 under tempatation, and that perseverance in the right which was the insurance of his 
 success. You have not ceased to grieve, you never will, for the loss to you of 
 solace, of aid and reliance, as life grows old; but your grief is lightened by the 
 thought that he wielded just the sword that our Lord came to bring; that your loss 
 has brought train to the world and to him, too, in that kingdom of God for the 
 bringing on of which it really was, that he laid down his life. 
 
 Very truly yours, W. H. R. 
 
31 
 
 A FEW EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESS. 
 The Late Captain Lines. 
 
 A letter to the Commercial Advertiser, contains the following particulars of hia 
 faU: 
 
 " As Cloud's advanced guard, led by Captain Lines, approached, the rebels fired, 
 and he fell from his horse, shot through the bowels. The ball entered his loins on 
 the left side and passed entirely through his body, coming out near the right hip. 
 He survived about four hours. In death his face wore the same expression of 
 constant courage, and of calm and dauntless energy, that marked it in the dis- 
 charge of all his duties, in camp and battle." 
 
 The funeral of the late Capt. E. C. D. Lines, will be attended at the North Church 
 on Thursday, at 4 o'clock, P. M. 
 
 Captain Lines was killed on the 1st of September last, in the Indian country, 
 near Arkansas, and temporarily buried at Fort Smith. He was advancing upon 
 the enemy, at the head of his column, through a deeply wooded and rough country, 
 his company constituting the advance guard of the brigade, under Col Cloud. 
 They were ambushed by the rebels, who rose as they approached, and fired a 
 deadly volley. Capt. Lines fell mortally wounded, and died in three hours. 
 
 His remains have been brought to his native city in care of his father, for inter- 
 ment, in compliance with his dying request, and the earnest desire of his deeply 
 afflicted widow, who is now permanently located in this vicinity. 
 
 "We quote from the "Fort Smith Union," a loj'al paper, issued at Fort Smith, 
 under date of September 2d, the following extract: — "Seldom in the history of this 
 cruel, unnatural rebellion, have we been called upon to perform a more painful duty 
 than to record the death of this brave young officer. Never, since our connection 
 with the army, has the fate of a man created a wider and more heartfelt sorrow ; 
 never was the sacrifice of one's life made more bravely and seemingly more cheer- 
 fully." He died peacefully, and in hope of a glorious resurrection. — New Haven 
 Courier. 
 
 Captain Lines was a native of Connecticut, in which State he received his early 
 education, and made his home, until the commencement of troubles in Kansas. He 
 came to that young territory with his father and brother, together with a largo and 
 respectable number of old friends, and formed the beautiful little town of Waubon- 
 see, on the Kansas river. "When the ballot-box was trampled under foot by an in- 
 vading foreign force, and Free State men were murdered in their own houses and 
 fields. Captain Lines was ono of the first to resist tyranny and form a company for 
 the protection of the people, of which he was elected Lieutenant, being then scarcely 
 twenty-one years old. This was, probably, the first Sharp's rifle company in Kan- 
 sas. He was in many of the fights and skirmishes during the trying times of '56. 
 
32 
 
 As soon as the South signified her determination to sever the Union, by firing 
 upon Fort Sumpter, Captain Lines was the first man from his county to offer his 
 services to his country. He entered the army in 1861 as a private, but was elected 
 and appointed a Lieutenant. The first important engagement in which he took a 
 part, was the battle of Wilson's Creek, where he acted as Adjutant to the old 
 Kansas Second. He was in all the actions which occurred in Missouri and Arkansas, 
 until Col. Mithcell was promoted to a Brigadier, when he was placed upon his staff 
 and sent to the trans-Mississippi army. Here he served with distinguished honor 
 to himself and his country, and went through all those weary forced marches and 
 desperate engagements without receiving a wound. Last autumri he was trans- 
 ferred to the Kansas Second again, and promoted soon after to a Captaincy. 
 
 On the 1st of September, Gen. Blunt had ordered Col. Cloud to pursue Cabell's 
 retreating army. Captain Lines company formed the advance, and were ambushed. 
 The enemy were so hard pursued, they were compelled to make a stand, and a 
 heavy volley was fired from a cornfield at the head of our column. Capt. L. fell 
 mortally wounded, and lived about three hours. He seemed as cheerful after his 
 wound as before, encouraging his men to do their duty. He said he had but two 
 regrets, one dying away from his friends, and the other that he had not been able 
 to do more for his country. His remains were brought back to this Post, and in- 
 terred at the Cemetery in a beautiful grove of oaks. 
 
 Never was a braver, better soldier — never was a more loyal, devoted lover of his 
 country — never a man, who had more or stronger friends than Capt. E. C. D.- 
 Lines 1 — Fort Smith Union. 
 
 The Fort Scott Union Monitor, Extra, brings us a report of a skirmish between 
 part of the troops under Gen. Blunt, and the rebels, in which Capt. Ed. Lines was 
 killed. 
 
 He was a son of Hon. Charles B. Lines, Receiver of the Land Office at this place. 
 Capt. Lines entered the army early in the war. He has seen much service — was 
 brave almost to rashness. As an officer he was popular — as a citizen loved and 
 respected by all who knew him — as a son, everything that parents could desire. 
 He, with thousands of others, has laid down his life to perpetuate free institutions. 
 
 How many fathers and mothers have been made childless by this war, and are 
 doomed to linger here alone, without the props they had expected would support 
 them in their old age! — Topeha State Record. 
 
 Tribute to Captain Lines. 
 
 A meeting of some of the officers of the 2d Kansas Cavalry was held at Spring- 
 field, Mo., September 11th, 1863, to pay tribute to the memory of Capt. E. C. D. 
 Lines, who was killed at the head of his squadron while leading a charge against 
 the enemy near Fort Smith, Arkansas, September 1st, 1863. There were present. 
 
33 
 
 Lieut. Col. Owen A. Bassett, Maj. Julius G. Pisk, Capt. Hugh Cameron, Lieut. 
 John Johnston, Lieut. Elias S. Storer, Lieut. J. Carey French, Lieut. Barnett B 
 Mitchell, Lieut. John B. Dexter, Lieut. Samuel K. Cross. There were also present, 
 by invitation, the following officers of the 2d Indiana Battery: Capt. John "W. 
 Rabb, Lieut. Hugh Espey, Lieut. James S. Whicher, they having been with that 
 Battery during the last year, serving with the 2d Kansas Cavalry. 
 
 Lieut. J. Carey French was elected to act as Secretarj^, and a committee was 
 selected to report resolutions. The following were adopted: 
 
 Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in his wisdom, to remove from our 
 midst, our much esteemed and beloved brother officer, Capt. Edward C. D. Lines, 
 "C." Co. 2d Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, who died as he lived, brave, true, kind 
 and generous ; an accomplished gentleman and honorable soldier, whose bearing, 
 during his long service, has secured the love and esteem of all his brother 
 officers; Therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That while we mourn the loss of our departed friend, we feel conscious 
 that his death was that of a true patriot and good soldier, falling as he did, with 
 "his back to the field and feet to the foe." 
 
 That dying, as he has lived, faithful in the discharge of his duties, wo can proudly 
 point to his example as the pattern of private and official worth and excellence. 
 
 That we tender to the afflicted wife and parents of the deceased, our heartfelt 
 sympathies in this, their severe affliction, fully realizing that deeply as we may 
 feel our loss, they mourn a husband and son. 
 
 The Secretary was directed to furnish these proceedings to the relatives of the 
 deceased, and for publication in the " Topeka Tribune" and " New Haven Palla- 
 dium." 
 
 J. CAREY FRENCH, Secretary. 
 
 Leavenworth, Kansas, 
 
 November 11th, 1861. 
 
 Testimonials found among the papers of Captain Lines. 
 Head-Quarters, 2d Regiment, Kansas Volunteers. 
 
 The bearer of this, Lieut. E. C. D. Lines, has been an officer in our Regiment 
 ever since its organization, and participated in the battles of Forsyth, Dug Springs, 
 and Springfield, in all of which he displayed the most admirable coolness and 
 courage. At Springfield, he was acting Adjutant of the Regiment, and exhibited 
 the most absolute and utter disregard of danger in the discharge of the manifold 
 duties of his position, riding about in the storm of round shot, rifle balls and shell, 
 with the same coolness and self-possession which characterized his conduct on 
 parade or drill. 
 
 He is now detached on Recruiting service, and it gives us both pride and 
 pleasure to bear testimony to his worth as a man, and his gallantry as a soldier. 
 
 RoBT. B. Mitchell, Colonel. 
 
 CiiAS. "W. Blair, Lieut. Colonel. 
 
 W. F. Cloud, Major. 
 
34 
 
 Head-Quaeters, 30th Brigade, Army of the Ohio. 
 
 In Camp near Crab Orchard, Ky., ) 
 October ISth, 18G2. J 
 My Dear Sir. 
 
 You are about to leave this command for duty in another field of military opera- 
 tions. My best wishes go with you. As one of the staff of Brig. Gen. Mitchell, 
 you have won from this entire Division the golden opinion which your anxious 
 care to do your whole duty deserved, and you will ever be remembered by all as a 
 brave, capable and faithful officer. I trust you will soon be awarded a rank in 
 which you will have greater opportunity for the exercise of the military ability 
 which you possess. I know that you will acquit yourself well in any position to 
 which you may be assigned, and that the reputation which you have already won 
 in camp and on our severe marches, as well as on the battle field, will never be 
 sullied by any act unbecoming the gallant and accomplished officer. With the 
 most heartfelt wishes for your future success, I have the honor to be, 
 Very respectfully, your obt. servt., P. S. P. 
 
 Col. Comdg. 30th Brig., Army of the Ohio. 
 To Lieut. E. C. D. Lines, 
 
 Staff of Gen. Mitchell, 9th Division, Army of the Ohio. 
 
.f«l 
 
 Bbr8r^5^ongress 
 
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