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Charles Goldstone Latham, of the Second Regiment of U. S. Cavalry, was born September 20th, 1836, at Mystic, Conn. He was the second son of Jasper and Jane M. Latham, both of whom preceded him to the Heavenly world.
Charles had the benefit of an early and thorough Christian education, and was carefully trained to discharge every duty.
He acquired with rapidity the rudiments of knowledge, and early developed marked intellectual ability. After attending several schools, he enjoyed the instruction of the Hon. John W. Buckley, now superintendent of the public schools of Brooklyn.
Mr. B. often remarked to visitors at his school, after they had witnessed young Latham's proficiency, " That lad is the smartest scholar I have; at the same time he gives me the most trouble. Would he study as hard as some do, he would become a prodigy." Charles was very fond of reading history, works of romance, and the writings of Shakespeare and Dickens. The two latter authors were his favorites; such was his memory that he could repeat correctly whole pages, and present the characters that they delineate, with wonderful minuteness and accuracy.
He early became connected with the newspaper press of Albany, and his first writings were made public through the "Evening Transcript," of which paper he was local editor. To the ordinary items of city news, he was able to give great freshness and attractiveness, by the ease and vigor of his style.
He was subsequently connected with the "Albany Morning Times " and "Evening Statesman," and to both those journals was a most valuable adjunct.
When of the required age, he joined the Albany Burgesses Corps and was still on the company rolls at the time of his death. It is manifest that the schooling he received while a member of this company, prompted the early desire he exhibited, that the Corps should go to the defence of the National Capital, when the threats of the hostile south were developed by an attempted march upon Washington. He was one among the first to affix his name to the roll of volunteers, and "was, his officers freely admit, ever prompt, zealous and unflinching when danger was the most imminent.
Returning with the Twenty-fifth Regiment New York State Militia, after being relieved from the defences of Washington, and after building that model fort, Fort Albany, he remained unsettled in his purposes. He had had a taste of military life, and though not physically constituted to withstand exposure and fatigue, still he entered the regular service, by enlisting on the 18th of November, 1862, at Boston, Mass., in the Second United States Cavahy, having previously refused a commission in the volunteer service. His intelligence and excellent chirography induced his retention at that post, where his clerical services made him a valuable acquisition to the ofiicer in charge. But many months after, when a change in the commander of the post was made, he was transferred to Carlisle barracks, Pennsylvania. There he was almost immediately created post clerk. But while discharging the duties of that office he was taken sick, with that scourge of all armies, "camp fever."
It was while on his sick bed, that a grand division of the Southern army, by a most strategic feint, made the attempt to enter Pennsylvania and capture Harrisburg. General Hooker had just been relieved, and General Meade placed in command. The southerners, believing that he would be found inadequate to the post assigned to him, availed themselves of the opportunity to attempt a surprise.
How the battle of Gettysburg, fought July 4th, 1863, resulted is known to all, but it was found necessary to vacate Carlisle Barracks and move on to Camp Curtin. Young Latham was placed in a rumbling ambulance, which was hastened over the roads, with all the speed of an army in retreat, to Camp Curtin.
The exposure and exertion were too much for his enfeebled energies, and that journey proved to be his journey to the grave. On the 4th of July, 1863, he was buried with military honors at Camp Curtin; but a brother's love for a dear and only brother, induced the exhumation of his remains, and they were brought to this city, and now lie beneath the green sward of our own beautiful cemetery. The Albany Burgesses Corps, and very many citizens, paid funeral respect to the memory of the gallant young Latham.
The press of the city paid feeling tributes to the memory of the deceased. The following, from the " Morning Express," is indicative of the esteem and high regard in which he was held by his contemporaries:
"We yesterday morning briefly announced the death of Chas. G. Latham, at Camp Curtin, Pa. The intelligence received here Sunday afternoon, cast a deep gloom over a large circle of warm friends and intimate acquaintances. The deceased, before entering the army, was connected with the newspaper fraternity as local reporter, in which capacity he had gained considerable distinction among his associates. He possessed rare natural ability, and was gifted with a fine power of appreciation, blended with keen wit and satire.
"His first efforts as local editor were published in the 'Evening Transcript,' and those who remember them, will bear witness to their terseness and power to interest. Subsequently he was engaged in the same capacity on other daily journals, to all of which he imparted an interest that made their daily issues acceptable and readable.
"He was truly a noble hearted fellow, firm in his attachments to his friends, and devoted to the interests of his employers. He was a young man of true genius, and some of his writings, we now remember, as sparkled with bright gems of thought and
sentiment.
"His death is a sad blow to his brother and his family, who will have the heartfelt sympathy of all who knew and loved him."
As an evidence of the esteem in which he was held by his comrades in camp, we append the letter of Chaplain Ross, U. S. A
to Mr. George E. Latham, brother of deceased:
Harrisburg, July 7, 1863
Mr. Latham:
When he was well I conversed with him frequently, and during his sickness I visited him often, and talked and prayed for him. He was sane a part of the time, and knew he would not live. The last call I made he was flighty at times; still, he knew me, and called me by name. I asked him to confide in Jesus Christ, and meet me in a better home, to which he assented, and shook
my hand heartily.
I hope he is better off. I enclose all his letters that have been put in my possession. Any information or anything you may wish me to do, I shall do freely. Wishing you and yours all good blessings,
J. A. ROSS, "Chaplain U. S. A.
While the Twenty-fifth Regiment was absent from Albany, Corp. Latham was the historian of their doings. We give one of his graphic letters, published in the "Albany Morning Times:"
Park Barracks, New York, 31ay 2, 1861
Dear Times—I have only time to write you a line or two, but I know that anything from the boys who have "gone to the wars" from old Albany, will be acceptable to your readers.
We have been quartered here since our arrival, and although we don't get our china or fancy dishes, we get first rate, substantial, well cooked rations, good enough for us "or any other man."
So far there is no sign of ill health among us, and all are anxious to do something for the cause in which we are enlisted. You know before we left, that hundreds of good fellows, eager to serve their country, wished to join us, but a lack of uniforms prevented us from taking them.
It has been just so here: splendid fellows who have been attracted by the appearance of the company, and their complete outfit, have applied to go with us, but, of course, we were obliged to refuse them.
As an evidence of the feeling we create, I will mention one instance: Yesterday morning, a young man, formerly a resident of Albany, and a member of the corps, appeared as the company was drawn up in line, in front of the Astor House, and offered any man in the company, two hundred dollars if he would give up his uniform to him. Not a man responded, showing that we have those who mean business, and leave their homes for the defence of their country and not to "play the soldier."
We have had scores of our Albany friends here with us since our arrival. "Lem" Rogers and others of No. 8 Engine, have been among the most constant to us, and there is not a man in our company wdio has not experienced their generous and untiring exertions to make everything as pleasant as possible. They left this afternoon, escorted to the cars by a section, and as the train moved only the most cordial and affectionate farewells were exchanged. Tears fell like rain, and hands were wrung at parting, and (but it's no use, soldiers are men you know and oft times are as children) no man can say, that it is any discredit for a stalwart man to shed a tear on occasions of this kind. It is an evidence that he has a heart within him, and that it is in the right place.
New Yorkers, too, have been among us, and fairly overwhelmed us with attentions. It may not be out of place to mention that Charles Stetson, Esq., of the Astor House, remarked as we marched up Broadway, after our arrival, that we were the finest appearing and best equipped body of men that he had seen since the war excitement began. Mr. Stetson is a military man, and has had an opportunity of seeing all the troops here, and such an expression from him may be considered as quite a "feather in our cap." As I write, our boys crowd around me, and wish to let their friends know that they are all well and in good spirits.
At six o'clock this evening we were drawn up in line, and our Orderly announced that we were to leave to-morrow, at noon, in the splendid frigate "Niagara," for Washington. The announcement was greeted with a hearty Albany cheer, that made the barracks ring again. We are all anxious to go and prove that we have enlisted for something more than fun.
I am compelled to stop for the present, but whenever an opportunity occurs, you shall hear from the
CORPORAL.
Dear Sir—I was very sorry I did not get to see you when on your errand of love and sorrow. I knew your brother well, and loved him much. He was quiet, sober and thoughtful. I never knew him to be in bad company, but I do know he shunned all
such.
I am, truly yours,
