 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Roswell B. Corliss, Jr., was born at Albany, New York, June 26, 1844, and was the son of Roswell B. and Catharine Corliss. Shortly after the commencement of the rebellion, he showed an eager desire to enter the service of the United States, but his parents objected and advised him to remain at home, as his elder brother had already entered the army. He relinquished the idea of going for a time, but, as the struggle for national life increased, he again urged the need of his services, and his parents consented.
On the 22d of January, 1864, he enlisted in Company "C," Seventh Regiment Artillery N. Y. S. Volunteers, then on duty in the defences of Washington, District of Columbia. Soon after he reported to the regiment, it was ordered, in connection with the other artillery regiments, to join the Army of the Potomac, then upon the threshold of that memorable campaign that proved so destructive to our noble men.
He participated in the engagements of Harris' Farm, North Anna, Po River, Shelton House, Coal Harbor, and in front of Petersburg, June 16, 1864, when he, with a number of others, was taken prisoner by the enemy. They were conveyed to, and confined at Andersonville, Georgia. After being there a short time, he was taken sick, and no medical aid or care was given him except such as his comrades could render. He continually declined, and on September 5, 1864, his name was added to the list of fourteen thousand, who had died from exposure, suffering and misery, under the brutal inhumanity of the enemies of God and man. He was buried in the grave yard near the prison, in September, 1864. ln March, 1866, his remains were transferred to the Albany Rural Cemetery. For several weeks previous to his death, he was out of his mind, his insanity having been produced by the horrors of his situation.
The youth thus murdered by slow torture, was a kind and amiable boy, a dutiful son, and a regular attendant upon the public worship of God. He was also a brave soldier, and won the esteem and affection of all who knew him. His brother, S. P. Corliss, bears touching testimony to his strong affection, and purity and kindness of heart, and confides in the hope that Robert [sic] has reached those peaceful and blissful regions, where wars and rumors of wars are never known.
