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The subject of this sketch was the son of Thomas and Nancy Lewis, and was born August 4, 1844. He received a Christian education, and was distinguished for his excellent moral character and for the good influence that he exerted over others.
He enlisted October 14, 1861, and was connected with company F, Thiid New York Regiment. He served his country with great faithfulness and bravery, until July 17, 1863, when he died of typhoid fever in Hampton Hospital, Virginia.
The following resolutions and letter, give us a view of his character and services:
At a meeting of the members of F Company, Third Regiment Infantry New York Volunteers, held at Camp Alford, near Portsmouth, Virginia, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
THOMAS C. FLYNN,
Richard V. Lewis, Secy.
During our expedition, when we were encamped at Yorktown, I first noticed the illness of your son, and urged him, in strong terms, to go back in company with others who were sent at that time. But his courage was greater than his strength, and consequently he accompanied his company as far as the White House, when the Doctor found it absolutely necessary to dispose of his case at once. I regret that, being on the march, it was impossible for me to do more for him in person. As it was, I saw him placed under the care of a skillful physician at the earliest possible moment.
So far as his pay now due is concerned, I will draw it myself, if possible, and send it to you by express. If the Paymaster refuses to put me in charge of it, I will acquaint you at once with the proper means of obtaining it yourself. All his effects will be forwardecl to you at once, if such is your desire.
And now, my dear Madam, though the consolation offered by strangers may be, to a mother's wounded heart, but small indeed, yet be assured that there are many here who share with you this deep grief. For myself, I can say that during my association with him as a private soldier, I found him a firm friend and an honorable man, and that I mourn his loss the more because so few have so successfully resisted the contaminating influences of a military life.
Should you find it necessary to ask any items of information, my address, for the present, is: Camp Alford, near Portsmouth, Va.
Very respectfully, &c., F. A. SMITH,
Mrs. Nancy Lewis.
Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe to remove, by the hand of death, our esteemed and beloved comrade, Corporal Aloxzo E. Lewis, and,
Whereas, We have always found him, during his stay with us, a sincere friend and true patriot, as well as a brave and gallant soldier, therefore,
Resolved, That, in the death of Corporal Alonzo E. Lewis, we are called upon to sustain the loss of a dear friend and brother soldier; one who has always commanded our admiration for his abilities and integrity as a soldier, and our esteem as a gentleman, for the uniform courtesy which marked his intercourse with all.
Resolved, That, while we deeply deplore his early death, we sympathize sincerely with his bereaved family and we shall long cherish the fond recollection of his many acts of kindness when living.
Resolved, That, as soon as practicable, we, as a company, will endeavor to have his remains sent to his family, that they may inter them by the side of those loved ones who have gone before him.
Resolved, That the above preamble and resolutions be published in the "Albany Evening Jonrnal" and "Albany Times," and that a copy be transmitted to the family of the deceased.
JAMES MCCAFFREY,
O. H. VAN VALEN,
W. H. H. KEARNS
Camp Alford, Va., July 26, 1863
Dear Madam—As commanding officer of F Company, Second Infantry New York Volunteers, with which your son, Corporal Alonzo E. Lewis, was connected, I trust you will allow me to bear testimony to his amiability, gentlemanly manners, and high toned principles as a man; to his faithfnlnsss, constant attention to duty, and obedience as a soldier; and to offer, with his comrades, my sincere sympathy in this time of your sudden and severe bereavement.
2d Lieut. Com'd'g F Co., 2d N. Y. V.
