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Among the many brave young men who stepped forward at the first call to defend our Government, was the subject of this sketch. He was a native of the city of Albany, and after having received his education in our first schools, he entered upon the study of the law.
His talents and earnest application won for him the high commendation of his professors, and his scholarship and urbane manners made him a favorite and chosen friend among his fellows.
Having completed the prescribed course, he graduated with honor, and immediately began the practice of the law in the office of the District Attorney, in the city of Albany.
He remained thus for some length of time, until a more promising position was offered to him in the western part of the State, which he accepted. He was here, surrounded by the new duties and responsibilities of his profession, when the rebellion broke out.
The history of that time shows a spirit of self-denial and sacrifice unequaled. The exigency called for the noblest and best, and they were given. What a gift it was can only be known to those in whose hearts it has left an aching record.
Mr. Morgan entered the army as First Lieutenant of Company G, Eighteenth New York Volunteers, Col. William A. Jackson. The regiment engaged in active service immediately, and, at the disastrous retreat of Bull Run, suffered considerably, as a greater portion of it was composed of young men, unused to hardship.
The fatigues and exposures of that time made serious inroads upon the health of Lieut. Morgan. At the termination of this Campaign he suffered a severe attack of inflammatory rheumatism, and was obliged to resign. A promotion and furlough were offered to him, but as the state of his health would render him unfit for service for some length of time, he chose to resign. Two years later found him again in the field. His regiment (Seventh New York Artillery, Fourth Brigade, First Division, Second Corps, Gen. Hancock) was ordered to the front, and there experienced some of the most trying service of the war. Out of seventeen hundred men, composing that regiment, who left Washington for the front, only a mere handful remained at the expiration of their term of enlistment. Toil, suflering and death had done their perfect work, and among those to whom this martyrdom was decreed was our young soldier.
He was taken a prisoner of war at the battle of Ream's Station, 25th August, 1864. Out of his company, but one Sergeant and six men were left.
This disaster was not known to his family and friends for many weeks. After having exhausted every means in their power to ascertain his fate, the terrible fact was at last discovered.
Death in the field; in a hospital; anywhere, would have been merciful compared with this. The treatment that he received is too horrilile to relate. His mother and sisters can not speak of it without tears. He was removed from Libby prison to Salisbury, N. C, a change for the worse, if such can be conceived. Here his martyrdom was completed by the incarnate fiends who had him in charge, and he died, a prisoner of war, on the 21st of November, 1864.
More than ordinarily gentle and refined in his manners, he was yet possessed of great firmness and courage, and many acts of personal daring and bravery are known that reflect credit upon him as a soldier.
With high toned morals, talents and cultivation of no common order, a career of honor and usefulness was open to him in civil life. His patriotism and sense of duty forbade him to pursue this when his country demanded his services in the field.
As a son and brother, he endeared his home circle to him by his genial virtues and manly worth. The memory of his ever generous and affectionate qualities is fondly treasured in the hearts of those who loved him best.
His loss has brought a weariness of sorrow to them that will not pass away. Many such homes there are in the land, but "every heart knoweth its own bitterness."
