OBITUARY.
———
ALBERT WALTER JAMES.
Albert Walter James died at the Soldiers' Home, Bath, N.Y., Saturday,
November 26, 1904, aged 59 years and 2 months. He is survived by two brothers,
William and Henry, and by one nephew, John Henry Withey, the son of a deceased
sister. Services were held at the rooms of Hall & Stackus, in Skaneateles,
N.Y., on the 28th day of November. Interment in Lake View Cemetery.
Albert Walter James was the youngest son of the late Henry James and
Harriet his wife. He was born September 18, 1845, at Clintonville, in the
southern part of the town of Marcellus, where he resided. When a few months past
16 years of age he enlisted in Co. F, 3d N.Y. Light Artillery, and in March
following he, with his regiment, was sent to the front. In April, 1862, he
contracted camp fever, by reason of which on May 8th, following, he was
discharged from the army and sent home. He suffered a long and dangerous
illness, but under the tender and careful nursing of his mother and the
skill of the late Dr. Parsons, he fully recovered his health, and with his
recovery came an earnest and determined desire to re-enlist, and on
November 25, 1862, he joined Co. A, 12th N.Y. Cavalry, and remained
in active service until he was mustered out, July 19, 1865. For
nearly three years this regiment was stationed at and near Newbern, N.C.,
and became noted for its brave and fighting qualities, and met and defeated
the redoubtable rebel General Wheeler. In recognition of his soldierly
qualities he was made orderly sergeant of his company, and subsequently
became aid upon the staff of Major-General Couch.
Early in 1865 this regiment was placed under Major-General Kilpatrick's
command, and for gallant services rendered during the closing months of the
war, was permitted to be present at the memorable surrender of Major-General
Johnson and his army to Major-General Sherman at Raleigh, N.C., April 25, 1865.
From the time of his last enlistment until he was mustered out he was constantly
at the front and in active service, and never asked for or received a furlough.
Entering the army at the age of 16, and in continual service until he was
mustered out at the close of the Rebellion at the age of 20, he saw, and was engaged
in, greater events, for one so young, than few have experienced. He never complained
of the service or found fault with his superiors, but with an intense feeling of
loyalty to his country he fought on until the final victory. Of his personal
experiences in the army, or of his achievements, successes and reverses, he was
reluctant and diffident to speak, but with a warm and loyal heart he loved to talk
of the comrades with whom he served and his superiors in command; and with quivering
lip he often spoke of those whom he lived to see pass their last muster. Five years ago
heart trouble developed and this and a fractured ankle received a short time previously,
led him to enter the Soldiers' Home at Bath, where he remained until his decease.
During those last years of his life he developed a great fondness for poems of a
pathetic and religious character, numerous selections of which he sent to the writer,
sometimes accompanied with his comments, but oftener referred to by him as expressing
his feelings, and in this manner showing his finer and nobler traits of character
during the closing years of his life.
No more will the bugle's shrill notes
Command him again "to saddle,"
Or wake him from his peaceful sleep—
Fight again his country's battles.
Long years ago were his battles
O'er with the soldier of the Gray;
This brave old soldier of the Blue
We here have laid to rest to-day.
For time has called another comrade
From those whose ranks are thinning fast,
And soon, too soon, will come the day
They'll all be numbered with the past.
By the side of her who bore him,
To him whose heart was ever true,
We've laid at rest her youngest boy
This brave old soldier of the Blue.
The long, low roll of the muffled drum,
As on they go to the grave,
The story tells of brave young hearts
Their life blood gave the Nation t'save.
So rest in peace in Lake View green,
'Mid silent homes of comrades gone,
From Sentry hear the counter-sign,
"Abide with me! thy work is done."
November 28, 1904 W.
