Part 2 (1/2)

Very soon after becoming a member of the Company, he was elected their standard-bearer. His strong desire to become familiar with all the rudiments, and to become perfect, not only in the school of the soldier, but also of the Company and Battalion, led him to devote but little time to the duties of his new office. So anxious was he to learn, that with the Tactics for his drill-master, and a borrowed gun for an a.s.sistant, he would by himself combine the theoretical with the practical. We say without fear of contradiction, that to-day a man more conversant with the theory and practice of the science of military, cannot be found.

The 28th of May, 1856, he was elected and commissioned second Lieutenant, which office he filled until August 25th, 1862, at which time he was elected Captain. As a commanding officer Captain Blood could not be excelled. The time he had so studiously devoted in the earlier part of his military career to this object, he now discovered was of great use to him. Combine with this knowledge his splendid voice and fine military carriage, he was an officer of which his men were at all times proud.

When the Company volunteered and were mustered into the United States service, Captain Blood accompanied them; and through his exertions they obtained a very desirable position in the 58th Regiment National Guard.

It was his chief and constant aim to see that his men were at all times comfortable, and to see that they, as United States soldiers, had all they were ent.i.tled to.

Very soon after joining the army, Captain Blood was detailed from his Company and commissioned one of the court-martial of the Department of New York, before which court was transacted a large amount of business.

The compliments that were bestowed upon Captain Blood as a member of this court, by the Division and Post Commanders, and by other members of the court, must, indeed, have been very flattering to him. In his decisions (not one of which were ever set aside or annulled) he was prompt and discriminating, always tempering his judgment with that amount of clemency which he considered was best for the Government he represented, and for the unfortunate delinquents who appeared before him.

Notwithstanding he was so much of the time separated from his command, still he endeavored to be in camp with them every night, and a large portion of the time messed with them.

Captain Blood, as every person knows who is acquainted with him, was a strictly conscientious man, and still he always enjoyed the sports and harmless amus.e.m.e.nts of his men in camp, and at all proper times and occasions would join with them. It is needless for us to say, that each member of his Company became very much attached to him, not one of which but would have sacrificed their all for his comfort.

His door was always open and he was at all times glad to see his men, and his tent was Company Head-Quarters _indeed_. It was the remark of very many officers and others who visited Elmira during encampment of this Company, that Captain Blood was the most accomplished officer, and commanded the best Company of men, that a.s.sisted in garrisoning that post during the war.

The Captain always attended the religious services of the Regiment, and by this means exerted a beneficial influence over his men. His example was always that of an uncompromising christian, as well as a good soldier and true patriot.

Immediately following the Elmira campaign, Captain Blood was elected and commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the 50th Regiment National Guard, and now holds that commission.

In this instance we see a private of Company A, by various promotions, reach the rank second in command of the Regiment, and undoubtedly in a short time will be in full command. No officer is more worthy the honor than Colonel Blood.

In civil life he is none the less honored, having filled public offices with equal success.

He has been not only a good soldier, a respected Lieutenant, honored Captain and esteemed Colonel, but is a citizen of the highest standing and respected by every one.

H. J. WILSON, Painter, enlisted January 1st, 1852. Mr. Wilson served his full time and received an honorable discharge as a soldier, but is still connected with the Regiment as a musician. It is the strong desire of every member of the Company, as well as of the Regiment, that his members.h.i.+p may be continued yet many years. Our excellent Band, without Wilson, would be like tinkling bra.s.s--of uncertain sound. The rich, full and expressive tones rendered by him on his powerful Tuba, fully prove him to be a musician of no ordinary talent.

JACOB SAGER, Clerk, enlisted January 1st, 1852. Was Company musician, which position he filled until his removal from the District. He was not only a good musician, but a gentleman.

CLARK WILSON, Machinist, enlisted January ----, 1852. Mr. Wilson was Company drummer for a time, but preferring a gun to a drum, took his place in the ranks; served some time; is now Chief Engineer on Seneca Lake.

HORACE ROOT, Brewer, enlisted March 17th, 1852. Mr. Root was always promptly on hand at the drills and meetings of the Company while a member. The record does not show how long he was connected with the Company; our recollection is some three years.

CALEB BABc.o.c.k, enlisted March 17th, 1852. His members.h.i.+p was short; very soon after becoming a member he left the place. He is now an officer on one of the New York and Liverpool Line of Steamers.

A. J. TERRY, Tobacconist, enlisted May 15th, 1852. Mr. Terry was a good member of the Company and a good citizen. He died a few years ago, after suffering the most excruciating torture of acute rheumatism.

JAMES C. MCCLUNE, Lawyer, enlisted June 3d, 1852. Mr. McClune always evinced the greatest interest in the welfare of the Company; he was one of its best workers, was a first-cla.s.s soldier, and was soon elected Corporal from which he was promoted to Sergeant, which office he held until November 29th, 1856, when he was removed by death. Upon receiving intelligence of his death a special meeting was called, when the following preamble and resolutions, offered by Lieut. King, were unanimously adopted:

”WHEREAS, The Supreme Ruler of the Universe has, in the exercise of His power and wisdom, seen fit to remove from our midst our esteemed friend and fellow soldier, Sergeant James C. McClune, therefore be it

_Resolved_, That we receive the sad bereavement as a mandate from Him who doeth all things well.

_Resolved_, That we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolence to the sorrowing family of the deceased, and we a.s.sure them that we will ever revere the memory of their son and brother.

RESOLVED, That as a mark of our respect for the character of our deceased comrade, we will attend his funeral, and escort his remains to their last resting place with military honors.

RESOLVED, That we wear the usual badge of mourning for the s.p.a.ce of six months.

RESOLVED, That a copy of these resolutions, signed by the Chairman and Secretary, be presented to the family of the deceased, and published in the village papers.