The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-02-10

COL. THOMPSON.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Ramsay Tbotnp-
SON. who was killed in an engagement with the
Indians, on the 25h Of December last, az Charlotte
Harbour, Florida, was the son OF Alexander Thomp-
son of New York who served with reputation in
the Revolutionary War, as Lieutenant Of Artillery.
His mother was a daughter Of DIR. De Hart, "
iz-be,htown, New Jersey. he the United
States Military Academy at The early age o fifteen.
Before he completed bis studies al that institution,
the war Of 1919 broke out, and he received Lieu
tenants commission In the oh Regiment OF Infantry,
and before the termination OF thai struggle he was
promoted TO Captsincy IN the same corps He was
retained in the army al the close OF the war and 10
1915 was appointment tirS Captain OF Light In
iantry In the 2d Regiment, rnder the command Of
ColoIe (now GENERALLY Hugh Brady. In lS25 he
was breveed, for long service, TO majority. In
I 1888 he was promoted to the 9th Regiment Of In
fan,ry and finally received his promotion Of Lien
tenant Colonel Ia that Regiment. Colonel Thomp-
son served at Sacketi's Harbour Fort Niagara and
Paisbutgh as we'll as in various stations OF the West
and North West He commanded at Macknaw-
was stationed on the MssiSSippi-sery during the
war with Black Hawk, as also under Gen. Gaines
on the S.bine-and closed his honorable career in
Florida at the age OF forty-fye Being trained 10
arms from his youth, he was strict discipnarian;
vet whilst he required his men 10 be prompt, he also
aided and facilitated them in their duties. He pre-
sened TO the Junior officers apaitern worthy OF mita
tion and succeeded by merit in Obtaining their
spect and esteem The Christian lnelligencer, from
which are compiled the above facts, thus speaks Of
Colonel Thompson:
"But not only was Col. Thompson an intelligent,
es,imsbe, and patriotic citizen, and gallant and
accomplished officer; that which gives TO his cha
racter its highest worth, and affords solace 10
the hearts which deeply mourn his departure is that
he was soldier Of The er0Ssa Chriaiaai sincere,
exemplary and devoted in his whole department
maniieSng habiiuay the sottening aud purifying
influence Of the religion thai is from above,
In his religious character there was nothing
equivocal. After much and careful consideration,
and greatly Weakened feeling and feryeni prayer in
March, 1924 he united himself with The Collegiate
Church in the city Of New York. His deep humi-
lily, his dociy, The oyerpowering sense of gratitude
10 that Being who had preserved him in 50 many
pers whilst eStranged from his service, and at last
had called him 10 the fellowship Of his grace, and
the hope of glory manifested that occasion, LEFT
an impression on the minds Of those with whom he
most intimately communed, not TO be forgotten.
.The energy of Col Thompsons character was
soon seen 10 pervade his rel ion. What he did he
did heartily He loved the Saviour, his ordinances,
and his Church. AS long as be was permitted 10
remain in Christian society, opportunity or means
Of spual Improvement aud growth in grace was
neglected. Never was his place vacant in the
tuary, or the prayer meetings"
q How sleeps the brave who sink 10 rest
With all their country's wishes blest
BY fairy hands their knel is rung,
BY forms their dirge is sung;
Their honor stands, pilgrim gray
To bless the turf that wraps their clay,
And freedom shall awhile repair
To dwell weeping hermit there"
National Casene