Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-08-16
COLONEL JAMES CAMERON.

This gallant officer, who died at the head Of
his regiment, the New York Scventy-ninth,
better known as the Caledonian or Cameron
regiment, on Sunday the 21st inst, was born
at Maytown, Lancaster county, Pa, and at the
time of bis death was about 60 years of age.
When that foe corps reached Washington they
had no Colonel. Their ranks were full and
their enthusiasm uubouuded. Learning that
Col. Cameron was in town, they offered him the
command, which, after some hesitation, be ae-
cepted, and was duly commissioned by the
President
The Cameron brothers have always been
conspicuous 10 The politics of Pennsylvania
Their parents were 10 straitened circumstances
and James, the youngest Of the four brothers,
was, iike them, thrown early upon the world,
and forced to take care of and educate him
self. The qualities that enabled their wido
owed mother to look after her children 10
youth have strengthened them in their many
contests with the world. OF the two surviving
brothers the eldest is William, one of the
noted capitalists of the State resident 10
Union county, and the next IN years the pres
ent Secretary of War.
James Cameron was married to tho dau gh-
ter of Mr. Lehman, of Lancaster, more than
twenty years ago. Always identified with the
politics of Pennsylvania from the year 1882,
he was like his brother Simon, The editor of
several leading newspapers. Both were prin-
ters. He also acted as the superintendent of
the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad, when
that improvement was uuder State manage
nent. Col. Cameron always belonged to the
Damnorafio
when bis sympathies were enlisted on the side
of the straight Douglas Democracy of Peun-
sYlVan,a, with whom be efficiently cosoperated
until the nomination of Mr.. Lincoln, whose
election he warmly supported. He was man
OF singular unselfshness of character. His
kindness and bis charity we're his prominent
attributes. de had charm 10 bis manner
that attracted a stranger TO him at once, and
III all his life, it may be truly said that be was
never guilty of a mean act He was ever a
tavorlte with the Irish citizens of Pennsyga-
MA: particularly with those who lived In and
about the town of Lancaster. Inherihng their
social nature, and proud of his connection with
them, he was never SO happy as 10 their COM
pany; and born in an old German settlement,
he may be said to have been equally a favor
ite OF the Germans. He was highly courage
Gus. Whatever he might have lacked 10 9th
er respects, be made up by bis natural, insllnc-
tive, and daring intrepidity. More than TWEEN
" years ago, in a contest with a newspaper
editor IN the town of Lancaster, while attempts
ing to enter his office, he was shot down, and
bis conduct, in what threatened TO be hls
death~bed, showed that he could meet the
dread destroyer without fear. After having
been elected Colonel of tho Senty.nlnth, be
took up bis quarters with the corps at George
town College, and soon secured their confidence
His brother, the Secretary of War. TOOK great
interest in the regiment, and although averse
to his acceptance of the command, on Re-
count of his age, did all in his power to en-
courage bin. But the natural vigor and in>
trepidity of Col. Cameron soon fitted him for
the arduous duties of bis new position. In
ness and gallantry. The effect Of passing
cannon ball threw biz horse upon his launch
es, when he dismounted, and, with joke,
said, 81 tbiuk bad better be among the foot>
men," But, ia the bloody battle of ManasS
as, he exposed his person, and chesred his
men at all points. A short time previous to
his death, be met citizen of Lancaster, Colo
mel Heistand, the editor of the Lancaster
Express and He,aLd, aud conYersed with him
freely, assuring bin that he intended to lead
his regiment and to come out of the fight with
honor, if his life should pay the forfeit. He
then disappeared; the order came from tho
commanding General directing the Seventy.
niCth TO s'forward!" and in a short time James
Cameron was numbered among the departed.-
He was struck at the same moment by two
balls, one 10 the stomach and the other in the
head, immediately after be had called out to his
command, "Seots, follow me-" He expired
almost without groan.