Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-10-31
For the worcester Daily Spy.

Lieutenant d. William Circuit
In the list of killed at the battle of Balls
Bluff is the name of the young officer at the
head Of this article. He was the only son of
Jonathan Grout Esq, and was born in this
city in 1913. 1t seems but as yesterday that
he moved among US, shy and unassuming
boy, beloved by his associates, and Familiarity
known as Willie Grout. He early eyinced
love for military pursuits, and when only five
years old said to his teacher, when asked what
he would like to be when man, 81 want to
be Zachary Taylor" When leaving home,
few years since, to enter Phillips Academy, he
took with him drum, as a companion for his
hours of recreation For two or three years
past his mind has been in a state of unrest on
account Of his inability to decide upon pro-
tesson for liie,-nothing proposed seeming to
meet the demands of his nature; and it was
not until he entered the Highland School in
this city that he found, in the military depart
ment, especially, his tastes gratified. He be-
came a member of the Highland Cadets, and
for a year or more was captain of the compa
ny. When war was declared lie expressed a
wish at once to enter the army, but his pa.
rents withheld their consent, chiefly on &C
count of his youth. When, however, they
yielded 10 his opportunities, his Joy knew no
bounds, and with all the ardor OF his nature, lie
engaged in tile work of preparation for his
new calling. He slept on the floor of his
chamber, in order to inure himself to the
hardships Of the camp. His knowledge Of
military tactics was such, that his services as
drill officer, were in constant demand
and in this capacity he passed many pleasant
hours the past summer, with the young men
of this city and vicinity. When the Massachu-
sets fifteenth regiment was organized, he re-
ceived the commission of second lieutenant
of company Dan honor rarely bestowed
upon SO young person. He was very popu.
lar in his company, and in the regiment gen
orally. His numerous friends who saw him
in camp, will recall his manly form, the Grim
son glow OF health that lnantled his cheeks
and his fine military bearing, all combining to
make him "every inch a soldier" To one who
took his hand, the day of the departure of his
regiment, remarking, 81 hope there will be no
fighting" he replied, "If there is to be any
want to be there" And he was there and
nobly did he discharge his duty. It was OBJ
served that he displayed great GOODNESS and
bravery and in one instance, at least, his
right arm did signal execution. When all
hope had fed, and the day was evidently lost,
and the order to retreat given, he knew that
he and his associates had done all that men
could do, and that Massachusetts had reason
to be proud of the conduct of her sons, on
that dreadful field Of blood and carnage Alas,
that even then his work was done, and his
warfare finished
lie had gained the middle of the stream,
and would soon have reached the opposite
bank, when a fatal shot pierced him, and he
exclaimed, "Tcll company d l could have
reached the shore, but | am shot-I must
sink - and as the waters closed over him, the
spirit took its flight, to be forever free from
the throes and conflicts of earth.
When his death was announced, Col. Dew
ems remarked, with deep emotion, Dear little
fellow, he came to me at the close of the bat
tie and said, Colonel is there anything more
that can do for you g 1 replied, nothing, but