Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-10-01
Death Of Brig. Gen. L. OBJ. Branch.

DEATH Of Brig. Gen. L. OBJ. Branch.
we mad barely space to announce in our last, the
continuation OF the melancholy tidings of the fall
OF 1en' Branch in the battle at Sharpsburg Nd.
inat confirmation imposes on us melancholy duty.
LAWRENCE OBRIEN BRANCH was born in tho
County Of Halifax, in this State, and emigrated
when boy to Tennessee. He was educated at
Princeton, n j., and settled in Florida, where he
remained until lS49, when he returned to his ma
tive State having several years previously married
the accomplished daughter of Gen. VIM. A. Blount,
Of Beaufort County
lie practiced law for several years in Florida.
Soon after his return to this State he was appointed
ey dov Manly member of the Literary Board.
In the course of year or two he was elected by
the Directors President of the Raleigh and CASTOR
Railroad Company, whose affairs he conducted with
much ability and success
In 1855 he was elected to the House Of Represen-
tatives from this District-was reelected in 1857
and 1859, and with the lamented MILLER, was a
candidate IN 1861 for reelection, but withdrew
(ooth of them) as soon as Lincoln's proclamation
appeared, and struck for separation from the old
government, without regard to consequences. He
subsequently volunteered as private in the Raj
eigh Ri6es-was appointed Quartermaster General
of the State, then Colonel of the SD North Caro-.
lima regiment then Brigadier General in which ca
pacity he lost his life in the battle of Sharpsburg
on Wednesday, the 18th inst, ball having pierced
his head, expiring in short period in the arms of
friend.
hat nhi fcd fho
time to his appointment as Brigadier General to
so important and hazardous post as Newbern, in
experienced as he was; which brought down upon
US the ire of his friends, whose partiality for the
man seemed to neutralze their devotion to the true
interests of the State. Nothing but sense of pub
lie duty to tho State at the time, prompted US to
take position, which we knew must be unpleasant
to many friends 1t is, however, due to ourself to
say, we have seen no just cause since to change
opinion. Of Gen. Branchs energy of character,
and his purpose to do his whole duty as far IS he
was capable, we never doubted.
Soon after the fall of Newbern, his brigade was
re-organized. better brigade, perhaps, does not
belong to the Confederate army, if we may except
the "Stonewall" brigade. With such officers to
and Lee, and Lane, and others, and with as true
and gallant body of men ever charged bayo-
net it could not be otherwise. He assiduously, no
doubt applied himself to the details Of duty, we'll
as to the higher branches of military knowledge,
and with his noble brigade, was rapidly achieving
an envable fame
At the battle of Hanover Co. Ho, Va, his bri-
gade suffered severely, yet undaunted and unainch
ing it bore noble part in the subsequent battles Of
Richmond and Manassas. At the battle of Sharps-
burg it sustained its high reputation, Gen. Branch
falling in the heat Of battle His death will be
deeply and widely de2lored. The fall Of the hum
blest private in the ranks of our noble soldiers
sends sorrow to the heart of every true North
Carolinian but when one occupying the position of
leader like Gen. Branch falls, its effects more
widely felt To his interesting family the blow is
stunning; but we trust they will not only find
sympathy from large circle of friends, but from
Him who has said 81 will be father to the father
less and husband to the widow" He falls in just
cause, and leaves reputation of which his family
and friends may justly be proud.
I At meeting of the citizens, suitable arrange
3 ments were made for the reception of his remains
They arrived from Weldon about five o'clock, on
Thursday evening, in charge Of Maj. Engelhard.
The committee and the large crowd of citizens and
the military recsived the body at the Depot and
moved in procession to the Rotunda of the Capitol
where it was deposited for the night A large con-
course attended the funeral from the Capitol on Fri
day morning, and the mortal remains of Brig Gen.
L. OBJ. Branch were laid in their last resting place.
in the city cemetery, with every demonstration of
respect from his felow.citizens, and with military
8 honors.