Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-08-16

Death o. Sergeant O. 2, EOsFieF.
Among the bravest and best Of the heroes
Of the Seventh Ohio, was G. P. Bowler, os
Company c., a prOmlsing and talented
member Of the Senior Class of Oberlin
College, he left his studies at the call Of
his country, and marched in the ranks to
tho bloody fields Of Cross Lanes, Winohes-
ter and Cedar Mountain. Honest, upright
faithful and brave, he never shirked duty
nor faltered when danger was nerr. He
was regular correspondent Of the Leader,
and it was only yesterday that we publish
ed an interesting letter written by him the
day before what proved to be his last bat
tic. In that he described the review Of
Gen. Banks corps, the farewell Of General
Tyler, and the prospects Of another battle
In view Of the death that came to him ere
another day had closed over him, the last
paragraph of that letter will be re-read
wit h a mournful and yet joyful interest. He
wrote
"While perhaps some who left their homes
with their names on the rolls Of Christs
church, have forgotten their oathan their
allegiance to His government, allsuch have
not. There are some, many, l believe, who
are even stronger in faith, and some who
while fighting rebellion in this government,
have found themselves rebels against Gods s
pure, perfect government, and havereturn-
ed to their allegiance. Occasionally, as
opportunity presents, Company G. holds
evening prayer meetings. One Of interest
was held last night in mess No. g."
This was his last letter, and who Of all
the soldiers Of the army, would desire a
nobler sentiment to be preserved by living
friends as their farewell words. he lived
and died Christian man and soldier.
Mr.. Bowler was designing to enter the
ministry at the close Of his studies. He
was brother of n. P. and VIM. Bowler Of
this city, and has many acquaintances
here.
The following letter, written to Mr.. Wm.
Bowler by comrade Of Sergeant Bow
Ter, will he read with interest;
CULPEPPER, Va, Aug. 10.
Dsar Sir Being comrade and mess
mate of your brother Charles, it is a duty
as we'll as privilege to write you few
lines concerning our common affection.
The papers, before this reaches you, will
have told you Of the battle Of the 9th inst.
near this place In that engagement it
was necessary that a brigade Of tried men
should 90 out to meet a column coming
down like an avalanche upon our centre
and if possible hold them in check till our
left should change front andcome up to
our support. On the success of this move
ment depended the stability of the whole
column.
The Seventh Ohio led the advance
Over the brow Of the hill, down the slope,
lying for few moments on their faces
where the shells shrieked over their heads,
on they went, a little band but firm and
true to their trust.
The columns met and loud was the roar
of battle. Calamity did the Seventh hold
its ground though they were moved down
as grass.
There they stood till ordered back upon
their support just come up, but many came
not back. On the altar Of his country
Charley sacrificed his life teshfylng IN
words, written in blood, his devotion to
the cause which he had espoused. A chris
tian soldier he lived; Christian soldier
he died. ball struck him in the breast,
he fell back, threw his armsout to their
utmost extent, struggled terribly but brief
IL with death and his pure spirit had gone
TO meet its God.
We svmpathize with you in this terrible
trial. We have learned long ago to love
and esteem as a brother our brave soldier
comrade.
As the rebels hold the ground on which
the decisive struggle took place yesterday,
we have not had an opportunity to seek
out and bury the body Of Charles.
Any inquiries addressed to me will re-
ceive prompt reply.
Yours respectfully,
6. F. GRABILI.