Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-09-27
Death of Brig. Gen. L. o,B. Branch.

Death of Brig. Gen. L. o'B. Branch.
We had barely space to announce in our last, the
confirmation of the melancholy tdings of the fall
of Gen. Branch in the battle at Sharpsburg Md.
That confirmation imposes on US melancholy duty.
LAWRENCE O'BRIEN BRANCH was born in the
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 1s49, when he returned to his ma
tive State having several years previously married
the accomplished daughter of Gen. VIM. A. Blount,
of Beaufort County.
He practiced law for several years in Florida
Soon after his return to this State he was appointed
by Gov. Manly a 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 1866 he was elected to the House of Represen-
tatives from this Dstrict-was reelected in 1857
and 1859, and with the lamented MILLER, was a
candidate IN 1861 for reelection, but withdrew
(both 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 a private in the Raj
eigh RiAes-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.
Our readers aware that we objected at the
time to his appointment as a 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 partality for the
man seemed to neutralize their devotion to the true
interests of the State. Nothing but sense of pub
lie duty to the 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, have no just cause since to change our
opinion. OF Gen. Branch's energy of character,
and his purpose to do his whole duty as far as he
capable, we never doubted.
Soon after the fall of Newbern, his brigade was
re-organized. better brigade, perhaps, does not
the "Stonewall" brigade With such officers to
command his regiments as the lamented Campbell,
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 assduously, no
doubt applied himself to the details of duty as well
as to the higher branches of military knowledge,
and with his noble brigade, was rapidly achieving
an enviable fame.
At the battle of Hanover Co. Ho., Va, his bri
gade suffered severely yet undsunted and unfinch-
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 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
At meeting of the citizens, suitable arrange
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 received the body at the Depot and
moved in procession to the Rotunda of the Capitol
where it was deposited for the night. large
course attended the funeral from the Capitol 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 fellow citizens and with military
honors.