The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-03-06
In Memoriam.


nal goes to it's readers, clothed in deep
mourning. Capt. LOUIS o. CowAS died at
his residence in this city, on Saturday even
ing last, February 2sth, at the age OF sc
years, months and 81 days.
During the entire time this paper has
been published, now over eighteen years,
Capt. Cowan has been its solo proprietor,
with the exception of about three years from
its commencement, when he was part pro-
prictor; and was its only editor till he enter
cd the military service Of his country, as a
captain in the LIST Maine Cavalry, q position
to which he was appointed, at the organiza.
ton Of that regiment.
While the regiment was quartered ut Au.
gusta. Capt. Cowan suffered quite severe
illness, from the effects Of which he had not
fully recovered when the regiment left the
State for active service in the field. He
however proceeded with it, and, with the ex.
ception of severe sickness at Washington,
was on duty all the time, till he left the
service.
But tho fatigues and exposures of SOL
dier's life, while engaged in active service,
gradually undermined his health. Still,
urged on by the most indomitable will and
energy. and the consciousness that he was en-
gagged in q cause that demands the greatest
sacrifices, he remained at his post Of duty,
till in the performance Of his last service,
he was unable to mount and dismount his
horse without assistance. Finding that his
health was such that ho cdGld no longer at.
tend to the duties Of his command, he re-
signed his commission, received an honora-
BILE discharge, and returned to his family in
this city, the 9th day of December last, in a
state Of health so feeble, and with consti-
tuition so shattered by the hardships Of mill
tary life, that he was unable to 90 out Of
his house but once up to the time of his de-
cease. After his return, he hoped, and so
did his friends, though at times there were
discouraging symptoms, that rest and the
comforts of home. would restore him ut least
partially to health. And, up to Friday the
Goth of February, and more especially for a
few weeks next proceeding that time, he had
so constantly improved that hope for his
future health still checred his friends.
But at that time he had most violent at.
tack which so prostrated him that he was
unable to recover from its effect. Despair now
took the place of hope. He had returned
that fond and loving hearts and hands nigh
minister to his comforts, in his last sickness,
and smooth his dying pillow.
Ofhis life and character we will not speak.
That has been performed in another column,
by an intimate friend. who has known him
ever since he came into this section Of the
State.
/CArr. CowAN was ardcntly attached to the
cause for which he sacrificed his life. He
manifested the utmost interest in the welfare
of the men under his command. He loved
to dwell upon the scenes Of danger and hard.
ships through which he had passed with them,
and for each one of them he had no other
feelings but those of kindness. II
He was fully conscious Of his situation, and
contemplated his near approach to death
with calmness and christian resignation
But We will not dwell upon the scene; grief
for his memory is too fresh in our heart.
He died christians death. His last mo-
mcnts were quiet, peaceful and happy, and he
passed away, ....
.I.ike one who wraps the drapcry OF his couch
About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams"