Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-02-23
Lieutenant-coIonel Drake.

EIYRIA, ONO, February ls, 1868
EDITORS LEADER: oblige hundreds by
giving this imperfect tribute Of affection
for the departed 6raps place in your col
umns. Among the noble dead who fell 81
the battle Of MurfreesbOro, none are more
worthy to be enshrined in the memory Of
every friend of this great Republic, than
Lieutenant Colonel Levi Drake, of the 49th
Ohio. None loved it more ardentlyi none
have died more braUsly defending it.
Lieutenant-C Colonel Drake served during
the Mexican War as a nOn-commissioned
officer, and was warm friend of the pres
ent Msjor-General Curtis. Soon after the
termination of that war he engaged in the
mercantile business in CoshoctOn county,
Ohio. Some two or three years ago he re-
moved to Putnam county, where the rebel
lion found him successfully prosecuting
his former occupation.
His love Of country induced him to for
get all other considerations, and he en-
gagged st once in enlisting men for thereg-
iment then being organized by Colonel ".
H. Gibson. On taking his men into Camp,
he was elected Major, which Office he filled
with credit TO himself, until promoted to
the Lieutensnt-C -COlonelcy of the Regiment.
The gallant Gibson was in command of q
Brigade in that fearful struggle, and did
as much if not more than any other officer
Of the right wingin saving our army from
utter rout and ruin. Gibson is dashing,
impetuous, and brave as Caesar. His men
have confidence in him, and viii fight like
tigers when he leads them.
The command Of the regiment devolEed
on Lieut. Col. Drake, and nobly did he
perform the duty. In riding rapidly along
the lines, giving command in loud tone
of voice, he became hoarse, and when the
fatal ball pierced him, he was waving his
hat and cheering his men by an exhibi-
ton Of courage not excelled in any Of the
battles of this war
He dismounted from his horse and calm
ly said, ~ am killed, and sank to the
earth. Two of his men supported him a
few steps, but the rebels were upon them,
and they were compelled to leave him
A few days after, when his body was re-
covered, it was found stripped, by the
"chiValrous sons Of the South" Of every
thing except his under-clothing. His re-
mains were brought to Ashland county,
and inferred near the scenes Of his child
hood sports-there to remain until the
resurrection Of the just-secure from the
mutations Of earth and time.
Thus, in the pride Of manhood, has this
noble man been sacrificed on the AEtaT Of
his country. May a gracious Providence
accept the offering, and give us victory.
His age was about 36 years.
As q business man, Col. Drake was high
minded, honorable, and respected.
As an officer, sober, intelligent, and at
tentive-an honor TO the service.
As q philanthropist, liberal, eonscien-
tious, and just.
As q husband and father, affeetionate
and kind.
He leaves q wife and three children
Msy God pity and comfort them.
We lay this wreath Of withered flowers
on his grave, and turn back to mournful
life, exolaiming when, o, when shall this
infamous rebellion cease to blast the hopes
and desolate the homes Of our once happy
land Still, as we think Of the honored
dead in the light of final triumph, we can
but say: Better be a dead hero than a
living coward" Ell. Bush,
Former Chaplain 49th Ohio.