New-York daily tribune., 1863-08-03
u.;..Gen. George G. Strong.


Charleston Oh the 18th Of July.
George Crockett Strong, at the time Of his death
about thirty years old, WAS born in StOckbrdge,
Vermont, but at an early age went with his father
to the western part of Massachusetts,, and was hp-
pointed to West Point in 1853 by the DETERMINATION
Of Hen. George T. Davis, then representing that
district in Congress. Cadet Strong graduated "a
1857 smoug the first five of his class, but slecLly
exoelled all his classmates in the military exercises
Of the campus, aud took the rank OF commander ol
the battalion of cadets. lie was an ardent lover oi
his adopted State and it was bis ambition that her
sons should exceed all Others and specially their
Southern classmates. Lieut. Palirey, OF The ensi-
neers also OF Massachusetts, stood hrst OF Strohe
class in the scademica studies of the course, ana LIS
success gave young Strong great delight strong
used to sav TO his .tudious clsssmate referring 10
this State rivalry among the cadets You take care
of them Pallrey, inside, aud will cut"
Iieut. Strong received bis trevet in the Ordnance
Denartment. and was for while stationed at Selma,
Ala Forsome years previous TO the Rebellion he was
at WateryIiet Arsenal and when Major Nor
deca proyed untrue to his country Lieut.. Strong was
cut in charge Of that import outpost From thence he
was called 10 position as chief of ordnance on the
staff Of Gen. Mcdowell, and was in the action OF
Bull Run. when he distinguished himself by bis cool
courage and daring. Aferward Lieut Strong was
attached TO the staff of Gen. Mcclellan and remained
in the service with that General till September, lSGl
when, upon the application Of Gen. Butler, Lieut.
Strong received the appointment of Assistant Ad'
iutan General with the rank OF major, and reported
10 the Department of w.England wherein be was
made Chief Of S afI and Acting Chief OF Ordnance.
Msior Strong's services were most valuable, and his
labors incessant in aiding Gen. Butler in recruiting
bis division and organizing the expedition TO New
Orleans MAJOR Strong accompanied that force TO
Shin Island, and from thence sent in command
VI an expedition to Biloxi, Mississippi, wherein he
met with signal success, and after sharp action
captured and burned camp of tie enemy OF more
than equal numbers with his OVID.
Major Strong labored most actively for the sue
cess Of the descent upon New Orleans, and landed,
May let, 1862, with the first column in that city.
The duties Of his Offices Of Adjutan-Genera and
Chief of Ordnance were arduous tLat bis health
gave WAY under them early as the lst Of June,
being seized with the fever Of the country, bis COM
ander and associates Of the Staa took sad leave Of
him. Us, ieariuly prostIated, he was carried on
bility of his recovery. Rest and the sea voyage
wrought wonders, and HE comrades Of the Gulf Were
oyeroyed when their Chief OF staff returned u them
in September, with substantially recovered health,
though still Suffering under 6 chronic pulmonary
disease.
Major Strongs activity Of intellect could not be
satisfed with the routine OF office, and be sought
and obtained permission from Gen. Butler for a
force with which TO make one Of the most daring
and brilliant raids OF the war. Selecting about 80
picked men Of the 18th Maine and 9th Connecticut
Vols. Major Stroug went across Lake Ponohar-
train finding II impossible 10 land near Ponchaioua,
up the Tang ipaho River as was bis intention, be
d,eubarked his men at Pass Manchsc at the upper
/ end of the lake and leaving one half his force
/ protect his rear marched with ITO men, ii mules
most of the way over the trestework Of q railroad
through a cypress swamp 10 the village Of Poncha-
touia, the headquarters Of Gen. JEFF. Thompson,
which after a closely contested action against su-
perior force he captured, together with q large
amount Of commissary and other stores. These
were destroyed, together with the railroad cars and
uublc buildings. Major Strong brought of Us tro-
pbies the spurs and sword Of Gen. Thompson, which
bears the inscription: &" Presented by she patriots Of
Memphis"
Gen. Strong, while ardently devoted to bic pro-
fesson, by means confined himself TO iis serner
du,ies but soacsd himself with the higher pursuits
Of literature. lie was the author II q small volume
entitled Cadet Life in West Point, most read
able and sprghtly book, descriptive of the scenes
Of his Alma Mater, and fraught with the views Of
one who was i'll hmsclf the best example Of what
the system OF education there impaired will do with
high and noble nature. So modest was Gen.
Strong that that authorship wac never dsclosed by
him even to his nost intimate friends and the writer
Of this notice only told tho fac, by the author
after having discovered the secret from the guessee
made by a number Of the Generals clafs mates, and
an appeal TO the gentleman by whom the book was
copyrighted.
! When Gen. Butler relieved from the Depart
ment OF the Gulf, Major Strong returned with him,
and remained at New-York with lis family, at.
tached " the staff OF that General.
For bis gallantry, courage and efficiency, upon
the recommendation Of Gen. Butler, Major Strong
wss appointed by the President BrigadierGeneral
Of Volunteers in February last.
The cold Of Northern Winter telling with too
great effect upon his lungs, Gen. Strong was much
reduced by sickness, and was kindly permitted by
the War Department TO remain attached to Gen.
Buffers STAFF. Although in a state Of health which
to any other would have been suggestive only
Of ply sieiap aud a SICK bed Gen. Strong's impa-
tient energetic spirit chaied too keenIy under even
enforced idleness
Finding tthere was no prospect that Gen. But
ler would be ordered into immediate service, not
wthstanding his sickness Gen. Strong volunteered
70 20 with Gen. Gilmore 10 participate in the attack
on Charleston. The country was electrified by the
news OF the gallaDtry with which be led hs brigade