The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-10-21
Capt. &. Ii. Shaw.

10 Tue EdNor o. the FreSs'
Among the many brave and heroic men
that persisted in the fruitless attempt to storm
Fort Wagner, on the 18th OF July last, was
Chester b. Shaw of Gorham, Captain Of Co.
X, 9th regiment Maine Vols. When the re-
bellion broke out Capt. Shaw was in Massa-
chusetts, where he enlisted as private in the
three months service. Having served out
his time he returned to his native State, as
sisted in raising the company over which, by
reason of his many noble and gentlemanly
qualities, both as citizen and a soldier, he
was afterward made Captain. BY the death
of Capt. Shaw his regiment sustained great
loss, especially his Company, every member of
which was very much attached to him, as
. both officers and privates testify, who have
served with him in the camp and on. the bat
tie field.
Captain Shaw conducted himself with much
GOODNESS and courage on that fatal night at
Fort Wagner. At the head of his command
he led it boldly to the charge, and when the
assault was made he was heard to say, "On,
men, on; in five minutes the Fort will be
ours
Again, after he was wounded and unable to
do more himself, he was heard above the din
of battle saying, Forward, forward boys {;
don't wait for me-"
Those were inspiring words, most bravely
and heroically uttered by a true and valiant
hero, in defense of his country. He fell where
duty called, in the thickest of the fight, brave
ly urging his comrades o.. to deeds of daring
and valor
Though he died far from home and its
many pleasant associations, with none but
traitor hands to minister to his wants or sus-
tain him in that dreary passage from this to
the spirit world; yet we gladly embrace the
soul-cheering thought, that He whose tender
mercies are over all, was his supporter in the
hour of death.
Capt. Shaw was a young man of much
promise, highly esteemed and respected by
all who knew him, for his many good qualities.
Inthe death of Capt Shaw the government
loses one Of its most efficient officers, commu-
nifty worthy citizen, and parents beloved
son, on whom they had hoped to lean for aid
and comfort down the meandering pathway
of life's declining years. Alas! how vain are
human hopes and desires. That loved son, on
whom parents and friends placed so much de-
pendence in the future, sleeps in the soldiers
grave, beneath the hot sands OF Morris Island
His parents, though they feel deeply their loss
and know that time, even, can but partially
heal their wounded hearts, yet feel that none
can die prouder death or fill a nobler grave,
than the soldier at his post, battling for the
right and to redress his country's wrongs
They realize that they mourn in common
with thousands who in the hour of their
country's peril, in its death struggles with
slavery and rebels, TO sustain the old flag, free
institutions and civil liberty have given faith
ers and brothers sacrifice upon the altar OF
their country. They. feel it's their duty as
loyalists TO yield submssively to their coun-
try's demands in suppressing this goddess re.
bellion, believing that ere long we shall
emerge from this turmoil and strife in which
we are. engaged, a nation complete, without
one star dimmed or one stripe erased from
our national banner; also that we shall come
forth from the fiery ordeal through which we
are passing wiser and happier people, with
| out rebels or slavery ever again to lift theil
hydra head against the Constitution and legal
authorities of the Union. Then shall one uni.
versal shout of thankfulness go forth from all
| loyal hearts that shall echo and re-echc
through all nations and through all time.
Great Falls, Ne.