The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1863-09-04


NJ, at his father's- Mayor Finley's- residence
Richmond. Ind, JOHN H. FINLEY, Major
Goth Reg't Ind. Vols. Infantry.
Deceased was born in this city, July ed, 81.
Although his life was short, it was most vent
full one. He grew up in our midst and was al.
ways favorably regarded by those who knew
him best. But it required . nations peril to
awake the silent energies ofhis nature, and show
him to be one of the few, born to command, .
true patriot, and the bravest of the brave.
In the Spring of 81, he enlisted in the 18th
Ind. Reg't, under Col. afterwards GEM p. A..
llackleman, and was made Cd Lieut.. Of Co. B.
Here he won an enviable reputation and the
love of every man in his company. He was
among those who assisted in saving our broken
columns after the Balls Bluff disaster. His time
Of service expiring, he soon raised . company
for the Goth Ind and was immediately commits
stoned its Captain. That company (A) under
his moulding hand became, in drill and discp.
line. al! that noble ambition could desire =
Ten days after the Regiment was organized and
armed, he led his company into the thickest Of
the the fight at Richmond, Ky, Aug. 80 1862. Il.
was compelled TO yield himself a prisoner of
war.
After = time, being with his comrades duly
exchanged he went on the Mississippi expedi-
ton. On Dec. 28th and Goth 1862 he led his
company into that bloody battle where SO many
brave mon met the bitter fate.
At Arkansas Post, Jan. II, 1863 he headed
his company eager for the clash Of steel with
his country's foes.
In short time the Maiorship becoming va
cant, he was promoted to fill the place. Every
officer and private was gratified, and anticipated
much from the promotion. Their anticipations
not disappointed In that unparalleled
and glorious Vichsburg campaign, he was ever
at his post, in the battles of Port Gibson, MAY
list; Champion Hill, May 10Th; Black River
Bridge, May 18th; and Vicksburg, May 18th.
goth, 21st and 22nd. On the 22nd--the day
OF our bloody repulse-about noon, becoming
too conspicuous mark for rebel sharpshooters,
he fell near the enemy's works, pierced by an
Enfield ball. transversely through the right
lung. the bail escaping through The let bccast
His physician pronounced the wound mortal.
II shall not die" said he, "but Ehall soon 90
home to see my friends
Mrs. Wrgey- all honor to her name for her
untiring efforts in behalf of the soldier-hear-
ing Of her brothers condition started--accompa-
MED by her brother in law--tO his sssistanc,..
and reached him or the 10th Of June. On the
14th, the party started homeward and arrived
at their destination the Goth.
BY this time, the MAJOR had such far pros
pect Of recovery, that his most fearful friends
began to hope. But, alas as time wore away
so did his strength. His tenacity TO life was so
great and his desire to return to his regiment
SO strong that ne never yielded hope, until the
night before he died. When informed that his
dissolution drew near, with gentle resignation,
he relaxed his hold on life.
During his last hours, he conversed freely
about death, in that same animated GOODNESS with
which he had SO often prayed death at the cas.
mons mouth. When talking OF his country, he
would say" can freely give my life in such
a cause When of himself.-"I hope the
Lord will receive my spirit, for l have offered i,
to him in all sincerity al believe il will be
we'll with me in the future
When his extremities were alEeady cold in
death he gently placed his hand IN the hand oil
an affectiona,e sister, saying" You may Dc
what you please with that now
Although his sufferings were intense. he pos
sessed the faculty of reason. remarkably, unit
the spirit winged its upward flight, and left the
body to sink into deaths embrace, without
struggle or groan.
Thus has fallen one Of our country's nobles
defenders. The only remaining son Of aget
parents that fondly doatei upon him. The
brother Of three sisters whose hearts lay IS neal
to his, as natures ties could bind them. Let al
patriots join in words Of Coincidence to The sor
rowing relatives.
"The Star Spangled Banner
Tina. he loved 50 well,
80 long may it wave,
Ger the land of the free and the tomb o
the brave" Ii.