The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-10-08
Capt. D. =. Espy.
FoRr MADfSoN. Oct. 5. 1883

mere announcing tnat CSpt. Eepy, fOr-
merlJ of this place, was killed in the late
great battle in Georgia. His family and
friends, not having for many days con-
6rmation Of the painful report, fondly
hoped that it might prove untrue. With
in day or two, however, the sad inteni-
gence has been confirmed by : letter re-
ceived BY bic family from William Leslie,
Esq, Of this county, whois connected with
the Quartermsster' Department of Gen.
Rosecrans' army.
Mr.. Leslie states that Capt. Espy vas
shot through the body about 4 O'Clock
r. n. Of Sunday, the 10th of September,
that he survived but short tiYe, but
communicated messages for his family
aud friends His last words were, "6ay
to my wife / die coutented; | have laid
down my life for my country" 1t was
found impossible to removehis body from
the feld and i. was left, with many 9th
ers Of bis brays comrades, in possession
of the rebels.
Capt Stephenson Barlow EsPy was
born in Crawford county. Pennsylvania,
aud at the time OF his death was about
thirty five years old. He became resi-
dent of this city in l846. and for many
years was in business Le1a, snt more re-
Gently resided upon his farm in It's vicin-
ity. For time be conducted with abil-
ity the Fort Madison Independent Rs-
publican newspaper. Early IN 1861 be
removed to Shelbyville, Illinois, for the
purpose Of engaging in mercantile pur-
suits. intending. however, to make his
residence there but temporary.
More than year ago, feeling that bis
country required bis services in the field,
he hastily closed profitable business, left
loving and beloved wife, and young
and interesting family to whom he was
most deyo,edly attached, and in few
days recruited company with which he
joined the ll5,h regiment OF Illinois vol
unteers. His regiment, after serving in
/ Kentucky. was attached TO the army oi
Gen. Rosecrans. Capt. Espy was de-
tailed from his regiment to act as commits
ssry, and was acting as such when b
was killed.
He vas a most efficient aud brave OF
6cer. During all that long aud desperate
fight, when our gallant army. being over
powered with vastly superior numbers
were driven back. he was in the battle
front. His dn,ies would have admitted
!, and seemed to require him to be in posi-
tons Of less danger, but With patrioti
, bravery be sought the pos. os danRe
vhere his life would be Of value to hi
country.
Capt. Espy was beloved and honore'
BY all who knew him. lie possessed
J well endowed and we'll cultivated mind
and was guided in all his acts by prime
,, pie and truth. Those who we'll and int
mately knew him bear testimony to b
+ uprigh,ness and devotion to principle
] He ensered the army not 10 crafty au
bition, or from eordid motives, for h
: possessed neither, but in answer to tt
}. calls of duty and the pronptings Of . hIg
n and pure patriotism; he loved our cou'
/ try aud our Union, and for them be free
. offered up his life he was among the fe
: : who came properly to regard Tie gre
E. contest now impending. ln his last con
lie munication to the writer of this notice
D. remarked : "To the patriots of this d.
le at the North is entrusted the preserv
:. tion of not only our Union and our iibert
n but the liberty of man throughout 4
O. world for many coming ages. For this
t. am willing to leave a beloved wife a.
De dependent children, and throw my i
= y into the great contest True patriC
. Brave man! We weep for his untims
ed fate, and wonder at the inscrutable "
I'll dom that has removed one so true, SO pr
TX and SO capable Of future usefulness fr'
+. this great contest, when men of patrl
i. ism and ability are the need Of our cor
tic |.try and the need Of the world. His me
Nd ofy is embalmed in the hearts of all "
he knew him and love their country.
oi 30, for the death of those
tn Who for their country die,
ra- Sink on his bosom 10 repose,
adj And triumph where they lie
tor Their 10 veliest native earth,
Enshrines the fallen brave;
In their dear land that gave them birth,
They md their tranquil grave"
IN EEHests of Democrats have joi
- the Union party since the last State e
j. = ton, but We do not now think of
be Union men who have gone over to
les. Copperheads during the last year,