Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-02-01
Deash Of Major David ?. Cole.

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the journalist of the present day has to
perform is to record the death of s brave
and faithful soldier. And when, beside
patriotism and courage, the fallen hero pos
sesssd every accomplishment that sdorns
the scholar, every virtue that makes the
man, the task is doubly bitter. Such is our
sad duty in noticing the death of Msior
David F. Cole, of the lO7th U. SCI, at
Point of Rocks four miles from Peters
burg, on tho 7th of January.
Major Cole was about twenty-eight years
ofsge at thetime of his death. He was born
in New Hampshire, and was a graduate of
Dartmouth College, standing near the head
of his class, although he had entered college
with very ittlepreparstion. In the fall of
1882, he raised company in Castleton,
Vermont, for the Twelfth Vermont Infant
ry mine months men) with whom he
served until the expiration of his term of
service. His brother officers in the regi-
ment speak of him in the highest terms as
sterling man, and an assiduous, faithful
and courageous officer. his regiment was
in the brigade of General StoughtoD, who,
as our readers will remember, was captur-
ed at his qusrters, and soon after resigned.
A difficulty between this officer and Msior
Cole, arising from the drunkenness of the
former, caused the General to report
Captain Coleas incompetent to command a
company. He was ordered to Washing
ton for an examination before the board,
which he passed with brilliant ability, 90
pleasing his Division Commander, Major
General Casey, that the latter issued a
general order, complimentary to him,
which was read at the head of every reg.
iment in the brigade.
In the fall of 1868, soon after the ezpi.
ration of his term of service, he came to
this city and commenced the study of law
IN the Office of Williamson & Riddle. But
his patriotic spirit would not rest quiet at
home when the country called, and, though
most pleasantly situated in this city, he
was soon anxious to re-enter the service.
In January, 1863, he epsssed splendid ex-
animation for commission in q colored
regiment, and was appointed frst-class
Major in the 10Th o. S. c. I, the first
regiment Of eolored troops raised in Ken
lucky. 1t was commanded by Colonel
Revere, an old member of the original
Ellsworth Zousves, and one of the best off
GERS in the service. Colonel Revere testiies
tbst Major Coles personal exertions did
much to educate the Kentuckians in the
subject ofnegro enlistments, and that his
services in raising the regiment were in
valuable. After short guerrilla cam
paign in Kentucky, in which the Major
distinguished himself, the regiment, and
Msjor Cole with it, was sent to the James.
in October, and participated in several
fights with gallantry. Major Cole was
not off duty day until peremptorily or
dered into hospital, December 1st 1864.
He died on the seventh of January. His
funeral took place at Washington, from the
house of Hon. A.G. Riddle, and he was bur-
led, at his own request, in the new Nation
al cemetery, at Arlington House, his fu-
neral services being performed by the Rev.
DR.. Nadell, of the Wesleyan Church. His
brother officers have taken steps to erect a
monument over his grave.
Major Cole was about five feet eight
inches In height, we'll made, with grave,
handsome face. He was retiring and studi-
GUS with refined and pleasing manners.
When a man like David F. Cole dies his
death should be mourned not alone by
friends and acquaintance, but by all loyal
hearts. 1t is loss to the Republic.
No man was truer or braver. No man
had more Of rugged honesty, unequivocal,
outspoken patriotism, and fearless courage.
He was the model of Christian soldier.
His religious convictions were deep and
firm, and formed the governing motive of
his life. His Colonel says that in the circle
OF regimentsl officers, nearly all of them
educated men, his was recognized as the
leading mind. His class and college mates,
several of whom were present at his fune-
raj, all speak of him in terms of the high
est eulogy. he was true friend, an ac-
complshed gentleman, q Christian patriot.