Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-04-13
AUXILIARY.
leral THEODORE


Lieut.. Col and Brevet Brigadier General THEODORE
READ, asst Adj't General. Army Of the James
The brlancy Of the late seven days successful cam
pagn Of the Union against the Confederate forces Was
couded by the loss of many of brave comrades who
paid in their hearts blood the price Of cognys SAL
Walton vi these immortal men deserved more The
tribute OF sincere and lasting sorrow than the sutet
General READ son of Professor Daniel Read Of Mad
ison Wisconsin, was born in Ohio
Having entered the three months service he 6aA n oe
tober. 1861 appointed Captain and A. A. General per
Gen o. H. Brock. On % July, 1864, be promoted TO
Major, still in the AdiutaDt Generals Department In
the march down the Peninsula be wounded also at
Charlottesville and Cold Hsrbor His energy, iBtelG
gence courage and devotion elected the Sarrnest com
endaon from the Generals who priced his services 10
those trying times; and in General Order his merits were
frequently recognized for deeds that splendIdy lustrs
ted our nations history Recommended for the rank Of
Brfgadier General by Generals sedgwiek, Franklin,
smith, Brooks and other commanders.
His career opening with promise all the more
bright that his ardent youth and the graces OF his &C
complished mind, adorned by Unsuitable and enobhDg
ambition, when be was summoned away.
The manner Of his death exhibited prominent. conss.
tency with life at once useful and distinguished.
On the 9th Of April in order 20 impede if not arrest
Lees retreat il became necessary 10 destroy the High
Bridge crossing the Appoma ttoX east OF Farmye Viz
ginia force of eighty Massachusetts cavalry and tpo
infantry that had tie day before marched twenty
seven miles started 81 four in the morning to
complsh this object At sin A. ". Gen. Ord deternIn-
cd 20 render the bridge simply temporarily useless.
An officer of intelligence, 10 discern the proprety OF
out certain orders and one VINO Possessed qlai-
fcatiOns required IN commander, Was Immediately
wanted. The crisis important. Read volunteered,
and galopng weary way TO the front; found himself at
four in the afternoon. IN command Of this small tired
but gallant force opposed 10 TWO divisions OF rebel nfaD
try and osar who, quite Of the vital value
Of the position, in overwhelming numbers had cut OF the
Federal forces, and proceeded 70 annihilate thein.
Then commenced according TO rebel accounts, one OF
the most gallant contests # the var on
side to delay their retreat the other TO gain place Of
safety.
all so fearless, energetic and animated as his lea
dershp that the enemy themselves caught the entdsi
asm of his own troops and presented the curious aEcu
aly of combatants cheering Tor gallant opponent Some
Of the Confederate generals subsequently captured gave
the particulars OF this closing scene and spoke Of him
in the highest terms OF admiration.
He was shot through tie body, and dying the fed
WAS buried by the enemy who held the ground.
Thus, while the salutes for the fan OF Richmond ard
Petersburg falling on Ls ear and the air ring
ing with nations glad shouts q Joy and thankfu!ne-e
for dangers past and glorious peace come and While
the heart swelling with the prospect Of final and
assured he closed hs eyes in soldiers death
not permitted 70 behold he promised fuhlment for which
We Lefe toned and fought % lohg'
IyGench men who achieve for Us our victories, who
bsoufy mans character, and make noble our profession
but alas TOO often mourned ALIKE by trends and gallant
toes, and by their God-ke eaih cast hallow around
the battlefield and clc;he with radiant but moarn.u
the turning Poi0: Of & nations existence.
BRIG. GEN. THos. 4. sXY~B.-This gsIlar. officer;
comm andng the Third Brigade Of the Second Division
of the Second Ccrps, received a II oral ToGnd on hs
skirmish line tarmyle on Friday last from tie ef
feet OF which he died tie following morning.
Gen. sny:h's soldier Was honorable in the
highest degree. Without political irfucrce OF any Kind
be won his rank by LIS ord alone. Brave 20 ag.I
always leading, never following his men, prompt
and decisive on the field, he had won .he cen
hdence OF his command and they always followed Glad
Is where he led. when add that he efser
light in that galaxy Of grea. soldiers who have gwen
Immortality TO the second Cors ne have only dole In
justice.
As man Genei al Smyth was generous, just, humane
genial companion. iru. friend. not probably on 40
miIabe Crchton, bat approach 20 i actual
life has ever furnished.