New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-03-17
TIE ONEIDA DISASTER.
ENSIGN CHARLES A. CORP.


Ensign Charles A. Copp, who was lost on the
Oneida, born Troy, N. Y, July 25. l and came
from al old and respected New-Hampshire family.
stubborn will and great physical force well tempered by
kindly disposition, made him leader among his COM
panons from bOynood During his early school-days he
deposited in tho savings bank liberal sum OF money
obtained by selling newspapers. Though constantly with
the toughest newsboys he retained remarkable purity
Of character and never his life resorted to alcoholic
stimulants used tobacco in any FORM At fourteen he
was admitted to the Troy High School from the Grammar
Department OF Prof John W. Cole. able teacher; but
preffring active e he gladly accepted In the fol-
lowing year. a clerkship in NewYOrk There he became
acquainted with paymaster who promised him the po
stion OF pursers steward. and, believing he could aid
the country as well in that capacity in any other, he
entered the United States Navy in september 1863 as an
enlisted boy. Through mistake he was transferred
to tho wrong vessel but making the best OF IT, he passed
a year the blockade, participating in the siege Of
Charleston aud acquiring n practical knowledge I'll
An appointment to the Academy was sent him while
board the MonadnOck. which he was inclined TO re-
fuse fearing he was too rusty in studies pas TIE
required examination HIS officers. wnO admired his
manly ways and seamanllke qualities, urged MN 10
accent and one of Them Lieutenant Commander JOSEPH
" Miller (whOm he after mentioned grateiul!yh even
threatened II he refused, 10 reduce INN from ptyuce
AT Newport ms examination in mathematics, aud I'M
mediatoy entering the school became champion Tor
his youuger and weaker fellow piebes in their usual
encounters with upperclassmen. He was one OF the
movers In an organized defense. and for time was
president of his class During his course, he sndle Just
enough to pass the several examinations giving MS at
entiOn TO the practical branches, ana eAcehng IN ga
manly sports lie leading member OF the ba ana
boat clubs was a splendid swordsinal, ana the pest
boxer at the Academy lie was grauu.sa Win ~,
class I'm June 1905 and in October following was ordered
Ia rrport TO Admiral Rowan OF the Asatc squadron lie
served ON the flagship Delaware until October lr59
when he was transferred the Idaho. and came near
death when that vessel was caught by typhoon ana
brukcn almost in two. He on his way home Tor tA'
amuation for promotion when the disaster 10 tho oneid
occurred. . al, m. .,n
cent physique gave him commanding presence, ana MS
noble bearing the respect Of all with whom he came
I'm contact He had executive ability, and tone OF
command that caused every order TO be Instantly
obeyed. lie was a genial companion, sympathetic
friend and loving, devoted aud brother After the
COLLISION when every mans thoughts were naturally on
personal safety his soctude for the sick worthy OF
his warm, heart Seeing All the invalid sea-
men on board cutter, he went below To his station
A comfade called to him come up. a. the ship was
sinking. He replied mo, | cannot until relieved
Scarcely had he spoken those noble words, when tue
Oneida sunk beneath the Thus perlshed as
brave officer hOnOred any navy, aud his name,
with his Captains f. T. Williams, added 10 the list Of
heroic who died rather than leave the post 0t du'y