New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-09-03
OBITUARY.
BREyET MAJoR-GEN. FOSTER. U. 8.

BREvET MAJOR-GEN. FOSTER. U. 8. A.
Brevet Major Gen. John G. Foster, U. s. A..
died yesterday morning at his mother. home 10
Nashua, N II. He had been In I'll health about Sesr.
and during all the last two months In precsrioLf
condition This gallant officer. who served with credf
during tho civil born ut Nashua. NJ H., In 1874
and appointed to Q cade ship at West Point In is4a
He was graduated ls45 the fourth his class and
being assigned TO the Engneers went corp. Ia
the Mexican He the brevet Of FirstIAeuten-
for gallant conduct In the battles OF Contreras and
Cherubusco, and that OF Captain for bravery OF the
stormng OF Moline del Rey, where no fell severely
wounded. In he appointed Assistant Professor
OF Engineering at West Point and while there was sd
vanced to First Lieutensncy. In 1860 he became Cap
tain in the Engineers. and later in the year was
made Brevet Major for his share iD escng the trans
fer Of the at Fort Moutrie TO Fort Sumter
Continuing faithfully at HE post he OF the
risOn Of the latter fort at the time OF Its
and surrender. His zeal in defenso OF the National
was duly appreciated at Washington and promptly
turned to account Invested with the OF Bgader
General OF Volunteers he accompanied Gen. Burnside
his expedition to North Carolina. in February, 1884,
and engaged In the field. His brigade, COM
posed Of the 23d and 25h Massachusetts and the 10th
Connecticut, began the assault which followed thu
landing OF the troops at Fort Barlow. on Roam
Oke Island On that occasion Gen. Foster
was unwearied 10 his exertions. leading HIS
example. In advancing against the Confederate do.
lenses tho ammunition OF the attacking party
pended and 1t became necessary either TO retire or
carry the fort by impetuous charge. Major Kmball
OF the Hawkins Zouaves up at tins critical time
and offered to lead the charge "You are the very
man." said Gen. Foster and this is the very moment.
Zouayesi storm the battery" The troops rushed for
ward impetuousy driving The enemy before Them Gen.
Foster with his brigade followed the path OF the Zou
ayes while all the other troops Joined in the pursuit.
While thus engaged, Gen. Foster saw flag OF truce APP
preaching borne by Col Pool Of the North Carolina Vol
unteers asking what terms he would give them. I'M
conditional sure nder' heGeneras reply Col Pool
inquired time would be allowed for consideration.
and was answered "Ony time for to report to your suDe
rior officer" Gen. Foster waited what seemed o sufi
Gent time and was resumlng his march when Col Pool
returned and announced the surrender OF the Coned
This victory gave the Union forces con-
troll Of Roanoke Island and those vast internal waters
connected with Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. it
caused great rejoicing at the North and lowered too
prestige OF the Confederate cause.
The scene OF hostiites being transferred 10 New
BERN Gen. Foster again rendered important service IN
esctng the capture Of that city, which was done after
brief but stubborn resistance from its defenders Gen.
Burnside being recalled in July, Gen. Foster was
placed In command OF the Department Of North Caro-
Ina Tho forces under his control barely sufficient
to hold the important position which the Union arms
had won, and he was unable 10 resume tne ouehsiNs
until late In the Autumn when he was reinforced by new
regiments. mainly from Massachusetts. He then led
two expeditions which inflicted loss on the enemy
without acquiring any material advantages. In the
Spring Of 1868 actively engaged In resisting Gen.
Hill who, repused at Newbern made vigorous efforts
to capture Washington, N. c.. important post COM
manding the Pamco River. Finally Gen. Foster con
centrated 10000 against has opponent. aud COM
PEELED him to retreat although his forces were numer'
cay superior TO the Union army.
During Sherman's march TO the sea, Gen. Foster made
demonstrations In his behalf with the view OF separ-
ating the Confederate forces he succeeded. after
sharp fighting in Selling position near GrahamsvilIe.
and preparing to operate under Shermans orders
against Charleston when he was relieved because OF
his suffering from unhealed wound by Gen. Gil
more The gallant officers services thus ended almost
with the close OF the and when the triumph OF the
Union arms was assured He had attained the rank OF
Majorenera In the volunteers and received the same
rank by breyet in the regular army. Com missioned
Major the regular army In March, 1862 he was pro
NOTED the higher rank OF Leutenant-COone OF tho
Corps of Engineers In March, 1867. Gen. Foster
OF commanding presence and great executive abl-
iy. He was held esteem by his fellow officers and
beloved by his fellow-townsmen, among WHOM ho
passed his last days. His character was unsullled.
aud throughout his eyentful career lie bore himself as
became an American soldier
The funeral OF the deceased General will take place as
expected that detachment OF the regular army frOm
Fort Warren will be present. meeting OF the ctzens
OF Nashua held last evening, aud committee APP
pointed TO cooperate with the city government in paying
the last the deceased. The public buildings In
that city to be draped in mourning and business su5
pended the day Of the funeral Invitations 90 be
present have President Grant, the Secre
tary OF War. Gov Allen of New-Hampshre, and other
distinguished persons