The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1882-02-28
THE LATE MAJOR FERRIS.
An Account OF the Funeral Mt STAN
ford. Connecticut.
FORT d. A. RUSSELL, I
February "a, 1882,


Editor Cheyenne Leader:
If space will permit, please publish
the following letter 1 have taken the
liberty Of sending you:
On the 18th ist., the remains of the
late Capt. Samuel P. Ferris, 4th infan-
try and breyet major U. S. A, were in
tered at Stamford, Connecticut. Being
present on that occasion, 1 believe a
brief account Of the ceremonies, in
honor of a brave and gallant soldier,
will be of interest to numerous friends
of the deceased (ciyil and military in
this vicinity. Friday morning the 10th
inst, the remains reached Stamford,
carriages and a hearse with friends
were in waiting. The casket was re-
moved TO the Episcopal church where
the body remained until the following
day, visited and watched over by many
friends. At 8 O'Clock p. m. of the same
evening, a meeting was called by
former members of the 29th Connect
cvt volunteers, IAN organization de-
ceased was colonel off and the posts of
the Grand Army of the Republic. Reso-
l~utions were adopted, expressing sin
cere sorrow and sympathy, worded in
the most delicate, tender and affection
ate manner, for the loss of a true and
gallant comrade, a former commander,
who vas beloved by his regiment, for
rare qualities that ever win the conf
dence of the soldier; qualities hat con-
sisted Of a brave and fearless spirit in
the face of danger, and at all times,
most kind and ~considerate for the well
fare of his men. The hall was heavily
draped in mourning, and national flags
were tastefully festooned throughout
the entire building. A program was
decided on for the funeral, arranged as
follows:
The Stamford brass band.
Escort of honor, consisting of the
post of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lie, in uniform.
Members of the 2Sth regiment, and
all other veterans of the late war, com-
manded by the former major of the
2Sth.
Clergymen in carriages.
Pail bearers with hearse, six sergeants
formerly of deceased's volunteer regi-
ment.
Parents of the deceased, relatives
with visiting friends, and citizens of
Stamford in carriages.
IN Safnrlau or . ~ M raruipno IN
accordance with the doct rines of the
Episcopal church, very impressive in
deed, the choir furnishing exquisite
music. One hymn in particular, was
rendered with a depth of feeling and
tenderness that reached the inner heart
Of each n present in the church, when
the beautiful words, accompanied by
the solemn tones of the organ, were
heard: "Jesus, lover of my SOUL"
The casket was observed by all, many
expressing surprise that it was procured
in Cheyenne. The sword, helmet and
belt of the deceased rested on the
casket, flower offerings likewise, repre-
senting the cross, wreath and sickle.
Their luster had somewhat departed,
but they were priced more dearly,
though fading, than the rarest flowers
of the east, by the fond and sorrowing
mother and affectionate sister, for they
rested on the casket and accompanied
the remains for two thousand miles,
were unearthed by kind and loving
hands, tributes of true and tender
hearts, offerings that were meet, floral
offerings from the ladies of Fort D. a.
Russell, Wyoming.
The funeral procession was q most
solemn and impressive one, stores were
closed, flags at half mast, all joining to
honor the remains of a citizen of their
state, and a faithful servant of his
country, for the past twenty years.
On leaving Cheyenne for Stamford
with the remains, Mr.. Clark and Mr..
Law of the Union Pacific railroad, were
most kind and courteous, likewise the
various railroad officers met with on the
Rock Island, Southern Michigan and
Erie roads. 1 mention this matter, for
without their prompt assistance, delays
would be unavoidable as permits had to
be obtained from health boards en-
route, on account of the supposed cpl
demic throughout the country. For
the high honor and heartfelt sympathy,
so freely rendered by the Grand Army
of the Republic and the veterans of the
late war, residing in the vicinity of
Stamford, 1 feel, as a comrade and
brother officer Of deceased, under last
ing obligations; likewise for the very
handsome and courteous reception ten
dered the writer on Saturday evening,
the 18th inst, at their post, must ever
be fondly remembered, meeting as l did
that night, the best citizens of the
country in all spheres of life, men that
twenty years ago stood side by side
with their deceased comrade, the
guardians and defenders of a country
and people, declared by Them to be for
ever one and ~inseparable.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant,
JOHN j. O'BRIEN,
IT . Army