Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1884-06-27

my of the Potomac under MCClel-
Ian, in command of brigade of artillery
and subsequently as chef of artillery of Gen.
Franklin's Division. lie distinguished him
self at the battle of West Point, Va, May
Z, 1862. During the battle of Ganes's Mill,
in front of Richmond, June 9th, 'G2, Col.
Plat under Gen. Smiths direction, posted
the batteries of heavy guns, at Goldng's
Farm, on the south side of the Chickahominy,
which were served with such effect against the
columns of the enemy moving to the attack
of Porter on the other side of the river. In
the important battle of Glendale, during Nc
Clellans retreat through White Oak Swamp
three days later, Col. Plat again displayed
especial efficiency in the disposition and
handling of the artillery. In August, 1862, he
was appointed by the President, Assistant In
spector General of the Sixth Corps, with the
rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and retained the
same place on Gen. Franklin's staff, while
the later was in command Of the Left Grand
Division of the Army of the Potomac. lie
was present and active, IN this capacity, in
the battles of South Mountain and Antctam,
and in Burnsides Rappahannock campaign.
AT the first Fredericksburg, he again dis
tinguished himself and was again brevctted
for gallant and mtrtOrious service in that
battle. When Gen. Hooker took command
and recognized the Army of the Potomac,
he placed Col. Patt on his staff us
Judge Advocate of the Army. During the
Charlottesville campaign and battle, Col.
PlAtt had command of the artillery covering
the bridges across the Rappahannock, which
assured the safe withdrawal of the army.
When Hooker resigned, Col. Plat was re-
tanned by Gen. Meade in the same position
on his staff, and took a crcditable part in
the battle of Gettysburg, and in the various
n hn Ct
Richmond in 1864. During the remainder
of the war he was stationed at West Point,
as Professor of Spanish and instructor in
military tactics IN the United States military
academy
Our readers will perceive that the
record thus skctchod was one of peculiar
merit, Col. Plat had the highest conf
dence and esteem of every general under
whom he served and if our space permit
ted we could copy strong testimonials to his
ORGANIZING ability, gallantry and efficiency
in handling artillery IN battle, and to his
accomplishments as a soldier and semitic
man, freely rendered to him by them.
The war over, in September, 1865, he
took command of his battery of the Cd
Artillery, at Angel Island, California, and in
April, 1866, was detailed on special duty as
Judge Advocate of the Department OF Cali
fornia in which position he remained until
December 81, 1871. In January, 1872, he
rejoincd his battery and remained with it
until March %, 1873 From May 80, 1878,
to December 2S, 1875, he was on duty as
Adjutant General, Department of the Gulf,
and on January 5, 1876 entered upon duty
at the Headquarters Department of the
Missouri Fort Ieavenworth where he
remained until his death, June II, contcnted
in the discharge of his duties, enjoying the
companionship of an cstimable wife and the
very high respect and esteem of all with
whom he was associated. We feel strongly
that Col. Plat did not receive during the
war, the recognition to which he was Justly
entitled, and arc glad now toplace on record
the facts of a career of such especial merit.
Gen. AuCur, commanding the Department
of the Missouri, issued an order, June 18th,
of which the following is the principal por-
ton:
The Department Commander is deeply PANIED to
announce to the Department the death OF Major
Edward II. Plat lately Assistant Adjuiant Gener-
al al these Headquarters, Breyet DETERMINATIONS
ell U $. Army, which took place at 1880 p. IN to-
day. after an illness Of eight days.
Col. Plat. as Assistant A6iutant-Gcncra al these
Headquarters administered the affairs OF that -
flee with eminent fidelity, intelligence aud eficen-
cy for mare than eight years, and by his high quail
.os OF character and kindiness OF heart, had en-
deared himself TO his intimate mil tary associates
and large circle of wa IN friends.
Graduated at the Military Academy in $40 for
thrtytive years his hest abilities and clotts have
been ar1ently devoted 10 the service of his coun-
try. Whether serving under his first commission
as Lieutenant OF ARTILLERY, against hostile Indians
| N Florida or Saving his battery from capture in
| Texas at the outbreak of the rebellion; or com
| manding 1t on the first fields of the war; or as
| thef OF the Artillery of corps in tile virginia
peninsula or while Inspector General of a grand
| division of the Army of the Potomac and Judge
| Advocate of that Army or, after the termination
| OF the war. returning 10 his lineal c7rtma'd of !
battery or when actirg IS 7. Oessor at The Mill
and responsible duties Of Acknowledgement of large
| geographical! departments, he has always been
found faithful copscienlou and fully equal 10 the
/ discharge OF every trust imposed upon him.
| BenevO cnt generously hosp table, win polished
manners and cultivated literary tastes, loyal &c
| religion, he Illustrated many Of the best qualities
q thrls ian gentleman and soldier, and the great
| loss TO the service suffered in his death will bC
| deeply dcplorel throughout the Army.
On June IS the Adiltant General Of the
Army issued orders to the officers of the
Adiuant Generals department, rccounting
Col. Platts services, and directing them to
wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty
day.
Col. piatt's remains were brought from
Fort Lcavcnwolth to West Point, accom-.
panied by his brother, Hon. James IL. Plat
of New York last week, and We're to be
inferred at West Point CT duntay, with
80 liatc honors.