The National tribune., 1886-03-04

cial reverses. At the age of IL he began the
study of law in the Office of w. w. WISE of
BroOkville. He applied himself diligently to
his studies until tho war broke out when, at
the first call, both he and Mr.. Wise promptly
volunteered. Young Thomson had from his
earliest boyhood leaning toward military life
April rs, 1861, he left his home for the front
| in Capt A. a. Meningitis company of three
months men, which was assigned to the Sth Pa,
Thompson being appointed Sergeant of Co. /.
at the expiration of the three months service
Col Mcknight raised a regiment for three
years, and Albert Thompson re-enlisted as
private in Co. B of what was afterwards known
as the 105th Pa.--the famous Wild Cat" Regi-
ment of the Potomac Army. In September
following lie was promoted to First Sergeant
and in October to First Lieutenant of Co. B !;
Nov. %, 1861, he was transferred to Co. X, and
on Dec. 1 was promoted to Captain Of that
company.
Coming from another company to this COM
mand would naturally cause feeling of jeal-
ously and discomfort in its ranks, but the young
officer, though boy in years, was equal to the
occasion, and his manly bearing and uniform
kindness to his men soon won their confidence
and respect, and when the test of rebel lead
showed his mettle, all felt proud of their young
Captain.
At the battle of Fair Oaks, while at the head
Of his company, Capt. Thompson received his
first wound. The company was about reform
ing its line of battle, which had been badly
broken in the struggle through the Slash
ing and as Capt. Thompson arose from kneel-
ing position and faced his company to order it
forward, he was struck in the back by musket
ball from the enemy, which entered Just below
the right shoulder passing clear around his
body to the left side, inflictinga serious and
painful wound. He was sent with the other
wounded to the hospital at New Haven, Conn.,,
and when convaieScent returned home on fur
Tough.
Before the wound was altogether healed the
lmpetu0uS young officer become impatient to be
with his company, and fastening to the front
he rejoined it at Harrisons Landing. He was
in every subsequent engagement in which the
regiment took part up 10 the second battle of
Bull Run, where he was again wounded. Just
at the close of this hard fought engagement,
in which the "Red Diamonds" of Kearny's
fighting division had taken such an active part,
and when only q few struggling shots were be-
ing fired, Capt. Thompson was shot in the right
breast, the ball fracturing the second and third
ribs, carrying with it pieces Of clothing and
fragments of bone, and lodging in the lung,
where it remains, and where it is still source
of trouble to the gallant officer and of appre-
hension to his friends. Several months after
receiving this wound Capt. Thompson eoughed
up several pieces of his blouse, which had been
lodged in the wound.
After being stricken down by this wound he
was taken to the field hospital, where the
wound was probed and pronounced mortal;
but Capt. Thompson was in perfect physical
health and strength. and when the morning
after the battle dawned and he still lived, he
felt that he would recover. This faith never
left him, and to it and his idomitable courage
and strength of will in great measure he owes
his life, for when friends and physicians, dur
ing those many months of watching thought
the feeble spark of life about to go out, he was
brave and confident of his recovery.
He was taken from the field to Fairfax Sta
tion, and from there removed by his friends to
q private boarding house On street. Washing
ton city, where his mother Joined him and
tenderly cared for him until he so far recov-
cred as to be removed by easy stages to his
home in Brookvillc, where for 10 long, weary
months he lay upon his couch, battling with
the grim monster.
As soon as he was able to leave his room Capt
Thompson applied for service in the Invalid
Corps, to which he was appointed in May, 1863,
and in which he served ON the staff of the Pro-
vost Marshal of Kentucky and in the State of
New York, enforcing the draft. Dec. 10, 1863,
he resigned and returning to his home entered
the law office of w. p. Il G. A. jerks, where
he completed his studies and was admitted to
the bar of Jefferson County, Pa, Dec. Ia, 1864.
In 1860 Capt. Thompson removed to Ports
mouth, o., where he engaged in the practice of
his profession, and where he has since resided.
In 1872 he was elected Probate Judge of the
County of Scioto, and later was elected Presi- |
dent Judge of his Judicial District, which po-
sition he held at the time of his nomination to
Congress. He resigned at once and gave his
whole energies to the campaign, and such is
the confidence and esteem in which he is held
by the people of his adopted State that he
raised the Republican majority over LOCO votes
in his Congressional District.
Capt Thompson, if his health will permit, |
will be heard from in defense of the right in !
the present Congress. He is a member of the
Committee on Invalid Pensions, and his COM
rades can depend upon his influence in their
behalf when such legislation is needed.