Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1890-12-17
DEATH OF GENERAL TERRY.

the Great Rebellion Passes Away
A Sketch of His Life and Career
His Failing Health of the Last Few
Years-What Abraham Lincoln Said
to a New Havener Just After Terry
Had Captured Fort Fisher.
General Alfred Fl. Terry died at his resi-
dence On Hillhouse avenue yesterday
morning at o'clock. His health had been
impaired for several years and it's impair
ment caused his retirement from his high
position in the army Of his country. His
death was due to Bright's disease, com
plicated with heart disease, and came sud-
denly at the last and yet unexpectedly.
For months he had been sufferer from
the inroads disease had made upon his
once comparatively vigorous constitution.
For the last two years he was not infre-
qnently seen about town, when his health
permitted, in carriage, but his health
seldom permitted him to take an active
outdoor exercise. His tall form and
splendid figure were familiar to most of
our citizens, who were cognizant
of the days and and events Of the
great civil war. It was memorable
day in New Haven when Terry at the head
of the Second regiment of Connecticut,
three months troops, marched forth from
here for the war; and it was another mem
orable day when that brave man and sub
sequently brilliant military leader return
ed with his command. Long before the
war his heart was stirred by the records of
battles and sieges and his mind was inclin-
ed strongly to all that pertained to the
conducting Of military campaigns. He
went to Europe with maps and military
books and visited some of the great battle
grounds of Napoleon. During the great
Crimean war he visited the Crimea and
studied there in those wonderfully exciting
times and scenes the art of war. When a
I tall STRIPPING he joined the New Haven
Grays and was one of the most active
members of the company and while mem
Der he took the deepest interest
the military duties of the hour. He
was warm friend of the late James NJ.
Woodward, who was for many years
editor of the COURIER and also a COM
| panion with him in the Grays. Mr..
Woodward while still retaining his posi-
| ton as journalist was post adjutant in
| command of the recruiting camp near the
Cedars, part of the land now talked of
| for Seaside park.
A sketch of General Terry's life in de-
| tail is given below. AS stated above fail
| ing health compelled him at last after
fruitless efforts to regain it by change OF
scene and air to retire in 1888 from the
army. He then returned to New Haven,
| the city he loved SO well, the city which
specially shared in the glory his name and
achievements had shed upon our old flag.
Purchasing beautiful residence on Hill
house avenue, he occupied it for his home
and here dwelt with his sisters
| whose tender care was most unremit
ting for his comfort and in efforts to re-
lieve him in his hours of pain and suffer
ing. In the early part Of his location here
it was believed that he was improving
under the rest from the incessant cares
and responsibilities of his eminent position
in the army and under the exertions Of
| medical skill and devoted care. He seemed
to be improving until the epidemic of the
grip swept over this country. Genera
Terry was among the thousands FRUSTRATED
by this disease and it's effect was to pros
trate his system and bring back with re
| newed force the old complaints which hat
| been undermining his constitution. From
that time his health became hopeless1,
shattered and gradually failed. Abou
| his deathbed were his three surviving sis
ters.
Hon. N. D. Sperry in speaking of tn
deceased yesterday, stated the following
Incidents I recollect that after becomin!
member Of the New Haven county ba
he had his Office in the old Brewster build
ing, and after that in the Mitchell build
ing. After that he became clerk of tn
courts. He left that position, which wa
paying him 1900 year, for the purpos
of going abroad, having geat interest il
military, to view the operations of the con
tending armies in the Crimean war. HI
l had been q leader of the Grays and Colo
mel of the Second Connecticut militia regi
ment and brought both organizations to
high state Of efficiency. Mr.. Sperry brief
recounted General Terry's rapid progress
and advancement in the war and his bril-
liant achievement at Fort Fisher and thel
recounted visit the speaker paid to Pres
| ident Abraham Lincoln soon after Terry
brilliant capture of Fort Fisher. Mr.Sperr
with other friends were joyful over tn
great achievement made by General Terry
and Mr.. Lincoln was equally gratifed an
happy Said Mr.. Lincoln to Mr. Sperry
speaking of Terry's success and his future
General Terry is over the ferry and wi
have no trouble to paddle his own canoe.
This remark was in reference to othe
| prominent competitors for promotion flo
able service in the war, and, continue
i
eral Terry was made general of the regr
lar army and major general of volunteers
receiving at one bound very notable an
conspicuous honors from his country
Terry was great man, not onl
in military, but also in hi
civil life. He had thorough
studied economic as well as military prol
lens and questions. Whatever he put hi
mind to he thoroughly studied with ze'
and ability. Probably no person in Coz
necticut had greater knowledge of bot
a most honorable life and brilliant RECORD
He has gone to rest from suffering and h
name will ever stand high in the annals
our country.
|, Sketch of General Terry's Career
The Capture of Fort Fisher.
General Terry was born in HARTFORD
Conn, November 10, 1927. He was ed,
Gated in the schools of this city and at I'll
Yale law school, but having been alread
admitted to the bar, he was not gradua
ed. He began practicing law in 1S49, an
was clerk of the superior and supren
| courts from 1854 to 1850. He had bee
an active member of the Connecticut mil
tia and was in command of the Secon
regiment of state troops when the civ
war begun. In response to President Lii
coins call for three months troops he W.
, appointed colonel of the Second Connect
cut volunteers and with that regiment VIZ
present at the first battle of Bull Run.
: the expiration of the term of service
returned to Connecticut, organized IL
Seventh Connecticut volunteers. of whic
he was appointed colonel, and on Septen
Der II was again mustered into the nations
j He xuac Y,rocapt in, oo,oynop6 4