The Portland daily press., 1895-03-21
Story Of the Death Of 'Little Rich Of
Go. G."
ENTERED A BLAZING BUILDING TO
RESCUE CHILDREN,
And Received Injuries From Which He
Died-He Was Veteran of the 18th
Maine and Had Reputation for Brav-
cry,
(Specia. to the PRESS. }

Augusta, March 20.-A letter just received
at the office of the adjutant general tells
of the death as result of injury received
in the line of duty, of man whose bravery
in the days of the war has doubtless made
him remembered by many of the veterans
of the Twelfth Maine. The letter to the
adjutant general comes from James E.
Aver, late first lieutenant, Company g.,
18th Maine Volunteers. Mr.. Aver is now
resident of New Orleans. In his letter he
endorses nswspa per account of the death
Of August Rich, New Orleans policeman
'''He was private in Company g." says
Mr.. Aver, land as commanding officer of
that company for nearly two years. l will
add my testimonial by saying that LITTLE
Rich,'' as he was called by the boys of the
company, was one of the best soldiers in
our company always ready for duty. never
sick. full of fun and play. Reich was his
right name, German name. but TO make
it shorter to call eroll we soon made 1t
Rich. He with many Others enlisted in
New Orleans soon after our arrival here
with General Butler"
The New Orleans item thus tells the story
of tha death of tbis former companion in
arms of Maine soldiers:
more than eleven years ago August Rich
Joined the police force. he was then
good natured and popular fellow and made
r, lends wherever he went. The officer was
assigned to duty in different precincts. and
as late as the beginning OF 1888 he was to be
found attached to the rolls Of the Fourth
precinct, having the front beat along Canal
street. One IL orning at an early hour be-
fore darkness had passed away, Rich was
in attendance at fire on Canal street.
The flames were eating away the residence
of Widow Rosaline Muller. and when Rich
reached the scene the startling informa-
,ion was given him that three small chill
dren of the unfortunate lady were in the
burning building. evidently unaware of the
flames because OF their slumDer-
ing, OF probably penned in by the FIRE. Rich
heard the dreadful information with dis
cretion and bravery He realized that there
was no time to be lost and to act at once
and with care would only result in saving
the lives of the three little innocents.
Others who knew of the terrible thing were
too afraid to enter lhe house, which was
then surrounded oy sames AID some ven-
tured 10 keep Rich from risking his life so
openly. The officer was not to be deferred
from performing the brave act. however,
and he rushed mid flames and water into
the house.
The children were found and were soon
borne to the side of their excited parents
on the sidewalk. The act was greeted with
applause by every one present and Rich
was congratulated on all sides for his con-
duct. In few days, however, it could be
seen that the mans mental condition was
slowly undergoing change brought on by
the excitement which he had passed
thorough. Widow Muller obtained gold
medal and plese nted it to tha man who had
saved her loved ones, but poor Rich never
fel OF had the honor of displaying his
present.He became insane and it was found
necessar5 to incarcerate him at the Louis
lana Retreat. For some time he remained
at that institution and gradually regained
his reason, when the subject OF the fire
never reached his ears. He was finally re-
leased from the place and immediately
went to his duty as an officer, only doing
light work. But since that night of the fire
Rich was never again the same man. His
health began to fail him and six months ago
he was taken sick. Someth hing was the mat
ter with the poor fellows brain and he ling
cred until this morning, remaining in bed
Tor the many long months. Patrolman Rich
was 81 years of age and lived with his fami-
ly on Grand Route st. John near Esplan-
adet street."