New-York tribune., 1896-09-02
TRIBUTE TO COLONEL ARDEN's MEMORY

TRIBUTE TO COLONEL ARDEN'S MEMORY.
To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: Colonel Thomas Il. Arden son of Richard
Dean Arden. died on Thursday evening. August l3'
1896 at his residence, Ardcna, Garrisons, ~ y
Born at Yorkyille. now part Of New-iork 'i'y' on
July g. 1873, the most OF his school days were
passed at the noted school of Parson Powell In the
old town Of West Chester n. Y. Among his school
mates were many of the gentlemen Of the old
school. now nearly al gone. Entering West Point
in 1881, he graduated In lsS, and assigned 10
the eth Infantry. Among his classmates were Cen
erals George c. Meade George w Morsell. Henry
NJ Naglee John IT, Martindae. Marsena r. Pat
rick g. s. Roberts w y. Grier, Henry Prince.
Professor Henry J.. Kendrick Archibald Campbell.
c.. F. and Montgomery Blair. After graduation he
Immediately entered on active service, and was
sent out to the Indian frontier He was stationed
at Fort Gibson, and was aide-de-camp TO General
Arbuckle at that post. Afterward he at New
Orleans and engaged in the Seminole War. lie
returned to she academy as assistant instructor Of
infantry tactics resigned in 1892 and taking his
residence on his fathers estate, occupying the old
Beverley Robinson House. once Arnolds head
quarters while In command at West Point Shortly
before his fathers death he removed to the home
stead, Ardenia. I'm 1866
At the outbreak OF the Rebellion I'm 1861, he
offered his services to the United States Govern
ment through General Scott, and. not hearing from
Washington, he was requested TO serve az aid 10
Major General Sandford which he consented to do
with the rank OF major). and went through the
Patterson campaign On the return of that body.
at the instance and advice OF Major General Rich
ard Delafeld l.. s. A.. Governor Edwin ID. Nor
gan appointed him his military adviser and aid,
with the rank Of colonel In this latter capacity
he rendered his best and most efficient service,
both TO his country and State for. while nom
inally but an aide-de-camp. he was the Board OF
Examination for all officers desiring commands In
all branches OF the service and was constantly
occupied visiting the camps OF volunteers In vari-
GUS parts Of the State. Aftcrward he was detail
to be near the United States Government and look
after the general interests OF our troops In hcld.
camp and hospital. especially the Army OF the
Potomac end It's djacent commands.
On the expiration Of Governor Morgan's admin
istratiOr Colonel Arden returned 10 private life. and
10 the resumption of the quiet retirement OF his
estate and the pleasures and tastes OF the old time
country gentleman, where he always found abund-
ant amusement as well resource. For many
wears he kept meteorological journal for tho
benefit Of the Smithsonian Institution. He was
Interested in the Putnam County Agricultural So
cIefy and in this connection Was the assistant OF
our Government In the introduction OF many seeds
OF various vegetables 10 the ncighbOring farmers.
foonel Arden took a great interest In the beautiful
little parish church Of ST. Philips In the High
lands and had special charge Of the grounds sur
rounding IT, serving for long time az both vcstry-
man and warden. In him there lived the spirit OF
Justice the soul of honor and the lfc OF integrity.
lie led and taught by example and precept. Five
children survive him. III.
Garrisons Aug. l5 1895.