The herald., 1896-07-11

When one encounters in print the life story
of some Scared veteran of the civil war feel
ing of admiration and sympathy is the certain
result. Accustomed though we are to tales OF
hcroism and suffering in everyday life, there
is something peculiarly attractive about these
old war records, serving, as they do, ms
sacred passport 20 the heurt of every true
American. Thousands found their rest on the
field of carnage or in the hospital but their
comrades when the struggle was over and the
victory won, returned to their homes and be-
gan anew the battle of lie.
and building mover OF Albany, n. Y, has had
an unusually interesting life, and when seen
by reporter recently at his home, No ID
Bradfor1 Street, told of his many experiences
and adventures while serving under the Old
flag in the late war. Although having en-
dured all the hardships and privations OF lie
in the ranks Mr.. Scace bears his more than
half century of years with an elastic step and
keen mind. taking an active interest in pri-
vate and public allairs.
While still boy, his family moved from
Albany. his birthplace, to Pittsiield, Mass,
and here he was educated. He mastered the
carpenters trade, became a member of Berk-
shire Lodge, No 80, |. 0. Q. T.. and was en-
tcr.ng upon successful business life when
came the call from Washington for men. All
over the country the word sped, and excite
mcnt ran high. All the old-time patriotism
that had made Massachusetts famous in Revo-
lutionary days was fired to its utmost. Every
town and village sent out its squad or company.
The company in which Mr.. Seace enlisted
in September of 1862 us private, became
Company A., Forty-ninth Regiment, Massa-
chusetts Volunteer Infantry. Under the COM
mon impression that the gar would be one OF
but short duration, the men were enlisted for
nine months only. Scarcely were they uni
formed and armed before they were ordered TO
shn trnD
was under the command of Col. W. f. Bart
lett, served in the First Brigade, First Divis-
ion, Nineieenth Corps, and participated in
some OF the hottest battles of the great rebel
lion.
Mr.. Scace, at the time, was but twenty-five
years of age and he remembers well with
what Il beating heart lie first fell in line. His
regiment was ordered South, directly through
the cncmy's country, with Baton Rouge us
the objective point. Aftcr several months OF
weary marches, during which Company A
passed through several lively scrimmages with
the enemy constantly lowering about the flanlss
and rear, the capital city Of Louisiana was
reached An evacuation followed Citizens
and the rebel soldicry stationed in the city fled
like frightened sheep, bearing with them what
goods they could carry and setting torch TO
the rest. The beautiful capitol building,
which had been converted into war prison,
had also been fired, and the boys in blue
Stdf1lti Ia, JuSt III tiibF W SstNc NoptifN
comrades from perishing in the flames. Mr..
Scace, who had been. while en- route. pro-
moted to corporal was in the thickest Of the
melee and describes the scenes in graphic
manner. Although the city had fallen almost
without blow given or received, fight was
not far off, .or word was received that large
force of the enemy wa, fast approaching.
A bloody battle enssled at Plain Store, a few
days march out of the capital, in which Cor
poral Scace was severely wounded. minnie
ball struck his left thigh and, grazing the
bone, narrowly missed the great artery. He
was retired to ihe camp at Baton Rouge, but
recuperated so rapidly that he entered, soon
after, again into active service. The battles
OF Port Hudson and DoBallscnville followed,
with all their thrilling episodes.
1t was not long after this that, by reason Of
the expiration of his term of enlistment, he
was honorably discharged. His respitc wa:
not a long one, however, for he soon atterward
ra-enlisted, 10 serve for the remainder of the
war. For meritorious action he had been
raised TO the seryeants stripes, and as such
served in Company A, Sixty-frst Regiment