The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1896-02-15

When one encounters IN print the life story
Of some SCARED veteran o. the civil war,
feeling Of admiration and sympathy Is the
certain result. Accustomed though we are
10 tales of heroism and suffering In everyday
life, there is something peculiarly attractive
about these old war records, serving, as they
do, as a sacred passport 10 the heart 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 20 their homes
and began anew the battle Of life.
John b. Scace, the widely known contrac-
tor and building mover OF Albany, N. T.,
has had an unusually interesting life, and
when seen by a reporter rec sntly at his home,
No. IS Bradford Street, told Of his many ex-
periences and adventures while serving
under the old flag in the lac war. Although
having endured all the hirdships aud pri-
yations of life 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 private nd public affairs.
While still boy, his family moved from
Albany, his birthplace, 10 Pittsheld, Mass,
and here he was educated. He mastered the
carpenters trade, became member OF Berk-
shire Lodge, No. 90, /. o. o. f., and was
entering upon successful business life when
came the call from Washin gton for men. All
over the country the word sped, and excite
ment ran high. All the old-time patriotism
that had made Massachusetts, famous in
Revolutionary days was fired to Its utmost
Every town and village sent out its squad OF
company.
The company in which Blr. scace enlisted
in September of 1862 as O. private, became
Company A, Forty-ninth Regiment, Massa
chusetts Volunteer Infantry. Under the
common impression that the war would be
one Of but short duration, The men were en-
listed for nine months only. Scarcely were
they uniformed and armed before they were
ordered 10 the front. The regiment, which
at the time was under the command Of Col
w. Il. Bartlett, served in the First Brigade
First Division, Nineteenth Corps, and par
ticipated in some of the no test battles of the
great rebellion.
Mr.. Scace, at the time, was but twenty-five
years of age, and he remembers well with
what beating heart he first fell in line. Hi
regiment was ordered South directly through
the enemy's country, with Baton Rouge a
the objective point. After several months o
weary marches, during which Company
passed through several lively scrimmage
with the enemy constantly lowering abou
the TANKS and rear, tho capital city o
Louisiana was reached. IN evacuation fol
lowed. Citizens and the rebel soldiery sta
toned in the city fed like frightened sheep
bearing with them what goods they coul
carry and setting torch 10 the rest. Tn
beautiful capitol building. which had bee
converted into war prison, had also bee
fired, and the boys in b!aC swarmed in, jus
in time 10 save their captive comrades fror
perishing in the flames. Mr.. Scace, VIII
had been, while en- route, promoted to col
poral, was in the thickest Of the melee an
describes the scenes in a graphic manner
Although the city had fall IN almoss withor
blow given or received, fight was not ia
off, for word was received that a large fore
Of the enemy was fast approaching.
A bloody battle ensued at Plain Store,
few days march out of the capital, in whic
Corporal Scace was severely wounded.
minnie ball struck his left thigh and, grain
the bone, narrowly missed the great arter.
He was retired to the camp nt Baton Roug
but recuperated so rapidly that he entere
soon after, again into active service. III
battles of Port Hudson and Donaldsonvil
| followed, with all their thrilling episodes.
1t was not long after this that, by reas'
of the expiration of his term of cnlistmer
he was honorably discharged. His respi
was not long one, however, for he soon I
| terward re-enlisted, 10 serve for the renal
der of the war For mertorious action
had been raised TO the sereeant's stripes, al
as such served in Company A, Sixty-fr
Regiment, MassachusettsV olunteer Infantr
| under Col. Charles 4. Walcott. During q