Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-22

many occasions has commanded the Dis
trict Guard. He is enthusiastic in all mat
tiers connected with the local citizen SOL
diery. and though handicapped by the loss
of his right arm, is an expert marksman.
Col. Clay's work with the rifle is really re-
markable, and ct the annual gatherings at
Sea Girt he Is the center of attraction for
the visiting experts from all sections of the
country. Col. Clay is chief clerk OF the De-
partment of Justice. He is also president
of the board of trustees of the boys reform
school, ard is prominently identified with
church work.
General Orders Issued.
The following general orders were issued
this afternoon from the headquarters of
the District National Guard:
1. 1t becomes the sad duty Of the colonel
commanding to announce to the brigade
the death of Brigadier General Albert Ord
way. which occurred in New York city
Sunday, November q, 1897. General Ord
way was the organizer of the District Ma
tional Guard, and commanded the brigade
from its earliest days to the time of his
death. His many most excellent qualities
were we'll known throughout the command,
the community and the country at large.
(Here the order gives the generals war
record, which is printed below.)
AS brigade commander he endeared him
self to every officer and enlisted man who
had at heart the best interests of this or
ganization. Broadly skillful a maker of
the working out of Details no labor, how
ever arduous, was sufficient to weary him;
no combination of adverse circumstances,
however threatening, could bring discour-
agement to his untiring spirit. For more
tnan year he toiled unremittingly be-
meath the shadow of impending death,
hrmly resolved to fight his evident fate
until the conflict was no longer possible.
Conspicuous evidence Of his courage was
shown IN the last encampment with his
brigade, when, suffering pam and weakness
suinclent TO nave crushed the braveSt of
men. ne remained at the post of duty
until the iaSt. Valiant as he was kindly
ana consioerate, loyal to country and
TRENDS as man ever was or can be, Cen
erai Ordway has gone to receive the re-
ward or those who fear not who are faith
fui unto Geath.
III. To his family, which by his decease
mas suffered lrreparapIe loss, the deepest
sympathy IS extended.
IL. The officers OF the National Guard
will wear the usual badge of mourning
upon the swordhIt Tor period of thirty
days.
Commander of District National
Guard.
General Ordway was the organizer and
the first commanding officer of the District
National Guard. Prior to his becoming in
terested in local military matters there
were scattered and, as a rule antagonistic
militia companies having their habitat here
Those companies were mainly social in
their character and were exalted types of
the old-time militia. To remedy this con-
dition and to bring the District up to at
least the level of adjacent states the gen
elal procured the necessary legislation
from Congress. and then, being appointed
Drlgadier general commanding by President
Cleveland, proceeded at once to organize
ana harmonic the conflicting or careless
interests. The difficulties he encountered
ana overcome while thus engaged Will
never be fully known or appreciated. Gift
ed with gracious tact phenomenal capac-
ity for detail and tireless energy he applied
himself with enthusiasm to a task that
was believed by many well-informed per-
sons 10 be beyond the powers of any one.
In remarkably short time success crown
ed his efforts and the result was a brigade
OF citizen soldfery which has been the
pride OF every good Washingtonian and the
envy OF less successful organizers else
where
Ten Years Tireless Work.
During the ten years of the brigade's
existence General Ordway has toiled almost
necessarily to the end that the command
should reach his high ideal. His own time
and money were devoted lavishly to the
public interest, and at last there was sacri-
flee of his own physical welfare So de-
voted was he to the brigade that when it
went into camp at Fort Washington in
June last he went with it and remained
end. At that time he was extremely weak
and painfully emaciated. During the ten
days or life in camp his weight decreased
more than twenty-five pounds, while his
S S eVioentiy became worse. His in
domitable will was. however powerful
enough to pull him through what was re-
garded by the medical officers as a crisis.
IN september he sailed for Europe, ac-
ton Of eminent physicians was held over
Els case in Berlin. and as consequence of
the decision reached thereat the general
went to Wiesbaden for treatment. There
ne, ne seemed 10 improve, and when the course
was completed he moved to London. where
the better conditions continued WRITING
10 friend in Washington he declared him.
sell 10 be better but said, "You must not
eApect 10 see any material Improvement in
my appearance Tor some time to come"
Born in Boston.
zen. Albert Ordway was born in Boston.
feoruary a. 1913. When the war broke
OUT he was pupil of Prof. Louis Aeassiz
III 'he Lawrence Scientific School of Har-
safu University Disseminating his studies,
nc ehllsted In the 4th Battalion of Massa-
ehuset's militia. In April, 1861, and in Sep
.ehioer OIL the same year was appointed
hrst lieutenant in the oath Massachusetts
ihIaLRry' one OF the regiments selected for
the burnside expedition to North Caroline
ne was the youngest officer in his repj
ment but quickly gained the confidence Of
ms superiors, and at the battle of New
berhe performed an act of personal gal
iartry that resulted in his appointment as
the adJutant Of the regiment He partici-
pated In all the campaigns and engage
ments IN North Carolina in 1862. In De-
cember his regiment was ordered to South
Carolina, but Adjt. Ordway was detailed in
the north state for especial duty. Al
the close OF this service Gen. Henry Prince
appointed him aid-de-camp and acting adj
Jutant general of his division, in which ca
paclty he served until June, 1863, when he
was ordered with Gen. Prince to the ARMY
or the Potomac, where he served on the
stan of the ID division, Sd Army CORPS.
After the battle Of Mine Run, at the
close of the campaign of '63, he reiofned
mis- regiment on his own application. and
applied himself to study of artillery mat
tiers. In the spring of 1894 his regiment
was sent to Virginia. Gen. Terry detached
him and appointed him ordnance officer Of
the division. In this campaign, while on
the staff of Gen. Terry, he became distin
guished for personal gallantry and was
promoted successfully to be captain, majcr
and lieutenant colonel. in which capacity
he was placed In command of his regiment.
at the age of twenty-one years.
Commander mt Bermuda Hundred.
After the close of the campaign in 1864