The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1897-01-07
GEN. WALKERS WAR RECORD.

A Noble and Brave Officer-Battles in
Which He Took Part-Swam the APP
pomattox at Night to Escape From
Rebels-A Modern Historian.
In its tribute to the memory of the
late General Francis Walker, formerly
of this city, the Springfield Republi-
can of yesterday thus speaks of his
war record: Frnacis A. Walker was a
product of this region and environment.
His father Amasa Walker, LII. D., of
North Brookfield, was active in politi-
cal and educational matters, lecturer
on political economy at Amherst, and
Oberlin colleges, and a representative
in congress. The son inherited the bent
Of his mind. Frank was born July 2,
1910, attended the North Brookfield
schools and entered Amherst college.
Hi, class of 1860 was a large one, but
less distinguished in it's membership
than some other classes. From college
he went to Worcester and began the
study of law with General Devens and
George f. Hoar, who were then In part
nership.
With the outbreak of the war of the
rebellion, the young law student en-
tered the conflict with one Of his pre-
ceptors. He enlisted as sergeant major
under Colonel Devens In the Fifteenth
Massachusetts infantry. The regiment
left for the south August S, 1861.
Walkers promotions were rapid and
merited, as he developed enthusiasm
and aptness for military service. He
was made captain, and in September
Ir,ft f,t-
ant adjutant general of the brigade
commanded by General D. NJ. Couch.
When General Couch was given COM
mand of a division of the Second army
corps General Walker was made adju-
tant general, and later lieutenant col
onel on this staff. 1t was in this posi-
tion that he served during the battle
of Chancellorsville in which he was
wounded. 1t will be remembered that
| he carried MANNED hand to the end
of his days. General Hancock assumed
command on June 10, 1863, and after the
/ battle of Gettysburg General Walker
was appointed as chief of the corps
staff, with the rank of assistant adj
jutant general. 1t was in this position
that General Walker served with dis
corps. He took part in the battles Of
/ Bristol Station, Mine Run and Morton s
/ Ford; he was active in the battles of
the Wilderness; he was present at
Todds Tavern, Pc River, Spottsyl-
vania, North Anna and Potopotomy,
Cold Harbor and the long siege of Pc
tersburg. The corps took an active
part in the battle of Reams Station,
and it was in this battle that General
Walker was taken prisoner. He spent
some time in Libby prison. Genera1
Walker conceived the same admiration
and affection for General Hancock
which all his subordinates cherished,
and the two came into close relations.
The handsome and soldierly command
er of the Second corps was often re
ferred to in after life by General Walk
er in terms of praise and fondness.
Both had the soldierly instincts.
The modesty of General Walker an
pears in the fact that as historian of
| the Second corps, in book of over 700
pages, reference is made to himself but
seven times, and then only in the brief
est possible way. Yet in all the hard
| battles Of his army service he never
| failed to be remarked for his bravery,
GOODNESS and resourcefulness. He was
repeatedly mentioned for his bravery
| by commanding generals in their dis
patches to headquarters and was twice
brevetted for distinguished services, re
i ceiving first the rank of colonel and
afterward of brigadier general. When
captured at Ream's Station he man
aged to escape on the march to Rich
mond He swan the Appomattox al
night in his attempt to join the Union
forces, but before he could reach our
lines he again fell into the hands of
the enemy. The confederates managed
to get him to Libby that time. He
was finally exchanged. There was nc
better type than he presented of what
the American soldier ought to be.