The daily morning journal and courier., 1904-06-02
COLONEL cHATFIELD.
A Distinguished Soldier Whom Memo
 rial Day Recalls.

rldl Lay hecdllS.
 H. w. K writes to the Waterbury American as follows:
 On Memorial day with your permis- sion I would like to call the attention of the Sons of Veterans and other pa triotic young men who were born too late to have any recollections of the civil war to the memory of Water bry's most briulliant and heroic soldier of that war, Colonel John L. Chatfield. It would also naturally interest the veterans still living who went with him to the war. It was my privilege to know him only by sight. Before the war he was an ordintry, faithful, prompt and honest business man, mod est and exemplary in private life, pos sessing the confidence and hearty es- teem of the entire public. He was brought to view as in many another case by his heroic and self-sacrifcing manhood. As citizens of Waterbury We have reason to be proud of him and hold him in loving remembrance. He had the reputation of being an admira- ble disciplinarian, and one of the very best drill officers in the whole United States service. A distinguished gradu- ate of West Point said that General Worth in his palmy days could not 1 have handled regiment better. At the first his battalion drills were applauded as worthy of any officer of the regular army. At the battle of Pocotalico, while in advance on horseback, he re- ceived a canon shot in his right thigh, and erawled to the rear alone. In the first landing on Morris Island, his sol ldierly bearing and tact were much ad- mired. In charging batteries his achievements placed both him and his command in the first place among fighting men and regiments.
 | In making one of their charges the colonel had his leg shattered below the knee, but he could not bear the thought of being taken prisoner, so he attempt ed to drag himself out of the fort. He had partially succeeded when a shot struck his right hand and knocked his sword from his grasp. Wounded though he was he tried to regain it and Honly relinquished his efforts on account of excessive weakness. The only thing he saved was his scabbard and body belt He was carried to the rear and lsent home. He asked after the colors I of his regiment and was told what was left was safe. Thank God for that, ? IsHid he his eye brightening, thank God for that. I am so glad they are safe. Keep them, Keep them as long as there lis thread left He rejoiced to be at home among his friends and loved ones. It soon became evident that he was failing and must soon pass away. Surrounded by his family and few lfriends the hero of many battles .Ebreathed his last. He recognized his weeping family expressed his entire willingness and readiness to die, bade leach goodbye cheerfully and died without a struggle" When he was buried in Riverside cemetery the busi- lness of the city was suspended, flags were at half mast and military delega- tions came from all parts of the state Ito do him honor. Governor Bucking- ham and General Robert Anderson, lwho defended Fort Sumter, were IDIGStBt. Oll ClLlACllo Ol dlSl y Ierected over his grave life-sized stat ue os him, and on that occasion Gene ral Kellogg delivered an eloquent eulo- gy.
 As has been written: "Connecticut lsent forth no more accomplished and lgallant soldier than he. Had he lived he must have won distinction. A mod lest, fearless, pure-hearted, devoted Iman-his record is that a knight might Ienvy His deeds and noble sacrifices will live on sunlt pages and in warm hearts when new generations shall Tread the imperishable record of the Ibelllonand bless those whose heroisn saved the nation and freedom from dis ltinction." Tn writing this communica- ton my desire is to call the attention oi a new generation to this gallant soldier of Waterbury, that his noble deeds may be appreciated and not forgotten.
 H. w K