Memorial of Colonel John A. Bross, Twenty-Ninth U.S. Colored Troops, Who Fell in Leading the Assault on Petersburgh, July 30, 1864.

"When I lead these men into battle, we shall remember Fort Pillow, and shall not ask for quarter. I leave a home and friends as dear as can be found on earth; but if it is the will of Providence that I do not return, I ask no nobler epitaph than that I fell for my country, at the head of this black and. blue regiment."
Cemetery Hill, which was the key to Petersburg. They reached the enemy's works, but were met by an overwhelming force, and death was busy in their ranks. The colors of the regiment had been borne successively by five men, each of whom had been shot orcutdown. At this juncture the Colonel seized the colors, advanced to the parapet, and planted the flag upon it. He then drew his sword, waved his hat, and cried, "Rally, my brave boys, rally;" and at the same moment was struck in the left side of the head, by a minie bullet, and fell dead, the only words that he uttered being, "O Lord!" The regiment went into the battle with four hundred and fifty men, and only one hundred and twenty-eight came back; one hundred and fifty being killed, one hundred wounded, and seventy or eighty taken prisoners. Only one of the officers above the rank of lieutenant escaped unhurt. It has been affirmed without contradiction that, "among those who penetrated furthest, Colonel Bross was the very foremost man; and his dead body was found the most advanced of any who were left on the field." The movement was confessedly a disastrous one, more than four thousand men perishing in the attack, with little advantage gained. But the blunder, if there was one, was not with the men who fought and fell. It has never been definitely ascertained who was responsible for the failure.
Falling within the rebel lines, and a retreat being sounded immediately after his death, the body of Colonel Bross was not recovered. The enemy accorded him the poor honors of burial, but left no mark by which the place of his sepulture could be known. Several attempts were made by his afflicted relatives to find it, but without avail, and the place of his final earthly rest will remain unknown till the last trump shall sound, and the dead shall be raised.



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Full text of "Memorial of Colonel John A. Bross, Twenty-ninth U.S. colored troops, who fell in leading the assault on Petersburgh, July 30, 1864. Together with a sermon by his pastor, Rev. Arthur Swazey"



THE LIBRARY
OF

THE UNIVERSITY

OF CALIFORNIA

LOS ANGELES



BROSS, William, journalist, b. in Montague,
Sussex co., N. J., 4 Nov., 1813. He was fitted for
college at Milford academy, Pa., and was gradu-
ated at Williams in 1838, after which he taught
school for ten years. He then went to Chicago,
where, from 1849 till 1851, he was a dealer in
books, and published the " Prairie Herald." He
formed a partnership with J. L. Scripps in 1852,
and established the "Daily Democratic Press,"
which was consolidated with the Chicago " Trib-
une," 1 July, 1858. For several years he was presi-
dent of the " Tribune " company. During 1855 and
1856 he was a member of the Chicago city council.
He was lieutenant-governor of Illinois from 1865
till 1869. He has travelled extensively in America
and Europe, and has published in the " Tribune "
many letters from abroad, and from almost every
part of this country. He became a member of the
American society for the advancement of science
in 1853, and has read papers before that associa-
tion, as well as before the Chicago historical society
and the academy of sciences. He was identified
with the republican party from the first, and took
a prominent part in its campaigns as a public
speaker. He is the author of several publications
in book or pamphlet form, including " A History
of Chicago " (Chicago, 1876) ; " A Compilation of
Editorials from the Chicago Tribune" and "Im-
mortality " (1877) ; " A History of Camp Douglas "
{1878) ; " Punishment " and " Chicago and the
Sources of her Future Growth " (1880) ; " The Win-
field Family " (1882) ; and " Illinois and the Thir-
teenth Amendment " (1884).



MEMOEIAL



COLONEL JOHN A. BROSS,



TWENTY-NINTH U. S. COLORED TROOPS,



WHO FSLL IK LEADING



THE ASSAULT ON PETERSBURGH,

JULY 30, 1864.



TOSETHEB WITH



A SERMON BY HIS PASTOR, REV. ARTHUR SWAZEY.



BY A FRIEND.

X-3 >^V



CHICAGO :

TRIBUNE BOOK AND JOB OFFICE.
1865.



MEMORIAL.



WHEN good men pass away from the world, it is often
fitting, both for tribute and example, to commemorate their
virtues, and to perpetuate the record of their lives. It is espe-
cially demanded, when so many men, turning resolutely from
the tenderest relations of life, are giving themselves to their
country, that such as have become conspicuous, by self-devotion
and singleness of aim and eifort, and to'whom the service has
been a literal laying down of life, shall be rescued from that
dumb forgetfulness which so soon overtakes the dead. Their
history and patriotic devotion should be held in lasting remem-
brance.

The subject of this brief memorial, is not alone in giving his
life to his country ; but his is high on the roll of heroic names,
who, in this day of peril, have made a literal sacrifice of father
and mother, wife and child, house and lands, yes, and of his own
life ; that the nation might live, and that posterity might enjoy
freedom and safety. Such men must and will have appreciation
and honor, as much wider than their own immediate circle of
friends, as their virtues and sacrifices are known. For this do
we write a record of his deeds.

JOHN ARMSTRONG BROSS, son of Deacon Moses Bross, (now
of Morris, Illinois,) was born February 21st, 1826, in the little
town of Mil ford, Pike county, Pennsylvania, He was the fifth
son in a family of nine sons and three daughters. He received
a thorough academical education under the pupilage of his
elder brother, William, at Chester Academy, Orange county,



MEMORIAL.



New York. Entertaining plans for a collegiate, course, he had
fitted himself for that purpose ; but circumstances prevented
the prosecution of his designs.

Making choice of the profession of the law, he commenced
the study of that science in Goshen, New. York. Eemoving to
Chicago, in December, 1848, he entered the office of Hon. Grant
Goodrich, with whom he remained until the completion of his
studies. During the Pierce administration, he served as assist-
ant United States Marshal, and held the office of United States
Commissioner, until the time of his death. He executed the
duties of these Federal offices with concientious fidelity and
, ability ; acquitting himself in each case, to the entire satisfaction
of all concerned in the discharge of the respective trusts. After
concluding his duties as Assistant United States Marshal, he
devoted himself to his profession, particularly to the admiralty
practice, at once entering upon a successful career.

June 5th, 1856, he was married to Miss Belle A. Mason,
daughter of Hon. Nelson Mason, of Sterling, Whitesides county,
Illinois. Their eldest child, a daughter, lovely and precocious,
in her short life of two and a half years, had become peculiarly
dear to the heart of her father. The wife, and remaining
child, a son of four years, survive to bear the loss of husband and
father. The sweet, unconscious prattler, deprived of the coun-
sels of a tender parent, inherits a rich legacy in that parent's
bright example, and untarnished fame. Eight years of married
life brought much of joy to one so happily constituted to render
his home charming, both to himself and those who shared it. His
nature was affectionate, his judgment cool and clear, and his
temper disciplined and even. Endowed, as he was, with a keen
relish for simple social pleasures, he was attached to his home
in a remarkable degree. Therefore it was no ordinary sacrifice
he made, when he left it in obedience to the demands of his
country.

That this proved his greatest trial, is revealed in almost every
letter written during his absence. His decision in respect to



MEMORIAL. 5



entering the army, was no enthusiastic impulse, but the action
of his judgment as well ; which is shown by the fact that he
did not join the first volunteers, deeming his family ties too
dear to be severed, while men with less to bind them to their
homes were offered in greater numbers than Government would
accept. When, however, the progress of events made it neces-
sary again to fill up the armies, the enthusiasm of multitudes
had cooled, and exertion became necessary to secure recruits,
he decided that duty called him to the field. Leaving the
position he had attained in his profession, and the home so
fondly dear, he devoted himself thenceforth, to his country.
During the summer of 1862, he raised two companies ; one of*
which entered the 75th Illinois Volunteers. Of the other he
was made Captain, and it became Company A, of the 88th Illi-
nois. The feelings with which he entered the service, are
alluded to in some of his letters, written from camp, after
having become accustomed to his new position. Under date of
June 4th, 1863, to his wife, he says :

" Ton know I have decided opinions upon the duty that every able bodied
young man owes his country ; and often on the march, when I have been tired,
wet and hungry, and no dry place to rest my weary limbs, I have been cheered
by the thought that in doing, bearing and suffering all this, I was discharging
that debt and duty. How glad I shall be when, in accordance with my own
sense of honor, I may return to the dear domestic circle, the Mecca of my
affections."

Soon after the battle of Murfreesboro. he writes :

"Officers and men are continually dropping out. from various reasons.
Many, I doubt not, enter the army thoughtlessly, little dreaming what the actu-
alities of war really are, and hardships soon cool their enthusiasm. I fully
appreciate the kindness of dear friends who desire to see me safe from harm,
but for (Jtat cause I have no heart to leatte my position. I coxmted the cost at the
beginning; I know its dangers, and possible sacrifice; I am one of those who
thoroughly believe that blood must be shed to bring this controversy to a close.
We are often heart-sick to witness the indifference of men and women at home,
but it cheers me to feel how thoroughly you understand the motives which place
me here. I do not know whether all can reconcile my position with the absorb-



6 M EMORI AL.



ing love of Lome which fills my soul. But it is that very love which urges me
forward, that our boy may enjoy all the privileges of our noble, God-given
republic. No other object could tempt me from a home so full of true enjoy-
ment. You know I would willingly carry a musket, or*be commanded by
almost any one, if thereby I could do aught for my country. Yesterday, on
being introduced to General Negley ' Ah,' said he, 'I saw you in the Cedars.''
'Yes, General, you did;' and the pressure of hands told more forcibly than
could words, how our thoughts went back to that battle-field. The regiment
has just been made happj' by the receipt of packages from home. Though
nothing is necessary to the vivid mental impression which will embody you in
actual presence almost, yet there is something in the tangible evidence of love
and remembrance from home. Reading the Psalms in course, brought the
Thirty-Sixth and Thirty-Seventh for to-day, and I could not help feeling that with
such friends, and such precious promises to sustain me. I ought to be content
anywhere."

After a year's further experience, he alludes to the same
theme ; and gives evidence that his convictions of duty had not
only led him into the contest, but had been strong enough to
enable him to endure the privations and exposures of the ser-
vice. Writing from Virginia, June 5th, 1864, he says :

" The fighting has been desperate since the first of June ; but we have been
uniformly successful. It has been accomplished, however, at terrible cost of
human life, and my heart has ached for the poor wounded soldiers. It is so
different to come here and witness the results of a hard-fought battle. I have
not felt the same enthusiastic tension of the mind, as on the field. Yet I also
feel, that in all history, there is no such example as is now shown by our people
in their lavish expenditure for the care of the wounded. I am glad I have been
here to witness it ; and more than ever, am I proud that I am one of the grand
army of the Union. I pray Heaven to grant me life and health to see the end
of this war, that again I may enjoy the sweet influences of home in peaceful
times : but whatever be my fate, I know I can give to my child this one thing,
' His father fought for the Union and the old flag. 1 "

In taking command of his company, he had, like all volun-
teers, everything to learn. And probably the hardest task he
found upon his hands at first, was that stern enforcement of
discipline, which is the first necessity of military service. So
different are the requirements of war from the conditions of
peace, that no man can pass from the one to the other without



MEMORIAL .



feeling, at first, more or less of a shock to his sensibilities ; and
in a place of trust, he must be liable to many mistakes. But
Colonel Bross entered upon the service, with the determination
to discharge his duties faithfully. And he never, till the last,
ceased his endeavors to perfect himself in his profession. By
a study of the best models, he made steady progress in the art
of command. It was probably to his thorough knowledge,
combined with his strength of character, that he owed the
perfect control he exercised over officers and men.

His regiment, the 88th Illinois, left Chicago, on the 4th of
September, 1862, and went at once into active service, in Ken-
tucky, first under Buell, and afterwards under Rosecrans. Its.
first battle was at Perrysville, Kentucky, but a short time after
its entrance upon duty. The action is sometimes called that
of Chaplin Hills. The regiment was under fire but a short
time, yet it lost forty men. His conduct in this engagement,
fixed him as a man of true courage ; one upon whom reliance
could be placed, in an emergency ; and those who have had
experience, know, that the first battle tries the man, and shows
upon whom dependence may be placed in further scenes of
danger.

Not long afterwards, General Buell was relieved of his com-
mand, and General Rosecrans appointed in his place. He
entered upon his duties with great vigor, and pushed his enemy
out of Kentucky into Tennessee. His first considerable engage-
ment was that near Murfreesboro, at Stone River, where he
met the enemy about the last of December. The main action
was preceded by skirmishing of several days duration ; but on
the 31st of December, the right wing of Rosecrans' army was
attacked at daybreak, and before noon, was forced back some
four miles, and considerably crippled. The 88th regiment was
posted near the left in the right wing, and held its ground
firmly through the whole action; though it retreated under
orders, that it might keep its position in the line. In the early
part of the fight, it was attacked by an entire brigade, which



8 MEMORIAL.



it held in check and repulsed. It thus indicated the quality of
its material, and the efficiency it had attained. Captain Bross
acted his part in this battle, with perfect coolness, and his conduct
waswarmly approved by superior officers. The battle termin-
ated only upon the second of January. On the first, there was
but little fighting ; the day being given to repairing losses, and
the burial of the dead. On the second, the battle was upon the
left wing, and the 88th regiment was not actively engaged.
After this the enemy retreated. Captain Bross was on picket
duty that night, and first brought word that the enemy were
moving. On the next day the foe was gone.

A long campaign of peculiar hardships, was brought to a
close by the battle of Chickamauga, which occurred, September
19th and 20th, 1863. Here again, the regiment saw hard fight-
ing, and Captain Bross bore himself with conspicuous gallantry ;
extricating his company from a dangerous position on the front
picket line, and as before, escaped all bodily harm, though
death was abroad in all the air.

A beautiful instance of how God was " in all'his thoughts,"
as well of his perfect composure in time of danger, is found in
several dates of reading, written in his pocket edition of the
Psalms, which he always carried with him ; especially in these
words upon the margin of the 91st Psalm, a Read at the battle
of Chickamauga, during the heavy firing on our left, and before
the action commenced in our front" Sincerely coulft he feel,
" I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress ; my
God ; in Him will I trust"

HIS CONNECTION WITH THE 29TH U. S. COLORED TROOPS.

When the policy of arming the blacks had been fully entered
upon, and proved, by several trials, to be successful, it was
resolved by the authorities, to recruit such a regiment in
the State of Illinois. The endeavor was beset with many
difficulties. Our State laws, passed by a so-called democratic
Legislature, forbade the introduction and residence of that class



MEMORIAL.



of population in the State ; and low politicians were ready enough
to put the law in force, were there not also a strong public
sentiment against it. The sentiment of humanity was so much
stronger than the law, as to allow the blacks a being in the
State ; at least in most of the northern parts of it ; yet the
prejudice against them was never slow to exhibit itself whenever
a favorable occasion presented. To undertake the recruiting of
a colored regiment in Illinois, though favored and ordered by
Governor Yates, was a work requiring no small amount of
courage, patience, and self-sacrifice.

To find officers willing to accept such service, was easier than
to find those suitable for the position. Men were not wanted
whose object alone was promotion, or increased pay ; nor indeed
who were actuated by any merely selfish aim. It required the
very best of capacity for command^ and the most entire unself-
ishness of object. Black soldiers, as a class, have more to learn
than white troops. They need a patient, parental discipline, as
well as strict military authority : and their efficiency, as soldiers,
of necessity, depends more exclusively upon the capacity and
humanity of their officers.

Looking alone to his earlier antecedents, Colonel Bross would
not have been supposed likely to accept such a command. He
was educated in the democratic faith, and held his political
principles with the conscientious tenacity which characterized
all his vieVs. His mental tendencies were conservative ; and
he yielded but slowly to doctrines antagonistic to his long
established convictions. He had been taught to regard every-
thing which savored of what men were accustomed to call " aboli-
tionism," with distrust; and it was only as the measures which
contemplated a change in the status of the black population,
underwent the deliberate scrutiny of his judgment, that he
yielded to them. To become the commander of such a regi-
ment, involved a change in his views and feelings, from those
of his earlier years, than which nothing could more forcibly
illustrate the change in the times. Yet for this service he was



10 MEMORIAL.



selected and detailed, and commenced recruiting in November,
1863. He established his head quarters at Quincy, in order to
avail himself of the exodus of the black population passing
from Missouri into Illinois, at that point

Owing to the late day at which the raising of the regiment
was undertaken, many of the colored men of Illinois had
already left, to join the service in other States. The whole
number of such, at that time, was known to be about seven
hundred. Most of two companies in the celebrated 54th Mas-
sachusetts, had gone from Illinois, long before their own State
offered them the privilege of enlistment

Colonel Bross, as Captain of Company A, had gained a repu-
tation for courage and energy, which promised rapid promotion
in the 88th regiment ; and also naturally pointed him out as the
suitable officer for the new command. He entered upon the
work of recruiting and drilling his men with all his accustomed
industry. From the first, he decided that his treatment of his
troops should be such as became them as men ; and the result
was, that he soon established himself fully in their confidence
and affections. The undertaking in his hands was at once a
success, so far as the proficiency of the troops in their ordinary
duties was concerned. The filling up of the regiment, owing
to causes alluded to, was not rapid. Having raised six compa-
nies, he was commissioned as Lieut Colonel, April 7th, 1864.
He was orderd to join the JSTinth Army Corps, then moving from
Annapolis to the field. IJe passed through Chicago, with his
regiment, on the 27th of May, 1864. His troops were provided
with refreshments at the "Soldiers' Rest," and a number of
friends presented the Colonel with a fine horse and equipments,
as .a token of their high appreciation of his steadfast devotion
to the cause of liberty. The presentation address was made by
Colonel F. A. Eas.tman, and was briefly replied to by the recipi-
ent of the gift. His response being entirely extempore, was
not preserved, but a sentence or two is remembered by those
who heard it " When I lead these men into battle, we shall



MEMORIAL.



remember Fort Pillow, and shall not ask for quarter. I leave
a home and friends as dear as can be found on earth ; but if it
is the will of Providence that I do not return, I ask no nobler
epitaph, than that I fell for my country, at the head of this
black and blue regiment"

The adieus were quickly said, and the troops were on their
way ; and Colonel Bross passed from the sight of his friends
forever. It was the fear, if not the conviction, of many of
them at that time, that he would never return. The perils of
officers of his rank, in an active campaign, are always great ;
but in the service he had undertaken, they were felt, to be largely
increased. The cruel treatment of colored troops, and their
officers, by the rebels, so far as their power went to reach them,
was well known ; and the massacre of Fort Pillow had recently
occurred, to give intensity to the danger that adhered to this
service. Of all this, no one was better aware than Colonel
Bross himself. But his convictions of the rightfulaess of arm-
ing the blacks, were clear; his faith in their efficiency, as
soldiers, was entire; he had no doubt of his own. chftly,.. and he.
went forward to the sacrifice, without a murmur or regret.

His pastor tells us, that in a conversation with him, as he w$s
about to leave for Virginia, on reminding him that his
tion with colored troops would expose him to peculiar
a tear came into his eye, while he said, firmly: u If
am willing to be offered" . >

6

" There is nothing," as he was accustomed t& S0"
expresses my idea of a soldier's duty, than. T&>ny r ^

tion of the charge of the Light Brigade.,.. espec ; ,'i

A es> c
ing stanza: ''

1 Forward the Light Brigadfl.I>

No man was there dismayed,

Not though the soldiery kne-

Some one had bljundQred-

Their' a not to make re r

Their' s not to.

Their' s but to do

Into the valley

Rode the si y '



12 MEMORIAL.



This he would repeat with such emphasis as often gave a
pang to the hearts of loving friends, who remembered the dan-
gers to which he would so soon be exposed, and now taken in
connection with the manner in which he was sacrificed, seems
almost prophetic. It clearly showed the direction of his
thoughts, and what would be his course in similar circumstances.

The Ninth Army Corps had left Annapolis, before the 29th
could arrive, and an order was received, directing them to pro-
ceed to Alexandria. General Casey was in command at Wash-
ington, and had issued an order for the regiment to report at
his head quarters, near Long Bridge. For some reason, the
order failed to reach Colonel Bross, and he marched directly
past General Casey' s office, through to Alexandria, and en-
camped, in ignorance of the General's directions. An order was
thereupon sent to him direct, to report immediately at head
quarters. He was received with much sternness by General
Casey. " Have you seen service before, sir." " I have, sir."
" How came you to disobey that" said General Casey, one of
his staff at the same time presenting the order. " Are you
accustomed to obey orders ?" Said Colonel Bross, with em-
phasis, "General Casey, I obey orders with my life; your order
never reached me." The mistake was, of course, discovered,
and explanations were soon made. His air of resolute determ-
ination impressed the old General, and the Colonel was there-
upon placed in command of the colored brigade, then at Camp
Casey, near Washington. This position he held until after
the battle of Spottsylvania, when, with his brigade, he was
ordered forward to White House, where he remained till an
opportunity offered to go to the front. At this time, the troops
were rapidly attaining perfection in drill, and their discipline
was every way satisfactory.

That his expectations concerning the rapid proficiency such
troops might make, were realized, we may learn from his letters.
One written when in command of the brigade occupying Camp
Casey, Va., says:



MEMORIAL. 13



" My men are improving rapidly in all their duties. Captain Aiken is all I
can desire in his conduct as commanding officer of the regiment. All the other
officers seem to devote themselves to drill and discipline of their respective
companies, while the men take pride in making all possible progress. It is
with real pleasure I mount ' Dick ' for battallion drill. The evolutions are per-
formed with animation, and without noise and swearing, which certainly
renders it much more agreeable to me. 1 '

Again, June 8th, near Old Church Tavern, he writes:

"My men keep up remarkably well ; having become thoroughly conversant
with the best method of 'getting on,' in taking care of themselves. So far
from being injured by bad weather, their spirits seem to rise in proportion to
the disagreeable state of the elements. Yesterday, we had a genuine alarm,
caused by a dash of rebel cavalry upon our pickets in front. They captured
a couple of dozen of our men, and killed one Captain. We were building
breast- works at the time, and as soon as the alarm was given, the men ' fell
in, 1 with great spirit. The musketry firing was quite brisk for a time, and we
expected our cavalry to fall back on us, but it all became quiet without even a
sight of the rebels. My men behaved admirably, and I was pleased that they
showed no, desire to slink or shirk, but came into line on the double quick.
Our camp is in a dense growth of yellow pine, though we have an open field
front. "We had no breast- works as I said, yet the men took position as calmly
as if in a fort. I went to the front of the regiment, where I could have a good
look, and quietly walked along the lines to see that all was right. ' Colonel,
we don't want you out dar,' broke through several stockades of ivory. After
being in line about an hour, we stacked arms and returned to labor on the
breast- works. My men handle the ax and spade in such manner as to gain
many compliments on the neatness with which they finish their work."

General Grant had been fighting his way toward Richmond,
and had succeeded in placing himself before Petersburgh, early
in June. Thereupon an order was addressed to Colonel Bross,
commanding the brigade, to detach one regiment to guard a
wagon train to the front. His eagerness to be where work was
to be done, led him to select his own, the 29th, and leave the
command of the brigade. He reached the main army, and
commenced work in the trenches, before Petersburgh, on the 19th
of June : where he continued, to the fatal day which ended hia
life.



14 MEMORIAL.



In the actual and exhausting labor of the campaign, he felt
the necessity of filling up his regiment, so that it might be fully
officered, and thus the better support his own endeavors. His
wish had been to secure its maximum number from the free
blacks, as he could thus obtain a more intelligent class of men

than by accepting companies of contrabands from the Govern-



ment, although these were proffered, and with his regiment at
maximum, a Colonel's commission awaited him. As recruiting
among the free blacks went on slowly, he had finally decided to
accept the companies tendered by the Government, and being
unwilling to spare his officers for recruiting, had applied for
them. The order granting them, had been issued, and came
just after his death.

Through the six weeks, in which the regiment was in the
trenches, the weather was hot, and the work, of course, hard ;
but there was no complaint, and the service was cheerfully and
faithfully rendered.

During the month of July, intimations were frequent, that
some decisive demonstration on the part of our army was
impending ; and toward the end of the month, the information
had been circulated, that a mine was in preparation, which
would secure to us important advantages. The army was
therefore prepared for the explosion, but not for the disastrous
results that followed. On Saturday morning, July 30, 1864, at
forty minutes past four o'clock, the mine beneath the rebel fort
was exploded ; and at five o'clock and thirty minutes, a charge
was made, and for a while, seemed to promise well. The line,
for a short distance on each side of the mine, is said to have
been brilliantly carried. The second line was gained and held
for a time. The colored division, under General Ferrero, includ-
ing seven colored regiments, was then ordered forward. The
fort had been seized, and the order to the black troops was, to
take the interior line beyond. They had been ordered to take
the caps from their muskets and rely on the bayonet. It soon
became evident the work claimed to have been done by Ledlie's



MEMOEIAL. 15



division, was not thoroughly accomplished. The enemy's lines
had not been sufficiently cleared, and such had been the delay,
that the rebels had rallied in full force, and were prepared now
to dispute, successfully, any further advance of our troops.
But they did advance, in face of a fire in front ; and in addition,
received an enfilading fire upon each flank, and also in the rear,
from portions of the enemy's first line, which had not been
taken. They advanced towards Cemetery Hill, which was the
key to the entire rebel position. Cemetery Hill commands
Petersburgh itself, and was, therefore, the objective point of the
assault ; and without attaining it, the attack, as a whole, must
faiL It would seem, therefore, that such a careful disposition
of the forces should have been made, as would render the
attempt a certain success. On the contrary, the first assault was
so executed, that no subsequent bravery could prevent a total
failure ; and no failure of the war, of the same dimensions, has
been more disastrous. Not that in a strictly military sense, the
loss was so great, though it cost us four thousand of our bravest
and best men : the military situation was the same after the
attempt as before. In addition to the loss of life, the moral
effect was intensely calamitous. It spread a gloom over all the
land. It was widely felt, as a result, that we were making no
progress in the war, and were likely to make none. All the
friends of those who died in the undertaking, felt that their lives
had been sacrificed to the most stupid and criminal blundering.
If a soldier falls in a successful battle, his name is imperishably
linked with whatever of lustre it sheds about it. History,
poetry, and oratory dwell upon it But to fall in a failure, is
to go down in comparative darkness, and history refuses to
linger upon the theme.

It is not be settled here, as to whose was the blame of the
failure in the assault of that 30th of July. But it is certain it
was not that of the men who were there wantonly slaughtered,
nor of the officers who fell with them. The criminality lies in
a higher stratum, and is a question a court of inquiry alone can



16 MEMORIAL.



settle. Such a court was ordered, and commenced its labors
perhaps concluded them, but no result has ever transpired ; and
if it had, would most likely fail to give much more of certainty
to the direction of public censure, than exists at present

We are able to trace, by the aid of several witnesses, the indi-
vidual course of Colonel Bross, from the incipiency of the
undertaking, to his death. On the evening of the 29th of July
Friday, his regiment was lying in the rifle pits, about four
miles to the left of Petersburg. About nine o'clock P. M., the
order came to march to the front of the fort to be exploded on
the next morning. The order was at once obeyed, and by
eleven o'clock, the regiment was in the position designated.
It lay ajl night upon its arms, and at three o'clock in the morn-
ing, was roused for breakfast, and at four, formed in column.
As this was the first desperate work undertaken by these troops,
there was, perhaps, little of sleep on that night, for officers or
men. One who saw Colonel Bross, at eleven o'clock, found him
walking back and forth before his tent, seeming somewhat
anxious and agitated ; but he at once controled himself, and
joined cheerfully in conversation, talking over the coming
struggle. Three of the officers had not yet received their com-
missions. As they could not thus claim the privileges of
prisoners of war, they could be excused from going into battle
if they chose. But from their love to the Colonel, they refused
to avail themselves of the privilege. Singularly, they were the
only officers in the regiment who escaped severe wounds, in
the assault,

On the morning of the 30th, as the troops were drawn up in
column, shortly after daylight, the mine was exploded, and the
war of artillery began. Colonel Bross was at the head of his
regiment, and Lieutenant Chapman states, that he saw and
conversed a moment with him, and that he was perfectly calm.
As the regiment was ordered to advance, it crossed our own
rifle pits, and then the fort that was blown up. Here it was
said that some three hundred of the enemy were buried alive.



MEMORIAL. 17



The place was covered also with our own men, so that their
bodies had to"be passed over to get to the field beyond, over
which the black brigade he led, was to charge on the second
line. Here the men were cut down with canister, right and
left His officers saw their Colonel seize the colors, (five
color bearers having previously fallen,) and rushing forward,
heard him say, " Forward, my brave boys."

It is the testimony of Captain McCormick, that the regiment
advanced in the beginning, through a narrow strip of timber,
on reaching which, they received the first fire of the enemy.
Our first line of earthworks was just beyond, and then an open
plain, across which the troops charged to the demolished fort
Here they received a severe cross and enfilading fire, in which
Captain Flint was killed. The troops reached the ditch in front
of the rebel lines, and distant about a hundred yards, where
they were concealed a short time, and then charged across the
space. Upon nearing this second line of works, they were met
by an overwhelming force of the enemy, against which it was
impossible for them to make headway. Colonel Bross had
advanced to the parapet, and planted his colors upon it. But
seeing how matters stood, gave the order to retreat, and just
then he was struck by a minie bullet, in the left side of the
head, and fell dead, uttering, as one says, in falling, the words,
" O, Lord." The regiment lost one hundred and fifty, in killed,
one hundred wounded, and from seventy to eighty prisoners.
It went into the battle with four hundred and fifty men, of
whom but one hundred and twenty-eight came out. Of the
officers, Colonel Bross, and Captain Flint, were killed, and but
one of the Captains escaped unhurt. Major Brown was
wounded, Adjutant Downing was severely wounded and taken
prisoner; Captain Aiken, mortally wounded, Captain Porter,
slightly, Captains Daggett and Brockway, severely. There is a
touching account of the manner in which the Colonel became
possessed of the colors, given in the simple language of one of
the Sergeants. " They were in the hands of Corporal Maxwell,
2



18 MEMORIAL.



who was wounded early in the advance. Corporal Stevens
took them, but was cut down from the top of the works. Corpo-
ral Bailey seized them, and was instantly killed. Private Barret
then seized them, and bore them to the top of the fort, but fell
dead. Captain Brockway then took them, but was severely
wounded, and let the flag fall. Tt was then taken by Colonel
Bross, who planted it upon the parapet of the works, the
furthest point reached by our troops. The Colonel then drew
his sword, took his hat in his hand, and cried, ' Rally, my
brave boys, rally /' The men pressed up to him, but he quickly
fell."

From the various accounts given, it is evident that the colored
troops were required to do a work which it was impossible for
any troops to accomplish ; and that they did all that was possi-
ble, under the circumstances. The unanimous statement of those
who saw the whole action, is, that there was a delay to charge
upon the fort, after the mine was exploded ; and that thus time
was given for the rebel forces to recover from their first panic,
and to man the surrounding works so as to be ready for the
charge when it came. It is in testimony, also, that the first
advance, made by General Ledlie's division of the Tenth
Corps, instead of rushing forward at once, to gain the possession
of Cemetery Hill, halted as soon as it came to the crater formed
by the explosion. This delayed the supporting brigades, which
when ordered up were thrown into confusion ; and the gorge
was soon packed with men, who became the prey of the enemy's
batteries. The colored troops, under General Ferrero, were
thus not ordered to the charge till nine o'clock, more than four
hours after the explosion, when there was plainly no hope of
saving the day. Yet without the least flinching, they rushed to
the charge, and only retreated when ordered, and after most of
their officers had fallen. Those, who saw them go into the fight,
have never charged them with any cowardice. It is their belief
that Cemetery Hill would have been easily taken, had the
previous charge been made in time, and with the anticipated



MEMORIAL. 19



success. For prisoners from the rebel regiments declared, they
had been marched four miles that morning, and were there in
time to take part in the thick of the fight ; that at first, only a
single row of men, five feet apart, stood to defend our attack.

It is affirmed, without contradiction, that among those who
penetrated furthest, Colonel Bross was the very foremost man and
his dead body was found the most advanced of any who were left on
the field.

The following letter from the officer commanding the division,
does not require explanation, or admit of qualification :

" HEAD- QUARTERS, FOURTH DIVISION, NINTH ARMY CORPS, )
Camp near Petersburgh, Virginia, August 7, 1864. f

Hon. WM. BROSS, Chicago :

DEAR SIR: Although not the firgt to communicate to you the sad intelligence
of the death of your brother, Lieutenant Colonel John A. Bross, 29th II. S.
colored troops, I can still offer you my sympathy in your affliction, and pay tribute
to his memory. He was a thorough gentleman, a good soldier, and a brave
officer. His loss is deeply felt in his regiment, and throughout this entire com-
mand. He was one of those of whom the service ' can afford to lose but few. '
His brigade commander, in his report of the action, speaks as follows : ' I desire
to pay a tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Bross, 29th United States colored troops,
who led the charge of this brigade. He was the first man to leap over the
works, and bearing his colors in his own hands, he fell never to rise again. 1

Although he has left us, his example is still with us, to incite each and every
one to do all, and to dare all, for the benefit of his country, and the suppression
of this unholy rebellion.

I am, sir, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

EDWARD FERRERO,
Brigadier General Commanding,"

Falling where he did, and his men retreating, his body
remained where he fell, and could not Be recovered. In the
afternoon, the enemy established their pickets beyond where he
lay, and buried him on the field. The ground at this time, is
still within the .enemy's lines; and whether his body will be
recovered by his friends, is uncertain. But his is a soldier's
grave; and no fitter spot could be selected than that where 'he



20 MEMORIAL.



fell, in the service of his country, and in obedience to the will
of his God.

Of his connection with the army of the Potomac, thus writes
a friend : " Though he had been here but a few weeks, he
seems to have won the confidence and the esteem of the entire
corps with which he was connected. All the officers speak of
him in the highest possible terms. His regiment adored him.
His conduct on the field was magnificent As General White
expressed it, ' all that can be acquired by dying the death of a
Christian patriot, he brilliantly won.' His praise is in all the
army. His record and his reward are on high. A Christian
soldier could not wish a more noble death."

Thus ended the life of one who, as was expressed by his
Major, " was everything that was good and brave." It is a
consolation to his sorrowing friends, to know that he lingered
not in suffering, nor was exposed to the cruelties of barbarous
enemies, but " flashing his soul out with the guns," he was, one
might almost say, translated to the world above ; simply crying
as he fell, " Oh ! Lord," a prayer begun on earth, but finished
above. In those last moments it must have been with proud
satisfaction that he saw the bravery of his officers and men,
and knew that not one faltered in his duty. Captain Flint died,
while pressing forward, and the senior Captain, Hector H. Aiken,
a superior and promising young officer, fell mortally wounded,
and died, after enduring, with fortitude, untold suffering in
reaching our lines.

It remains to speak of Colonel Bross more particularly in
some points of his life and character, as yet unnoticed, and
especially as a Christian gentleman.

His first special interest was awakened in his youth. He
states, that when but eight or ten years of age, in accompanying
his father to a prayer meeting, while passing through a piece
of woods, his father knelt, and prayed with an earnestness
which made an impression upon his mind that was never effaced.



MEMORIAL. 21



Afterwards, and while at the academy of his brother, in
studying Wayland's Elements of Moral Science, the truth as
there laid down, as to man's moral obligations, fixed itself in
his mind, and his sensibilities were much moved. Nor did the
impression vanish. He deliberately made up his mind on the
whole subject, and chose the fear of God ; and though not at
once making his determination known, he never afterwards
wavered in his religious life. He united with the Presbyterian
Church at Chester, Orange county, New York, in the year 1847.
Upon coming to Chicago, he connected himself, first with the
Second Presbyterian, and afterwards cast in his lot with the Third
Presbyterian Church, with which he continued his membership
until the time of his death. He was an exemplary and active
member ; being an attendant upon the church prayer meetings,
and aiding in the Sabbath School. For many years he took
charge of the choir, and led the service of song. He was, also
for a time, the Superintendent of its Sabbath School, and until
entering the army, took charge of the .children's music. A
strong proof of the affectionate estimation in which he was
held by the children, was given, on his first departure, when-
they presented him a beautiful sword and equipments.

Nor did he restrict his labors to his official duties. At the
same time that he had charge of the choir, and the care of the
Sabbath School in the church, he was also a teacher in a remote
Mission School, taking out a bevy of teachers upon Sabbath
afternoons, during the entire summer of 1856, and thus main-
taining a point of instruction in the region* of what is now
called the Williams Street School, connected with his church.
* His religious character was one which entirely corresponded
with his intellectual. There was nothing artificial about it.
His mind was one that was singularly harmonious. Its charac-
teristic was its fidelity to principles and friends. His aim was
to seem to be what he was. While enforcing truth by example,
he never made a display of religion, nor rendered it obtrusive.
But his convictions were clear, and his will indomitable. All



22 MEMORIAL.



his conduct was entirely in accordance with the principles he
held ; and made its own appropriate impression.

His genial character made him a favorite with both officers
and men: all feeling, that in him they had a sympathizing
friend. One of them, returning after his death, stated, that,
"on the Friday before he fell, he consulted with him upon home
matters, which he would never have thought of mentioning to an
ordinary superior officer." "I never knew," he remarked,
"that the Colonel was a professor of religion, but any one ob-
serving his daily conduct, and calm, cheerful manner in the
greatest danger, must feel that he was a Christian."

He felt his responsibility in the care of colored troops, and
had thought and planned for their moral and religious well-
being. He had thus commended himself to their confidence
and affection, and was not only obeyed and respected, but
loved by them.

One who came back with the Colonel's horse, remarked,
" some said the Colonel was a religious man. He did n't
know anything about that; but he was the best man he ever
knew. He would not let any one about him say bad words,
and he was so good to his men, that they would all be shot
down before they would let him be taken prisoner."

In a letter, dated at Camp Casey, Virginia, May 18, 1864,
there occurs this passage :

1 ' I hope you will not think I wish to make a parade of my religious profes-
sion, when I tell you I commenced my ' mess ' in saying grace ; and I shall
continue to do so. I did not do this in the 88th. The 5th Massachusetts
cavalry, (colored,) were here some days last week. The first afternoon they
came, I entertained the officers at supper. They were hungry, and pretty
well exhausted. As they took their seats, one young officer, in a half-serious
and half-comic mood, asked me, 'if I would say grace.' I was standing at
the head of the table at the time, having been engaged in seating them. I
replied gravely, that it was always my habit at home, and should be pleased
to do so here ; and said it. There was a hushed set of officers for the time being,
and very respectful conduct through that meal, though the conversation on
military matters took a lively turn at the last.



MEMORIAL. 23



1 ' More and more, since I have been here, do I feel the weight of responsibility.
The pleasure arising from the consciousness of exacting what is just and right
towards men and God, has been great. I have felt the force of example, and
shall try to continue it. If I have neglected religious duty heretofore, I will
try hereafter, and not have the terrible words ' Ye knew your duty, but ye
did it not,' addressed to me.' 1

His remark concerning his table habits while connected with
the 88th regiment, must not be construed to import a want of
religious activity at that time, as all who were there associated
with him state that he was always to be relied on in any Chris-
tian undertaking.

A young man, a member of his company at that time, writes
to his mother : " The example and advice of our Captain have
led me to form new resolutions; and now, by help from on
high, I intend to lead a new life." A more amusing instance
of the force of example, was given in the conduct of his colored
servant, who, at the first firing at Stone River, " made super-
human leaps to the rear." When remonstrated with, he pro-
tested he could not help it, though he declared, that in the
future he would never retreat After the campaign and battle
of Chickamauga, wherein Bill had shown the strength of his
resolution, the camp was exposed to shelling from Lookout
Mountain, and many attempted to seek shelter from the ene-
my's bullets ; Bill was coolly preparing dinner, and a colored
man not far off was engaged in the same operation, when a
shell burst uncomfortably near. With one huge bound, the
latter threw himself into a ditch at the bottom of a ravine near
by, when Bill cried out with scorn, " What you doin down dar ?
Why do n't you sit straight, like me and de Captain?" Evi-
dently thinking, his own courage now quite superior to anything
about him.

Of his professional character, and the high esteem in which
the lawyers of Chicago held him, the resolutions of the Bar
will eloquently speak. In person, Colonel Bross was about six
feet in height, slender and compactly built. His features, were



24 MEMORIAL.



regular and finely moulded, and his countenance indicative of
strongly marked character, and refined sensibilities. As an
officer, his appearance was finer than that of a majority of those
in command. A fine figure, a pleasant, commanding counten-
ance, and strong musical voice, could not fail to aid him in his
military duties.

Barely do we find, combined in one individual, so many of
those natural gifts, which rendered him a most genial and
pleasant companion. His generous nature, delicate regard for
the feelings of others, and unostentatious manners, caused him
not only to be a favorite in a large family circle, but endeared
him to all. He entered into the enjoyment of those about him
with a sympathy which causeH even children to delight in his
society. The strength of his social and domestic attachments
was very marked. His friendships were sincere and true ; his
grasp of the hand, warm and cordial. He trusted others, and
could himself be trusted.

Possessing a fine appreciation of the grand and the beautiful,
his enthusiasm was ' always aroused by heroic action, or the
sublimities of nature. The latter afforded him peculiar pleasure
during his connection with the army of the Cumberland ; the
varied mountain scenery of Tennessee reminding him of places
familiar in early life. Fatigue or weariness seldom prevented
vivid transcriptions of their beauties, for the benefit of " loved
ones at home."

Amid engagements of other kinds, he found time for culture
in music and literature, having a passionate fondness for both.
An indefatigable reader, with an uncommon memory, his
knowledge was extensive, and his acquaintance with the poets,
British and American, more than usually intimate. He was
gifted with fine musical taste, and possessed a sweet voice, well
cultivated. With the best productions of the masters of song,
in this and former ages, he was familiar. For a favorite tune
he sometimes arranged a few verses, as in the following song
addressed to his wife, during a short absence :



MEMORIAL. 25



TCNK " Will you no come back again."

" Bonnie wifle's now awa,

/

Safely o'er the prairie lea;
My heart I ' m sure would burst in twa
Should she ne'er come back to me.

She will soon come back to me, (repeat)

Better lo'ed she canna be,

She will soon come back to me.

Scotia's and New England's flower,*

Cultured on the prairie wide:
Sweet and blissfu' was the hour

When that flower became my bride.

She will, etc.

Love doth sparkle in her e'es,

Beauty crowns my wifie's brows,
Grace in every movement shines,

Goodness from her heart o'erflows.

She will, etc.

Light of all my weary hours,
Smiling all my cares away,
Blessings through her magic power

Beam along life's troubled way.
>

She will, etc.

The following productions, though impromptu, and of course
only intended for the eye of most intimate friends, are inserted,
because they show both the strength of his domestic attach-
ments, and the fervor with which he loved the cause in which
he was engaged. This first, as he says, was " written hastily,
while on picket," May 8th, 1863.

* The father of Colonel Bross' wife was from Scotland, and her mother, a native of Vermont.



26 MEMORIAL.



LINES WRITTEN MAY STH, 1863. SALEM. ON PICKET.
This day Mason attains the age of Cora when, she died two years, seven months, four



There is a boon to mortals given,

The choicest gift, bestowed by Heaven,

It blesseth, bringeth Heaven near,

'T is home, .a wife, and children dear.

All these, 0! Lord, thou knowest are mine,

And for them all, Oh, Lord divine,

While mortals, yea, immortals live,

A husband's, father's thanks I give.

My children, twins in age on earth,

Thy father cannot speak thy worth

To him nor all his heart-felt joy,

My daughter sweet, my darling boy.

My Cora, dear, thy precious form

Stands out before me mild and warm

With life, and sunny smiling face,

And stamped with all thy mother's grace.

I see thee ope the household gate,

While mama at the door doth wait,

And, tripping 'long the walk, I see

Thee come, and stretch thy hands to me,

To " kiss pa," quick with childish glee,

Delighting with infantile charms,

While close you nestle in my arms.

Ah! who shall tell the father's pride,

As with thee to the door I glide,

Eeceiving there a double share

Of joys that banish every care.

Oh ! never, never can it be,

That from the grasp of memory

Those household joys can e'er depart;

They're anchored safe within my heart.

There came a time (for angels roam
Around each dear domestic home,)
When angels to their home above
Allured our sweet and precious dfove
By fiat of the Infinite Love.



MEMOEI AL. 27



Oh, God ! our hearts were crushed and bruised,

When that dear silver cord Thou loosed,

And yet from out our deepest grief,

Thou gently ministered relief.

And now, Thou great Eternal One.

We pray as then "Thy will be done,"

While up from deepest grief we grope,

There comes angelic, star-eyed Hope

To soothe away our sharpest pain,

And faith that we shall meet again.

And oh, there is a thought to bless,

A.nd raise from woe to happiness :

While that sweet form no longer here,

Shall e' er again her parents cheer,

She 's safe from earthly tempests driven

O'er mortals here she 's safe in Heaven.

And as the glorious orb of day

Sinks now behind the hills away,

All nature calm and still and sweet,

The day and night in greeting meet,

Shall soon again in splendor rise,

Beam gladsome light in Eastern skies,

So shall our eyes with Heavenly vision

See that sweet form in fields elysian,

Arrayed in light forevermore

She '11 greet us on the Heavenly shore.

And now I turn from that sweet gem

That sparkles in Christ's diadem,

And Mason in my heart I clasp,

With strong, convulsive, throbbing grasp.

A prayer I lisp Oh God, most great,

Do spare his life to man's estate

May he grow up in virtue be

A mddel; and from vice e'er free.

My boy, a year has nearly gone,

And spring her gorgeous robes hath donned,

Since on thy lips I 've kisses pressed, '

Or locked thee in a fond caress.

Since when you first lisped, "papa" "car,"

He 's learned the dreadful trade of war.

And from the ' ' picket' ' where his sword

Is ready for the rebel horde,



28 MEMORIAL.



He sends you words you may not know

Until in years you older grow.

But mama, in her love for me,

Will gladly tell them o'er to thee

Oh, then my boy, I charge you by

All things on earth and Heaven high,

By all privations, hunger, toil,

Papa endures on rebel soil,

By his heart-sickness self denial,

His leaving home his greatest trial, ]

By every hope that has its birth

Of happiness in Heaven or earth,

Thy country love stand by her cause,

Her Constitution and her laws;

And if thy father in this strife

With rebels yieldeth up his life,

A sacrifice upon the altar

Of freedom Union do not falter,

In boyhood, youth, at mah's estate,

In cherishing a manly hate

Of all the giant sin and wrong,

Against which now a mighty throng

Of freemen gathered in their might,

Are fighting; and for God and right.

I pray that peace with gentle ray

May soon throughout the land bear sway,

And union, law, and liberty

Be ours a blood-bought legacy.

But yet if this inhuman strife

Shall last until thy young heart's life

Shall grow to manhood ever be

Among the brave hearts true and free,

Who give their lives for liberty

So shall the debt thou owest to man

Be paid; with those who 're in the van

Of progress, with their flag unfurled,

And giving freedom to the world.



M E M E I A L . 29



The following was written in his tent, on the anniversary of his
little daughter's death, having also just been made acquainted
with the fact that Tie was to lead the charge, in which he so soon
iost his life :

IN MEMORIAM.

Once more amid the circling years,

The day comes back suggesting tears

Of sorrow for the loved and lost!

Of brightest hopes of being, crossed

By one fell stroke ; and in the dust

Those hopes in death's cold ruin crushed.

'T is well that memory fondly clings

Around her as she was ; while springs

My fancy down the track of time,

And dwells in that ideal clime,

On whatlshe might have beeft; a youth,

A maiden, full of love and truth;

A woman grown to please, to bless,

And graced with beauty, loveliness ;

All these my fancy pictures now,

While in the West the sun doth bow,

And sink behind Virginia pines,

Illuming "rebel," "Union," lines.

So sank it o' er the prairie lea,

When that dear soul immortal, free

From earthly ill, to angels given,

Became a cherub safe in Heaven.

And since her father, in the strife
To save the nation's rights and life,
Has ta'^n the sword, another thought
At times, within his mind has wrought.
If angels watch and guide the path
Of mortals in this life, and have
In battle or temptation's hour,
Death's darts to turn aside, the power,
Oh then amid the cannon's rattle,
And on the " perilous edge of battle,"
Is not s?ie there to watch, and ward
Off danger, and her father guard?



30 MEMORIAL.



And if in that all wise design,
That take