Andrew J. Russell, Photograph, U.S. Fire Department, Alexandria, Va., with steam fire engines, July. Alexandria, Virginia, July 1863, Library of Congress.
“Depot Quartermaster’s Office,” Virginia State Journal, May 11, 1865, 3, Library of Virginia.
“Solemn Funeral Services,” Virginia State Journal, May 11, 1865, 3, Library of Virginia.
Depot Quartermaster’s Office
Alexandria, Va., May 10, 1865
A special meeting of the United States Fire Brigade, held in their rooms this evening, the following preambles and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, It has seemed fit in the wisdom of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe to take from amongst us, our comrades and associates Samuel Gosnell, Christian Farley, Petter Carroll and George Huntington, by a sad and terrible disaster, while in the faithful discharge of their duties, and
Whereas, They met their deaths while performing the sacred and important duty of volunteer soldiers, manning a boat engaged in patrolling the Potomac to prevent the escape of the murderer of our late President, and
Whereas, We deem it fitting and proper that we should give appropriate expression to our heartfelt sorrow and grief on this sad occasion, therefore be it
Resolved, That in their deaths, we are deprived of zealous and faithful co-patriots, honorable and high minded comrades and agreeable associates and companions; and whether in the daily discharge of their duties or in the exigencies of the public service, they have always performed the part assigned to them, with alacrity, ability and fidelity.
Resolved, That we mourn their loss with profound grief, that we fully sympathize with their families and friends and that we wholly participate in the sorrow of this painful occasion.
Resolved, That the usual badge of mourning be worn by the members of this association, for the period of 30 days, and that a copy of these preambles and resolutions be transmitted to the families of the deceased.
By order of the Brigade: Edwin F. MIller, Chairman
Excerpt:
(...)Samuel Gosnell, Peter Carroll, of Wyoming co., NY., and Christian Farley, or Forisburg, N.Y., all former employees of the A.Q.M. Department of this city. Having been members of the Government Steam Engine Companies, their bodies were taken to the engine house, where they remained until about four o’clock in the afternoon. Solemn funeral services were held, attended by almost every employee of the department, beside many members of the different fire companies of the city and others. At the conclusion of the services, a large and imposing procession was formed, headed by the brigade band, which passed up King street, and from thence to the Soldier’s Cemetery, where the bodies were consigned to their last resting place.(...)
