Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 January 1915 — Pays High Tribute to Comrade in Civil War. [ARTICLE]

Pays High Tribute to Comrade in Civil War.

George 0. Pumphrey, for many years a resident of this city, now living in Columbia City, has writ tea to The Republican the follow ing tribute of Larkin Potts, whose death occurred Thursday. We take great pleasure in printing the tribute of comradeship.' Mr. Potts was a man of very quiet demeanor and of excellent citizenship and Ih the unassuming life even those best acquainted often fail to recognize the quality of deeper worth. Mr. Pumphrey writes from knowledge gained during three years in the same regiment In the civil war. His letter follows: “’The Republican brings t<> me the very sad news of the death of my old comrade, Larkin Potts, and I truly feel a pang of deep sorrow at his response to the last roll call. I can not let his death pass without saying something of this exsoldier and citizen. While he did not assume to be a man of great position, I know his real worth, because of my camradeship with him during three years’ service in the 99th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. As sergeants in our respective companies we often marched side by side, just outside the ranks. We were close together during the marchings of some ten thousand miles, including the march to the sea with General Sherman. He was strictly honest and uncomplaining and through all the battles of the service I never heard a murmer nor saw hlim shirk a duty. He was an intelligent young man and knew the great issue for which we were contending and was ever leady when called upon to return his best service, some times taking charge of the picket line or engaging in other duty that meant lots of work and risk and required endurance. On the last march to the sea and then north by way of Richmond to Washington to march in review before one of the greatest generals the world ever knew he was so proud of the victory and the opportunity alorded to see some of the great men who had directed us and to visit the nation’s capital. He had worked with all of a young man’s vigor and intelligence for the preservation of the union and with the rest of us felt a great pride at the result. He had not talked much but had done his duty well and cheerfully, the highest mark of competence and loyalty of a soldier. He was brave to a certainty and in the thick of battle was cool and wore a smile upon his face. He and I had a feeling of comradeship cemented by those trying years that the average citizen can not understand and when I learned of his death it came as a shock to me and I was confronted with all that he had done for his country. He was a citizen as well fls a soldier, entirely- without display but a good, sound man. As one who knew his real worth it is with reluctance I bid him a last “good-bye.” GEORGE O. PUMPHREY, Serg. Co. E,- 99th Ind. Vol. Inf.