“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” – George S. Patton, Jr., American general in World War II
WWII General Patton’s grandfather died for his country on September 25th 1864 after being mortally at the Third Battle of Winchester. Citizens of Richmond read the news 150 years ago today.
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch October 3, 1864:
Death of Colonel George Patton.
Through late Northern papers we have the melancholy intelligence of the death of Colonel George Patton, of a wound received in the battle near Winchester on the 19th ultimo. Colonel Patton was a son of the late John M. Patton, of this city, and is the second of the family who has yielded his life in this war for Southern independence. He was a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, but adopted the profession of the law, and settled in Kanawha county, where, as the partner of George W. Summers, and by the application of his own brilliant intellect, he soon attained a high position at the bar. When the war broke out, however, he was among the first to offer his services to his country. In an arduous campaign in Western Virginia he greatly distinguished himself, and was badly wounded at the battle of Scary [Creek]. As soon as he recovered he again took the field, and was in command of our forces at White Sulphur Springs which defeated Averill in the summer of 1863. In many battles in which he was subsequently engaged he proved his bravery and his fitness to command. The South could ill afford to lose such a man in a period like the present; but he has left behind him an honorable name, and his memory will be cherished by all who entertain respect for courage, manliness and high-toned chivalry. Colonel Patton was not probably more than thirty years of age, but he had achieved a reputation of which many older officers might be proud. Two of his brothers are still in the service, both holding the rank of colonel.
You can read a good article about Colonel Patton and especially his role at the Last Battle of Winchester at Shenandoah 1864.
