Nansemond in broad day-light, stormed Fort Huger, and held it in the face of ten thousand rebels, one of the neatest little achievements of the war. Captain McCall was ordered, with Company K of the Eighth, to take and hold the rifle pits commanding the approach to the fort. He was the first man to reach the land, and his part was strictly and gallantly performed.

He was under General Butler in his expedition up the James River for the capture of Richmond. In the bloody conflicts that took place between the Union and the rebel troops on the banks of that stream, the Eighth Regiment was placed in the front of the battle, and the family of Captain McCall received a letter from him, dated but a day or two before he was shot, saying, that though many of his comrades had been wounded or killed in the successive struggles, that he had escaped all injury. The next intelligence received by his father, was a telegram, stating that his gallant boy was dead.

At five o'clock on Saturday morning, May 14, the enemy had broken the flank of Brooks' division. There was a severe fire along the whole line, the men lying down and firing, Captain McCall in a sitting position. The fatal bullet passed through his heart. He rose to his feet, saying, "I shall be dead in a minute," and fell backwards dead.

The loss of this gallant comrade and able officer was severely felt by the brave old regiment. He was a general favorite with the officers and men, "a prompt, bold, enterprising officer-a soldier by nature. He was stern and harsh when he believed it to be his duty, but in his usual conduct he was generous, just, and noble. As a companion he was frank, genial, and lively, as a friend, manly and true-hearted." Few of our young men who have offered their lives on the altar of their country, leave a more unsullied reputation for honor, bravery, and patriotism than

John McCall. Brought home for burial, his grave lies near those of his lamented comrades-in-arms, Lieutenants Wait, Goddard, and Breed, in our beautiful cemetery along the banks of the Yantic. The Mayor and Board of Common Council attended in a body at his funeral service, and put on record this public testimonial to his character and patriotic devotion:

"Resolved, That in the death of this gallant and truly meritorious officer, this community has lost one of its brightest ornaments, the regiment to which he belonged, an able, skillful, and courageous officer, ready at all times to share the dangers and privations of the battle-field, and to offer up his life on his country's altar." I. T. W.

JOHN W. BENTLEY, Acting Master U. S. N., died at his residence in Norwich, May 27, 1864, after an illness of little more than a week. He received his appointment as Acting Master in the Navy soon after the war broke out, and con.tinued in active service till his death. He was one of the officers of the "Wabash," Admiral Dupont's flag-ship, at the capture of Port Royal. Appointed to the command of the "Banshee," a captured blockade runner, just placed in commission, he was preparing to put to sea, when his fatal illness came upon him. He was a brave and skillful officer, and in whatever duty he was engaged, always secured the approval and commendation of his superiors. He was a genial, kind hearted man, and made friends wherever he was; indeed few men had so extensive a circle of acquaintance, and among them all, so many warm, earnest friends.

E. BENJAMIN CULVER, Adjutant Eighteenth Regiment, was the only son of Benjamin and Adelaide Culver; born in the city of New York, October 27, 1840.

During his school and business life he became well known here, and by those most intimately acquainted with him, he was esteemed as a young man of more than ordi

nary excellence and promise. One of his early instructors speaks of him as "the peacemaker," while his teacher in Norwich, with whom he spent nearly a year and a half, mentions his marked truthfulness of character.

His personal appearance gave all the impression of youthful manliness. Generous in his feelings, self-possessed in his manners, young Culver was the favorite of a large circle of friends..

As a clerk in the store of Lee & Osgood, he has left the reputation of rare fidelity and skill. Energetic and quick to learn, he mastered the business, and gave promise of great success. Between himself and his employers a warm attachment existed, broken only by his early death. His admirable business qualities, as well as personal worth, had attained for him a position not often reached by those as young as he.

When the Eighteenth Regiment was forming, the duty of entering his country's service came to him with new force.. Seeking the advice of friends and parents, he finally registered his conviction of what was duty, by enlisting. The purest of motives prompted him in this act, for it was when his earthly prospects were brightest that he entered the army, and his parents knew that at pecuniary sacrifice he remained in the service. He was moreover an only son, tenderly beloved, and relinquished more than many in leaving father and mother at his country's call.

In August, 1862, he left Norwich with the Eighteenth Regiment, commanded by Col. William G. Ely. While stationed at Baltimore, Culver was detailed to act as clerk. at the headquarters of General Schenck, Commandant of the Middle Department. His executive ability secured him the appointment, and so valuable were his services considered by the General, that he was retained some time after his promotion to the Adjutancy of the regiment. While in