Yale University Library

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["Honor to the brave". Funeral obsequies
of Captain J. W. Zahriskie...

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1916

-HONOIl TO THE BRAVE/^

AN ACCOUNT

OP TUB

^UMEMAlLf OBMtOTi

OF THE LATE

CAPTAIN J. W. ZABRISKIE,

OF TH-B-

M ILLINOIS REOmENT^
WHO WAS SLAIN AT tHE BA^Ls OW
BTJENA TISTA,
On the aSd Dfty of t'ebrud:ry, 1847<^

Published by the Committee.

NEW BRUNSWICK :
PRINTED AT THE UNION OFFICE*
"isi'iV

Gb13.4-4-5

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''HONOR TO THE BRAVE."

The remains of this gallant officer reached Philadelphia on the 20lh
of July. On the following day they were escorted to tne steamer John
Stevens, by a detachment from five companies, under the command of
Major Fritz. They arrived at New Brunswick, N, J., about 1 P. M.,
and were received by the Neilson Guards, and escorted to the City Hall,
followed by the Faculty and students of Rutgers College, and a large
number of citizens and strangers; all under the direction of Capt. Moore,
Grand Marshal. During the procession, minute guns were fired. On
the morning of the 22d, they w«re escorted to the steamer Raritan by
the NeilsonNjruards, which company, together with a military com»
tnittee from the Lafayette Fusiliers, attended them to New York. They
were escorted from the battery at 4 P. M., by the Lafayette Fusiliers,
as a guard of honor, the German Hussars, the German Horse Guards,
the New Lafayette Guards, the Washington Guard and Rifle Rangers,
followed by the Mayor aad Common Council of New York and Jersey
City, and a large concourae of citizens, all under the command of Gen.
Storms, to the steamer Frank, at the foot of Canal street. During the
procession minute guns were fired, the bells chimed, and flags were
displayed at half mast. When the boat approached Bull's ferry, min
ute guns were fired; likewise at Fort Lee. At the latter place the New
York committee placed the remains in charge of the committee of Ber
gen county, when the following remarks were made by
JOHN I. inVMFORD, Esq.:
It has been beautifully remarked that the sorrow for the dead is the
only sorrow from which we refuse to be divorced, and this is unques
tionably true in reference to those whom we have long loved or vene
rated, and who have suffered lingering deaths in the bosoms of their
families, or in the midst of friends ; but there is an actual joy in our
grief for those who have perilled their lives forour sakes, whether in the
circumscribed sphere of civil daring, or in the nation's battle-field; and,
when death comes to the gallant'soldier who, in the enthusiasm of pat
riotism, rushes to the field where destruction is swiftest and deadliest,
every bosom exults, and every voice exclaims :
' Our swords in our hands,
Our country to save,
Oh who would not die with the brave !'
He to whose memory we of New York are now called to evince
what sentiments animate us at the moment we are about to deliver over
his remains to his nearer and dearer friends, was a soldier by heredita
ry right, being the grandson of one of those who achieved our indepen^
dence — of one from whose early teachings he not only learned tlie du
ties oF a soldier, but from the inspiration of whose example he jmbib'

-ed rtiat large patriotism — that absorbing love o( liberty, the iwdor of
which no circle of relations, however affectionate — no troop of friends
however devoted or endeared — could for a moment repress; and hence,
we find him among the foremost in rallying, around the standard ofhis
country, a body of volunteers like himself, and hastening to the field of
duty and of honor.
Opportunities for distinction in battle are less numerous than isgen^
leraily supposed ; but, in our contest with Mexico, there seems to have
been a kind of instinctive and irresistible power in the daring and devo
tion of our officers, that bore a character of patriotism so transcendant
as to make them court and even covet death in such a cause. May it
not have been that one and all of ttiese choice spirits had a prophetic
view of the destiny of theircountry? May it not have been that they
believed the time had come, when we should, on this continent, teach
the nations of the Old World that there should be a new national law,
and that our rights should not be invaded nor our countrymen impris-
(Oned, nor robbed, nor butchered with impunity, and that in no sphere
.could they so serve the cause of public liberty, and of their country, as
on the fields of Mexico?
Be this as it may in reference to the great body of our officers, we
know ofthe deceased, that ail A,is energies ot body and mini were ac
tively and restlessly engaged in recruiting and drilling his company,
and that he hastened with such expedition to the camp at Buena Vig-
ta, that his troops were pronounced to have outmarched all others
— even the regulars. We know, too, that when called to the support
of a repulsed regiment, his promptness, alacrity and expedition, were
such, that he turned the fortune of that part of the field, and though urg
ed to retire in consequence of the feebleness ofhis health, he nobly exr
plainjed that he would not leave the field while his company was on it.
Capt. J. W. Zabriskie was a native of New Jersey, but at an early
age engaged in mercantile pursuits in the young and chivalrous Stale
of Illinois ; and it was there, in the free and far West, that he founU
those kindred spirits whom he led io the bloody victory of Bueaa
Vista. It is there, as well as in his native State, that he will long be remem.-
bered. But thither he cannot go. His remains n)ust rest in the tomb
ofhis ancestors, and his mother must have the privilege of holy tears,
and of decking hie grave with garlands, while the proud father of such
a BOB has fright to eoneole her and himself with the fact that the son
iras 00* Who lived as mothers wish their sons to live,
And died as fathers wish their sons to die.
It is not ejtlier the place or the occasion on which I may detain you
withthehistoryof the hero of thirty summers of age, though I may
hereafter speak of his early life, but I may in fortification of the dis
tinction I have made between a death in the chamber and on the bat
tle-field, be permitted to use the language of one of our great poets
Halleck, who, in speaking of death, says: ^ ' >
'Come, in consumption's ghastly form.
The earthquake-shock, the ocean storm,
Come, when the heart beats high and warn)
With banquet-song, and dance, and wine;
And thou art ferribleTr-the tear,

The groan, the knoll, the pall, the bier.
And all we know or dream or fear
Of agony are thine.
But to the hero when his sword
Hath won the battle for the free.
Thy voice sounds like a prophet's word,
And in its hollow tones are heard
The thanks of millions yet to be.'
And now what is left to us of New York, but to consign these pre
vious remains to those in whose soil they will become consecrated
dust — what remains for you ofhis military friends who have tendered
the presenthonor to a gallant brother's memory, but to say:
Farewell, brother soldier, in peace may you rest.
And light be the turf on your valorous breast.
For in spile of Death's terrors and hostile alarms,
When you heard the last bugle, you stood to your arms.
A. O. ZABRISIOi;, Ssq.,
Of Hackensack, in behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, and
his fellow citizens, made the following beautiful and patriotic reply : —
Sir: — The duty which we this day with mournful alacrity assume
to perform, is a sad and solemn one. It is to receive, from your hands,
the remains of one well known and loved among us ; these insensate
remains, from which the spirit has long since fled, which have trav
elled far, borne by friendly though stranger hands, to reach amongst us,
on their natal soil, their last earthly abode.
It is most fiiting now, that these remains should be brought here, to
be borne on the shoulders of his companions and friends of his boyhood
and youth, to their home in the dwellings of the dead ; to be lain in a
grave over which a father's affection or a mother's fond love may bend
with sad satisfaction ; wliich may be watered by the kindly tear of
manly brothers and deeply afflicted sisters.
This, too. Sir, is a most fitting place for those who bear the soldier's
bier, to pause ; we stand on revolutionary ground, hallowed by martial
mementoes ot the past. Yonder, beyonithe Hudson, stood a fortress
honored by the great name of the father of his country ; here, on the
high cliffs above us, stood another, named from one of Washington's
chief generals, which, in its turn, has given its name to this fair village
— each, in that war, were scenes of deadly conflict.
New Jersey was battle ground in the war of the revolution ; and our
good county of Bergen, though not distinguished by those brilliant
though brief successes that gave lustre to the names of Trenton, Prince
ton and Monmouth, was the constant arena of war. Tradition has
well preserved the story of many a fray, and the sufferings and stout
resistanceof the Bergen yeomanry, who with a few inglorious excep
tions, in the years when the strong hold of the enemy was in our great
city, stood shoulder to shoulder in that protracted strife and slept not
but on their arms. Amid these traditions was this young man raised,
at the hearth stone of a grandsire who bore an active and efficient part
in the great struggle of that day. From them, as you Sir, well sug
gested, he doubtless imbibed that love of glory, and spirit of patriotism
which carried him to the armies ofhis country, and alas, to a too ear-
Jy grave.
We will lay him beside that grandsire, who, more fortunately esca-

ped the perils of that war, and lived honored, respected and beloved to
a good old age.
We will lay him in the ground where the ashes ofhis ancestors have
in succession been laid, and mouldered for near two centuries.
In this country, the only distinction of birth is descent, either from
those who, at the first settlement of our country, in suffering and priva
tions, laid broad and deep the foundations of our civil and religious
freedom, or from those who at the revolution, established and preserved
them on the broad basis of our national independence : and he claims
pedigree from them both.
In the vivid recollection of the more recent and brilliant successes of
the war of revolution we are too apt to forget the loftier enterprise and
high moral bearing of those, who centuries ago', at greater sacrifices
and suSerings, through more protracted, imminent and universal perils
and dangers, secured our more important heritage of freedom; its pre
servation is the chief value of our national independence.
New England justly claims her Pilgrim Fathers; they came not
here as many ,do now, to seek ease and affluence in an earthly paradise
but to seek in the savage haunted wilderness an asylum from oppression.
Few in number, they were a band to comfort and support each other.
This young man was lineally descended from one who an exile of un
happy Poland, came singly and alone from the banks of the Vistula
and the fertile plains of Sarmatia, and sought asylum from her oppres
sors in the then wild and de'sert valleys which lie beyond these hills.
In them his keen eye at once discerned the God created home of liber
ty. Here he took his abode with the Indians, and when the white man
ascended these valleys he was found coming down with the red man,
his confidant and interpreter, the common friend of both, he joined their
hands on peaceful ground. His descendants are spread through every
village and hamlet and their bones moulder in almost every graveyard
of our county.
To these, their kindred dust, and to th,e swelling hearts of living
friends, we bid these remains a sorrowing welcome.
To you, sir, and these your fellow citizens of New York, who have
shown such kind attention to our dead, in the name of his venerable
father, and these his friends 'and fellow citizens, I tender you our
heart-felt thanks. 
All this while the rain, which had commenced, continued to pour. —
Every one was drenched almost to the skin. When the body was
brought from on board the Frank to the hearse, the music of the band
was so solemn and sweet, that one of the troop said, "I forgot the rain
— I forgot everything else."
The remains were then conveyed to Hackensack, escorted by the
Lafayette Fusiliers and a portion of the Rifle Rangers, of New York;
and Capt. Terhune's Troop of Cavalry, followed by the Committee of
Arrangements and other citizens of New Jersey.
The procession entered Hackensack about eight o'clock, P. M.— the
rain still pouring upon them— but the band played the sweetest and
most plaintive airs— the cannon uttered its loud lament— while the
remains were deposited in the Court House for the night, left in charge
of Capt. Wilson and his Fusiliers.
At 9 o'clock, A. M., of the 23d, the storm having subsided, a de
tachment of 16 men, from the Fusiliers, conveyed the body on mus
kets, with slow and solemn step to the mansion of the father of the de-

teased. At 10 o'clock the cioflin with its contents was removed to (htf
hearse, during which the band discoursed the most solemn and exquis
ite music. The procession was then formed in the following order : —
1. Capt. Terhune's Troop of Cavalry.
2. N. Y; Fusiliers, Capt. Wilson, as a guard of honor, with Dods'
Worth's splendid hand.
3. The hearse drawn by two grey horses, caparisoned in mourning,
led by grooms, the hearse being covered with a splendid black velvet
pall, with the words, "Buena Vista," in large silver letters on botli
sides. 4. Carriages with the relatives of the deceased.
5. One carriage containing four clergymen.
6. One carriage containing committee ol arrangements.
7. A large number of citizens.
8. The society of Rechabites with their banner, preceded by the
Paterson brass band.
9. A large number of citizens.
The procession thus formed under the direction of Marshal Acker-
son, passed through the principal streets of the village. During the pro
cession minute guns were fired — the bells were tolled — business was
suspended, and the immense assemblage seemed penetrated with the
deepest emotions of solemnity.
Arrived at the public square, the coffin was placed in front of the
stand, covered with the "pall. Capt. TAhune's Troop dismounted,
officiating as a guard. The ladies occupied seats prepared for them,
while the remaining area was covered with the dense mass assembletl
on the occasion.
Bcv. C. T. DEBIAREST,
Arose, and after offering a prayer to the throne of grace, in the most
solemn and effective manner, delivered the following beautiful and
eloquent sermon : —
In addressing you on this occasion, I take, as a basis for my remarks,
a sentence from that remarkable elegy of David on the death of Saul
and Jonathan, found in the Second Book of Samuel ; 1st c, 25, 26 v. ;
" How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle. O, Jonathan,
thou wast slain in thy high places. I am distressed for thee, my
brother Jonathan."
A more beautiful piece of poetry, in commemoration of the brave
who fell in Mount Gilboa can nowhere be found. The simplicity, the
majesty, and justness, ol the tribute to the gallant dead, cannot fail to
inspire us with the warmest of feelings, and the noblest sentiments. —
Where are our sweetest poets, where are most accomplished writers,
to do justice to the memory of our gallant soldiers who have poured
out their blood in Mexico in defence of their country and its cause?
A son of New Jersey, who fell at Buena Vista, has been brought
back to his native place for honorable burial ; and this vast multitude
has assembled to unite in the ceremonies.
The loved one of his family, the honored one of his fellow citizens,
one of the brave ones of Angostura, has come back to his family and
to us at Hackensack. But how? Not on a noble charger, but in a
shroud— in a coffin ! Instead of a joyful, triumphal procession to wel
come bis return, behold a mournful gathering and funeral rites.
The Spartan mother, when she' armed her gon for the battle and pre'

8
isented hts shield, said, " Return with this or on this." This gaifanf
Captain has returned to his mother, and to us, borne on his shield encir
cled with honors. The friend whom David laments feU in a battle that
was lost; the friend whom we (feplore fell in a battle that was glorious
ly won against fearful odds.
David, laments the fall of Saul and Jonathan on the mountains of
Israel, in the most pathetic terms: we may lament the death of those
brave men who fell amidst the mountains ot Mexico, in nearly the same
terms, with some slight alteration : —
"The beauty of Columbia is slain upon thy high places, O Mexico;
how are the mighty fallen ! From the blood of ihe slain, from the fat
of the mighty, their weapons turned not back, their swords returned
not empty. Clay, and McKee, and Yell, and Hardin, and Zabriskie
Were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were
liot divided : they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than
lions. Ye daughters of America, weep over their fall. Hovr are the
mighty fallen in the midst of battle ! O, Zabriskie, thou wast slain in
thy high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Zabriskie !''
But was he in the path of duty? Unquestionably.
Every man has a duty to perform — a destiny to fulfil.
The physician has his sphere of duty, in the discharge of which he
may Contract some malignant disease, and fall at his post.
So, also, the lawyer, whetlwr before the bar or on the bench; wheth--
er In the halls of his Slate Legislature, or sitting in the National Con
gress ; in whatever place, in whatever office of honor or trust, as gov
ernor of a state, or president of the Union, he may there finish his
career, and lay down his life.
The minister of Christ has his peculiar charge, and melts aw^ay, like
a candle in its socket, in his attempt to enlighten and edify his fellow
men — to show a sinner the way to Christ and eternal life.
So of other professions and occupations in which men labor, wear
out, and end their days.
The soldier has his appropriate duties. He voluntarily obeys his
country's call, he equips himself for the field of deadly strile-^he
marches to the place ot danger — and whether in the ranks, or at the
head of a command, he calmly faces danger — he bravely advances to
the charge — he comes down upon the foe like the eagle in his descent,
or the lion springing upon his prey ; but it is at the hazard of his life.
And if he falls, it is for his country, the land of the beautiful, the brave,
and the free !
To die for one's country, for such a country as ours, is an honorable
death. Where is the country that can be compared with ours ; with
limits so extended, almost a continent between two vast oceans; with
blessings so abundant, whether civil or religious ; the only country
where man is truly free. In all other countries, under all other govern
ments in the worid, man is oppressed in his civil and religious°rio-hts.
Such oppression was attempted here, but it was put downTjy the revo
lution. Oar liberties were obtained, under the smiles of Divine Provi
dence, by the pen of the skilful writer, by the sword of the brave war
rior, by the prayers of the pious, by the inteUigence and integrity of
wise and disinterested rulers, and by the same means our liberties are'
to be perpetuated. This free country, with "its constitution, government
and laws, is the admiration of the nations, the joy of the whole earth.
It is the last hope of the oppressed and suffeTing ihrouo-hout the world

9
May it be a land " shadowing with wings ;" affording a home and pro-
lection, liberty, plenty and peace to the oppressed and afflicted of all
other natrons.
_ And where is there a country whose destiny is higher or more crlc-
rious than ours ? All the ancient forms of government are to be anni
hilated—not a vestige of them is to remain on the earth. God, the
judge of the earth, has written their doom by the pen of his servant
Daniel, (ch. 2 : 34, 35.) That image which Nebuchadnezzar saw in
vision, from its golden head down to its toes of iron and Clay, repre
sented them ; and its fate is their fate. We may then ask :
Where is Babylon, the golden head of all kingdoms?
Where is the silver of the Medo-Persian empire?
Where the Grecian monarchy, that kingdomof brass?
And where the fourth kingdom, the iron kingdom of Rome ?
Where the mighty Ceesars ?
This fourth kingdom is down to the feet — down to the ten toes of iron
and clay. These are the ten kingdoms of Europe into which the Ro
man Empire was divided--lhese are the ten horns, three of whith con
stitute the Roman State,
When Christ — the stone cut out of the mountain without hands —
shall smite the image upon its feet, men shalf see the fulfilment ofDan-
iel's prophecy^^'Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver,,
and the gold broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of
the summer threshing floors ; and the wind carried them away, that no
place was found for them ;' and the ston& that smote the ifiiage beame
a great mountain, and filled the whole earth."
When these tyrannical, oppressive, persecrfting kingdoms, or forms
of Government, have utterly perished, ours, we trust, will survive the
Wreck. For the principles of our country and government are founded!
upon the word of God — upon the principles of the Gospel of Christ —
which are these:- " One is our father, which is in Heaven ; one is our
master, even Christ ; all ye are brethren ; he that is the greatest among
you, shall b,e your servant." Matt. 23. We acknowledge no lordly
master in the state, nor any lordly Bishop or Father in the Church.-
God has made us free I And to freedom he has added unexampled
prosperity. Let the efforts of all our citizens be directed to maintain
the honor and interests of our country, the integrity of its admirable'
constitution, and the union of the states.
God has not only made u« free and prosperous, but increases our
greatness on every side. With rapid strides we advance in agriculture,
manufactures and commerce — ^^in science, arts and arms. The greatest
inventions of modern times; the quadrant; the propulsion of vessels by
steam on rivers, lakes and oceans ; the subjection of the lightning of
heaven itself to the uses of man — are all American. We give lessons
of prowess, humanity and justice to the world. We do noihing which-
is not clearly right, we submit to nothing wrong. We are teaching
Mexico how to become a ]ust, a moral, a peaceful, a civilized and pros
perous republic. We are, in fact, the conservators of the rights of the'
human race — of the liberty and happiness of the world.
For such a country, what man would not be willing to die ? For
such a country, this gallant Captain shed his blood !
To you, mother and father, sisters and brothers, of this brave Cap^
tain, I tender, in behalf of this vast assembly, military and civil, met
to do honour to your son and brother, the warmest sympathies of our
hearts. Your house has lost a son, but nothing of hoiior. His position

io
was in the centre of the iine,under Col. Hardin, and under the imniedi'
ate eye of the General Commanding. Santa Anna, on the afternoon of
"he 23d, the. last day of the battle, concentrated his forces for his last
and greatest effort, and fell with all his strength, with overwhelming
numbers, upon the centre of our line. It was the hottest and most
critical hour of the battle, according to Gen. Wool. Our forces bravely
withstood the terrible shock, repulsed the enemy with great slaughter,
and gained the day ; but how many brave spirits fell ! O, Zabriskie,
and thou too wast slain in that terrible conflict. We are distressed foi*
thee. You weep a son and brother fallen, but his gallant death has
adorned your name with a noble wreath. You still weep — we mingle
our tears with yours. May God himself be your comlbrler.
To you, soldiers and citizens, I extend the right hand of congratula
tion, because this brave son of New Jersey, in the hour of trial, has not
dishonored his name or state. In the war" of the revolution, waged for
true liberty, just laws, a good government, a peaceful and happy home,
New Jersey had a name. In this war with Mexico, for just causes and
desirable ends, tde name of " Jersey Blue" remains untarnished. Our
sons, who have perilled their lives in Mexico — this gallant Captain, who
fell at Angostura — have added the brightest Mexican dahlias to the
already beautiful wreath of New Jersey's glory.
To you, young men of New jersey, I present for imitation an honor
able example of enlightened courage and of cool bravery. He was not
brave like Santa Anna, who hid himself behind masses of human flesh,
and bhndfolded our flag of truce to prevent his place from being disco
vered, but he was brave as his own Commander-in-ChiefJ 'who stood
on the highest ground, overlooked the whole battle field and ordered
every movement; he was brave as the bravest and most gallant of that
day, a worthy compeer of Clay, and McKee, and Yell, and Hardin,
and others — like them he led his men to the charge — with them he fell
at the head of his command; and contributed with his blood to the
honor and victory of that memorable day. I present you this noble ex
ample. If your country calls upon you to maintain her rights, to defend
her cause, to vindicate her honor, or to avenge her wrongs — flinch not
from duty. Put your trust in God, and fear neither foe nor danger.
Say to each other, as a brave man of old said, when the battle was
' about to begin, "Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our
people, and for the cities of our God : and the Lord do that which
seemeth good." 2 Sam. 1,0 : 12.
,, But to one and all, permit me to say, fail not to enlist under the ban^
ner or Christ, the great Captain of Salvation— by faith receive his
testimony and hold it fast to the end— rely on his all-sufficient merits in
life and in death, for pardon, peace and glory. Arm yourselves with
the Gospel armor— fight malifully for his name, and honor, and truth,
against the hosts of darkness and the power of sin. And, whether ve
die in your beds,. amidst weeping friends; or meet your death in the
battle field, far from home— it will be a happy, a glorious death.
The following eloquent funeral oration was then pronounced by
»K. ABM. HOPPER.
FelloiD Citizens : We have here assembled on a most sad and solemn
occasion. To mingle our tears with those of the bereaved mourners
and to rendfjr the last sad honors to the brave, the illustrious dead It
IS fitting and proper on^occasions like this, when we are about to con
sign to the sdent tomb the remains of one who has died in defence of

his country's rights and honor, that the funeral ceremonies should be
conducted with every demonstration of public respect. Should the
tune unfortunately ever arrive when our citizens shall sacriliglously
withhold this soldier's, boon from the brave defenders, then shall be
heard a most doleful dirge in our land, the requiems of her honor, the
funeral knell of her liberties.
He whose mortal remains now lie before us, was one of nature's no
blemen, the artizan ofhis own enduring fame, our fellow townsman, our
neighbor and our friend.
_ To most of you he was personally known from his infancy. Suffice
It, therefore, to say that in his youth and manhood he was ever"
esteemed a dutiful son, an affectionate brother, a kind neighbor, and a
steadfast friend. At the age of 22 he left his father's home to make Il
linois the state of his adoption where be pursued the peaceful arts
nor dreamed of contests dire and all the panoply of war.
But hark the tocsin of alarm ! the hero of Palo Alto with his little
band is hemmed by a ruthless foe ; our countrymen are in danger, and
calling on their fellow citizens for aid ; the spirit ofhis revolutionary
grandsire is enkindled in his bosom and bursts forth like volcanic fires,
his neighbors and friends gather around him, glowing with patriotic ar
dor they hasten to the rescue. Having briefly reviewed his life as a
private citizen, we must henceforth behold him as a soldier of his coun
try. That he was brave his silent bier fully attests. As an offi'cer, he
combined strict discipline with the urbanity of the gentleman, and the
kind solicitude of a parent to his subordinates, and he soon acquired
the esteem ofhis superior officers and the love and esteem of his fellow
soldiers. His alacrity and endurance of fatigue were such as to gain from his
commander, Gen'l Wool, the compliment of having the best marching
company in his army, and subsequent events proved them no whit be
hind in fighting qualities. Alter a long, fatiguing march, it is well
known that Gen, Wool with his command joined Gen, Taylor at Saltil-
lo, and soon the hour of trial approached.* The birth day of the father
ofhis country had dawned on the plains of Buena Vista, when Santa
Anna with twenty-two thousand of the best appointed and disciplined
troops that Mexico ever marshaled on the battle field, advanced to
the onset. Sad disparity of numbers. There a countless veteran host.
Here a small band of citizen soldiers, but yesterday engaged in the
peaceful pursuits of domestic Hfe ; to-day prepared to defend her hon
or and her rights. With cool intrepidity they gazed in admiration on
tha : gorgeous array of glittering arms extended far as the eye cduld
reach; and as squadron after squadron of the foe advanced and wheeled
into hostile array before them,not a cheek was blanched, not a lip quiv
ered, not one heart for a moment quailed. When that heroic command
er uttered his famous response to Santa Anna's summons of surrender
" Gen, Taylor never surrenders," he but echoed the feelings of every
officer and private in his command.
Twice did the sun in his diurnal course set on tl^at heroic band, still
occupying the field where firgt they stood, and twice did his morning
beams light them to renewed deeds of valor ; charge after charge had
for a time the foe repelled, when our brave townsman, but
lately risen from a sick bed was requested by Col. Hardin lo seek repose
in his tent, but his lofty spirit disdained to leave his post of danger and
his companions in arms. Already had the sun approached the west
ern horizon when the final charge made, carried too by ethusiastic ar
dor they were suddenly assailed by a large body of hitherto concealed

12
foes; worn down by their previous exertions and exhausted by fatigue
they still disdained to yield to ten times their own numbers. It was
here that wiih Clay, IVJcKee and Hardin, Zabriskie fell; kindred spirits
were they in their lives and in th'eir deaths they were not divided.
Their battle cry, death or victory, and both were theirs; almost in the
moment of their fall victory perched on their banners. Thus no
bly fell our brave townsman, and from the bloody field of victory he
coHie^ to repose his laurelled brow in the soil ofhis native state. Well
may New Jersey be proud of her son, and like the Earl of Ormond ex
claim, "I would not exchange this, my dead son, for any living in Chris
tendom." But how shall we express our gratitude to his devoted friends and
companions in arms to whose unremitting care- and attention we are
indebted for this opportunity of manifesting our feelings towards our
fallen brother. Language is inadequate to express our admiration of
a friendship so endearing that even death could not sever its bonds,
and nought but the grave effect a separation. Words are too feeble io
convey our thanks for such disinterested love and kindness. Poster
ity shall award him his just meed ofpraise, and with the memory of
Capt, J. W, Zabriskie, of New Jersey, shall be associated the name
of Lieut. Handford Stott, of Penn.
Ye stricken mourners we bid you not restrain those sacred tears;
well may you weep, for hft, who was the recipient of your paternal
care and solicitude in his infancy and youth, and from whom you hoped
for solace and comfort in your declining years, has departed forever.
Weep, for you have lost a dutiful son, a kind affectionate brother, and
an endeared companion. Fellow citizens, well may you mingle your
tears with theirs, for you too have lost a brother, your state a noole
son, and your country a gallant defender. No more shall fond words
of love flow from those sealed lips. No more shall the deep roll of the
drum arouse him from his slumbers, nor the shrill clangor of the trum
pet summon him to the marshaled field of glory and renown. Weep
thus for your loss, "but weep not for him, though dead, he liveth." He
lives on the scroll of fame, he shall live in the annals of his country,
and long— long shall he live in the bosoms of Jerseymen.
When we shall have mingled our dust with the mother earth, and
the place that knoweth us now shall know us no more foreve- hia
name shall remain fresh as his own unfading laurels, and future gene
rations when pausing on the historic page of Marathon and Thermopv-
^.^j^'^^VrngdeeYtdTavehts of patriotism from the records of Bunker
Hill, Monmouth, Trenton, and Yorktown, and fanning the flame of
military ardor o'er the storied deeds ol Palo Alto, Monterey and Cerro
Gordo, shall point to yon hallowed spot, and exuliingly exclaim " there
Bleepeth a gallant son of New Jersey-a hero of Buena Vista
r=,tf %'^h'''' ;he procession was formed in the following order, to wit:
Capt lerhune's Troop of Cavalry; The New York Fusiliers, as a
Guard of Honor, preceded by Dodsworth's band; ClergymenT'Rda-
tives and Friends; Citizens and Strangers. 'oymeu,Keia
After the remains had been deposited in the grave
GENEKAl, WALBKIKGE,

Of Ohio, presented the thanks of the relatives and frien^^ nf .t,o ^
ceased, in the following impressive and eloquent address : '^'"
Soldiers, Citizens and Frifnos-  The ;  i- . , .
friends of him over whose honoreTremlii: StLTl'requ^'^t

13
have been performed, have unexpectedly assigned to me the delicate
and melancholy duty of extending to you their profound and grateful
acknowled^ents for the deep manilesiations oi^ your sympathy and
condolence, in this, the trying hour of their suffering and affliction.
But while we mingle our'sympathy wiih the tears of the bereaved,
the occasion thould not be lost upon ourselves. Here, over the re
mains of the departed hero, we may re-kindle our love of country, as
we commemorate his virtues and his worth. A proper regard' for the
memory of the distinguished dead, is one of the strongest incentives to
virtue and moral worth — an obligation which it is the highest duty of
man to protect and cherish, and that love of patriotism may be well
questioned which finds no terms of eulogy in commemoration of those
whose services have advanced the interest of humanity either in the
cabinet or in the field- A genuine lover of liberty will always delight
to linger upon the charactc and services of those by whom it has been
perpetrated or achieved ; and we should cease to be true to our own
nature, if whenever courage and fidelity have been exemplified in hu
man action, we did not extend the voluntary efiusions of our gratitude.
It is, then, proper and becoming that we are here. It is due to the
services and memory of the dead, and alike serviceable to ourselves.
A gallant son of New Jersey has returned from the field ofhis glory
and ofhis fame, to rest his wearied limbs by the side ofhis honored an
cestors — he was stricken down, not by the insidious approaches of dis
ease, but in the full noon -tide of manhood's pride— in the full strength
and fruition of manhood's power, he fell, on foreign soil, beneath the
flag of his country, contributing to its honor and upholding its renown.
Not a hundred years hence, this immense assemblage, by an inevi
table order of divine providence, over which we can exercise no con
trol, will have gone the way of the earth. Some, perhaps, to be remem
bered and perpetuated by the marble monument, and the sculptured
stone, yet, who is there here present who would not readily exchange
places with the departed patriot, on his lonely bier. He requires no
marble monument to perpetuate his renown. It was achieved in the
service ofhis country, and will be embalmed in the hearts of a grate
ful posterity. In the thickest of the conflict the gleam of his sword was
brightest, and in the hottest of the strife, the blast on his bugle horn
was loudest "Once more into the breach dear friends, once more,"
In that terrible charge fliat marked the overthrow of the enemy at
Buena Vista, he fell, on the 23d day of February, A, D. 1847, On the
23rd of July, in the same year, you, his relatives and friends have con
gregated to pay appropriate honors to his worth. Having filled up the
measure of his renown— having fell in the service of his country, that
was honored in his birth, it is becoming that his remains should be de
posited by the grave of that ancestor who bore a conspicuous part in
our early revolutionary struggle. Here, within sight of eariy revolu
tionary memorials, did the vision of the hero first greet the beams of the
effulgent sun. Here, in his early years, surrounded by the surviving
patriots of the revolution, did he receive rich lessons of patriotic emo
tion. Here rest the ashes ofhis ancestors ; and hither he has returned
to repose beside them.
Not an hundred years since, other soldiers and other citizens congre
gated on this very spot to extend public honors, and to bestow private
grief over the decease of this revolutionary ancestor.

14
It was a becoming tribute to valor— to patriotism and devotion.
Who shall say that the consciousness of this fact, had not an impor
tant influence in determining the career of him, over whose remains,
you, soldiers and citizens, have assembled to do honor.
The ancestor contributed to establish the liberties we enjoy, and was
honored by a grateful country; the grandson fell in upholding the in
tegrity ofhis country, and appropriate honors are extended to his mem
ory, and his grave.
Here, then, is a rich lesson for the rising youth of America. Here
they may learn that courage virill always be revered and virtue rewar
ded. Here they may behold by what immense sacrifices freedom is
perpetuated, and thus taught to cherish it with vestal fervor and fide
lity. Tho' the spirit of the hero has departed, none will have thehardihood
to deny that this virtue is not just and proper. One of the ornaments
of the worid has fallen, but befell revered and lamented. The lau
rels which he gained on the field of battle will never fade.
Honoring the institutions of the country at the same time they are
honoring the services of its distinguished sons, the Mayor and Com
mon Council of the great commercial metropolis, and the municipal au
thorities of the surrounding cities have united with a vast concourse of
citizens, extending to his memory and services, the high testimonials
of their regard.
They knew him only by his public life — they judged him only a^ he
came to them covered with garlands gained on the field of his fame —
they recognized in him a citizen of that Union, whose renown, his val
or had adorned. But oh, how differently he returns to you, the friends
and companions ofhis early years. He brings back to the state of his
nativity, another diadem to bedeck her brows. He adds another claim
to New Jersey for the admiration of the world. ,
" Yes, yes, I go, he whispered soft
In freedom's cause my sword to wield,
Columbia's banner waves aloft.
And glory calls me to her field,"
Ages and ages hence when we shall all be forgotten, when our bones
shall have crumbled back to their original elements ; when gorgeous
palaces, with their lofty columns shall have fallen a sacrifice to the
inroads of time; then, when the iron pen of the antiqiiarian shall come
to perpetuate the renown of the republic, he will find its brightest pages
in the biography of her departed sons ; and if he shall seek to hold up
to the emulation of other generations, a proper and becoming example
for imitation, he will point to Hardin and Zabriskie, to Clay and Mc
Kee— " Beautiful in their lives— in death they were not divided," '
" How sleep the brave who sink to rest,
By all their country's wishes blest,
Here honor comes, a pilgrim gray.
To bless the sod that wraps their clay,
And fi:eedom shall awhile repair
To dwell a weeping hermit there,"
But I am admonished by, I fear, your almost exhausted patience, to
draw these desultory remarks to a close. To you, soldiers, who were
his associates in the profession of arms ; to you, citizens, who were his
neighbors and friends; to all who have mingled in the mournful offices
we have just discharged, on behalf of his surviving relatives, I again

15
tender ^0 you their sincere thanks, and extending my own acknowl
edgements for the kindness with which you have listened to me, I re
spectfully take my leave of you.
REV. A. WARNER closed the exercises by a solemn appeal to ii e
Throne of Grace.
Nothing occurred during the day to mar the order or solemnity of
the exercises.
HONOK TO THE DEAD. — ^A CARD.
The undersigned in behalf of the family of the late Capt, Jacob W.
Zabriskie, tenders to the following gentlemen and military corps, the
deeply felt gratitude for the kindness and patriotism evinced in honor
ing the remains of their dearly beloved and much lamented rela
tive. To Lieut. Col. Warren, of the 1st Illinois Regiment, for his un
remitting efforts to obtain the consent of the company of Capt. Zabris
kie to permit his remains to be conveyed to Hackensack, as well as nu
merous other acts of sympathy and kindness, that are deeply felt, but
cannot be expressed, he will accept my warmest thanks. The mem
bers of the company, who were so nobly led in the fatal charge by our
late gallant friend I tender individually and coUectively^my heart felt
thanks, for nobly sacrificing their own feelings of strong attachment
and affection to gratify the venerable parents and relatives of the de
ceased. To the gallant, noble and generous Lieut. Stott, whose attachment
lo the deceased, induced him on the field ol 'Buena Vieta' to seek out
the body of his captain, and at his own personal expense, (without
knowing it would ever be returned, being ignorant of the relatives of
the deceased, except his having a brother a surgeon in Gen. Taylor's
Staff,) having the usual rites carefully paid to the remains, furnishing
the coffins, both lead and wood, and every facility for transporting
them. For having the body decently interred in camp, with the usual
mihtary honors — having it disinterred when returning home, at the ex
piration ofhis term of service, and accompanying the remians to their
final resting place, in the tomb of his ancestors, at Hackensack, N. J.
For this disinterested and chivalrous conduct, these noble and generous
acts, known only to an American soldier, I do, from the very bottom of
my soul, tender to him my most sincere and grateful acknowledge
ments — in behalf of American valor and humanity, I thankhim — and, in
behalf of the family, I repeat the acknowledged gratitude of relatives,
friends and acquaintances.
Maj. Peter Fritz and the several detachments of the military of Phil
adelphia under his command will accept my thanks for the escort so
promptly furnished.
To the military, the faculty and students of Rutger's College, and
the citizens generally; to the guard of honor (Neilson Guards) Capt.
Moore, which corps performed guard duty during the night of 21st, at
the City Hall, where the remains were deposited, escorted them to the
boat in the morning, and sent a detachment of twenty-three men to ,
New York, To the officers of the said corps who joined in the ceremo
nies in this city and proceeded with the remains to Hackensack,
To Capt. Fisher of the steamboat Raritan, who generously tendered
the use of his boat, and at great inconvenience to himself, landed the
remains at Pier No 1, East River, I sincerely tender ray heartfelt

16
thanks. To the Lara3'ette Fusiliers, Capt. Wilson, who: were the
first in this city to volunteer their services, and, as guard of honor, per
formed that duty in the most soldier like manner, both in this city and
at Hackensack, where their military bearing attracted universal admi
ration, particularly their silent march and carriage of the renlains on
muskets, from the country house to the homestead of the deceased,
which, was truly solemn and imposing, and admired with melancholy
approbation by every beholder, To'them the gr.ititude of the lamily
and friends are most sincerely acknowledged with the deepest emo
tions. To the member's of the corps, individually and collectively, to
Capt. Wilson, Lieut, Crawford, and Sergeant Bellohi, I shall ever
feel gre.itly indebted.
To Ma|. Crawley, of the Military Argus, for his services, profession
ally and personally, as well as Military,' most sincerely do I tender
thanks. To Gen. Storms, whose active spirit of patriotism is observed on ev
ery fiitinif occasion.
To Capt. Jagels and his Troop of Hussars, together with his moun
ted band, ' '
To Capt, Finck and his Troop.
To Capt. Leurison and his 27th Mounted Troop,
To Capt. Patker and his cOrps of Rifle Rangers.
To Capt. J. Lonaii and his command, ( Infantry, )the Lafayette Guards,
I also tender my deep felt gratitude.
To the Lafayette Horse Guards, who fired minute guns on the Bat
tery, To Lieut. William Palmer, and to Capt. Thos. Milne, who fired
minute guns at Bull's Perry and Fort Lee, individually and collective
ly, I thank you.
To the Mayors and corporations of the cities of Brooklyn, New York,
and Jersey. '
To the officers of the Army and Navy.
To the officers of the First Division of New York State Militia.
To Mr. Edwards, and Capt. Scott of the steamer Frank, for the gen- '
erous use of the boat Frank,
To John I. Mumford, Esq., whose eloquent remarks drew forth the
silent tokens of admiration Ironi the eyes ofhis listeners.
To A. O. Zabriskie, Esq., of Hackensack, whose admirable and touch
ing reply, riveted the attention of his hearers.
To W.B. Burrill, Esq,, for the generous use of his pall.
To the committee of Hackensack.
To the Bergen courily Troop, Capt. Terhune.
To the Rev, Cornelius T, Demarest, whose extremely appropriate
prayer and sermon will never be forgotten by his attentive hearers.
To Dr, Hopper, whose impressive obituary touched the hearts and
fired the patriotism of the surrounding multitude.
To Gen, Walbridge, of Ohio, whose soul stirring oratory was thril-
lingly felt when introducing Lieut, Stott to the citizens of Hacken
sack. And to each and all who participated in the honors paid to the re
mains of the departed soldier, the thanks of the sorrowing and afflict
ed family is, with the deepest impressions of gratitude sincerely and
religiously tendered by desire, and in their behalf.
By their friend,
New-York. HENRY LIBENAU.

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 03066 1988