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Killed in battle, at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3d, instant, Sergeant Edward Hutchins, of this town, aged 35 years and 6 months. Mr. Hutchins enlisted in the Andrew Sharpshooters, last Autumn, and counted one in the quota at the time required of this town. His proficiency as a marksman, and his modest and soldier-like demeanor, were at once recognized by Capt. Plumer, and a warm personal friendship between the two men was the immediate result. With mechanical abilities ranging far above the average standard, and with a thorough practical and theoretical knowledge of the telescopic rifle, that weapon in his hands became an instrument of terrible efficiency. He was highly complimented for his coolness and judgment at the Fredericksburg carnage, and was often detailed for special service when the exigencies of that ill-fated campaign required the quick eye and steady hand of a practiced sharpshooter. Of the circumstances attending his death, very little is known here. He was shot through the head, by the side of his captain, and the company must undoubtedly have occupied a position of great exposure and danger at the time. Mr. H. was a printer by trade, and served his apprenticeship in the office of the late Mr. Herman Mann. As a skillful and competent workman, he attained the very highest rank in the craft, having few equals and no superiors. Endeared to a large circle of friends, his death is deeply regretted by them, and his memory will be sincerely respected. To his family the dreadful news came with a shock of unwonted severity. – Expecting to return on a furlough some time during the present month, he had written to his wife and children in the most encouraging and cheerful manner of his future plans and prospects, and he seems to have inspired all his correspondents with the hopes entertained by himself. But it was not to be. Wife, mother, children, brothers, are left to mourn , with a grief almost too great to bear, a loss which this world can never make good to them. He has fallen, in the prime of his life, with his armor on. He died in the service of his country. "May he rest in peace." |