DEATH OF ONE OF THE WOONSOCKET VOLUNTEERS
_--Henry C. Davis, Son of Nathan Davis of this village, a private in Company K, First Regiment of Rhode Island volunteers died in the camp hospital (Camp Sprague) at Washington on Sunday last. He was taken sick on the 29th of May. His disease was endocarditis, or disease of the heart. His age was but 17 years and 6 months. Funeral services were performed in the camp by Rev. Thomas Quinn, the Catholic Chaplin of the regiment. After reading of a Psalm, Father Quinn made the following remarks:
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_"Fellow Soldiers, We have lost one of our comrades. He has the high honor of being the first martyr that Rhode Island has given to a cause of truth and glory. I will detain you only a few moments; I do not intend to make a speech or to preach a sermon. This is an hour for stirring and determined action. He has performed his duty faithfully and well.
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_ Comrades, take his body home and inter it in the soil upon which he was born. Tell his friends he died nobly and generously at the post of honor. Let his memory be sacred to the hearts of his fellow-citizens. Wrap his body in that starry banner there, in defence (sp) of which he died, and take it home in triumph to his mother."
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_ The body of Mr. Davis reached this village on Monday evening, in charge of Corporal E. S. Bartholomew, who was detailed for this purpose. An escort of citizens received his remains at the Railroad Depot, and took them to the house of Mr. Seth H. Vose, an uncle of the deceased. On Tuesday morning the funeral was solemnized in the Baptist Church, the pastor, Rev. John Jennings, officiating. There was a large attendance of sympathizing citizens; and as a further mark of respect, the flags of the village were placed at halfmast. Mr. Davis is the first soldier who has died in the Rhode Island regiment. Though he did not meet death on the battle-field, yet was it no less honorable; and he is regarded as the first Rhode Islander who has laid down his life during the present war in the cause of this country._

Woonsocket Patriot & Rhode Island State Register
Woonsocket, RI
Friday, June 21, 1861

Henry C Davis