ASBURY D. FINLEY.
It would not do to forget in this connection the name of Asbury D. Finley, private of company A. No truer heroism was ever displayed than by this young man on the Peach Tree creek battle-field. The 85th Illinois, commanded by Major Rider, was sent forward across a narrow corn-field and into position, as ordered by Col. Dilworth, then commanding the brigade. Our regiment was ordered to advance to near the edge of the corn-field and support the 85th, and although only a short distance apart, we could not see the 85th for the standing corn. We had remained in this position for some time, when it became apparent that the rebels were on the ground formerly occupied by the 85th, though we had received no notice of the removal of the latter regiment. In this state of doubt, and to make sure of the situation, Col. Langley called for a volunteer to go forward, learn and report the condition of things to the front. It was a task that even brave men would not covet, but at once Finley rose and offered to go. Receiving his instructions he started through the corn-field. But the result and the colonel's appreciation of the act, and his impressions after the lapse of more than sixteen years, we will give in his own words taken from a personal letter to Mr. Finley of date February 14th, 1881:
Champaign, Illinois, February 14, 1881.
A. D. Finley, Esq., Catlin, Illinois.
My dear sir and comrade: * * * * I well remember and can not forget how on the 19th day of July, 1864, at Peach Tree creek, when I was anxious to know whether the 85th Illinois was still in our front beyond, and I called for a volunteer to go forward, ascertain and report, that you very promptly offered to go, and did go, until you were captured almost in my sight. I remember that you were detained for a long time a prisoner and that when you returned to the regiment you were very much emaciated. That I believed then and still believe you had suffered during your incarceration, all the torments of Andersonville. I also remember how grateful I was for the services you so bravely rendered to the whole regiment, and possibly the brigade, for your capture showed me that the rebels were occupying the very ground I had reason to suppose was covered by the 85th Illinois, and enabled me to adjust my line for greater security until ordered to retire by the brigade commander. I could say very much more, if necessary, as reasons satisfactory to me, why your case should be regarded with great favor by the government you aided so much to defend and save.
Very truly,
J. W. LANGLEY.
The above letter was written in support of an application for a pension, because of disability incurred while Finley was a prisoner at Andersonville.