While at this place he formed an agreeable acquaintance with many gentlemen of learning and ability, at whose houses he was a frequent visitor; and it may be truly said that on such occasions he added much to the fund of enjoyment.
While the regiment was at Charleston, a misunderstanding arose between the chaplain and Colonel Tyler, by reason of which the former felt it his duty to resign. His resignation was in due time accepted, and he was honorably mustered out of the service; the esteem and regrets of the entire command going with him to his home. While with the regiment his conduct had been above suspicion, and his sudden departure caused universal gloom.
Shortly after returning to his home in Cleveland, he was called to be pastor of a church at Georgetown, District of Columbia, which is both large and influential.
Not forgetting the cause of his country and her suffering soldiery, he is now engaged, in addition to his pastoral labors, in attending to the wants of the sick and wounded soldiers at the various hospitals in the vicinity of his home. Many a poor soldier of the republic will remember the words of consolation which have fallen on his ear from the lips of this devoted Christian.
In the personal appearance of Chaplain Brown, alone, there is a character. His light, fragile figure, erect and graceful carriage, strikes one as peculiarly fitting to his elegant, chaste, and mature intellect. He leaves an impression on the mind as lasting as it is positive. In his company the dark moments are lighted up. Generous and manly, he would distribute even his happiness among his fellows, were it possible. There are few men more companionable than he; and few ever won the love of their fellow-men equal to him. Endowed with rare conversational powers and a pleasing address, he always commands the attention of those around him. In public speaking, the first impression he makes upon the mind of the hearer is not such as would lead him to expect a flowery discourse; but as the speaker proceeds, it becomes evident that dry logic is not his only gift. His life is a constant reflection of truth. He takes a great grasp on eternal things; and lives greatly by seeking, as the one high aim of his studies, his labors, and his prayers, the supreme glory of God in the everlasting welfare of man. May such samples of Christian character be multiplied, till all the world has learned how great is God, and how great is goodness.
CHAPLAIN D. C. WRIGHT.
D. C. Wright was appointed chaplain during the winter of 1861. He reported to the regiment at Patterson's Creek, Virginia.
He was with the regiment at the battle of Winchester, where he rendered much assistance in caring for the wounded. He now followed the fortunes of the Seventh until its arrival at Port Republic, at which battle he served as aid to General Tyler. During the entire engagement he was much exposed, carrying dispatches in the most gallant style to different parts of the field. He was mentioned in the official reports for gallant conduct. After this battle he left for his home, and finally sent in his resignation, which was duly accepted.
Before the war broke out he was a minister of the Methodist Church, and acquired no little reputation as a revivalist preacher.
LIEUT.-COL. GILES W. SHURTLIFF.[5]