George Pierce Doles Mortally Wounded at Cold Harbor June 1, 1864 - A Requiem

lelliott19

Brigadier General
Moderator
* OFFICIAL *
CWT PRESENTER
Forum Host
Silver Patron
Regtl. Staff Chickamauga 2018
Joined
Mar 15, 2013
1590343500735.png

wikimedia commons
Now a vengeful shot speeds on its mission, sadly true,
And a shining mark goes down, forever hid from mortal view...
But his highest meed is laid at last, upon his lonely grave,
As tenderly they placed today, love's tribute to the brave.


By May 1864, George Pierce Doles was likely considered one of the best Brigadier Generals in the Army of Northern Virginia. On May 10th at Spotsylvania, his brigade was overwhelmed in the trenches and fell back. "Our men did all in their power to repel the assault, but the enemy outnumbered us ten to one," the brigade historian recalled. Although it was clearly a necessity, at least one Richmond newspaper openly criticized Doles for the retreat.

Perhaps the commentary was in the back of Doles' mind June 1, 1864 at the Battle of Cold Harbor? Did he unnecessarily expose himself that day? Or perhaps it was just fate? Either way, George Pierce Doles was shot through the left breast and died the next day. He was 34 years old. His remains were transported back to Georgia for burial. On June 8, 1864, the funeral was attended by large crowds and, yet, his grave would remain unmarked for more than thirty years.

At an 1892 reunion of the 4th Georgia Infantry, it was decided that the survivors of each of the ten companies of the regiment would raise $25 to purchase a suitable memorial. By April of 1894, $375.75 was raised and the monument was contracted. Finally, on July 25, 1894, more than thirty years after he fell at Cold Harbor, General Doles' grave would be suitably marked. As part of the dedication ceremony, this poem by Isabella C Griffin Willis was read:

Just a look into the faces of the bronzed and bearded men​
Where the tale is stamped forever, and it all comes back again.​
And they see the stately column, where the muskets gleam and shine,​
And they hear the rallying music as it sweeps along the line.​
Small the need for martial music thus to stir the fiery souls,​
For they are heroes rank and file, and they are led by Doles!​
How grandly goes the old brigade to glorious victory,​
Or there before the mighty foe to teach men how to die.​
Now a vengeful shot speeds on its mission, sadly true,​
And a shining mark goes down, forever hid from mortal view.​
His dying head, soft pillowed on a cherished comrade's breast​
And there 'mid all the battle din, he enters into rest.​
***​
Fame's trumpet tones give to the world his deeds of valor done,​
For his brave right arm was strong in battle lost and battle won.​
But his highest meed is laid at last, upon his lonely grave,​
As tenderly they placed today, love's tribute to the brave.​
***​
Its legend fair but faintly tells of a peerless leader lost,​
For a knightlier sword was never drawn in all Lee's valiant host;​
But round the campfire bright and clear, no truer friend than he,​
And thus, oh comrade, brave and true, do they remember thee.​
***​
Sweet be thy rest forever, in thy solemn slumber bound​
With the love of the earth beside thee, in this newly hallowed ground.​
Where the zephyrs, perfume laden, as they softly come and go​
'Mid a thousand summer flowers, sigh thy requiem, sweet and low.​
1590343430722.png


1590345172033.png

Sources:
Union Recorder. (Milledgeville, Ga.), July 31, 1894, page 6.
Thomas, Henry Walter. History of the Doles-Cook Brigade, 1903.
Harrington, Hugh T. Civil War Milledgeville: Tales from the Confederate Capital of Georgia, Arcadia Publishing, 2005.
 
Last edited:
Doles impressed his superior officers by his performance at the Battle of Antietam. He was senior colonel in Ripley's Brigade, and assumed command of the brigade when Gen. Ripley was wounded early in the day. The brigade was in the thick of the fighting in Miller's Cornfield. He was promoted to general and given his own brigade shortly afterwards.
 
I’m always surprised at how young these leaders were. Only 34, Gen. Doles looks 15 years older than that. It took a special confidence, leadership ability and talent to be able to do what these men did at such young ages. It amazes me every time.
 
Back
Top