George W. Pratt

Mr. J. W. Chanler offered the following Resolutions of respect to the memory of Col. George W. Pratt, late a member of the club, which were adopted, and on motion directed to be entered on the minutes. It was also resolved that a copy of the Resolutions be transmitted to the family of Col. Platt.

Resolutions

Whereas, among the names that have become associated with the glories and disasters of the country, a high place has been given to that of George W. Pratt, colonel of the 20th Regiment of Volunteers from this State, who died of wounds received while gallantly leading his troops in battle; and whereas the qualities of head and heart, the large and rare acquirements, the staunch and truthful nature, for which Colonel Pratt was distinguished, made his life as useful and attractive as his death was glorious and patriotic; and whereas we desire to express the special and personal loss sustained by us in the death of a member of this Club who did it honor, and whose memory will ever be gratefully cherished by his brethren.

Resolved, That in the life of Colonel Pratt we recognize all the best and most encouraging characteristics of an enlightened mercantile career. In him the greatest energy was coincident with the highest culture. Deriving, by inheritance and in the pursuit of an honorable calling, abundant means, he employed them in the cultivation of the tastes and studies that relieve and solace the cares and exactions of business. His library was especially rich in Oriental literature, and from his counting room the merchant scholar went to study and meditate over the incidents of the past. Surrounded by the industries and vitality of the West, it was his relaxation to follow the traditions of old world splendors that have culminated and decayed. In the very home of enterprise & progress he found his best known reputation as a scholar in studying the past glories, as told in the almost forgotten languages of the East.

Resolved, That we also recognize in the life and death of Colonel Pratt a fulfilment of all the observances and duties that constitute the good citizen and patriot soldier. At home he was gentle, tender, and affectionate in all his domestic relations, a good neighbor and true friend, a considerate and kind employer, loved and respected by all those among and with whom he lived and moved. Belonging to, and always much interested in, the militia organization of his native state, at the first call of his country he left all the elegant comforts, the warm affections, of home, all the honor and influence that wait upon the upright citizen, all the affection and regard that gather round the earnest friend and thoughtful master, for the severities and exposure of the camp, for the dangers and death of the battle-field.

Resolved, That this Club will ever esteem it an honor to have numbered among its members so exemplary and accomplished a gentleman, soldier, and scholar, and that we respectfully express our deepest sympathies in their affliction with those to whom the death of our friend and brother member will come closest and most acutely.

Augustus R. Macdonough, Secretary
Monthly Meeting Minutes, 1 November 1861

But while welcoming back those who have thus gone forth, we have to lament the unreturning brave. There is one who laid down his life for his country while that life was rich in promise, tender with affection, graced by accomplishment, beyond the usual lot. When Colonel Pratt fell, we lost one more loved by his friends than known to the world, only because his modesty would not suffer the display of his merit. A scholar who prized study above fame, a soldier caring for nothing so much as for duty, a man blameless in all relations, true to friendship, constant to honor, he deemed all that he was, and all he would have become a slight sacrifice to the cause of his country. If it be a dear and noble thing to die for one’s native land, how much more so when that death comes to crown so noble and dear a life.

Augustus R. Macdonough
Annual Meeting Minutes, 10 January 1863