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28th New York Infantry Regiment

Niagara Rifles; Scott Life Guard

Dudley Donnelly

Dudley Donnelly was elected Colonel of the 28th New York prior to the regiment being brought into Federal service on may 22nd 1861. He showed a level of military expertise that resulted in him taking Brigade command in mid-1862.

A number of reports at the time suggested that he had a significant military talent and he was due to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. However, his participation in the battle of Cedar Mountain on August 9th 1862 saw Colonel Donnelly mortally wounded and, six days later on August 15th, he died at Culpeper Courthouse, in Culpeper, Virginia. The Union had lost one if its rising stars.

Colonel Donnelly is buried at Cold Springs Cemetery, Lockport, Niagara County, NY. His wife, Cecilia Baright, remarried to the Asst Surgeon of the 28th NY, Dr. Robert T Paine. Both Mrs. Donnelly-Paine and Dr. Robert Paine are buried with him.

The grave marker was erected by the men of the 28th New York on May 22nd 1863, exactly two years after the regiment was mustered into service. One side contains a lot of text, however, it is eroded and mostly unreadable. The other three sides read we follows:

Col. DUDLEY CONNELLY 28th Reg. N.Y. Vol. Died at Culpeper C.H. Va. AUG. 15, 1862, of Wounds Received at the Battle of Cedar Mountain AUG. 9, 1862. Aged 27 Years The valiant deeds of a fallen hero are here commemorated by his friends, companions in arms

Erected May 22 A.D. 1863. By the members of the 28th Regt. N.Y. Vols as a just tribute of respect to the memory of their late esteemed Commander. {Unreadable Text}

CECILIA A. PAINE Widor of Col. Dudley Donnelly AND WIFE OF Dr. R. T. PAINE. Died Feb. 5 1881. Aged 48 Years -------- Dr. ROBERT TREAT PAINE Late Asst. Surgeon 28 N.Y. Vols. MAJOR 2nd N.Y. MOUNTED RIFLES. Died Nov. 30 1886 Aged 50 Years

It is very obvious that Colonel Donnelly was greatly loved and respected by the men who served under his command.

Last Visited: 23 Jan 2009