The Death of Sergeant Coffey

Gone but not forgotten, Sgt. C.H Coffey

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Along path to Illinois Monument and Cheatham Hill, in Southern Section of the park.

Significance:

Site of death and temporary interment of Union Sgt. C.H. Coffey

Designation:

National Battlefield Park

Amenities

2 listed

Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Sergeant Copernicus H. Coffey of the 22^nd Indiana was one of the many NCO’s and officers lost in the fateful charge against the Confederate works. The young soldier fell near this location during the battle. One of his comrades, Lieutenant Randalph Marshall would take on the difficult duty of notifying Sgt. Coffey’s mother with a letter written after the battle. He writes: “I felt it a duty for some weeks to write you indeed I should have done so soon after the death of your son, but the task seemed one of so delicate a character, that I have deferred it till now… That he fell like a brave solider, gallantly fighting in defense of his country, and for the most sacred rights of man, needs no assurance from me. The united testimony from his commander as to his courage, consistency, and patriotic devotion to his country is in conclusion evidence of the esteem in which he was held by them. …Copernicus was my messmate in many campaign, he and myself have messed and slept together and especially on this last one he and I shared the same tent and bed. On the morning of the 27^th of June, we rose from our bed beneath our shelter tent and after breakfasting filled our knapsacks and started to the fatal charge. …He fell gloriously on the field. I miss him much and shall ever cherish his memory as a faithful and true friend. I know the pang of your sorrow and distress felt by his mother, whom he loved and revered.”