Edward Lea was an 1855 graduate of the US Naval Academy and rose to the rank of Lt. Comdr. His father, Albert Lea (namesake of the Minnesota city) was a US Military Academy graduate and engineer. When Civil War began, Albert joined the Confederacy while Edward remained in the US Navy. A family schism ensued and neither had contact until a fateful reunion at the Battle of Galveston, Texas. Lea's ship, the Harriet Lane, was at Galveston to occupy the city. Confederates under Gen. J.B. Magruder attacked the Federals on January 1, 1863 and defeated them. Ironically, Albert Lea was serving on Magruder's staff while Edward was executive officer on the Lane under Capt. J.M. Wainwright. During the battle, both Edward Lea and Wainright were casualties. Albert Lea boarded the Lane and found his son Edward mortally wounded. After a brief reconciliation, Albert left to find medical help. As Edward lay dying, his only words were "My father is here." After the battle, Magruder authorized Albert Lea to hold a funeral including both Union and Confederate personnel. Edward Lea, along with Wainwright, was buried with military honors in Galveston. Lea's tombstone bears his final words, "My father is here."∼LCDR Edward Lea
One of the Brave Men who Died for the Union - Galveston 1863 on the USS HARRIET LANE
Cenotaph Memorial
Additional Cenotaph Gravesite FAG#5285720 in different location of the cemetery
Photo of other monument at different location is added for clarification.
One of the Brave Men who Died for the Union - Galveston 1863 on the USS HARRIET LANE
Cenotaph Memorial
Additional Cenotaph Gravesite FAG#5285720 in different location of the cemetery
Photo of other monument at different location is added for clarification.
Edward Lea was an 1855 graduate of the US Naval Academy and rose to the rank of Lt. Comdr. His father, Albert Lea (namesake of the Minnesota city) was a US Military Academy graduate and engineer. When Civil War began, Albert joined the Confederacy while Edward remained in the US Navy. A family schism ensued and neither had contact until a fateful reunion at the Battle of Galveston, Texas. Lea's ship, the Harriet Lane, was at Galveston to occupy the city. Confederates under Gen. J.B. Magruder attacked the Federals on January 1, 1863 and defeated them. Ironically, Albert Lea was serving on Magruder's staff while Edward was executive officer on the Lane under Capt. J.M. Wainwright. During the battle, both Edward Lea and Wainright were casualties. Albert Lea boarded the Lane and found his son Edward mortally wounded. After a brief reconciliation, Albert left to find medical help. As Edward lay dying, his only words were "My father is here." After the battle, Magruder authorized Albert Lea to hold a funeral including both Union and Confederate personnel. Edward Lea, along with Wainwright, was buried with military honors in Galveston. Lea's tombstone bears his final words, "My father is here."∼LCDR Edward Lea
One of the Brave Men who Died for the Union - Galveston 1863 on the USS HARRIET LANE
Cenotaph Memorial
Additional Cenotaph Gravesite FAG#5285720 in different location of the cemetery
Photo of other monument at different location is added for clarification.
One of the Brave Men who Died for the Union - Galveston 1863 on the USS HARRIET LANE
Cenotaph Memorial
Additional Cenotaph Gravesite FAG#5285720 in different location of the cemetery
Photo of other monument at different location is added for clarification.
