Birney's exploits are recounted by Asa B. Isham, in his 1892 book "Seventh Michigan Cavalry of Custer's Wolverine Brigade," "Capt. Birney valiantly led his men in a charge and was severely wounded by a slash to the head from a Confederate's saber. Minutes before his color bearer had been shot and Birney had dismounted, took the colors and continued the charge. After emptying his revolver and having his horse shot out from under him, Capt. Birney used the flag staff as a pike and continued in hand-to-hand combat. After his wounding he was captured. He escaped, returned to his regiment and continued to fight....Major-General Hatch paid the following tribute in a letter communicating the sad intelligence of his death:
" Captain James G. Birney died this morning at five o'clock. The Captain had complained of a serious indisposition for some time prior to January 2nd, when his illness confined him to his bed. From that time he sank rapidly under a severe attack of acute inflammation of the stomach that resisted every effort of an accomplished army surgeon. God willed he should pass gently away, dying so easily in the presence of his wife and brother officers. The qualities that endeared him to them must have been delightfully prominent in the home circle. He had every attribute of manhood. To a face and form unusually excellent was connected ability and energy sufficient for any purpose directed by the highest integrity, combining the finest qualities of an officer and a gentleman. His endurance and courage in the field were wonderful."He was serving in the 9th US Cavalry at the time of his death.
" Captain James G. Birney died this morning at five o'clock. The Captain had complained of a serious indisposition for some time prior to January 2nd, when his illness confined him to his bed. From that time he sank rapidly under a severe attack of acute inflammation of the stomach that resisted every effort of an accomplished army surgeon. God willed he should pass gently away, dying so easily in the presence of his wife and brother officers. The qualities that endeared him to them must have been delightfully prominent in the home circle. He had every attribute of manhood. To a face and form unusually excellent was connected ability and energy sufficient for any purpose directed by the highest integrity, combining the finest qualities of an officer and a gentleman. His endurance and courage in the field were wonderful."He was serving in the 9th US Cavalry at the time of his death.
Birney's exploits are recounted by Asa B. Isham, in his 1892 book "Seventh Michigan Cavalry of Custer's Wolverine Brigade," "Capt. Birney valiantly led his men in a charge and was severely wounded by a slash to the head from a Confederate's saber. Minutes before his color bearer had been shot and Birney had dismounted, took the colors and continued the charge. After emptying his revolver and having his horse shot out from under him, Capt. Birney used the flag staff as a pike and continued in hand-to-hand combat. After his wounding he was captured. He escaped, returned to his regiment and continued to fight....Major-General Hatch paid the following tribute in a letter communicating the sad intelligence of his death:
" Captain James G. Birney died this morning at five o'clock. The Captain had complained of a serious indisposition for some time prior to January 2nd, when his illness confined him to his bed. From that time he sank rapidly under a severe attack of acute inflammation of the stomach that resisted every effort of an accomplished army surgeon. God willed he should pass gently away, dying so easily in the presence of his wife and brother officers. The qualities that endeared him to them must have been delightfully prominent in the home circle. He had every attribute of manhood. To a face and form unusually excellent was connected ability and energy sufficient for any purpose directed by the highest integrity, combining the finest qualities of an officer and a gentleman. His endurance and courage in the field were wonderful."He was serving in the 9th US Cavalry at the time of his death.
" Captain James G. Birney died this morning at five o'clock. The Captain had complained of a serious indisposition for some time prior to January 2nd, when his illness confined him to his bed. From that time he sank rapidly under a severe attack of acute inflammation of the stomach that resisted every effort of an accomplished army surgeon. God willed he should pass gently away, dying so easily in the presence of his wife and brother officers. The qualities that endeared him to them must have been delightfully prominent in the home circle. He had every attribute of manhood. To a face and form unusually excellent was connected ability and energy sufficient for any purpose directed by the highest integrity, combining the finest qualities of an officer and a gentleman. His endurance and courage in the field were wonderful."He was serving in the 9th US Cavalry at the time of his death.
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JAMES G BIRNEY CAPT CO D 7 MICH CAV
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