Presented At The Annual Fall Meeting
Friends of the Old Burying Ground
November 14, 2010

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Tomb of Francis Channing Barlow
This is the tomb of Francis Channing Barlow.

In 1861, Barlow enlisted as a private in the 12th New York Militia, leaving behind his new bride, after one day of marriage. He was commissioned a first lieutenant in his first month of service.

At the Battle of Antietam, commanding the 1st Brigade of the 1st Division, Barlow's men were in the center of fighting at the infamous sunken road - "Bloody Lane" - and captured about 300 prisoners. He was wounded by an artillery shell.

Brig. Gen. John C. Caldwell wrote about Barlow in his official report:

"Whatever praise is due to the most distinguished bravery, the utmost coolness and quickness of perception, the greatest promptitude and skill in handling troops under fire, is justly due to him."

Two days after the battle, Barlow was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers. According to sources of the era, he was an unusual general, slight of build with a boyish face, and a thin voice. He dressed informally, often wearing a checked flannel lumberjack shirt under an unbuttoned uniform coat. One of General George G. Meade's staff officers wrote that he looked "like a highly independent mounted newsboy." But Barlow had a reputation as an aggressive fighter with strong personal confidence. Barlow was promoted to major general of volunteers on May 25, 1865.
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