In July 1861, a U.S. Army first lieutenant made his way from Fort Randall in Dakota Territory to the East for new duties. Edmund Cooper Bainbridge, 26, had a wealth of military experience in the five years since his 1856 graduation from West Point and assignment to the artillery: operations against the Seminoles in Florida, quelling violence between anti- and pro-slavery forces in Kansas, the Utah Expedition against Mormon settlers, and duty at Fort Randall.
Bainbridge followed in the footsteps of his father, Capt. William Phillips Bainbridge, West Point 1824, who had distinguished himself in the Mexican War Battle of Cerro Gordo in 1847.
Young Bainbridge impressed the garrison of Fort Randall during his 20-month tenure. “By his good officership and gentlemanly deportment,” noted one writer, he “won the confidence and respect of the garrison, and a large circle of private citizens.” The writer held high expectations for Bainbridge, anticipating promotions beyond his current role with the 5th U.S. Artillery. “He is yet young, and the times favorable.”
Bainbridge’s wartime journey took him to the Eastern and Western Theaters. In late 1861, now a captain, he served in the Western Virginia Campaign. He participated in operations against Port Hudson in 1863. Moving to Tennessee, he played a role in the Atlanta Campaign. During the closing months of the war, he served on the staff of Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Reynolds in the Department of Arkansas. He ended the war as a major with brevets for faithful and meritorious service.
Bainbridge remained in the army and spent the next three decades at various posts across the country. Upon his retirement in 1897, he ranked as colonel of the 3rd U.S. Artillery at Angel Island in San Francisco Bay. His loss was keenly felt by the garrison. One reporter noted, “The officers of the regiment presented him with a beautiful silver sand bowl and the soldiers a handsome gold-headed cane. In thanking the latter, as they were informally drawn up the colonel said a few words in farewell, and as he turned to leave the parade was enthusiastically cheered by them, while the band struck up ‘Auld Lang Syne.’”
The moment recalled his reception at Fort Randall almost 40 years earlier.
Bainbridge died of heart trouble in 1903 and was buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery. He outlived his wife, Aspasie, whom he had met in Louisiana during the war. Two daughters survived him.
Most Hallowed Ground is part of the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) Project. Established by Jim Quinlan of The Excelsior Brigade, its mission is to identify all Civil War veterans on the grounds. Contact Jim at 703-307-0344.
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