Bit of an odd post today, and one I've been meaning to complete for some time. In a way it's a lead-up to my next Federal regiment, the 80th (20th) NYSVI. I will write more about them when the regiment is fully painted.
At Second Bull Run the 80th was under Colonel George Pratt, who received mortal wounds while leading his men against Jackson's right flank on August 30th. Pratt was born in what is now Prattsville in Greene County, NY, a town named for his father, Col. Zadock Pratt. Col. Pratt was many things: tanner, businessman, militia officer, Congressman, reformer, banker, and developer. One thing he was not, however, was modest. Not only does Prattsville bear his name, but a large rockface outside of town, now known as Pratt's Rock, is covered with carvings he commissioned to commemorate himself and his family. George Pratt, a state senator, businessman, militia officer, and amateur historian, moved to Kingston, NY, seat of Ulster County, and subsequently was involved with that county's militia. After he was killed, he was of course added to Pratt's Rock.
Col. Zadock Pratt: "Tanner, Farmer, Builder, Banker, U.S. Congressman." Pratt is also responsible for revolutionizing the postal system in the United States. Previously, postage for letters and packages was paid by the addressee upon receipt of the item. Transportation was costly, and therefore postage was high, so it was not uncommon for an addressee to refuse a letter upon its delivery, in which case the postal service would have to return it to the sender (and pay for the two-way trip, labor, etc.). Pratt, believing that the high cost discouraged people from corresponding, moved while in Congress for the system to be reformed. The sender would pay postage prior to mailing, and postage would be kept low. Since it would be simpler and cheaper to send letters, more people would send them, and a net increase in postage revenue would arise in time; at the same time, increased correspondence would stimulate intellectual and commercial development. Pratt was so proud of this accomplishment that he ordered it engraved on his tombstone.
His son, Col. Pratt - one of many carvings on Pratt's Rock.
Also carved into the rock is an emblem the militia regiment, the Red Hand of Ulster, encircled by the words "This Hand for My Country," a phrase of Pratt's devising that would become a sort of motto for his regiment.
Here is Col. Pratt, urging his men toward the enemy. The model is a fiddled-with Perry Union officer, who's been given boots, hair and beard, and a hat in his outstretched hand.
