Rush Cady

Rush Cady was one of Hamilton College's most well-known Civil War soldier alumni. Rush joined the Army of the Potomac in 1862, following his graduation, and mustered into the 97th NY volunteer infantry, A.K.A. the "Third Oneida," the "Boonville Regiment," or the "Conkling Rifles." Cady fought at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May of 1863, leaving behind an account of the battle in his diary. Despite having survived Chancellorsville, Rush met his end two months later at the Battle of Gettysburg, but not before spending his last days in an army hospital, there, writing a touching letter to his parents.