The Daily Dispatch: June 15, 1864., [Electronic resource]

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Death of Lieut Gen. Polk.

The telegraphic dispatch which announces the resumption of active hostilities in Northern Georgia brings also the melancholy tidings of the death of Lieut. Gen. Lecuidas Polk. He was struck by a cannon ball and instantly killed. Gen. Polk was a native of Ashe county, North Carolina, and was educated to the military profession, having graduated at West Point. Subsequently, however, he adopted the peaceful calling of the ministry, rose to distinction in the Protestant Episcopal Church, and became Bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana. At the breaking out of the war he relinquished his prelacy, under the solemn conviction that he could be of more service to his country in the field, and has since become distinguished for his ability as an officer and his valor in the presence of the foe. When the rank of Lieutenant General was created by Congress, the title was conferred upon him as one of those who had earned it by gallantry at the head of his command. He narrowly escaped death by the bursting of a gun at the battle of Belmont, but was only spared to lay down his life in the service of his country at a later period of the war. His memory will be cherished as one of the most devoted patriots whom a sense of duty has led to embark in this noble struggle for Southern independence.