Sharpe’s post-war years were productive and prosperous. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1879 and served a term as speaker in 1881-82. He led the investigation that resulted in numerous convictions of the Tweed Ring in the early 1870s.
Sharpe was a friend and confidant of generals Grant and Sherman and of President Chester Arthur, whom he nominated for vice president at the 1880 national Republican convention. All stayed at his home, called “The Orchard.” The house was moved 200 feet to the west to make room for the Governor Clinton Hotel in 1924, and was demolished in the 1960s.
Sharpe remained active in veterans’ organizations for the rest of his life, often holding leadership positions. In later years, Sharpe carried a cane engraved with the names of the officers from his regiment who had lost their lives in the war. In 1896, Sharpe raised a statue, “Daughter of the Regiment,” to his men in the churchyard of the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, where he was a parishioner. “He never forgot his men,” Witkowski said.
Sharpe and his wife, a Hasbrouck, had two children. Their son was a county judge in Kingston. Sharpe died at his daughter’s home in New York City.
Sharpe was buried with full military honors in Wiltwyck Cemetery. Captain John Tappen of Kingston, his wartime aide, is buried nearby. The Sharp burial ground on Albany Avenue is named for an unrelated family.
And the candlesticks that had inspired him as an 11-year old? “Now they’re stored in a box at Peeble’s Island [New York State historical research headquarters near Albany], never more to inspire an 11-year old boy,” Witkowski responded.
During the question-and-answer session, a member of the audience helped assuage the speaker’s lament. “I was at Appomattox last year,” she said. “The curator told us those candlestick holders are on permanent loan [and display] at the Smithsonian.”
