Major-General William Stark Rosecrans. Hero Of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 1)
Description
[page 1]
[corresponds to front cover of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Major-General
William Stark
Rosecrans.
Hero of Iuka,
Corinth and Stone
River, and Father of
the Army of the
Cumberland
By L. W. Mulhane.
[corresponds to front cover of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Major-General
William Stark
Rosecrans.
Hero of Iuka,
Corinth and Stone
River, and Father of
the Army of the
Cumberland
By L. W. Mulhane.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 2)
Description
[page 2]
[corresponds to inside cover of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[blank]
[corresponds to inside cover of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[blank]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 3)
Description
[page 3]
[corresponds to unnumbered page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Ohio authors p. 460 20.-
P Purcell [handwritten]
[corresponds to unnumbered page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Ohio authors p. 460 20.-
P Purcell [handwritten]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 4)
Description
[page 4]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 5)
Description
[page 5]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 6)
Description
[page 6]
[corresponds to unnumbered page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[photograph]
Los Angeles Cal
With many thanks + best wishes
W. S. Rosecrans
Bvt. Maj. Gen. U S army
June 3, 1895
[corresponds to unnumbered page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[photograph]
Los Angeles Cal
With many thanks + best wishes
W. S. Rosecrans
Bvt. Maj. Gen. U S army
June 3, 1895
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 7)
Description
[page 7]
[corresponds to unnumbered page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Memorial of
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans.
~~~~~~~~~~
Born in Kingston Township, Delaware County, Ohio,
September 6, 1819.
~~~~~~~~~~
Died at Rosecrans, near Los Angeles, California,
March 11, 1898
[corresponds to unnumbered page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Memorial of
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans.
~~~~~~~~~~
Born in Kingston Township, Delaware County, Ohio,
September 6, 1819.
~~~~~~~~~~
Died at Rosecrans, near Los Angeles, California,
March 11, 1898
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 8)
Description
[page 8]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 9)
Description
[page 9]
[corresponds to Preface of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
PREFACE
__________
This little sketch of the life of Major-General
Rosecrans is compiled chiefly from current
accounts of his life and from an acquaintance
first formed in the house of his brother,
Bishop Rosecrans of Columbus, Ohio. The author
feels that "the present generation stands too close to
the monument to take a just view of either its height
or its beautiful proportions and that men shall have to
get away from it a generation or two in order to under-
stand its grand effect upon the surroundings, and the
measure of its shadow"; and hence prints these few
pages only as a tribute to his memory and a souvenir
that may assist in keeping green the remembrance of
the Christian warrior's noble life.
L. W. Mulhane.
Mt. Vernon, Ohio, March 31, 1898
June 3, 1895
[corresponds to Preface of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
PREFACE
__________
This little sketch of the life of Major-General
Rosecrans is compiled chiefly from current
accounts of his life and from an acquaintance
first formed in the house of his brother,
Bishop Rosecrans of Columbus, Ohio. The author
feels that "the present generation stands too close to
the monument to take a just view of either its height
or its beautiful proportions and that men shall have to
get away from it a generation or two in order to under-
stand its grand effect upon the surroundings, and the
measure of its shadow"; and hence prints these few
pages only as a tribute to his memory and a souvenir
that may assist in keeping green the remembrance of
the Christian warrior's noble life.
L. W. Mulhane.
Mt. Vernon, Ohio, March 31, 1898
June 3, 1895
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 10)
Description
[page 10]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 11)
Description
[page 11]
[corresponds to Contents of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CONTENTS
__________
CHAPTER I-
His Birth, Life and Death . . . . . . . . . . 9
CHAPTER II-
The Battle of Chickamauga . . . . . . . . . . 32
CHAPTER III-
How He Missed the Presidency. . . . . . . . . 45
CHAPTER IV-
His Conversion to the Catholic Church . . . . 48
CHAPTER V-
Tributes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
CHAPTER VI-
Notes and Anecdotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
CHAPTER VII-
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
[corresponds to Contents of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CONTENTS
__________
CHAPTER I-
His Birth, Life and Death . . . . . . . . . . 9
CHAPTER II-
The Battle of Chickamauga . . . . . . . . . . 32
CHAPTER III-
How He Missed the Presidency. . . . . . . . . 45
CHAPTER IV-
His Conversion to the Catholic Church . . . . 48
CHAPTER V-
Tributes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
CHAPTER VI-
Notes and Anecdotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
CHAPTER VII-
Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 12)
Description
[page 12]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 13)
Description
[page 13]
[corresponds to page 9 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CHAPTER I.
HIS BIRTH, LIFE AND DEATH.
The last survivor of Ohio's great military quar-
tet, - Grant and Sherman, Sheridan and
Rosecrans, - has been summoned from earth
and
"The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo."
His war record is written on the pages of American
history, and as time goes on will be brighter and
greater and better known, when time-servers and
applause-seekers have had their day. To those who
had the pleasure and honor of knowing the old hero
in the avenues of private life, the news of his death
came accompanied by the one thought that
"An empire is his sepulchre
His epitaph is Fame."
William Stark Rosecrans was born in Kingston
Township, Delaware County, Ohio, September 6, 1819.
The name Rosecrans, originally Rosenkrantz, is Dutch
and means a Crown or Wreath of Roses. The paternal
ancestors of the subject of this memorial were Dutch,
coming to America from Amsterdam and settling in
Pennsylvania near Wilkesbarre. In 1808, Crandall
[corresponds to page 9 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CHAPTER I.
HIS BIRTH, LIFE AND DEATH.
The last survivor of Ohio's great military quar-
tet, - Grant and Sherman, Sheridan and
Rosecrans, - has been summoned from earth
and
"The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo."
His war record is written on the pages of American
history, and as time goes on will be brighter and
greater and better known, when time-servers and
applause-seekers have had their day. To those who
had the pleasure and honor of knowing the old hero
in the avenues of private life, the news of his death
came accompanied by the one thought that
"An empire is his sepulchre
His epitaph is Fame."
William Stark Rosecrans was born in Kingston
Township, Delaware County, Ohio, September 6, 1819.
The name Rosecrans, originally Rosenkrantz, is Dutch
and means a Crown or Wreath of Roses. The paternal
ancestors of the subject of this memorial were Dutch,
coming to America from Amsterdam and settling in
Pennsylvania near Wilkesbarre. In 1808, Crandall
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 14)
Description
[page 14]
[corresponds to page 10 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Rosecrans moved to Ohio, locating in Kingston Town-
ship, Delaware County, near the line of Licking
County. He was married to Jemima Hopkins, a rel-
ative of Stephen Hopkins, Rhode Island's signer of
the Declaration of Independence, of whom John Adams
says: "the pleasantest part of my labors for the four
years I spend in Congress, from 1774 to 1778, was in
the naval committee. Mr. Lee and Mr. Gasden were
sensible men and very cheerful, but Gov. Hopkins
of Rhode Island, above 70 years of age, kept us all
alive. Upon business his experience and judgment
were very useful." Hopkins is an Irish name and the
ancestors of General Rosecrans' mother originally
came from Ireland; so that in his veins were mingled
Dutch and Irish blood. His father, Crandall, was a
Captain in one of General Harrison's light-horse bri-
gades in our second war with England. He received
his second name, Stark, in memory of the famous
Revolutionary General Stark of New Hampshire, many
of the people of that State having moved to Ohio, in
the vicinity of General Rosecrans' birthplace.
On December 5, 1894, the writer officiated at the
burial of an aged lady near Brandon, Knox County,
not far from the Licking County line, and in his note
book is the following entry: - "Death of Mrs. Hulda
Collopy, age 77. She was a granddaughter of the
Revolutionary Chapmans of Vermont and New Hamp-
shire. Her father served in the war of 1812. In her
childhood days she was a schoolmate of General and
Bishop Rosecrans. She became a Catholic on her
deathbed, influenced all her life by the thought of these
[corresponds to page 10 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Rosecrans moved to Ohio, locating in Kingston Town-
ship, Delaware County, near the line of Licking
County. He was married to Jemima Hopkins, a rel-
ative of Stephen Hopkins, Rhode Island's signer of
the Declaration of Independence, of whom John Adams
says: "the pleasantest part of my labors for the four
years I spend in Congress, from 1774 to 1778, was in
the naval committee. Mr. Lee and Mr. Gasden were
sensible men and very cheerful, but Gov. Hopkins
of Rhode Island, above 70 years of age, kept us all
alive. Upon business his experience and judgment
were very useful." Hopkins is an Irish name and the
ancestors of General Rosecrans' mother originally
came from Ireland; so that in his veins were mingled
Dutch and Irish blood. His father, Crandall, was a
Captain in one of General Harrison's light-horse bri-
gades in our second war with England. He received
his second name, Stark, in memory of the famous
Revolutionary General Stark of New Hampshire, many
of the people of that State having moved to Ohio, in
the vicinity of General Rosecrans' birthplace.
On December 5, 1894, the writer officiated at the
burial of an aged lady near Brandon, Knox County,
not far from the Licking County line, and in his note
book is the following entry: - "Death of Mrs. Hulda
Collopy, age 77. She was a granddaughter of the
Revolutionary Chapmans of Vermont and New Hamp-
shire. Her father served in the war of 1812. In her
childhood days she was a schoolmate of General and
Bishop Rosecrans. She became a Catholic on her
deathbed, influenced all her life by the thought of these
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 15)
Description
[page 15]
[corresponds to page 11 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
two childhood companions embracing the Catholic
Faith."
When the future General was yet quite young, his
father moved across to Licking County, taking up his
residence in the village of Homer, and for a number
of years, managed the village tavern, at the same time
following farming.
William attended, for a few months of each year, at
the log school-house of the village, acquiring the rudi-
ments of education. About 1833, a Lancaster mer-
chant, George Arnold, opened a general country store
at Utica, Licking County, a few miles from Homer,
and young Rosecrans went into the store as a clerk.
With him, associated as a clerk, was J. D. Martin,
still living and a venerable citizen of Lancaster, Ohio.
Arnold moved his store to Mansfield in the course of
a year or two, Rosecrans accompanying him. One
conversant with the facts says: "While at Mansfield
young Rosecrans was the driver for T. W. Bartley,
the future Supreme Court Judge of Ohio, on a trip to
Columbus. He proved to be an intelligent and inter-
esting talker and so pleased Bartley that he urged him
to obtain an education." With this in view, Rosecrans
and his father opened a correspondence with the Con-
gressman from that district and finally he was success-
ful in obtaining an appointment to West Point. In
the mean time he had spent some time at Kenyon
College, Gambier, near Mt. Vernon, preparing him-
self for the West Point examination. He entered that
institution in 1837, and graduated in 1842, standing
fifth in general merit and third in mathematics in a
[corresponds to page 11 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
two childhood companions embracing the Catholic
Faith."
When the future General was yet quite young, his
father moved across to Licking County, taking up his
residence in the village of Homer, and for a number
of years, managed the village tavern, at the same time
following farming.
William attended, for a few months of each year, at
the log school-house of the village, acquiring the rudi-
ments of education. About 1833, a Lancaster mer-
chant, George Arnold, opened a general country store
at Utica, Licking County, a few miles from Homer,
and young Rosecrans went into the store as a clerk.
With him, associated as a clerk, was J. D. Martin,
still living and a venerable citizen of Lancaster, Ohio.
Arnold moved his store to Mansfield in the course of
a year or two, Rosecrans accompanying him. One
conversant with the facts says: "While at Mansfield
young Rosecrans was the driver for T. W. Bartley,
the future Supreme Court Judge of Ohio, on a trip to
Columbus. He proved to be an intelligent and inter-
esting talker and so pleased Bartley that he urged him
to obtain an education." With this in view, Rosecrans
and his father opened a correspondence with the Con-
gressman from that district and finally he was success-
ful in obtaining an appointment to West Point. In
the mean time he had spent some time at Kenyon
College, Gambier, near Mt. Vernon, preparing him-
self for the West Point examination. He entered that
institution in 1837, and graduated in 1842, standing
fifth in general merit and third in mathematics in a
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 16)
Description
[page 16]
[corresponds to page 12 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
class which included Longstreet, Van Dorn, McLaws,
Lovell, R. H. Anderson and Gustavus Smith, after-
ward of the Confederate Army; and Pope, Doubleday
and Newton of the Union Army. He entered the ser-
vice as Brevet 2nd Lieutenant of Engineers, and after
a year as Assistant Engineer, building fortifications
at Hampton Roads, Virginia, he returned to West
Point in 1843 as Assistant Professor of Engineering.
In 1847 he was again put in active sevice at Fort
Adams, Newport, Rhode Island, to superintend some
repairs on that fortification. April 1, 1854, he resigned,
[image: "W. S. ROSECRANS, AS LIEUTENANT."]
being then First Lieutenant of Engineers, journeyed
to Cincinnati, and began business as a consulting en-
gineer and architect; but while he acquired an enviable
reputation in his profession, his earnings were scanty.
[corresponds to page 12 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
class which included Longstreet, Van Dorn, McLaws,
Lovell, R. H. Anderson and Gustavus Smith, after-
ward of the Confederate Army; and Pope, Doubleday
and Newton of the Union Army. He entered the ser-
vice as Brevet 2nd Lieutenant of Engineers, and after
a year as Assistant Engineer, building fortifications
at Hampton Roads, Virginia, he returned to West
Point in 1843 as Assistant Professor of Engineering.
In 1847 he was again put in active sevice at Fort
Adams, Newport, Rhode Island, to superintend some
repairs on that fortification. April 1, 1854, he resigned,
[image: "W. S. ROSECRANS, AS LIEUTENANT."]
being then First Lieutenant of Engineers, journeyed
to Cincinnati, and began business as a consulting en-
gineer and architect; but while he acquired an enviable
reputation in his profession, his earnings were scanty.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 17)
Description
[page 17]
[corresponds to page 13 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
In 1855 he took charge of the Cannel Coal Company,
Coal River, West Virginia, becoming also, in 1856,
president of the Coal River Navigation Company; and
in 1857 he organized the Preston Coal Oil Company
for the manufacture of kerosene.
THE CIVIL WAR.
At the beginning of the Civil War he volunteered
as aide to Gen. George B. McClellan, who was then
commanding the department of the Ohio, and assisted
in organizing and equipping home guards. He was
appointed chief engineer of Ohio, with the rank of
colonel, on June 9, 1861, and on June 10 was made
colonel of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteers. Soon
after organizing Camp Chase at Columbus, O., he
received a commission as brigadier-general in the reg-
ular army to date from May 16, 1861; he took the
field with command of a provisional brigade under
Gen. McClellan in western Virginia. His first import-
ant action was that of Rich Mountain, which he won
on July 11, 1861. After Gen. McClellan's call to
higher command, Rosecrans succeeded him, on July
25, in the department of the Ohio, which consisted
of western Virginia, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. He
had command of the national forces, defeated Gen.
John B. Floyd at Carnifex Ferry, September 10, 1861,
and thwarted all Lee's attempts to gain a footing in
western Virginia; and when he went into winter quar-
ters at Wheeling, and announced that he had cleared
West Virginia of organized Confederate forces, he
received the thanks of the Legislature of that State
and of Ohio for his management of the campaign.
[corresponds to page 13 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
In 1855 he took charge of the Cannel Coal Company,
Coal River, West Virginia, becoming also, in 1856,
president of the Coal River Navigation Company; and
in 1857 he organized the Preston Coal Oil Company
for the manufacture of kerosene.
THE CIVIL WAR.
At the beginning of the Civil War he volunteered
as aide to Gen. George B. McClellan, who was then
commanding the department of the Ohio, and assisted
in organizing and equipping home guards. He was
appointed chief engineer of Ohio, with the rank of
colonel, on June 9, 1861, and on June 10 was made
colonel of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteers. Soon
after organizing Camp Chase at Columbus, O., he
received a commission as brigadier-general in the reg-
ular army to date from May 16, 1861; he took the
field with command of a provisional brigade under
Gen. McClellan in western Virginia. His first import-
ant action was that of Rich Mountain, which he won
on July 11, 1861. After Gen. McClellan's call to
higher command, Rosecrans succeeded him, on July
25, in the department of the Ohio, which consisted
of western Virginia, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. He
had command of the national forces, defeated Gen.
John B. Floyd at Carnifex Ferry, September 10, 1861,
and thwarted all Lee's attempts to gain a footing in
western Virginia; and when he went into winter quar-
ters at Wheeling, and announced that he had cleared
West Virginia of organized Confederate forces, he
received the thanks of the Legislature of that State
and of Ohio for his management of the campaign.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 18)
Description
[page 18]
[corresponds to page 14 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
One of the queerest experiences of military history
was his work in the spring of 1862, when he found and
extricated Gen. Blenker, who had actually lost himself
and his command in the mountains of West Virginia
and whose whereabouts were unknown to his superior
officers. In May, Rosecrans was sent to Gen. Halleck,
who gave him command of the right wing before
Corinth.
BATTLES OF IUKA AND CORINTH
He succeeded Gen. Pope in the command of the
Army of the Mississippi and, with four brigades, fought
the battle of Iuka, September 19, where he defeated
Gen. Price; after which he returned to Corinth, where,
anticipating an attack, he fortified the town, and on
October 3 and 4 defeated the Confederate army under
Van Dorn and Price. On the first day of the battle
the enemy was simply checked, and early on the morn-
ing of the second day the whole rebel army assaulted
Rosecrans' forces. The fighting was fierce, the enemy
charging almost into the town. Once, the Union
troops came near giving way, but Rosecrans rallied
them in person and finally won the day. After this
battle he received a letter from Lincoln couched in
these words:
"I have received the reports of the various com-
manders. I have now to tell you that the magnitude
of the stake - the battle and the results - become
more than ever apparent. Upon the issue of this fight
depended the possession of West Tennessee, and per-
haps even the fate of operations in Kentucky. The
entire available force of the rebels in Mississippi, save
[corresponds to page 14 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
One of the queerest experiences of military history
was his work in the spring of 1862, when he found and
extricated Gen. Blenker, who had actually lost himself
and his command in the mountains of West Virginia
and whose whereabouts were unknown to his superior
officers. In May, Rosecrans was sent to Gen. Halleck,
who gave him command of the right wing before
Corinth.
BATTLES OF IUKA AND CORINTH
He succeeded Gen. Pope in the command of the
Army of the Mississippi and, with four brigades, fought
the battle of Iuka, September 19, where he defeated
Gen. Price; after which he returned to Corinth, where,
anticipating an attack, he fortified the town, and on
October 3 and 4 defeated the Confederate army under
Van Dorn and Price. On the first day of the battle
the enemy was simply checked, and early on the morn-
ing of the second day the whole rebel army assaulted
Rosecrans' forces. The fighting was fierce, the enemy
charging almost into the town. Once, the Union
troops came near giving way, but Rosecrans rallied
them in person and finally won the day. After this
battle he received a letter from Lincoln couched in
these words:
"I have received the reports of the various com-
manders. I have now to tell you that the magnitude
of the stake - the battle and the results - become
more than ever apparent. Upon the issue of this fight
depended the possession of West Tennessee, and per-
haps even the fate of operations in Kentucky. The
entire available force of the rebels in Mississippi, save
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 19)
Description
[page 19]
[corresponds to page 15 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
a few garrisons and a small reserve, attacked you.
They were commanded by Van Dorn, Price and others
in person. They numbered 40,000 men - almost
double your own numbers. You fought them into
the position we desired on the 3d, punishing them ter-
ribly; and on the 4th, three hours after the infantry
went into action, they were completely beaten. You
pursued his retreating columns forty miles in force
with infantry and sixty-nine miles with cavalry, and
were ready to follow him to Mobile, if necessary, and
you received orders. I congratulate you on these
decisive results. In the name of the Government and
the people, I thank you. I beg you to unite with me
in giving humble thanks to the Great Master of all
our victories."
Rosecrans was much impressed by Sheridan's fight
against the Confederate cavalry under Chalmers at
Corinth and persistently and successfully urged the
authorities at Washington to give him a command
in which his ability and qualities would be more widely
useful. This fact gave rise to the saying so commonly
heard in after years, that Rosecrans "discovered" Phil.
Sheridan.
On October 25 he went to Cincinnati, where he
found orders awaiting him to supersede Gen. Don
Carlos Buell and was made commander of the
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND.
which was to consist of whatever territory south of
the Cumberland he should take from the enemy.
As Buell's successor, Rosecrans did an enormous
quantity of work, the advantages of which were enjoyed
[corresponds to page 15 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
a few garrisons and a small reserve, attacked you.
They were commanded by Van Dorn, Price and others
in person. They numbered 40,000 men - almost
double your own numbers. You fought them into
the position we desired on the 3d, punishing them ter-
ribly; and on the 4th, three hours after the infantry
went into action, they were completely beaten. You
pursued his retreating columns forty miles in force
with infantry and sixty-nine miles with cavalry, and
were ready to follow him to Mobile, if necessary, and
you received orders. I congratulate you on these
decisive results. In the name of the Government and
the people, I thank you. I beg you to unite with me
in giving humble thanks to the Great Master of all
our victories."
Rosecrans was much impressed by Sheridan's fight
against the Confederate cavalry under Chalmers at
Corinth and persistently and successfully urged the
authorities at Washington to give him a command
in which his ability and qualities would be more widely
useful. This fact gave rise to the saying so commonly
heard in after years, that Rosecrans "discovered" Phil.
Sheridan.
On October 25 he went to Cincinnati, where he
found orders awaiting him to supersede Gen. Don
Carlos Buell and was made commander of the
DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND.
which was to consist of whatever territory south of
the Cumberland he should take from the enemy.
As Buell's successor, Rosecrans did an enormous
quantity of work, the advantages of which were enjoyed
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 20)
Description
[page 20]
[corresponds to page 16 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
by the Federal forces to the end of the war. He estab-
lished bases and lines of communication, established
Inspector General's and topographical departments
and engineer and pioneer corps, which he developed
to a high state of efficiency. On October 30 he began
his march to Nashville, and on November 5 he defeated
a Confederate attack on that city.
STONE RIVER.
After providing twenty days' rations at Nashville,
he advanced on the enemy under Gen. Bragg, on Stone
River, December 30, 1862. This battle lasted four
days. A current account of it says:
"The right wing was commanded by Gen. A. Mc-
Dowell McCook, a brave and gallant officer, and he
had under him as brave a corps of men as ever faced
an enemy. Early on the morning of the first day's
battle McCook's corps was fiercely attacked by the
enemy in force and driven pell mell to the rear, but
not without first making a most determined and dread-
ful fight, suffering heavy loss.
"This attack of the enemy commenced about 6
o'clock a. m., before daylight, and before many of
McCook's men had finished their bacon and coffee.
"The heavy firing on the right naturally attracted
the attention of Rosecrans, who had been closely watch-
ing the movements of Bragg. About 9 o'clock on the
morning of that day he saw that McCook's men were
falling back rapidly and in disorder, and that some-
thing must be done and be done quickly to check the
enemy's advance on his right wing. If not, his entire
[corresponds to page 16 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
by the Federal forces to the end of the war. He estab-
lished bases and lines of communication, established
Inspector General's and topographical departments
and engineer and pioneer corps, which he developed
to a high state of efficiency. On October 30 he began
his march to Nashville, and on November 5 he defeated
a Confederate attack on that city.
STONE RIVER.
After providing twenty days' rations at Nashville,
he advanced on the enemy under Gen. Bragg, on Stone
River, December 30, 1862. This battle lasted four
days. A current account of it says:
"The right wing was commanded by Gen. A. Mc-
Dowell McCook, a brave and gallant officer, and he
had under him as brave a corps of men as ever faced
an enemy. Early on the morning of the first day's
battle McCook's corps was fiercely attacked by the
enemy in force and driven pell mell to the rear, but
not without first making a most determined and dread-
ful fight, suffering heavy loss.
"This attack of the enemy commenced about 6
o'clock a. m., before daylight, and before many of
McCook's men had finished their bacon and coffee.
"The heavy firing on the right naturally attracted
the attention of Rosecrans, who had been closely watch-
ing the movements of Bragg. About 9 o'clock on the
morning of that day he saw that McCook's men were
falling back rapidly and in disorder, and that some-
thing must be done and be done quickly to check the
enemy's advance on his right wing. If not, his entire
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 21)
Description
[page 21]
[corresponds to page 17 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
army would be routed. It was a storm of shot and
shell in which the right wing of the Union army was
being driven like straws before a cyclone. Realizing
the dreadful position into which the rebels were speed-
ily crowding him, Rosecrans, unattended by guard
or staff, rode quickly into the thickest of the fight,
and, drawing his sword, waved it over his head and
yelled to his retreating men to halt, face and fight the
enemy.
"The sight of 'Old Rosy' in the thick of the fight,
exposing his life every moment, so inspired McCook's
brave but broken ranks with sudden enthusiasm and
determination that the retreating line halted, 'about
faced,' and delivered a volley of musketry into the
enemy's ranks that staggered and checked their fur-
ther advance.
"Two days later the battle was renewed by a furious
assault on the national lines, but after sharp fighting
the enemy was driven back with heavy loss.
"Unwilling to engage in a general action, the Con-
federate army retreated to the line of Duck River,
and the Army of the Cumberland occupied Murfrees-
boro. This battle was one of the bloodiest in the war,
and resulted in a loss of 9,511 men by the national
forces and 9,236 by the Confederates. As soon as
Vicksburg was beyond the reach of possible succor
from Bragg, by a brilliant flank movement Rosecrans
dislodged him from his intrenched camps at Shelby-
ville and Tullahoma, and in fifteen days, June 24 to
July 7, 1863, drove him out of the middle of Tennessee.
As soon as the railway was repaired he occupied
[corresponds to page 17 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
army would be routed. It was a storm of shot and
shell in which the right wing of the Union army was
being driven like straws before a cyclone. Realizing
the dreadful position into which the rebels were speed-
ily crowding him, Rosecrans, unattended by guard
or staff, rode quickly into the thickest of the fight,
and, drawing his sword, waved it over his head and
yelled to his retreating men to halt, face and fight the
enemy.
"The sight of 'Old Rosy' in the thick of the fight,
exposing his life every moment, so inspired McCook's
brave but broken ranks with sudden enthusiasm and
determination that the retreating line halted, 'about
faced,' and delivered a volley of musketry into the
enemy's ranks that staggered and checked their fur-
ther advance.
"Two days later the battle was renewed by a furious
assault on the national lines, but after sharp fighting
the enemy was driven back with heavy loss.
"Unwilling to engage in a general action, the Con-
federate army retreated to the line of Duck River,
and the Army of the Cumberland occupied Murfrees-
boro. This battle was one of the bloodiest in the war,
and resulted in a loss of 9,511 men by the national
forces and 9,236 by the Confederates. As soon as
Vicksburg was beyond the reach of possible succor
from Bragg, by a brilliant flank movement Rosecrans
dislodged him from his intrenched camps at Shelby-
ville and Tullahoma, and in fifteen days, June 24 to
July 7, 1863, drove him out of the middle of Tennessee.
As soon as the railway was repaired he occupied
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 22)
Description
[page 22]
[corresponds to page 18 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Bridgeport and Stevenson. From July 7 to August
14 railway bridges and trestles were rebuilt, the road
and rolling stock put in order, supplies pushed forward
[photograph: BRIG. GEN. ROSECRANS.
Taken after the Battle of Stone River]
and demonstrations made to conceal the point of cross-
ing the Cumberland Mountains and the Tennessee
River."
CHICKAMAUGA
Rosecrans was constantly urged from Washington
to dislodge the enemy from the mountains. But he
delayed, repairing his railroad communications, asking
for reinforcements, and waiting for corn to ripen for
[corresponds to page 18 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Bridgeport and Stevenson. From July 7 to August
14 railway bridges and trestles were rebuilt, the road
and rolling stock put in order, supplies pushed forward
[photograph: BRIG. GEN. ROSECRANS.
Taken after the Battle of Stone River]
and demonstrations made to conceal the point of cross-
ing the Cumberland Mountains and the Tennessee
River."
CHICKAMAUGA
Rosecrans was constantly urged from Washington
to dislodge the enemy from the mountains. But he
delayed, repairing his railroad communications, asking
for reinforcements, and waiting for corn to ripen for
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 23)
Description
[page 23]
[corresponds to page 19 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
food and forage. He reached the river on the evening
of August 20 and the army, except the cavalry, safely
crossed. Bragg withdrew from Chattanooga and re-
tired behind Chickamauga until the arrival of Long-
street's corps. Thus the first great move of Rose-
crans' campaign was accomplished.
He then began to concentrate his forces with the
utmost dispatch to meet the inevitable combat. The
battle was commenced on September 19 by an attempt
to gain possession of the road to Chattanooga, con-
tinued through the day, and resulted in Rosecrans
defeating the attempt and planting Gen. Thomas'
corps, with Johnson's and Palmer's divisions, firmly
upon that road; but during the night Longstreet came
up and was immediately given command of the Con-
federate left.
On the following morning the contest was renewed
by a determined attack on the national left and center.
At this moment, by the misinterpretation of an order,
Gen. Thomas J. Wood's division was withdrawn, leav-
ing a gap in the center, into which Gen. Longstreet
pressed his troops, forced Jefferson C. Davis' two bri-
gades out of the line, and cut off Philip H. Sheridan's
three brigades of the right, all of which, after a gallant
but unsuccessful effort to stem this charge, were
ordered to reform on the Dry Valley road at the first
good standing ground in rear of the position they had
lost. The two divisions of Horatio P. Van Cleve and
Davis, going to succor the right center, were partly
shattered by this break, and four or five regiments
were scattered through the woods, but most of the
[corresponds to page 19 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
food and forage. He reached the river on the evening
of August 20 and the army, except the cavalry, safely
crossed. Bragg withdrew from Chattanooga and re-
tired behind Chickamauga until the arrival of Long-
street's corps. Thus the first great move of Rose-
crans' campaign was accomplished.
He then began to concentrate his forces with the
utmost dispatch to meet the inevitable combat. The
battle was commenced on September 19 by an attempt
to gain possession of the road to Chattanooga, con-
tinued through the day, and resulted in Rosecrans
defeating the attempt and planting Gen. Thomas'
corps, with Johnson's and Palmer's divisions, firmly
upon that road; but during the night Longstreet came
up and was immediately given command of the Con-
federate left.
On the following morning the contest was renewed
by a determined attack on the national left and center.
At this moment, by the misinterpretation of an order,
Gen. Thomas J. Wood's division was withdrawn, leav-
ing a gap in the center, into which Gen. Longstreet
pressed his troops, forced Jefferson C. Davis' two bri-
gades out of the line, and cut off Philip H. Sheridan's
three brigades of the right, all of which, after a gallant
but unsuccessful effort to stem this charge, were
ordered to reform on the Dry Valley road at the first
good standing ground in rear of the position they had
lost. The two divisions of Horatio P. Van Cleve and
Davis, going to succor the right center, were partly
shattered by this break, and four or five regiments
were scattered through the woods, but most of the
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 24)
Description
[page 24]
[corresponds to page 20 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
stragglers stopped with Sheridan's and Davis' com-
mands. The remainder, nearly seven divisions, were
unbroken, and continued the fight. The gallant Gen.
George H. Thomas, whose orders the night before,
reiterated a few moments before this disaster, were to
hold his position at all hazards, continued to fight with
seven divisions, while Gen. Rosecrans undertook to
make such dispositions as would most effectually avert
disaster in case the enemy should turn the position by
advancing on the Dry Valley road, and capture the
remaining commissary stores, then in a valley two
or three miles to the west. Fortunately, this advance
was not made, the commissary train was pushed into
Chattanooga, the cavalry, ordered down, closed the
ways behind the national right, and Gen. Thomas, after
the most desperate fighting, drew back at night to
Rossville in pursuance of orders from Gen. Rosecrans.
On the 22d the army was concentrated at Chattanooga.
The battle was a victory to the Confederates only in
name, for Chattanooga, the objective point of the cam-
paign, remained in the possession of the national forces.
The total national loss, in killed, wounded and missing,
was 16,179; the Confederate loss, 17,804.
Shortly after the battle General Rosecrans issued
the following letter, which old veterans love to refer
to as a summing up of the great campaign under his
command:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND.
CHATTANOOGA, Oct. 2, 1863
Army of the Cumberland - You have made a grand and
successful campaign; you have driven the rebels from Middle
Tennessee; you crossed a mountain range, placed yourselves
on the banks of a broad river, crossed it in the face of a
powerful, opposing army, and crossed two other great moun-
[corresponds to page 20 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
stragglers stopped with Sheridan's and Davis' com-
mands. The remainder, nearly seven divisions, were
unbroken, and continued the fight. The gallant Gen.
George H. Thomas, whose orders the night before,
reiterated a few moments before this disaster, were to
hold his position at all hazards, continued to fight with
seven divisions, while Gen. Rosecrans undertook to
make such dispositions as would most effectually avert
disaster in case the enemy should turn the position by
advancing on the Dry Valley road, and capture the
remaining commissary stores, then in a valley two
or three miles to the west. Fortunately, this advance
was not made, the commissary train was pushed into
Chattanooga, the cavalry, ordered down, closed the
ways behind the national right, and Gen. Thomas, after
the most desperate fighting, drew back at night to
Rossville in pursuance of orders from Gen. Rosecrans.
On the 22d the army was concentrated at Chattanooga.
The battle was a victory to the Confederates only in
name, for Chattanooga, the objective point of the cam-
paign, remained in the possession of the national forces.
The total national loss, in killed, wounded and missing,
was 16,179; the Confederate loss, 17,804.
Shortly after the battle General Rosecrans issued
the following letter, which old veterans love to refer
to as a summing up of the great campaign under his
command:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND.
CHATTANOOGA, Oct. 2, 1863
Army of the Cumberland - You have made a grand and
successful campaign; you have driven the rebels from Middle
Tennessee; you crossed a mountain range, placed yourselves
on the banks of a broad river, crossed it in the face of a
powerful, opposing army, and crossed two other great moun-
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 25)
Description
[page 25]
[corresponds to page 21 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
tain ranges at the only practicable passes, some forty miles
between extremes. You concentrated in the face of superior
numbers; fought the combined armies of Bragg, which you
drove from Shelbyville to Tullahoma; of Johnston's army
from Mississippi, and the tried veterans of Longstreet's corps,
and for two days held them at bay, giving them blow for blow,
with heavy interest. When you withdrew in the face of over-
powering numbers, to occupy the point for which you set
out - Chattanooga.
You have accomplished the work of the campaign; you
hold the key of East Tennessee, of Northern Georgia and of
the enemies' mines of coal and nitre. Let these achieve-
ments console you for the regret you experience that the
arrival of fresh hostile troops forbade your remaining on
the field to renew the battle; for the right of burying your
gallant dead and caring for your brave companions, who lay
wounded on the field. The losses you have sustained, though
heavy, are slight, considering the odds against you, and the
stake you have won.
The General Commanding earnestly begs every officer and
soldier of this army to unite with him in thanking Almighty
God for His favor to us. He presents his hearty thanks and
congratulations to all the officers and soldiers of this com-
mand, for their energy, patience and perseverance, and the
undaunted courage displayed by those who fought with such
unflinching resolution.
Neither the history of this war, nor probably the annals
of any battle, furnish a loftier example of obstinate bravery
and enduring resistance to superior numbers - when troops
having exhausted their ammunition, resorted to the bayonet
many times to hold their positions against such odds, as did
our left and centre, comprising troops from all the corps, on
the afternoon of the 20th of September, at the battle of
Chickamauga.
(Signed) W. S. ROSECRANS
Major-General Commanding.
Gen. Rosecrans was relieved of his command on
October 23, and he was assigned to the department
of the Missouri in January, 1864, with headquarters in
St. Louis, where he conducted the military operations
[corresponds to page 21 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
tain ranges at the only practicable passes, some forty miles
between extremes. You concentrated in the face of superior
numbers; fought the combined armies of Bragg, which you
drove from Shelbyville to Tullahoma; of Johnston's army
from Mississippi, and the tried veterans of Longstreet's corps,
and for two days held them at bay, giving them blow for blow,
with heavy interest. When you withdrew in the face of over-
powering numbers, to occupy the point for which you set
out - Chattanooga.
You have accomplished the work of the campaign; you
hold the key of East Tennessee, of Northern Georgia and of
the enemies' mines of coal and nitre. Let these achieve-
ments console you for the regret you experience that the
arrival of fresh hostile troops forbade your remaining on
the field to renew the battle; for the right of burying your
gallant dead and caring for your brave companions, who lay
wounded on the field. The losses you have sustained, though
heavy, are slight, considering the odds against you, and the
stake you have won.
The General Commanding earnestly begs every officer and
soldier of this army to unite with him in thanking Almighty
God for His favor to us. He presents his hearty thanks and
congratulations to all the officers and soldiers of this com-
mand, for their energy, patience and perseverance, and the
undaunted courage displayed by those who fought with such
unflinching resolution.
Neither the history of this war, nor probably the annals
of any battle, furnish a loftier example of obstinate bravery
and enduring resistance to superior numbers - when troops
having exhausted their ammunition, resorted to the bayonet
many times to hold their positions against such odds, as did
our left and centre, comprising troops from all the corps, on
the afternoon of the 20th of September, at the battle of
Chickamauga.
(Signed) W. S. ROSECRANS
Major-General Commanding.
Gen. Rosecrans was relieved of his command on
October 23, and he was assigned to the department
of the Missouri in January, 1864, with headquarters in
St. Louis, where he conducted the military operations
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 26)
Description
[page 26]
[corresponds to page 22 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
that terminated in the defeat and expulsion from the
State of the invading Confederate forces under Gen.
Price. He was placed on waiting orders at Cincinnati
on December 10, 1864, mustered out of the volunteer
service January 15, 1866, and resigned from the army
on March 28, 1867, after receiving the brevet of major-
general in the regular army for his services at the battle
of Stone River.
In 1865, he was offered the Union nomination for
Governor of Ohio, but declined. In July, 1868, he
was appointed minister to Mexico and held that office
until June, 1869, when he returned to the United
States and, later, declined the Democratic nomination
for Governor of Ohio, expressing views antagonistic
to the platform. He advocated the policy of having
bank notes made payable in coin on demand; he also
favored an early return to the specie basis and took
decided ground for free trade, civil service reform and
State regulation of the franchise.
Subsequently he resumed the practice of engineer-
ing, and in 1872-3 was engaged in an effort to initiate
the construction of a vast system of narrow gauge rail-
ways in Mexico, at the instance of President Juarez.
He became president, in 1871, of the San Jose Mining
Company, and in 1878 of the Safety Powder Company
in San Francisco. He was also intrusted with a charter
for an inter-oceanic railway from the Gulf of Mexico
to the Pacific, made by the Mexican republic under
considerations urged by him when envoy to Mexico,
and he was requested to use his influence to induce
American railway building skill and capital to under-
[corresponds to page 22 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
that terminated in the defeat and expulsion from the
State of the invading Confederate forces under Gen.
Price. He was placed on waiting orders at Cincinnati
on December 10, 1864, mustered out of the volunteer
service January 15, 1866, and resigned from the army
on March 28, 1867, after receiving the brevet of major-
general in the regular army for his services at the battle
of Stone River.
In 1865, he was offered the Union nomination for
Governor of Ohio, but declined. In July, 1868, he
was appointed minister to Mexico and held that office
until June, 1869, when he returned to the United
States and, later, declined the Democratic nomination
for Governor of Ohio, expressing views antagonistic
to the platform. He advocated the policy of having
bank notes made payable in coin on demand; he also
favored an early return to the specie basis and took
decided ground for free trade, civil service reform and
State regulation of the franchise.
Subsequently he resumed the practice of engineer-
ing, and in 1872-3 was engaged in an effort to initiate
the construction of a vast system of narrow gauge rail-
ways in Mexico, at the instance of President Juarez.
He became president, in 1871, of the San Jose Mining
Company, and in 1878 of the Safety Powder Company
in San Francisco. He was also intrusted with a charter
for an inter-oceanic railway from the Gulf of Mexico
to the Pacific, made by the Mexican republic under
considerations urged by him when envoy to Mexico,
and he was requested to use his influence to induce
American railway building skill and capital to under-
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 27)
Description
[page 27]
[corresponds to page 23 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
take the work. He memorialized Congress to cultivate
friendly and intimate commercial relations with Mex-
ico, and to assist and encourage the material progress
of that country, and at the instance of American and
English railway builders, and of President Juarez, he
went to Mexico. He had for fifteen months so ably
discussed in the newspapers the benefits of rail-
way construction to Mexico, that the Legislatures of
seventeen of the Mexican States passed unanimous
resolutions urging their national Congress to enact
the legislation advocated, and the Governors of six
other States sent official recommendations to the same
effect.
In 1876 Gen. Rosecrans declined the Democratic
nomination for Congress from Nevada.
IN CONGRESS.
In 1880, he was elected as a Democrat to the lower
house of Congress, from California; carrying a strong
Republican district. In the House he was Chairman
of the Committee on Military Affairs, having been re-
elected in 1882. June 8, 1885, he was appointed by
President Cleveland, whose warm friend and admirer
he had been, Register of the Treasury. March 2,
1889, he was by act of Congress put on the retired list
of the U. S. Army, with the rank of brigadier-general.
The act reads:
"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives of the U. S. of America in Congress as-
sembled: That the President be, and he is hereby
authorized to nominate, and, by and with the advice
[corresponds to page 23 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
take the work. He memorialized Congress to cultivate
friendly and intimate commercial relations with Mex-
ico, and to assist and encourage the material progress
of that country, and at the instance of American and
English railway builders, and of President Juarez, he
went to Mexico. He had for fifteen months so ably
discussed in the newspapers the benefits of rail-
way construction to Mexico, that the Legislatures of
seventeen of the Mexican States passed unanimous
resolutions urging their national Congress to enact
the legislation advocated, and the Governors of six
other States sent official recommendations to the same
effect.
In 1876 Gen. Rosecrans declined the Democratic
nomination for Congress from Nevada.
IN CONGRESS.
In 1880, he was elected as a Democrat to the lower
house of Congress, from California; carrying a strong
Republican district. In the House he was Chairman
of the Committee on Military Affairs, having been re-
elected in 1882. June 8, 1885, he was appointed by
President Cleveland, whose warm friend and admirer
he had been, Register of the Treasury. March 2,
1889, he was by act of Congress put on the retired list
of the U. S. Army, with the rank of brigadier-general.
The act reads:
"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives of the U. S. of America in Congress as-
sembled: That the President be, and he is hereby
authorized to nominate, and, by and with the advice
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 28)
Description
[page 28]
[corresponds to page 24 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
and consent of the Senate, to appoint William S. Rose-
crans, late major-general of U. S. Volunteers, and
brigadier-general in the regular army of the U. S.,
to the position of brigadier-general in the army of the
U. S., and to place him upon the retired list of the
army as of that grade (the retired list being thereby
increased in number to that extent); and all laws and
parts of laws in conflict herewith are suspended for
this purpose only."
A rancorous debate ensued on its passage, owing to
the fact that when a similar bill placing Grant upon
the retired list was up for passage, Rosecrans, then
a member of Congress and Chairman on Military
Affairs had persistently opposed it. During the debate,
many members who had served in the Army of the
Cumberland, came valiantly to the defense of the old
hero, and as one said: "We can afford to forget what
Gen. Rosecrans may have said, but we can not afford
to forget what he did." The bill finally passed with-
out division.
Rosecrans retained office as Register of the Treas-
ury under President Harrison, until failing health
forced him, a few years ago, to seek repose in the
climate of California, where, on his ranch some ten
miles from Los Angeles, he calmly awaited the end
of life.
HIS LIFE IN CALIFORNIA
After the war, Gen. Rosecrans, undecided where
to settle, first took a journey to the Pacific coast.
Regular army men are noted for their love of the coast.
There are more retired officers living in California
[corresponds to page 24 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
and consent of the Senate, to appoint William S. Rose-
crans, late major-general of U. S. Volunteers, and
brigadier-general in the regular army of the U. S.,
to the position of brigadier-general in the army of the
U. S., and to place him upon the retired list of the
army as of that grade (the retired list being thereby
increased in number to that extent); and all laws and
parts of laws in conflict herewith are suspended for
this purpose only."
A rancorous debate ensued on its passage, owing to
the fact that when a similar bill placing Grant upon
the retired list was up for passage, Rosecrans, then
a member of Congress and Chairman on Military
Affairs had persistently opposed it. During the debate,
many members who had served in the Army of the
Cumberland, came valiantly to the defense of the old
hero, and as one said: "We can afford to forget what
Gen. Rosecrans may have said, but we can not afford
to forget what he did." The bill finally passed with-
out division.
Rosecrans retained office as Register of the Treas-
ury under President Harrison, until failing health
forced him, a few years ago, to seek repose in the
climate of California, where, on his ranch some ten
miles from Los Angeles, he calmly awaited the end
of life.
HIS LIFE IN CALIFORNIA
After the war, Gen. Rosecrans, undecided where
to settle, first took a journey to the Pacific coast.
Regular army men are noted for their love of the coast.
There are more retired officers living in California
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 29)
Description
[page 29]
[corresponds to page 25 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
than in any other State. Hancock, Sheridan and Sher-
man were all in love with California's gorgeous cli-
mate, its blue skies, its perennial vegetation, the infi-
nite peace that settles upon the land, the exuberance
of its soil and the mysterious Pacific, with its wonder-
ful flora and fauna. General Grant was making prep-
arations to end his days in California when he fell
ill. All along the coast, from Seattle to San Diego,
are to be found old soldiers spending their declining
years in surroundings the very opposite from those
that accompany the life of the fighting man.
Gen. Rosecrans came to California in 1867. At that
time San Francisco had yet all the bizarre aspects
of a city near the gold mines. Southern California
was a wilderness of sand and sage brush, tangles of
cacti, fields of alfalfa and other vegetation native to
the soil. Gen. Rosecrans had determind beforehand
to buy land in California, but when he made inquiries
he was amazed to find great unanimity of opinion to
the effect that beyond the mid-line of the state there
was nothing worth having.
ARRIVAL AT LOS ANGELES.
He was still "looking around" when good luck
threw him in the way of Captain Banning, one of the
pioneers of southern California. Captain Banning per-
suaded him to take a trip on his boat to San Pedro.
On the four days' voyage the General was struck with
the absence of harbors all along the rugged coast. He
was discouraged. Could commerce ever go there?
When he arrived at San Pedro and went into the
[corresponds to page 25 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
than in any other State. Hancock, Sheridan and Sher-
man were all in love with California's gorgeous cli-
mate, its blue skies, its perennial vegetation, the infi-
nite peace that settles upon the land, the exuberance
of its soil and the mysterious Pacific, with its wonder-
ful flora and fauna. General Grant was making prep-
arations to end his days in California when he fell
ill. All along the coast, from Seattle to San Diego,
are to be found old soldiers spending their declining
years in surroundings the very opposite from those
that accompany the life of the fighting man.
Gen. Rosecrans came to California in 1867. At that
time San Francisco had yet all the bizarre aspects
of a city near the gold mines. Southern California
was a wilderness of sand and sage brush, tangles of
cacti, fields of alfalfa and other vegetation native to
the soil. Gen. Rosecrans had determind beforehand
to buy land in California, but when he made inquiries
he was amazed to find great unanimity of opinion to
the effect that beyond the mid-line of the state there
was nothing worth having.
ARRIVAL AT LOS ANGELES.
He was still "looking around" when good luck
threw him in the way of Captain Banning, one of the
pioneers of southern California. Captain Banning per-
suaded him to take a trip on his boat to San Pedro.
On the four days' voyage the General was struck with
the absence of harbors all along the rugged coast. He
was discouraged. Could commerce ever go there?
When he arrived at San Pedro and went into the
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 30)
Description
[page 30]
[corresponds to page 26 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
interior he felt that the San Franciscans were right-
that the country would never be anything but a pas-
ture. However, he visited Los Angeles, then a settle-
ment of a few cheap houses. On his way he stopped
at an old adobe "half-way" house, and standing on
the eminence, he cast his eyes over a stretch of coun-
try 1,000 miles in area, as it seemed to him.
Speaking of that sight he said, a little time before
his death:
"I saw at a glance around me all this glorious val-
ley, with the mountains forming three-fourths of a
circle to the back and on both sides of me, and the
ocean in front, sounding then and eternally. It was
a brilliant day, a specimen day of the 300 perfect ones
we have in this climate. I thought I had never seen
such a sky, nor such colors in the atmosphere along
near the ground and over against the mountains. Here,
I said to myself, I will buy land and build me a home,
for if water can be developed, I may be certain to have
neighbors in the not too distant future."
DWINDLING OF HIS ESTATE.
That view settled it. He would buy land there from
the government and from the handful of unsuccessful
pioneers who were already convinced that the country
could never amount to anything. And he did. He
acquired for a song an estate of 14,000 acres. Most
of that superb property the General lost in the mining
holes of Nevada. At present all that is left of it is
a ranch of 1,100 acres. But that much was sufficient
to gratify his passion for farming.
[corresponds to page 26 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
interior he felt that the San Franciscans were right-
that the country would never be anything but a pas-
ture. However, he visited Los Angeles, then a settle-
ment of a few cheap houses. On his way he stopped
at an old adobe "half-way" house, and standing on
the eminence, he cast his eyes over a stretch of coun-
try 1,000 miles in area, as it seemed to him.
Speaking of that sight he said, a little time before
his death:
"I saw at a glance around me all this glorious val-
ley, with the mountains forming three-fourths of a
circle to the back and on both sides of me, and the
ocean in front, sounding then and eternally. It was
a brilliant day, a specimen day of the 300 perfect ones
we have in this climate. I thought I had never seen
such a sky, nor such colors in the atmosphere along
near the ground and over against the mountains. Here,
I said to myself, I will buy land and build me a home,
for if water can be developed, I may be certain to have
neighbors in the not too distant future."
DWINDLING OF HIS ESTATE.
That view settled it. He would buy land there from
the government and from the handful of unsuccessful
pioneers who were already convinced that the country
could never amount to anything. And he did. He
acquired for a song an estate of 14,000 acres. Most
of that superb property the General lost in the mining
holes of Nevada. At present all that is left of it is
a ranch of 1,100 acres. But that much was sufficient
to gratify his passion for farming.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 31)
Description
[page 31]
[corresponds to page 27 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
By degrees his house grew up to be a very large
and pleasant abode. The mansion is not really a house,
but a collection of houses of a rude exterior but com-
fortable enough within.
The General farmed wisely after the theory of the
Southern Californian. "Measure the value of your
land," says Senator Jones of Nevada to the settler in
Southern California, "by what it will bring in wheat
and barley." All but 300 acres bear deciduous and
citrus fruits, eucalyptus trees for fuel, a potato field,
and a strawberry bed.
HIS LAST DAYS.
Here, with his son Carl, he passed the last days
of his life in peace and serenity. His home was a
modest one. There were some family portraits, not-
ably one of his wife, whom he married in the forties
and who was the daughter of Judge Hegeman, a
prominent New York lawyer. She died during his
official life in Washington. In his home, also, were
his old war mementoes,-maps, reports, flags and
swords and a substantial library of scientific works.
One of his favorite papers was the "Scientific American."
His last days were crowned, on Laetare Sunday, March
14, 1896, by a visit from Bishop Montgomery, accom-
panied by members of the clergy and laity of Los
Angeles, who went down to his ranch to formally
present him with the medal and address which the
University of Notre Dame, Indiana, annually bestows
on a Catholic layman noted for extraordinary devo-
tion to Church or State. The medal bore on its
obverse, in purple enameled letters, the usual legend,-
[corresponds to page 27 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
By degrees his house grew up to be a very large
and pleasant abode. The mansion is not really a house,
but a collection of houses of a rude exterior but com-
fortable enough within.
The General farmed wisely after the theory of the
Southern Californian. "Measure the value of your
land," says Senator Jones of Nevada to the settler in
Southern California, "by what it will bring in wheat
and barley." All but 300 acres bear deciduous and
citrus fruits, eucalyptus trees for fuel, a potato field,
and a strawberry bed.
HIS LAST DAYS.
Here, with his son Carl, he passed the last days
of his life in peace and serenity. His home was a
modest one. There were some family portraits, not-
ably one of his wife, whom he married in the forties
and who was the daughter of Judge Hegeman, a
prominent New York lawyer. She died during his
official life in Washington. In his home, also, were
his old war mementoes,-maps, reports, flags and
swords and a substantial library of scientific works.
One of his favorite papers was the "Scientific American."
His last days were crowned, on Laetare Sunday, March
14, 1896, by a visit from Bishop Montgomery, accom-
panied by members of the clergy and laity of Los
Angeles, who went down to his ranch to formally
present him with the medal and address which the
University of Notre Dame, Indiana, annually bestows
on a Catholic layman noted for extraordinary devo-
tion to Church or State. The medal bore on its
obverse, in purple enameled letters, the usual legend,-
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 32)
Description
[page 32]
[corresponds to page 28 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
"Magna est Veritas et Praevalebit,"-"Truth is Mighty
and will Prevail"; the central field is taken up by the
escutcheon of our country within a laurel wreath, all
in high relief; the red, white, and blue shield is worked
out with exquisite delicacy in enamel and precious
stones. The reverse of the disk is much the same.
Another inscription, "Presented by the University of
Notre Dame," in black enamelled letters, circles about
the centre, on which is engraved Gen. Rosecrans'
name. The address which accompanied the medal is
on parchment and was printed by the University Press
and illuminated by the Sisters of St. Mary's Academy.
The illumination is exquisitely done. The national
colors are used in a very effective way, and the whole
was a strikingly beautiful piece of work.
The words of the address were:
"Few men who have borne like you the rigors of
war are privileged as you have been to enjoy so long
the repose of peace. Still fewer are they who, laboring
for so many years in eminent public station, still wear
a shield not simply untainted by reproach but untarn-
ished even by the breath of suspicion.
"Providence has granted you length of days in
which to enjoy the fulness of honor. You are the
last, as you are one of the greatest, of those noble
chiefs who led our hosts to victory. Your name is
set among the brightest traditions of the Republic;
your services are writ in letters of imperishable glory
upon our Country's tablet of honor; and unborn gen-
erations, children of these States whose union you
labored so successfully to preserve, will be inspired
[corresponds to page 28 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
"Magna est Veritas et Praevalebit,"-"Truth is Mighty
and will Prevail"; the central field is taken up by the
escutcheon of our country within a laurel wreath, all
in high relief; the red, white, and blue shield is worked
out with exquisite delicacy in enamel and precious
stones. The reverse of the disk is much the same.
Another inscription, "Presented by the University of
Notre Dame," in black enamelled letters, circles about
the centre, on which is engraved Gen. Rosecrans'
name. The address which accompanied the medal is
on parchment and was printed by the University Press
and illuminated by the Sisters of St. Mary's Academy.
The illumination is exquisitely done. The national
colors are used in a very effective way, and the whole
was a strikingly beautiful piece of work.
The words of the address were:
"Few men who have borne like you the rigors of
war are privileged as you have been to enjoy so long
the repose of peace. Still fewer are they who, laboring
for so many years in eminent public station, still wear
a shield not simply untainted by reproach but untarn-
ished even by the breath of suspicion.
"Providence has granted you length of days in
which to enjoy the fulness of honor. You are the
last, as you are one of the greatest, of those noble
chiefs who led our hosts to victory. Your name is
set among the brightest traditions of the Republic;
your services are writ in letters of imperishable glory
upon our Country's tablet of honor; and unborn gen-
erations, children of these States whose union you
labored so successfully to preserve, will be inspired
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 33)
Description
[page 33]
[corresponds to page 29 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
by your example and thrilled by the story of your
genius and courage. It is not within the power of
any man or any body of men to honor you whom the
whole nation claims for its hero; but the University
of Notre Dame offers you the highest distinction
within its gift, in bestowing on you this year its
Laetare Medal. Accept it as a symbol of the proud
appreciation in which your Catholic fellow-citizens
hold your distinguished public services. The Laetare
Medal has been worn only be men and women whose
genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated
the Church and enriched the heritage of humanity.
It will be a joy to your fellow-citizens that you are
now enrolled in that noble company which is worthy
of you and which you will adorn. For in you are
crowned the virtues of a Christian soldier-the gen-
erous response to duty, the unstinted service of labor-
ious days and restless nights, the courage of a martyr
and the gentleness of a hero.
"One of the noblest chapters of Catholic theology
is that which teaches the duty of patriotism and whole-
hearted devotion to the public weal. Catholics are
among the first to recognize that duty and respond to
it. But whenever a slanderous cry goes up from the
camps of fanaticism; when men would proclaim the
Church hostile to liberty and false to the principles
of American government, she finds her best response
and her strongest vindication in the lives of men like
you."
After a lingering illness, a general breaking down
of his constitution incident to old age, the General
[corresponds to page 29 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
by your example and thrilled by the story of your
genius and courage. It is not within the power of
any man or any body of men to honor you whom the
whole nation claims for its hero; but the University
of Notre Dame offers you the highest distinction
within its gift, in bestowing on you this year its
Laetare Medal. Accept it as a symbol of the proud
appreciation in which your Catholic fellow-citizens
hold your distinguished public services. The Laetare
Medal has been worn only be men and women whose
genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated
the Church and enriched the heritage of humanity.
It will be a joy to your fellow-citizens that you are
now enrolled in that noble company which is worthy
of you and which you will adorn. For in you are
crowned the virtues of a Christian soldier-the gen-
erous response to duty, the unstinted service of labor-
ious days and restless nights, the courage of a martyr
and the gentleness of a hero.
"One of the noblest chapters of Catholic theology
is that which teaches the duty of patriotism and whole-
hearted devotion to the public weal. Catholics are
among the first to recognize that duty and respond to
it. But whenever a slanderous cry goes up from the
camps of fanaticism; when men would proclaim the
Church hostile to liberty and false to the principles
of American government, she finds her best response
and her strongest vindication in the lives of men like
you."
After a lingering illness, a general breaking down
of his constitution incident to old age, the General
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 34)
Description
[page 34]
[corresponds to page 30 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
passed away on the morning of March 11, 1898. The
following Tuesday his body was brought to Los An-
geles and escorted to the City Hall. The Laetare
Medal, with the badges of the Loyal Legion, the
Grand Army and the Army of the Potomac, adorned
the Breast of the old hero as he lay in state. The
National Guard of California watched by the body
continuously, with hourly reliefs. The casket was
draped with the old headquarters flag of his command
and upon it lay the sword presented by the citizens of
Cincinnati, inscribed with the words: "My mission
among you is that of a fellow-citizen charged by the
government to restore law and order."
The Associated Press gave this account of the
funeral:
"The funeral of Major-General W. S. Rosecrans to-
day was one of the most impressive and elaborate this
city has ever witnessed. Thousands assembled to
honor the dead warrior. Business was interrupted
during the ceremonies.
"The remains were removed from the bier at the
City Hall, where they had been lying in state, to the
cathedral at an early hour, and in a quiet manner.
"The special military escort provided by Gen. Last
accompanied the remains and resumed the watch in
the cathedral.
"Promptly at 10 o'clock requiem high mass was
celebrated at the cathedral, Right Reverened Bishop
Mongtomery officiating, assisted by members of the
clergy from all parts of the diocese. The casket rested
in front of the altar and upon it were many beautiful
[corresponds to page 30 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
passed away on the morning of March 11, 1898. The
following Tuesday his body was brought to Los An-
geles and escorted to the City Hall. The Laetare
Medal, with the badges of the Loyal Legion, the
Grand Army and the Army of the Potomac, adorned
the Breast of the old hero as he lay in state. The
National Guard of California watched by the body
continuously, with hourly reliefs. The casket was
draped with the old headquarters flag of his command
and upon it lay the sword presented by the citizens of
Cincinnati, inscribed with the words: "My mission
among you is that of a fellow-citizen charged by the
government to restore law and order."
The Associated Press gave this account of the
funeral:
"The funeral of Major-General W. S. Rosecrans to-
day was one of the most impressive and elaborate this
city has ever witnessed. Thousands assembled to
honor the dead warrior. Business was interrupted
during the ceremonies.
"The remains were removed from the bier at the
City Hall, where they had been lying in state, to the
cathedral at an early hour, and in a quiet manner.
"The special military escort provided by Gen. Last
accompanied the remains and resumed the watch in
the cathedral.
"Promptly at 10 o'clock requiem high mass was
celebrated at the cathedral, Right Reverened Bishop
Mongtomery officiating, assisted by members of the
clergy from all parts of the diocese. The casket rested
in front of the altar and upon it were many beautiful
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 35)
Description
[page 35]
[corresponds to page 31 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
and striking floral pieces. The decorations about the
altar and throughout the cathedral were extremely
beautiful and in great profusion. After the services,
which lasted 40 minutes, the military took charge of
the funeral. The column formed with Gen. Last and
staff at its head. They were followed by a troop of
cavalry, the Seventh Regiment Band, the signal corps,
Colonel Berry and staff, companies A, C, F and I,
Seventh Infantry, N .G. C., delegations of the Sons
of Veterans, Confederates' Association, Grand Army
of the Republic, Loyal Legion, and Union Veterans'
League. Following them came the hearse and directly
behind it a riderless horse was led.
"The family of the deceased rode in carriages and
followed the hearse, and behind these were many other
vehicles, containing members of civic bodies and rep-
resentatives of many organizations.
"The column marched south from the cathedral on
Main street to Washington, thence to the cemetery.
"The services at the cemetery were brief. There
was vocal music and short addresses by Rev. W. A.
Knighton, Hon. F. Glaze, Capt. J. C. Oliver, F. W.
Stein and F. H. Poindexter.
"At the conclusion of the services one of the infantry
companies fired a salute of three volleys over the
tomb, taps were sounded and the warrior was left to
his rest.
Among many messages of condolence received by
the family was one from President McKinley which
spoke very touchingly of his regard for his former
commander.
[corresponds to page 31 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
and striking floral pieces. The decorations about the
altar and throughout the cathedral were extremely
beautiful and in great profusion. After the services,
which lasted 40 minutes, the military took charge of
the funeral. The column formed with Gen. Last and
staff at its head. They were followed by a troop of
cavalry, the Seventh Regiment Band, the signal corps,
Colonel Berry and staff, companies A, C, F and I,
Seventh Infantry, N .G. C., delegations of the Sons
of Veterans, Confederates' Association, Grand Army
of the Republic, Loyal Legion, and Union Veterans'
League. Following them came the hearse and directly
behind it a riderless horse was led.
"The family of the deceased rode in carriages and
followed the hearse, and behind these were many other
vehicles, containing members of civic bodies and rep-
resentatives of many organizations.
"The column marched south from the cathedral on
Main street to Washington, thence to the cemetery.
"The services at the cemetery were brief. There
was vocal music and short addresses by Rev. W. A.
Knighton, Hon. F. Glaze, Capt. J. C. Oliver, F. W.
Stein and F. H. Poindexter.
"At the conclusion of the services one of the infantry
companies fired a salute of three volleys over the
tomb, taps were sounded and the warrior was left to
his rest.
Among many messages of condolence received by
the family was one from President McKinley which
spoke very touchingly of his regard for his former
commander.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 36)
Description
[page 36]
[corresponds to page 32 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CHAPTER II
THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA
CHICKAMAUGA is a sluggish little stream
flowing from McLemore's Cove in Georgia,
through Tennessee and finally emptying
itself into the beautiful Tennessee River.
This little river still bears its Indian name - Chicka-
mauga (river of death) - and how significant since
September 19 and 20, 1863, when near and about its
banks was fought one of the greatest battles of modern
times, a battle that will go down in history with Auster-
litz, Waterloo, Marengo, and Gettysburg, a battle that
a general engaged in it compares with Flodden Field,
where both Surrey of England and James of Scotland
believed the other army was vanquished and neither
could claim a victory. Pages and volumes, tons of
literature have been written about the great battle of
Chickamauga and still the question remains a disputed
one.
It is interesting to note that Gen. Rosecrans suc-
ceeded in command of the Army of the Cumberland
another Ohio-born general, also a convert to the
Catholic Church, Gen. Don Carlos Buell, born near
Marietta, Ohio and still living in the vicinity of Louis-
ville, Kentucky. It is not our intention to enter into
any elaborate or extended discussion of the merits
[corresponds to page 32 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CHAPTER II
THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA
CHICKAMAUGA is a sluggish little stream
flowing from McLemore's Cove in Georgia,
through Tennessee and finally emptying
itself into the beautiful Tennessee River.
This little river still bears its Indian name - Chicka-
mauga (river of death) - and how significant since
September 19 and 20, 1863, when near and about its
banks was fought one of the greatest battles of modern
times, a battle that will go down in history with Auster-
litz, Waterloo, Marengo, and Gettysburg, a battle that
a general engaged in it compares with Flodden Field,
where both Surrey of England and James of Scotland
believed the other army was vanquished and neither
could claim a victory. Pages and volumes, tons of
literature have been written about the great battle of
Chickamauga and still the question remains a disputed
one.
It is interesting to note that Gen. Rosecrans suc-
ceeded in command of the Army of the Cumberland
another Ohio-born general, also a convert to the
Catholic Church, Gen. Don Carlos Buell, born near
Marietta, Ohio and still living in the vicinity of Louis-
ville, Kentucky. It is not our intention to enter into
any elaborate or extended discussion of the merits
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 37)
Description
[page 37]
[corresponds to page 33 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
of Chickamauga's battle, but simply to state some
facts that may perhaps assist the reader to better under-
stand the disputed question. First, it is maintained
that Chickamauga was not a Union defeat; second,
Gen. Rosecrans was not properly sustained by the
Washington authorities, notably Stanton, the famous
war secretary; thirdly, that Rosecrans was not in favor
with higher authorities on account of his political and
religious beliefs, being a War Democrat and a Catholic.
To the last assertion we give but little credence; pos-
sibly it entered into the history of those days, but,
if so, only to a minor degree; and here we would call
attention only to the other two. Was Chickamauga
a Union defeat? Most emphatically, No! In defense
of this I append an editorial that appeared some years
ago in the columns of the Columbus Dispatch, for the
reason that it states the question and answers it in most
concise and clear terms:
CHICKAMAUGA HISTORY REVIEWED
"The fields of Gettysburg and Chickamauga are
especially worthy of adornment, not because more
chivalrous courage was displayed on them than else-
where, but because they mark not only important
events, but critical periods in the great civil war. At
Gettysburg it was demonstrated that a confederate
army could not permanently occupy a free state. At
Chickamauga it was shown that a federal army, after
fighting its way for three hundred miles through a
hostile country, could cross rivers, climb mountain
ranges, contend for two days against superior num-
[corresponds to page 33 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
of Chickamauga's battle, but simply to state some
facts that may perhaps assist the reader to better under-
stand the disputed question. First, it is maintained
that Chickamauga was not a Union defeat; second,
Gen. Rosecrans was not properly sustained by the
Washington authorities, notably Stanton, the famous
war secretary; thirdly, that Rosecrans was not in favor
with higher authorities on account of his political and
religious beliefs, being a War Democrat and a Catholic.
To the last assertion we give but little credence; pos-
sibly it entered into the history of those days, but,
if so, only to a minor degree; and here we would call
attention only to the other two. Was Chickamauga
a Union defeat? Most emphatically, No! In defense
of this I append an editorial that appeared some years
ago in the columns of the Columbus Dispatch, for the
reason that it states the question and answers it in most
concise and clear terms:
CHICKAMAUGA HISTORY REVIEWED
"The fields of Gettysburg and Chickamauga are
especially worthy of adornment, not because more
chivalrous courage was displayed on them than else-
where, but because they mark not only important
events, but critical periods in the great civil war. At
Gettysburg it was demonstrated that a confederate
army could not permanently occupy a free state. At
Chickamauga it was shown that a federal army, after
fighting its way for three hundred miles through a
hostile country, could cross rivers, climb mountain
ranges, contend for two days against superior num-
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 38)
Description
[page 38]
[corresponds to page 34 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
bers, and yet seize and hold an important city in the
heart of the confederacy. After Gettysburg the Army
of Northern Virginia, under Lee, lost all desire for
offensive warfare; and the confederate general, D. H.
Hill, says: "The olan of the Southern soldier was never
seen after Chickamauga - that brilliant dash which
had distinguished him on a hundred fields was gone
forever."
"It has been alleged that Chickamauga resulted in
the defeat of the Union army, and that Rosecrans'
campaign south of the Tennessee was unsuccessful.
Let us see how much truth there is in this allegation.
If Lee, after fighting the battle of Gettysburg, had
moved on to Harrisburg, and occupied that city to the
end of the war, would his campaign have been regarded
as a failure or a success? Grant was roughly handled
in the Wilderness, and the enemy after pounding him
for two days, and inflicting upon him great loss, took
position and awaited his assault, but he did not make
it; on the contrary, he moved on towards Richmond.
Was Grant defeated? No. Again, he found Lee
across his path at Spottsylvania Court House, and
after a long battle and frightful losses he left him
where he found him, and resumed his march towards
Richmond. Was Grant defeated here? No. At
North Anna he found Lee again obstructing his pro-
gress, and moved around and beyond him. At Cold
Harbor he found Lee again before him, and discov-
ered also that the line he had purposed to fight it out
on if it took all summer, was wholly impracticable;
and so after a terrible conflict, he, on the 12th day of
[corresponds to page 34 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
bers, and yet seize and hold an important city in the
heart of the confederacy. After Gettysburg the Army
of Northern Virginia, under Lee, lost all desire for
offensive warfare; and the confederate general, D. H.
Hill, says: "The olan of the Southern soldier was never
seen after Chickamauga - that brilliant dash which
had distinguished him on a hundred fields was gone
forever."
"It has been alleged that Chickamauga resulted in
the defeat of the Union army, and that Rosecrans'
campaign south of the Tennessee was unsuccessful.
Let us see how much truth there is in this allegation.
If Lee, after fighting the battle of Gettysburg, had
moved on to Harrisburg, and occupied that city to the
end of the war, would his campaign have been regarded
as a failure or a success? Grant was roughly handled
in the Wilderness, and the enemy after pounding him
for two days, and inflicting upon him great loss, took
position and awaited his assault, but he did not make
it; on the contrary, he moved on towards Richmond.
Was Grant defeated? No. Again, he found Lee
across his path at Spottsylvania Court House, and
after a long battle and frightful losses he left him
where he found him, and resumed his march towards
Richmond. Was Grant defeated here? No. At
North Anna he found Lee again obstructing his pro-
gress, and moved around and beyond him. At Cold
Harbor he found Lee again before him, and discov-
ered also that the line he had purposed to fight it out
on if it took all summer, was wholly impracticable;
and so after a terrible conflict, he, on the 12th day of
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 39)
Description
[page 39]
[corresponds to page 35 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
the first summer month, abandoned Lee and the direct
road to Richmond, transferred his army to the south
side of the James, and took position in front of Peters-
burg. Do historians claim that all battles referred to
were federal defeats? Not at all. Neither history
nor popular opinion will admit that Grant ever suffered
a defeat. Now, in the light of these admittedly suc-
cessful operations, let us run through an epitome of
the history of the Army of the Cumberland.
"Rosecrans assumed command of the Union forces,
subsequently known as the Army of the Cumberland,
in the latter part of October, 1862, a few weeks after
they had, in part, participated in the battle of Perrys-
ville, Kentucky. In the following December he at-
tacked the Confederate army under Bragg, near Mur-
freesboro, and after a fierce contest continuing for four
days, won the battle of Stone River. After fortifying
Murfreesboro, with a view to making it a depot of
supplies, he resumed his march southward, drove
Bragg from his fortified camp at Tullahoma, and pur-
sued his retreating columns beyond the Cumberland
Mountains and the Tennessee River. The Confederate
army now concentrated at Chattanooga. In this posi-
tion it could not be disturbed by a direct attack. Rest-
ing on the northern bank of the Tennessee only long
enough to make arrangement for bringing forward his
supplies, Rosecrans crossed the river, struggled with
his long supply train over two mountain ranges, and
descended into the Chickamauga valley; thus threat-
ening not only the railroads upon which the Confed-
erate army depended for subsistence, but menacing
[corresponds to page 35 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
the first summer month, abandoned Lee and the direct
road to Richmond, transferred his army to the south
side of the James, and took position in front of Peters-
burg. Do historians claim that all battles referred to
were federal defeats? Not at all. Neither history
nor popular opinion will admit that Grant ever suffered
a defeat. Now, in the light of these admittedly suc-
cessful operations, let us run through an epitome of
the history of the Army of the Cumberland.
"Rosecrans assumed command of the Union forces,
subsequently known as the Army of the Cumberland,
in the latter part of October, 1862, a few weeks after
they had, in part, participated in the battle of Perrys-
ville, Kentucky. In the following December he at-
tacked the Confederate army under Bragg, near Mur-
freesboro, and after a fierce contest continuing for four
days, won the battle of Stone River. After fortifying
Murfreesboro, with a view to making it a depot of
supplies, he resumed his march southward, drove
Bragg from his fortified camp at Tullahoma, and pur-
sued his retreating columns beyond the Cumberland
Mountains and the Tennessee River. The Confederate
army now concentrated at Chattanooga. In this posi-
tion it could not be disturbed by a direct attack. Rest-
ing on the northern bank of the Tennessee only long
enough to make arrangement for bringing forward his
supplies, Rosecrans crossed the river, struggled with
his long supply train over two mountain ranges, and
descended into the Chickamauga valley; thus threat-
ening not only the railroads upon which the Confed-
erate army depended for subsistence, but menacing
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 40)
Description
[page 40]
[corresponds to page 36 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
the enemy's rear and all the country lying southward.
The objective of the Union general was Chattanooga,
the key to the railroad system of the South. Bragg
now abandoned Chattanooga in order to put himself
between the Union army and his base of supplies, and
at the same time appealed to the Confederate govern-
ment for reinforcements. The reinforcements he called
for were immedately supplied. Buckner, with a divis-
ion, hurried to him from the vicinity of Knoxville,
and Longstreet, with a corps of 15,000 men, was trans-
ferred by rail from Richmond to Chickamauga. Then,
on parallel lines with both armies at equal distances
from Chattanooga, there began on both sides a con-
centration northward toward the prize for which Rose-
crans was struggling. The purpose of the federal
army was to reach Chattanooga; that of the Confed-
erate army to prevent it. And while rapidly shifting
northward toward the place it had set out to seize and
hold, the Union army was assailed, not in a position
of its own choice, but in one selected by the enemy.
After the first day's fighting both armies sought and
secured new positions. After the second day's battle
the Union army, following the trend of its previous
movements, moved to Rossville, three or four miles
nearer Chattanooga than in the field on which it had
fought, took position there and awaited the coming
of the enemy. The enemy came, but not in force.
The fact is, the Confederate army had had all the fight-
ing it could stand, and hence permitted the Army of
the Cumberland to march deliberately and leisurely
from Rossville into Chattanooga.
[corresponds to page 36 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
the enemy's rear and all the country lying southward.
The objective of the Union general was Chattanooga,
the key to the railroad system of the South. Bragg
now abandoned Chattanooga in order to put himself
between the Union army and his base of supplies, and
at the same time appealed to the Confederate govern-
ment for reinforcements. The reinforcements he called
for were immedately supplied. Buckner, with a divis-
ion, hurried to him from the vicinity of Knoxville,
and Longstreet, with a corps of 15,000 men, was trans-
ferred by rail from Richmond to Chickamauga. Then,
on parallel lines with both armies at equal distances
from Chattanooga, there began on both sides a con-
centration northward toward the prize for which Rose-
crans was struggling. The purpose of the federal
army was to reach Chattanooga; that of the Confed-
erate army to prevent it. And while rapidly shifting
northward toward the place it had set out to seize and
hold, the Union army was assailed, not in a position
of its own choice, but in one selected by the enemy.
After the first day's fighting both armies sought and
secured new positions. After the second day's battle
the Union army, following the trend of its previous
movements, moved to Rossville, three or four miles
nearer Chattanooga than in the field on which it had
fought, took position there and awaited the coming
of the enemy. The enemy came, but not in force.
The fact is, the Confederate army had had all the fight-
ing it could stand, and hence permitted the Army of
the Cumberland to march deliberately and leisurely
from Rossville into Chattanooga.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 41)
Description
[page 41]
[corresponds to page 37 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
"Was this a victory for the national arms, or was
it a defeat? What constitutes a victory? The posses-
sion of a few barren hills and ridges over which armies
may march and fight? If so, Rosecrans' movement
from the Cumberland to the Tennessee was a succes-
sion of the Union victories, for every foot of it was over
hostile territory. There are two things, either of which
may make a victory; first, the destruction of an army;
second, the winning of the prize for which two armies
contend. The Army of the Cumberland was not de-
stroyed. In fact, with fewer men than the enemy, it
inflicted greater loss upon the Confederates than it
sustained. By an unlucky blunder its right wing was
disabled early on the second day, but by such fighting
as has never been surpassed, the army maintained its
ground until there was not a shot to answer nor an
assault to be repelled, and then deliberately took pos-
session of the prize for which it had been contending.
From that time forward Kentucky, Tennessee and Ala-
bama were practically free from the incursions of the
enemy. The importance of Chattanooga in a military
sense was not even second to Vicksburg. The occu-
pation of the latter by Union troops left the Mississippi
unobstructed from its head waters to the Gulf. The
occupation of Chattanooga opened the gate by which
the Union army could march almost unopposed to
the sea. It may be said the Army of the Cumberland
did not alone expel Bragg from the heights of Mis-
sionary Ridge. True; but if that army had not seized
and held Chattanooga, the troops under Sherman and
Hooker could not have concentrated there, and the
[corresponds to page 37 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
"Was this a victory for the national arms, or was
it a defeat? What constitutes a victory? The posses-
sion of a few barren hills and ridges over which armies
may march and fight? If so, Rosecrans' movement
from the Cumberland to the Tennessee was a succes-
sion of the Union victories, for every foot of it was over
hostile territory. There are two things, either of which
may make a victory; first, the destruction of an army;
second, the winning of the prize for which two armies
contend. The Army of the Cumberland was not de-
stroyed. In fact, with fewer men than the enemy, it
inflicted greater loss upon the Confederates than it
sustained. By an unlucky blunder its right wing was
disabled early on the second day, but by such fighting
as has never been surpassed, the army maintained its
ground until there was not a shot to answer nor an
assault to be repelled, and then deliberately took pos-
session of the prize for which it had been contending.
From that time forward Kentucky, Tennessee and Ala-
bama were practically free from the incursions of the
enemy. The importance of Chattanooga in a military
sense was not even second to Vicksburg. The occu-
pation of the latter by Union troops left the Mississippi
unobstructed from its head waters to the Gulf. The
occupation of Chattanooga opened the gate by which
the Union army could march almost unopposed to
the sea. It may be said the Army of the Cumberland
did not alone expel Bragg from the heights of Mis-
sionary Ridge. True; but if that army had not seized
and held Chattanooga, the troops under Sherman and
Hooker could not have concentrated there, and the
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 42)
Description
[page 42]
[corresponds to page 38 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
former would not have entered upon his brilliant cam-
paign through Georgia and the Carolinas."
As to the second, Was Rosecrans properly sup-
ported by the Washington authorities? No. Not
long ago a New York paper told the story by way
of anecdote, - an anecdote that is more to the credit
of Rosecrans than might be a whole chapter of history.
The words of the New York paper were:
"The campaign which ended in the occupation of
Chattanooga and which included the great battle of
Chickamauga was one of the most brilliant of the
whole war, when the conditions under which it was
carried out are understood. Gen. Rosecrans started
from Murfreesboro June 24, 1863 with the Army of
the Cumberland, which had been promised support
from Burnside's army of the Tennessee. Gen. Bragg,
the Confederate commander, had been re-enforced by
troops from Virginia under that brilliant and able
officer, Gen. Longstreet. Regardless of the counsels
of commanders, the clamor of the press and the prin-
ciples of military science, Rosecrans, with the army
of the Cumberland, was sent to dislodge an enemy
of equal strength from a country well known to him
and well adapted on account of its mountainous char-
acter to defensive tactics.
"Governors Austin of Pennsylvania, Andrew of Mas-
sachusetts and Yates of Illinois offered to send Rose-
crans seven regiments of two-year veterans, who were
willing to re-enlist on condition that they should go
as mounted infantry to the army of the Cumberland,
but Secretary Stanton, who was implacably hostile
[corresponds to page 38 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
former would not have entered upon his brilliant cam-
paign through Georgia and the Carolinas."
As to the second, Was Rosecrans properly sup-
ported by the Washington authorities? No. Not
long ago a New York paper told the story by way
of anecdote, - an anecdote that is more to the credit
of Rosecrans than might be a whole chapter of history.
The words of the New York paper were:
"The campaign which ended in the occupation of
Chattanooga and which included the great battle of
Chickamauga was one of the most brilliant of the
whole war, when the conditions under which it was
carried out are understood. Gen. Rosecrans started
from Murfreesboro June 24, 1863 with the Army of
the Cumberland, which had been promised support
from Burnside's army of the Tennessee. Gen. Bragg,
the Confederate commander, had been re-enforced by
troops from Virginia under that brilliant and able
officer, Gen. Longstreet. Regardless of the counsels
of commanders, the clamor of the press and the prin-
ciples of military science, Rosecrans, with the army
of the Cumberland, was sent to dislodge an enemy
of equal strength from a country well known to him
and well adapted on account of its mountainous char-
acter to defensive tactics.
"Governors Austin of Pennsylvania, Andrew of Mas-
sachusetts and Yates of Illinois offered to send Rose-
crans seven regiments of two-year veterans, who were
willing to re-enlist on condition that they should go
as mounted infantry to the army of the Cumberland,
but Secretary Stanton, who was implacably hostile
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 43)
Description
[page 43]
[corresponds to page 39 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
to its commander, would not listen to the proposition.
Gen. Lovell H. Rousseau bore a letter to the secretary
of war explaining how very important the service of
such a body of men would be in guarding the long
line of communications which would have to be kept
open in the advance upon Chattanooga. When the
secretary read Gen. Rosecrans' letter, he said to Gen.
Rousseau: "I would rather you would come to ask
the command of the army of the Cumberland than
to ask reinforcements for Gen. Rosecrans. He shall
not have another d----d man."
"So the army of the Cumberland set out alone, and
this, in brief, is what it accomplished under the general
to whom Stanton refused to send 'another d----d
man': Dislodged the enemy from two strongly fortified
camps; crossed the Cumberland Mountains, the Ten-
nessee River, Sand Mountains and Lookout Mountain;
fought the battle of Chickamauga, and on September
22, 1863, just 92 days from starting from Murfrees-
boro, 119 miles away, held Chattanooga, the objective
of the campaign.
"Thus Rosecrans, in a campaign of 92 days, secured
and held Chattanooga, the gate through which Sher-
man and his army entered the Confederate wall when
starting for the sea."
The following brief extract from "The Army of the
Cumberland," written by Henry M. Cist, brevet brig-
adier-general, throws some light on the treatment
Rosecrans received from the Washington authorities:
"On March 1 (1862) Halleck, as Commander-in-
Chief of the Armies of the United States, wrote a let-
[corresponds to page 39 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
to its commander, would not listen to the proposition.
Gen. Lovell H. Rousseau bore a letter to the secretary
of war explaining how very important the service of
such a body of men would be in guarding the long
line of communications which would have to be kept
open in the advance upon Chattanooga. When the
secretary read Gen. Rosecrans' letter, he said to Gen.
Rousseau: "I would rather you would come to ask
the command of the army of the Cumberland than
to ask reinforcements for Gen. Rosecrans. He shall
not have another d----d man."
"So the army of the Cumberland set out alone, and
this, in brief, is what it accomplished under the general
to whom Stanton refused to send 'another d----d
man': Dislodged the enemy from two strongly fortified
camps; crossed the Cumberland Mountains, the Ten-
nessee River, Sand Mountains and Lookout Mountain;
fought the battle of Chickamauga, and on September
22, 1863, just 92 days from starting from Murfrees-
boro, 119 miles away, held Chattanooga, the objective
of the campaign.
"Thus Rosecrans, in a campaign of 92 days, secured
and held Chattanooga, the gate through which Sher-
man and his army entered the Confederate wall when
starting for the sea."
The following brief extract from "The Army of the
Cumberland," written by Henry M. Cist, brevet brig-
adier-general, throws some light on the treatment
Rosecrans received from the Washington authorities:
"On March 1 (1862) Halleck, as Commander-in-
Chief of the Armies of the United States, wrote a let-
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 44)
Description
[page 44]
[corresponds to page 40 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
ter, sending a copy to Rosecrans and Grant, offering
the position of the then vacant major-generalship in
the regular army to the general in the field who should
first achieve an important and decisive victory. Grant
very quietly folded up the letter, put it by for future
reference and proceeded with the plans of his cam-
paign, saying nothing. To Rosecrans' open, impulsive
and honorable nature, engaged with all his powers in
furthering the interests of the Government and the
general welfare of his command, this letter was an in-
sult, and he treated it accordingly. On March 6 he
prepared his reply and forwarded it to Washington.
In this letter he informed the General in Chief that
'as an officer and as a citizen he felt degraded at such
an auctioneering of honors,' and then added: 'Have
we a general who would fight for his personal benefit
when he would not for honor and for his country?
He would come by his commission basely in that case,
and deserve to be despised by men of honor. But
are all the brave and honorable generals on an equality
as to chance? If not, it is unjust to those who prob-
ably deserve most.'
"The effect of this letter was to widen the breach
between the authorities at Washington and Rosecrans.
Halleck's letter and Rosecrans' reply were both char-
acteristic of the men. From this time forward all the
requests of Rosecrans for the improvement of the
efficiency of his army were treated with great coolness,
and in many instances it was only after the greatest
importunity that he was able to secure the least atten-
tion to his recommendations for the increased useful-
ness of his command."
[corresponds to page 40 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
ter, sending a copy to Rosecrans and Grant, offering
the position of the then vacant major-generalship in
the regular army to the general in the field who should
first achieve an important and decisive victory. Grant
very quietly folded up the letter, put it by for future
reference and proceeded with the plans of his cam-
paign, saying nothing. To Rosecrans' open, impulsive
and honorable nature, engaged with all his powers in
furthering the interests of the Government and the
general welfare of his command, this letter was an in-
sult, and he treated it accordingly. On March 6 he
prepared his reply and forwarded it to Washington.
In this letter he informed the General in Chief that
'as an officer and as a citizen he felt degraded at such
an auctioneering of honors,' and then added: 'Have
we a general who would fight for his personal benefit
when he would not for honor and for his country?
He would come by his commission basely in that case,
and deserve to be despised by men of honor. But
are all the brave and honorable generals on an equality
as to chance? If not, it is unjust to those who prob-
ably deserve most.'
"The effect of this letter was to widen the breach
between the authorities at Washington and Rosecrans.
Halleck's letter and Rosecrans' reply were both char-
acteristic of the men. From this time forward all the
requests of Rosecrans for the improvement of the
efficiency of his army were treated with great coolness,
and in many instances it was only after the greatest
importunity that he was able to secure the least atten-
tion to his recommendations for the increased useful-
ness of his command."
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 45)
Description
[page 45]
[corresponds to page 41 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
To confirm the statements made above we give a
few extracts from officers high in the ranks of the
army of the Cumberland and who had ample oppor-
tunity to know all the varying issues of the disputed
questions.
GENERAL MANDERSON,
Senator from Nebraska, in a masterly oration deliv-
ered in 1895, says: "And yet, in spite of abundant
available testimony, Chickamauga is declared by those
either ignorant or jealous to have been a defeat of the
Federal arms, and the non-fighting croakers at Wash-
ington indulged in much paper bombardment of those
who planned the campaign. A victim was demanded,
and Rosecrans was cruelly sacrificed. His services
from the beginning of the war were ignored. No rec-
ollection of Stone River moved to respect for that abil-
ity that we who had served under him knew he pos-
sessed. The vilification of Rosecrans by these carping
critics was abuse of the grand army he led from Nash-
ville to Murfreesboro; to 'victory plucked from the
jaws of defeat' and victory most pronounced at Stone
River; through the Tullahoma campaign to the final
occupation of the objective point of all military en-
deavor, from the days of 1861 when the troops of the
Union crossed the Ohio River. Rosecrans came to us
with the halo of battles fought and won, and secured
not only the confidence but the affection of his men,
who gave the soldier's characteristic evidence of it by
giving him a familiar nickname and to us of that time
he is still 'Old Rosey.' The Army of the Cumberland
[corresponds to page 41 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
To confirm the statements made above we give a
few extracts from officers high in the ranks of the
army of the Cumberland and who had ample oppor-
tunity to know all the varying issues of the disputed
questions.
GENERAL MANDERSON,
Senator from Nebraska, in a masterly oration deliv-
ered in 1895, says: "And yet, in spite of abundant
available testimony, Chickamauga is declared by those
either ignorant or jealous to have been a defeat of the
Federal arms, and the non-fighting croakers at Wash-
ington indulged in much paper bombardment of those
who planned the campaign. A victim was demanded,
and Rosecrans was cruelly sacrificed. His services
from the beginning of the war were ignored. No rec-
ollection of Stone River moved to respect for that abil-
ity that we who had served under him knew he pos-
sessed. The vilification of Rosecrans by these carping
critics was abuse of the grand army he led from Nash-
ville to Murfreesboro; to 'victory plucked from the
jaws of defeat' and victory most pronounced at Stone
River; through the Tullahoma campaign to the final
occupation of the objective point of all military en-
deavor, from the days of 1861 when the troops of the
Union crossed the Ohio River. Rosecrans came to us
with the halo of battles fought and won, and secured
not only the confidence but the affection of his men,
who gave the soldier's characteristic evidence of it by
giving him a familiar nickname and to us of that time
he is still 'Old Rosey.' The Army of the Cumberland
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 46)
Description
[page 46]
[corresponds to page 42 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
felt that splendid leadership had failed of recognition,
arduous service had been poorly requited and the sol-
dierly merits of a superb strategist grossly ignored
when Rosecrans was deposed."
GENERAL A. WILEY
says: "The campaign of Rosecrans was bold, enter-
prising, vigorous. By his sound judgment and vig-
ilance he anticipated and countered every movement
of his adversary. Throughout he exhibited the high-
est degree of moral courage. That he failed of accom-
plishing all he attempted was no fault of his own, nor
was it due to any lack of the highest soldierly qualities
of the army he commanded. It was attributable to
the superior advantages for rapid concentration which
interior lines afforded his adversary, and to the total
failure of support and co-operation on the part of
Burnside, on which he had been told, at the com-
mencement of the campaign, he could rely."
GENERAL PHIL SHERIDAN
in his "Personal Memoirs" says of Rosecrans' removal
from the command of the Army of the Cumberland:
"He submitted uncomplainingly to his removal and
modestly left us without fuss or demonstration, ever
maintaining that the battle of Chickamauga was in
effect a victory. When his departure became known,
deep and almost universal regret was expressed, for
he was enthusiastically esteemed and loved by the
Army of the Cumberland from the day he assumed
command until he left it."
One of the most persistent defenders of Gen. Rose-
crans has been
[corresponds to page 42 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
felt that splendid leadership had failed of recognition,
arduous service had been poorly requited and the sol-
dierly merits of a superb strategist grossly ignored
when Rosecrans was deposed."
GENERAL A. WILEY
says: "The campaign of Rosecrans was bold, enter-
prising, vigorous. By his sound judgment and vig-
ilance he anticipated and countered every movement
of his adversary. Throughout he exhibited the high-
est degree of moral courage. That he failed of accom-
plishing all he attempted was no fault of his own, nor
was it due to any lack of the highest soldierly qualities
of the army he commanded. It was attributable to
the superior advantages for rapid concentration which
interior lines afforded his adversary, and to the total
failure of support and co-operation on the part of
Burnside, on which he had been told, at the com-
mencement of the campaign, he could rely."
GENERAL PHIL SHERIDAN
in his "Personal Memoirs" says of Rosecrans' removal
from the command of the Army of the Cumberland:
"He submitted uncomplainingly to his removal and
modestly left us without fuss or demonstration, ever
maintaining that the battle of Chickamauga was in
effect a victory. When his departure became known,
deep and almost universal regret was expressed, for
he was enthusiastically esteemed and loved by the
Army of the Cumberland from the day he assumed
command until he left it."
One of the most persistent defenders of Gen. Rose-
crans has been
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 47)
Description
[page 47]
[corresponds to page 43 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
GENERAL H. V. BOYNTON,
still living and a prominent journalist in Washington,
who at all times has insisted that Rosecrans was not
properly supported by the authorities at Washington,
a fact which seems now to be pretty well established.
One writer, in summing up the whole campaign, says:
"It was one of the most brilliant of the whole war,
when the conditions under which it was carried out
are understood, and opened the way by which the
troops of Sherman and Hooker were concentrated and
was the entering wedge by which the former com-
menced his historic march to the sea through Georgia
and the Carolinas."
GENERAL ROSECRANS
broke the silence of years in 1880 to publicly contra-
dict the current statement that the only order issued
by him on the day of the battle was the one that opened
the fatal gap in the Union lines, all the other orders
being attributed to his chief of staff, General Garfield.
In contradicting this statement, from all responsibility
in regard to which he chivalrously exonerated Gen.
Garfield, Gen. Rosecrans speaks of it as "another out-
cropping of the historic lies about Chickamauga which
began in a gigantic conspiracy through the press to
cover up the crime against our country which was per-
petrated in sending the Army of the Cumberland, alone
and unaided, over an almost barren wilderness, across
the Cumberland Mountains and Lookout Range into
the mountains of Northwestern Georgia, 150 miles
from its nearest base of supplies, to encounter the con-
[corresponds to page 43 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
GENERAL H. V. BOYNTON,
still living and a prominent journalist in Washington,
who at all times has insisted that Rosecrans was not
properly supported by the authorities at Washington,
a fact which seems now to be pretty well established.
One writer, in summing up the whole campaign, says:
"It was one of the most brilliant of the whole war,
when the conditions under which it was carried out
are understood, and opened the way by which the
troops of Sherman and Hooker were concentrated and
was the entering wedge by which the former com-
menced his historic march to the sea through Georgia
and the Carolinas."
GENERAL ROSECRANS
broke the silence of years in 1880 to publicly contra-
dict the current statement that the only order issued
by him on the day of the battle was the one that opened
the fatal gap in the Union lines, all the other orders
being attributed to his chief of staff, General Garfield.
In contradicting this statement, from all responsibility
in regard to which he chivalrously exonerated Gen.
Garfield, Gen. Rosecrans speaks of it as "another out-
cropping of the historic lies about Chickamauga which
began in a gigantic conspiracy through the press to
cover up the crime against our country which was per-
petrated in sending the Army of the Cumberland, alone
and unaided, over an almost barren wilderness, across
the Cumberland Mountains and Lookout Range into
the mountains of Northwestern Georgia, 150 miles
from its nearest base of supplies, to encounter the con-
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 48)
Description
[page 48]
[corresponds to page 44 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
centrated forces of the Confederacy, greatly confident
of victory; while Grant, with the whole Army of the
Tennessee, was lying quiescent since Vicksburg.
Burnside, with 42,000 effectives, was sent 200 miles
away into East Tennessee, where he could not weigh
a feather in the contest; the Gulf Department, by its
expedition under Herron into Texas, was wholly incap-
able of making diversion on the gulf coast which would
detain a single man from our front, and the Army of
the Potomac was so inactive as to permit Lee to send
Longstreet's whole corps to join in crushing us."
History has, however, rendered tardy justice to Gen.
Rosecrans; and its verdict may be summed up in
these words of Gen. Boynton, who, after speaking of
Chickamauga as crowning with success the last cam-
paign of Gen. Rosecrans, and being "matchless in its
strategy, unequalled in the skill and energy with which
his outnumbered army was concentrated for battle,"
says that had Rosecrans "crossed the river in front
of the city and captured it with even greater loss, the
country would have gone wild with enthusiasm. Had
he been properly supported from Washington, he
would have entered it without a battle, since if there
had been any show of activity elsewhere, Bragg's army
would not have been nearly doubled with re-enforce-
ments and thus enabled to march back on Chatta-
nooga after its retreat from the city." Practically, the
battle was a Union victory, won by Rosecrans' masterly
skill and indomitable perseverance; and, as Gen. Hill
admitted, it "sealed the fate of the Southern Confed-
eracy."
[corresponds to page 44 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
centrated forces of the Confederacy, greatly confident
of victory; while Grant, with the whole Army of the
Tennessee, was lying quiescent since Vicksburg.
Burnside, with 42,000 effectives, was sent 200 miles
away into East Tennessee, where he could not weigh
a feather in the contest; the Gulf Department, by its
expedition under Herron into Texas, was wholly incap-
able of making diversion on the gulf coast which would
detain a single man from our front, and the Army of
the Potomac was so inactive as to permit Lee to send
Longstreet's whole corps to join in crushing us."
History has, however, rendered tardy justice to Gen.
Rosecrans; and its verdict may be summed up in
these words of Gen. Boynton, who, after speaking of
Chickamauga as crowning with success the last cam-
paign of Gen. Rosecrans, and being "matchless in its
strategy, unequalled in the skill and energy with which
his outnumbered army was concentrated for battle,"
says that had Rosecrans "crossed the river in front
of the city and captured it with even greater loss, the
country would have gone wild with enthusiasm. Had
he been properly supported from Washington, he
would have entered it without a battle, since if there
had been any show of activity elsewhere, Bragg's army
would not have been nearly doubled with re-enforce-
ments and thus enabled to march back on Chatta-
nooga after its retreat from the city." Practically, the
battle was a Union victory, won by Rosecrans' masterly
skill and indomitable perseverance; and, as Gen. Hill
admitted, it "sealed the fate of the Southern Confed-
eracy."
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 49)
Description
[page 49]
[corresponds to page 45 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CHAPTER III
HOW HE MISSED THE PRESIDENCY
It may not be generally known that our hero
came near being placed on the ticket with
Lincoln in 1864, and how he missed his
nomination is an interesting story. After
his removal from the Army of the Cumberland,
public feeling once more turned toward him and
there was a general sentiment in and out of army
circles that he had been unjustly dealt with. So strong
was this feeling that well informed politicians thought
that he would add strength to the Republican ticket,
and in June, 1864, Garfield telegraphed him from Bal-
timore asking him if we would accept the nomination
for Vice-president on the ticket with Lincoln. Though
always a Democrat and intensely loyal, after consult-
ing friends he wired back a message that virtually was
in the affirmative. Garfield always claimed he never
received the message and so Andy Johnson was put
on the ticket.
It has since been pretty well established that Stan-
ton suppressed the message of Rosecrans, for Rose-
crans was always "persona non grata" at the War Depart-
ment, for the reason that he was not afraid to tell the
truth. When war was a certainty, in 1861, Gen.
Morgan, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, was summoned by
[corresponds to page 45 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CHAPTER III
HOW HE MISSED THE PRESIDENCY
It may not be generally known that our hero
came near being placed on the ticket with
Lincoln in 1864, and how he missed his
nomination is an interesting story. After
his removal from the Army of the Cumberland,
public feeling once more turned toward him and
there was a general sentiment in and out of army
circles that he had been unjustly dealt with. So strong
was this feeling that well informed politicians thought
that he would add strength to the Republican ticket,
and in June, 1864, Garfield telegraphed him from Bal-
timore asking him if we would accept the nomination
for Vice-president on the ticket with Lincoln. Though
always a Democrat and intensely loyal, after consult-
ing friends he wired back a message that virtually was
in the affirmative. Garfield always claimed he never
received the message and so Andy Johnson was put
on the ticket.
It has since been pretty well established that Stan-
ton suppressed the message of Rosecrans, for Rose-
crans was always "persona non grata" at the War Depart-
ment, for the reason that he was not afraid to tell the
truth. When war was a certainty, in 1861, Gen.
Morgan, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, was summoned by
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 50)
Description
[page 50]
[corresponds to page 46 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
wire to Washington, as his name had come up in a
conversation held by members of the Cabinet with
Gen. Scott. Asked what should be done with Robt.
E. Lee, who had laid down his commission as an U.
S. Army officer, he at once answered in his brusque
way, "Slap him in jail, for if you don't, he will lead
the secessionists."
Stanton scoffed at this idea, but history proves Mor-
gan was right. Stanton had no use for any man who
happened to know just a bit more than he did.
Rosecrans had a similar experience. He had opin-
ions and plans of his own concerning the war, and
like Morgan, did not hesitate to say that, knowing
the people of the South, he knew the war could not
be finished in a few weeks. Stanton at that time had
a bad case of enlargement of the head - now politely
called mental mumps - and insisted that the North
could whip h--l out of the South before the summer
was over. Morgan and Rosecrans and other officers
of experience thought otherwise. Rosecrans, forti-
fied by a brilliant record as an officer of engineers,
and knowing Longstreet, Van Dorn and others of the
South - they had been his classmates at West Point -
received a cordial hearing from Lincoln and McClel-
lan. His suggestions were not listened to, - Stanton
would have none of them.
Stanton's enmity was also increased by Rosecrans'
letter to Halleck in 1862, mentioned previously in this
sketch, and also by the fact that Rosecrans was cred-
ited by the public with having "discovered" Sheridan.
When the orders relieving Gen. Rosecrans and ap-
[corresponds to page 46 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
wire to Washington, as his name had come up in a
conversation held by members of the Cabinet with
Gen. Scott. Asked what should be done with Robt.
E. Lee, who had laid down his commission as an U.
S. Army officer, he at once answered in his brusque
way, "Slap him in jail, for if you don't, he will lead
the secessionists."
Stanton scoffed at this idea, but history proves Mor-
gan was right. Stanton had no use for any man who
happened to know just a bit more than he did.
Rosecrans had a similar experience. He had opin-
ions and plans of his own concerning the war, and
like Morgan, did not hesitate to say that, knowing
the people of the South, he knew the war could not
be finished in a few weeks. Stanton at that time had
a bad case of enlargement of the head - now politely
called mental mumps - and insisted that the North
could whip h--l out of the South before the summer
was over. Morgan and Rosecrans and other officers
of experience thought otherwise. Rosecrans, forti-
fied by a brilliant record as an officer of engineers,
and knowing Longstreet, Van Dorn and others of the
South - they had been his classmates at West Point -
received a cordial hearing from Lincoln and McClel-
lan. His suggestions were not listened to, - Stanton
would have none of them.
Stanton's enmity was also increased by Rosecrans'
letter to Halleck in 1862, mentioned previously in this
sketch, and also by the fact that Rosecrans was cred-
ited by the public with having "discovered" Sheridan.
When the orders relieving Gen. Rosecrans and ap-
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 51)
Description
[page 51]
[corresponds to page 47 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
pointing Gen. Thomas in his place reached the army,
they were denounced on all sides as unjust. "Gen.
Thomas, " according to Gen. Boynton, "insisted that
he would resign rather than acquiesce in Gen. Rose-
crans' removal by his accepting the command, It was
at Rosecrans' earnest solicitation that he reconsidered
this determination. But he did not hesitate to say
that the order was cruelly unjust. When Gen. Garfield
left for Washington soon after the battle, he imme-
diately charged him to do all he could to have Rose-
crans righted."
Whether Garfield ever carried out the wish of
Thomas is uncertain to this day. The probabilities
are, that knowing Stanton's hostility to Rosecrans, he
never made the attempt.
Garfield at that time was a member of Congress
from Ohio and had stood for election in his district
by the advice of Rosecrans, who said that he (Gar-
field), having been in the field and knowing the needs
of the army, would be able to do much good on the
floor of congress whenever war measures came before
that body. There has always been a lurking suspicion
that Garfield in his ambition forgot his old commander
and how much he owed him for his own success.
[corresponds to page 47 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
pointing Gen. Thomas in his place reached the army,
they were denounced on all sides as unjust. "Gen.
Thomas, " according to Gen. Boynton, "insisted that
he would resign rather than acquiesce in Gen. Rose-
crans' removal by his accepting the command, It was
at Rosecrans' earnest solicitation that he reconsidered
this determination. But he did not hesitate to say
that the order was cruelly unjust. When Gen. Garfield
left for Washington soon after the battle, he imme-
diately charged him to do all he could to have Rose-
crans righted."
Whether Garfield ever carried out the wish of
Thomas is uncertain to this day. The probabilities
are, that knowing Stanton's hostility to Rosecrans, he
never made the attempt.
Garfield at that time was a member of Congress
from Ohio and had stood for election in his district
by the advice of Rosecrans, who said that he (Gar-
field), having been in the field and knowing the needs
of the army, would be able to do much good on the
floor of congress whenever war measures came before
that body. There has always been a lurking suspicion
that Garfield in his ambition forgot his old commander
and how much he owed him for his own success.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 52)
Description
[page 52]
[corresponds to page 48 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
HIS CONVERSION TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
While a cadet at West Point Rosecrans
obtained a few books treating of the Cath-
olic Church from an old Irishman, who
was in the habit of paying periodical visits
to the institution to sell books and papers. In com-
pany with another cadet, now Very Rev. George
Deshon, Superior of the Paulist Fathers of New York,
he became interested in the claims of the Church and
it was not long until his logical mind was convinced;
and finally, two years after his graduation, while he
was Assistant Professor of Engineering, in 1844, he
was, in his own words, "baptized 'sub conditione' be-
cause it was a vague tradition that in my early days
a Protestant or Wesleyan Methodist minister at my
grandmother's instance had baptized me, following
the traditional ritual of the Church of England in so
doing." Shortly after his marriage his wife also be-
came a Catholic, and in 1846 he was instrumental
in converting his brother, Sylvester, who eventually
became the first Catholic Bishop of Columbus, Ohio,
within whose diocese was located his birthplace,
Homer, Licking County. The brothers were much
attached to each other and their correspondence, when
the one was at West Point and the other at Kenyon
[corresponds to page 48 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
HIS CONVERSION TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
While a cadet at West Point Rosecrans
obtained a few books treating of the Cath-
olic Church from an old Irishman, who
was in the habit of paying periodical visits
to the institution to sell books and papers. In com-
pany with another cadet, now Very Rev. George
Deshon, Superior of the Paulist Fathers of New York,
he became interested in the claims of the Church and
it was not long until his logical mind was convinced;
and finally, two years after his graduation, while he
was Assistant Professor of Engineering, in 1844, he
was, in his own words, "baptized 'sub conditione' be-
cause it was a vague tradition that in my early days
a Protestant or Wesleyan Methodist minister at my
grandmother's instance had baptized me, following
the traditional ritual of the Church of England in so
doing." Shortly after his marriage his wife also be-
came a Catholic, and in 1846 he was instrumental
in converting his brother, Sylvester, who eventually
became the first Catholic Bishop of Columbus, Ohio,
within whose diocese was located his birthplace,
Homer, Licking County. The brothers were much
attached to each other and their correspondence, when
the one was at West Point and the other at Kenyon
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 53)
Description
page 53]
[corresponds to page 49 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
College, Gambier, Ohio, was frequent. After the
younger graduated, he paid his elder brother a visit,
and as the two were taking a walk one day, they
chanced to pass a Catholic church; whereupon the
young lieutenant, to quote the words of one con-
versant with the facts in the case, said to his brother:
"It is high time, Sylvester, for you to put an end to
this procrastination of yours; come in here and get
baptized."
Mechanically obeying the command, and entering
for the first time in his life a Catholic church, the same
authority tells the story of the Bishop's conversion:
"They soon reached an altar, before which, to the
young brother's surprise, shone a lighted lamp,' said
the captain, 'in the Real Presence, for two graces, the
grace of light to know the truth, and the grace of
strength to follow it'; and with this he knelt down.
Sylvester also knelt, as a matter of courtesy to his
brother, but by no means to pray. He gazed around
for a while at the works of art within reach of his
eyes, but not being in the habit of kneeling long at
any time, and his knees aching, he turned to look at
his brother, whom he found absorbed in God.
"The sight was too much for Sylvester. 'Wretch
that I am,' said he to himself, 'while this truly good
man is so earnestly interesting himself with Heaven
for my soul's salvation, I am indifferent, as if it were
none of my business. God is everywhere, and there-
fore, here; I, too, will pray for strength and light.' -
And he did pray, so long and earnestly, that when he
[corresponds to page 49 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
College, Gambier, Ohio, was frequent. After the
younger graduated, he paid his elder brother a visit,
and as the two were taking a walk one day, they
chanced to pass a Catholic church; whereupon the
young lieutenant, to quote the words of one con-
versant with the facts in the case, said to his brother:
"It is high time, Sylvester, for you to put an end to
this procrastination of yours; come in here and get
baptized."
Mechanically obeying the command, and entering
for the first time in his life a Catholic church, the same
authority tells the story of the Bishop's conversion:
"They soon reached an altar, before which, to the
young brother's surprise, shone a lighted lamp,' said
the captain, 'in the Real Presence, for two graces, the
grace of light to know the truth, and the grace of
strength to follow it'; and with this he knelt down.
Sylvester also knelt, as a matter of courtesy to his
brother, but by no means to pray. He gazed around
for a while at the works of art within reach of his
eyes, but not being in the habit of kneeling long at
any time, and his knees aching, he turned to look at
his brother, whom he found absorbed in God.
"The sight was too much for Sylvester. 'Wretch
that I am,' said he to himself, 'while this truly good
man is so earnestly interesting himself with Heaven
for my soul's salvation, I am indifferent, as if it were
none of my business. God is everywhere, and there-
fore, here; I, too, will pray for strength and light.' -
And he did pray, so long and earnestly, that when he
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 54)
Description
[page 54]
[corresponds to page 50 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
began to look for his brother, he found him in a remote
part of the church. Up sprang Sylvester, and with
agitated steps he approached the captain. 'Well, Syl-
vester,' whispered the latter, 'what will you do?' 'I
wish to be baptized,' was the prompt reply; 'I hope
the priest is at home.' Happily the priest was at home,
and finding his caller already, thanks to his brother's
good offices, well instructed in Catholic teachings, he
had no hesitation in baptizing him and receiving him
into the Catholic fold. Many years later, when the
diocese of Columbus was erected, Rt. Rev. Sylvester
Horton Rosecrans, who had been consecrated titular
of Pompeiopolis, in partibus, on the feast of the An-
nunciation, 1862, and appointed Auxiliary to Arch-
bishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, was transferred to the
new See, and at once took possession of his vineyard."
The following letter received by the writer some
years ago, it need not be mentioned, is highly prized:
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, REGISTER's OFFICE.
Dec. 11, 1886.
Dear Father Mulhane: - Bishop Rosecrans was baptized
at Cold Spring on the North River opposite West Point, N.
Y., by the Rev. Dr. Villani, pastor of the Catholic Church
at that place, and in charge of the station at the Post of West
Point, in the summer of 1846. I was his godfather and my
wife his godmother. I do not remember whether it was 'sub
conditione.'
My baptism in 1844 was 'sub conditione,' because it was a
vague tradition that in my early infancy a Protestant or Wes-
leyan Methodist minister at my grandmother's instance had
baptized me, following the traditional ritual of the church of
England in so doing. Yours most truly,
W. S. ROSECRANS
To the Rev. L. W. Mulhane,
Mt. Vernon, Ohio
[corresponds to page 50 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
began to look for his brother, he found him in a remote
part of the church. Up sprang Sylvester, and with
agitated steps he approached the captain. 'Well, Syl-
vester,' whispered the latter, 'what will you do?' 'I
wish to be baptized,' was the prompt reply; 'I hope
the priest is at home.' Happily the priest was at home,
and finding his caller already, thanks to his brother's
good offices, well instructed in Catholic teachings, he
had no hesitation in baptizing him and receiving him
into the Catholic fold. Many years later, when the
diocese of Columbus was erected, Rt. Rev. Sylvester
Horton Rosecrans, who had been consecrated titular
of Pompeiopolis, in partibus, on the feast of the An-
nunciation, 1862, and appointed Auxiliary to Arch-
bishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, was transferred to the
new See, and at once took possession of his vineyard."
The following letter received by the writer some
years ago, it need not be mentioned, is highly prized:
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, REGISTER's OFFICE.
Dec. 11, 1886.
Dear Father Mulhane: - Bishop Rosecrans was baptized
at Cold Spring on the North River opposite West Point, N.
Y., by the Rev. Dr. Villani, pastor of the Catholic Church
at that place, and in charge of the station at the Post of West
Point, in the summer of 1846. I was his godfather and my
wife his godmother. I do not remember whether it was 'sub
conditione.'
My baptism in 1844 was 'sub conditione,' because it was a
vague tradition that in my early infancy a Protestant or Wes-
leyan Methodist minister at my grandmother's instance had
baptized me, following the traditional ritual of the church of
England in so doing. Yours most truly,
W. S. ROSECRANS
To the Rev. L. W. Mulhane,
Mt. Vernon, Ohio
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 55)
Description
[page 55]
[corresponds to page 51 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
The great warrior's faith always shone out strong
and clear. It is told that at a most critical moment
during the battle of Stone River, when McCook's men
were wavering, he dashed to the front, exposing him-
self to the enemy's fire. A young staff officer (no
doubt Garesche, a great favorite of our hero and a
Catholic) who accompanied him, begged him to retire
to a place of greater safety and not expose himself
to almost certain death. Rosecrans, urging on his
horse, replied: "Never mind me, my boy, but make
the sign of the cross and go in." In his "reminis-
cences," now being published in McClure's Magazine,
the late Charles A. Dana, assistant secretary of war
under Stanton, states that he saw Rosecrans making
the sign of the cross during the awful conflict at Chick-
amauga.
Both his great mind and his large heart were thor-
oughly imbued with strong Catholic faith, and though
not seeking occasion to outwardly manifest it to the
world, it instinctively would crop out on certain occa-
sions, sometimes when least expected. Some years
ago, while passing through Ohio on a campaign tour
with Hendricks, he reached Columbus one evening,
taking rooms with his political companions at the Neil
House. He soon excused himself from the party and
wended his way out Broad street to the Cathedral,
where he made inquiry for a priest, desiring to go to
confession that he might the next morning go to Holy
Communion for his deceased brother, the Bishop,
whose remains rest under the altar of that church. At
6 o'clock the next morning he attended mass and
[corresponds to page 51 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
The great warrior's faith always shone out strong
and clear. It is told that at a most critical moment
during the battle of Stone River, when McCook's men
were wavering, he dashed to the front, exposing him-
self to the enemy's fire. A young staff officer (no
doubt Garesche, a great favorite of our hero and a
Catholic) who accompanied him, begged him to retire
to a place of greater safety and not expose himself
to almost certain death. Rosecrans, urging on his
horse, replied: "Never mind me, my boy, but make
the sign of the cross and go in." In his "reminis-
cences," now being published in McClure's Magazine,
the late Charles A. Dana, assistant secretary of war
under Stanton, states that he saw Rosecrans making
the sign of the cross during the awful conflict at Chick-
amauga.
Both his great mind and his large heart were thor-
oughly imbued with strong Catholic faith, and though
not seeking occasion to outwardly manifest it to the
world, it instinctively would crop out on certain occa-
sions, sometimes when least expected. Some years
ago, while passing through Ohio on a campaign tour
with Hendricks, he reached Columbus one evening,
taking rooms with his political companions at the Neil
House. He soon excused himself from the party and
wended his way out Broad street to the Cathedral,
where he made inquiry for a priest, desiring to go to
confession that he might the next morning go to Holy
Communion for his deceased brother, the Bishop,
whose remains rest under the altar of that church. At
6 o'clock the next morning he attended mass and
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 56)
Description
[page 56]
[corresponds to page 52 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
received Holy Communion. As he was returning to
the hotel, he met one of his political friends who had
been looking for him and who said: "Why! General,
where in the world have you been so early this morn-
ing? Your friends at the hotel are anxious about you,
that you may not miss that early train." The old
veteran answered: "Oh! I have been out to the
Cathedral to pay my respects to Almighty God and
to pray for my brother, who used to be Bishop out
there." The answer, from other lips, might have
seemed trivial, but coming from him in deep voice
and reverential tone, it was beautiful. The two who
heard it have always remembered it, - one a Cath-
olic, the other a non-Catholic. The words, the far-
away look in the old hero's eyes, the reverence of the
voice, the early morning of a beautiful September
day, all chimed to make it an occasion that the two
present have never forgotten.
It was this same spirit and simplicity of faith that
caused him to pen the telegram that he sent from Cal-
ifornia to New York on the occasion of the death of
his brilliant son, Father Louis Rosecrans, a member
of the Paulist Order. When telegraphed of the death
and asked for any wish as to the place of burial, the
wires bore back this sweet message: "Bury him beside
his Paulist brethren to await the great Resurrection
Day, and God bless all who have been kind to him."
His sincerity also was the means of converting his
wife.
A newspaper correspondent describing the working
habits of the General when getting the 14th Corps
[corresponds to page 52 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
received Holy Communion. As he was returning to
the hotel, he met one of his political friends who had
been looking for him and who said: "Why! General,
where in the world have you been so early this morn-
ing? Your friends at the hotel are anxious about you,
that you may not miss that early train." The old
veteran answered: "Oh! I have been out to the
Cathedral to pay my respects to Almighty God and
to pray for my brother, who used to be Bishop out
there." The answer, from other lips, might have
seemed trivial, but coming from him in deep voice
and reverential tone, it was beautiful. The two who
heard it have always remembered it, - one a Cath-
olic, the other a non-Catholic. The words, the far-
away look in the old hero's eyes, the reverence of the
voice, the early morning of a beautiful September
day, all chimed to make it an occasion that the two
present have never forgotten.
It was this same spirit and simplicity of faith that
caused him to pen the telegram that he sent from Cal-
ifornia to New York on the occasion of the death of
his brilliant son, Father Louis Rosecrans, a member
of the Paulist Order. When telegraphed of the death
and asked for any wish as to the place of burial, the
wires bore back this sweet message: "Bury him beside
his Paulist brethren to await the great Resurrection
Day, and God bless all who have been kind to him."
His sincerity also was the means of converting his
wife.
A newspaper correspondent describing the working
habits of the General when getting the 14th Corps
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 57)
Description
[page 57]
[corresponds to page 53 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
into condition after assuming command, wrote: "On
Sundays and Wednesdays he rose early and attended
Mass." "At night, when conversation took a relig-
ious turn," says the same writer, "the General took
the argument and carried it often into the realms of
Mother Church, where the vehemence of his intellect
and his zealous temper developed themselves thor-
oughly. He had the Fathers of the Church at his
tongue's end, and exhibited a familiarity with con-
troversial theology that made him a formidable antag-
onist to the best read, even of the clerical profession.
He would admit no fallibility whatever in any depart-
ment of his own Church, but he did not permit his
strong reliance in the Church of Rome to warp his
judgment in material things, especially in military mat-
ters." On the morning of every important engage-
ment, or perilous undertaking, it was his invariable
custom to attend Mass and commit himself and his
army to the keeping of the God of battles.
Here is Major Bickham's description of how he
begun the Stone River fight, one of the most glorious
of his victories: "A little later (than the dawn of day)
the dauntless leader of the army knelt at the altar
and prayed to the God of battles. High (?) Mass was
celebrated in a little tent opposite his marquee. Rev.
Father Cooney, the zealous chaplain of the 35th Reg-
iment of Indiana Volunteers, officiated, assisted by
Rev. Father Trecy, the constant spiritual companion
of the General, and whose fidelity to his chief was
second only to his devotion to the faith he preached.
Gen. Rosecrans knelt humbly in the corner of his
[corresponds to page 53 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
into condition after assuming command, wrote: "On
Sundays and Wednesdays he rose early and attended
Mass." "At night, when conversation took a relig-
ious turn," says the same writer, "the General took
the argument and carried it often into the realms of
Mother Church, where the vehemence of his intellect
and his zealous temper developed themselves thor-
oughly. He had the Fathers of the Church at his
tongue's end, and exhibited a familiarity with con-
troversial theology that made him a formidable antag-
onist to the best read, even of the clerical profession.
He would admit no fallibility whatever in any depart-
ment of his own Church, but he did not permit his
strong reliance in the Church of Rome to warp his
judgment in material things, especially in military mat-
ters." On the morning of every important engage-
ment, or perilous undertaking, it was his invariable
custom to attend Mass and commit himself and his
army to the keeping of the God of battles.
Here is Major Bickham's description of how he
begun the Stone River fight, one of the most glorious
of his victories: "A little later (than the dawn of day)
the dauntless leader of the army knelt at the altar
and prayed to the God of battles. High (?) Mass was
celebrated in a little tent opposite his marquee. Rev.
Father Cooney, the zealous chaplain of the 35th Reg-
iment of Indiana Volunteers, officiated, assisted by
Rev. Father Trecy, the constant spiritual companion
of the General, and whose fidelity to his chief was
second only to his devotion to the faith he preached.
Gen. Rosecrans knelt humbly in the corner of his
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 58)
Description
[page 58]
[corresponds to page 54 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
tent; Garesche, no less devout, by his side; a trio of
humble soldiers meekly knelt in front of the tent;
groups of officers, booted and spurred for battle with
heads reverentially uncovered, stood outside and
mutely muttered their prayers. What grave anxieties,
what exquisite emotions, what deep thoughts moved
the hearts and minds of those pious soldiers, into whose
keeping God and their country had delivered,
not merely the lives of a thousand men who must die at
last, but the vitality of a principle, the cause of self
government and of human liberty!"
He was averse to all needless labor on the Lord's
day, a fact that was so well understood by his staff,
that Gen. Crittenden once said of his commander that
"he did not believe the Master would smile upon any
unnecessary violations of His laws." Firm in his own
faith, "he never interferes," said an eye-witness of his
acts, "with the spiritual affairs of any subordinate,
regarding these as sacred personal matters, to be gov-
erned by the convictions of each individual." At
proper time and in the proper place, though, he was
ever ready to speak for his faith and impress its truth
upon others. The priests in the army were his par-
ticular friends; and Father Trecy, formerly of Hunts-
ville, Ala., was held in special regard by him because
of his personal worth and the fact that his loyalty to
the Union made it necessary for him to quit the South.
He was attending a Mass celebrated by that clergy-
man when the news was brought to him that his pray-
ers for his country had been answered, that the enemy
had fled and that the important battle of Stone River
had been won.
[corresponds to page 54 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
tent; Garesche, no less devout, by his side; a trio of
humble soldiers meekly knelt in front of the tent;
groups of officers, booted and spurred for battle with
heads reverentially uncovered, stood outside and
mutely muttered their prayers. What grave anxieties,
what exquisite emotions, what deep thoughts moved
the hearts and minds of those pious soldiers, into whose
keeping God and their country had delivered,
not merely the lives of a thousand men who must die at
last, but the vitality of a principle, the cause of self
government and of human liberty!"
He was averse to all needless labor on the Lord's
day, a fact that was so well understood by his staff,
that Gen. Crittenden once said of his commander that
"he did not believe the Master would smile upon any
unnecessary violations of His laws." Firm in his own
faith, "he never interferes," said an eye-witness of his
acts, "with the spiritual affairs of any subordinate,
regarding these as sacred personal matters, to be gov-
erned by the convictions of each individual." At
proper time and in the proper place, though, he was
ever ready to speak for his faith and impress its truth
upon others. The priests in the army were his par-
ticular friends; and Father Trecy, formerly of Hunts-
ville, Ala., was held in special regard by him because
of his personal worth and the fact that his loyalty to
the Union made it necessary for him to quit the South.
He was attending a Mass celebrated by that clergy-
man when the news was brought to him that his pray-
ers for his country had been answered, that the enemy
had fled and that the important battle of Stone River
had been won.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 59)
Description
[page 59]
[corresponds to page 55 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CHAPTER V.
TRIBUTES
In a speech at the Chickamauga dedication, Mc-
Kinley, then Governor of Ohio, said:
"General Rosecrans, a graduate of great dis-
tinction at the United States Military Academy
in 1842, and who served in the army until 1864, was the
commander-in-chief of the Union forces and was an
honored citizen of our own State. He entered the vol-
unteer service as colonel of the Twenty-third Ohio
infantry. I recall him with peculiar tenderness and
respect. He was the first colonel of the regiment to
which I belonged, my boyhood ideal of a great soldier;
and I gladly pay him my tribute of love for his tender
qualities which endeared him to me, and the high sol-
dierly qualities which earned for him the gratitude of
the State for his magnificent service to the Union cause.
Ohio is proud of him and in his old age and declining
years I beg him to know that he enjoys the affection-
ate regard of the old State, which will guard his fame
forever."
When the bill placing him on the retired list was
before Congress some fourteen speeches were made
on the occasion. I quote from a few:
Gen. Cutcheon, of Michigan, said:
"When the tocsin of war was sounded, Gen. Rose-
crans did not hesitate or falter, but he left every-
[corresponds to page 55 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CHAPTER V.
TRIBUTES
In a speech at the Chickamauga dedication, Mc-
Kinley, then Governor of Ohio, said:
"General Rosecrans, a graduate of great dis-
tinction at the United States Military Academy
in 1842, and who served in the army until 1864, was the
commander-in-chief of the Union forces and was an
honored citizen of our own State. He entered the vol-
unteer service as colonel of the Twenty-third Ohio
infantry. I recall him with peculiar tenderness and
respect. He was the first colonel of the regiment to
which I belonged, my boyhood ideal of a great soldier;
and I gladly pay him my tribute of love for his tender
qualities which endeared him to me, and the high sol-
dierly qualities which earned for him the gratitude of
the State for his magnificent service to the Union cause.
Ohio is proud of him and in his old age and declining
years I beg him to know that he enjoys the affection-
ate regard of the old State, which will guard his fame
forever."
When the bill placing him on the retired list was
before Congress some fourteen speeches were made
on the occasion. I quote from a few:
Gen. Cutcheon, of Michigan, said:
"When the tocsin of war was sounded, Gen. Rose-
crans did not hesitate or falter, but he left every-
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 60)
Description
[page 60]
[corresponds to page 56 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
thing behind him and laid all that he had upon the
altar of his country, and when we needed victory, when
this country in its heart of hearts was aching for want
of victory, Gen. Rosecrans, in the very beginning, in
West Virginia, gave us victory. Again in the far South-
west, at Iuka, he gave us victory. He was promoted
step by step from colonel to brigadier-general, and
from that to major-general, and was placed at the
head of the Army of the Cumberland, and again, in
the closing days of December, 1862, at Stone River,
he lighted the horizon of this whole country from edge
to edge with the fires of victory. Then, following that,
he gave us one of the most magnificent specimens of
perfect strategy that the entire war afforded, in the
Tullahoma campaign, when, almost without the sac-
rifice of a life, he flanked Bragg out of his fortified
position at Tullahoma and carried his army across the
mountains into the valley of Chickamauga."
Hon. O. L. Jackson, of Pennsylvania, who served
four years in the army of the Tennessee, said:
"It was Rosecrans who commanded and directed
the brave men at Stone River on those fearful winter
days when again the tide of battle was turned south-
ward. It was under him Phil Sheridan first rode at
the head of a division, and on this bloody field gave
evidence of the high rank he was afterwards to attain.
It was Rosecrans' skill and genius that maneuvered the
enemy out of Chattanooga and gave the Army of the
Cumberland a position at Chickamauga that enabled
him to hold at bay Bragg's army, re-enforced by one
of the best corps from the rebel army on the Potomac.
[corresponds to page 56 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
thing behind him and laid all that he had upon the
altar of his country, and when we needed victory, when
this country in its heart of hearts was aching for want
of victory, Gen. Rosecrans, in the very beginning, in
West Virginia, gave us victory. Again in the far South-
west, at Iuka, he gave us victory. He was promoted
step by step from colonel to brigadier-general, and
from that to major-general, and was placed at the
head of the Army of the Cumberland, and again, in
the closing days of December, 1862, at Stone River,
he lighted the horizon of this whole country from edge
to edge with the fires of victory. Then, following that,
he gave us one of the most magnificent specimens of
perfect strategy that the entire war afforded, in the
Tullahoma campaign, when, almost without the sac-
rifice of a life, he flanked Bragg out of his fortified
position at Tullahoma and carried his army across the
mountains into the valley of Chickamauga."
Hon. O. L. Jackson, of Pennsylvania, who served
four years in the army of the Tennessee, said:
"It was Rosecrans who commanded and directed
the brave men at Stone River on those fearful winter
days when again the tide of battle was turned south-
ward. It was under him Phil Sheridan first rode at
the head of a division, and on this bloody field gave
evidence of the high rank he was afterwards to attain.
It was Rosecrans' skill and genius that maneuvered the
enemy out of Chattanooga and gave the Army of the
Cumberland a position at Chickamauga that enabled
him to hold at bay Bragg's army, re-enforced by one
of the best corps from the rebel army on the Potomac.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 61)
Description
[page 61]
[corresponds to page 57 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Do not forget that it was under Rosecrans that Thomas
stood, the Rock of Chickamauga.
"Mr. Speaker, there was a day in the nation's peril
when good Abraham Lincoln thought he ought to
send the thanks of a nation to Gen. Rosecrans
and the officers and men of his command for their
great services in the field."
Gen. David B. Henderson, of Iowa, who left a leg
on the battlefield, electrified the House by his appeal
in behalf of his old commander. In the course of his
remarks he said:
"As a member of the Army of the Tennessee, I fol-
lowed both Grant and Rosecrans. I fought under
Rosecrans at Corinth. I was with him in that battle,
and he was the only general I ever saw closer to the
enemy than we were who fought in the front, for in
that great battle he dashed in front of our lines when
the flower of Price's army was pouring death and
destruction into our ranks. The bullets had carried
off his hat, his hair was floating in the wind, and pro-
tected by the God of battle, he passed along the line
and shouted, 'Soldiers, stand by your flag and coun-
try!' We obeyed his orders. We crushed Price's
army, and gave the country the great triumph of the
battle of Corinth. Gen. Rosecrans was the central,
the leading and the victorious spirit."
Gen. Weaver, of Iowa, served under Rosecrans,
and said:
"I, too, had the honor to participate in the battle
at Corinth in 1862, and I know, and the country knows,
that but for the magnificent strategy of Rosecrans,
[corresponds to page 57 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Do not forget that it was under Rosecrans that Thomas
stood, the Rock of Chickamauga.
"Mr. Speaker, there was a day in the nation's peril
when good Abraham Lincoln thought he ought to
send the thanks of a nation to Gen. Rosecrans
and the officers and men of his command for their
great services in the field."
Gen. David B. Henderson, of Iowa, who left a leg
on the battlefield, electrified the House by his appeal
in behalf of his old commander. In the course of his
remarks he said:
"As a member of the Army of the Tennessee, I fol-
lowed both Grant and Rosecrans. I fought under
Rosecrans at Corinth. I was with him in that battle,
and he was the only general I ever saw closer to the
enemy than we were who fought in the front, for in
that great battle he dashed in front of our lines when
the flower of Price's army was pouring death and
destruction into our ranks. The bullets had carried
off his hat, his hair was floating in the wind, and pro-
tected by the God of battle, he passed along the line
and shouted, 'Soldiers, stand by your flag and coun-
try!' We obeyed his orders. We crushed Price's
army, and gave the country the great triumph of the
battle of Corinth. Gen. Rosecrans was the central,
the leading and the victorious spirit."
Gen. Weaver, of Iowa, served under Rosecrans,
and said:
"I, too, had the honor to participate in the battle
at Corinth in 1862, and I know, and the country knows,
that but for the magnificent strategy of Rosecrans,
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 62)
Description
[page 62]
[corresponds to page 58 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
his soldierly bearing, his wonderful grasp of and atten-
tion to the details of that battle, the Army of the South-
west would have been overthrown and the conse-
quences could not have been foretold. He decoyed
the army of Price on to the spot where he designed
to fight the battle and the result was that he was vic-
torious, and captured parts of sixty-nine different com-
mands serving under Price and Van Dorn and the
other Confederate commanders. In that important
battle he saved the cause of the Union in the South-
west. Rosecrans was a splendid soldier, a valuable
officer and is now an honored citizen."
Here is the manner in which he impressed the cor-
respondent of the "Cincinnati Commercial," "W. D. B.",
who was with him in the three months' campaign
with the old 14th Army Corps, that terminated with
the brilliant victory of Stone River. "Industry was
one of the most valuable qualities of Gen. Rosecrans,"
wrote this correspondent. "Labor was a constitutional
necessity with him. And he enjoyed a fine faculty for
the disposition of military business - a faculty which
rapidly improved with experience. He neither spared
himself nor his subordinates. He insisted on being
surrounded with active, rapid workers. He 'liked
sandy fellows,' because they were 'quick and sharp.'
He rarely found staff officers who could endure with
him." And no wonder! The General was the first
officer to begin work in the morning, and the last to
leave off at night, never, so this same authority states,
retiring before two o'clock in the morning, very often
not until four, and sometimes not until broad daylight.
[corresponds to page 58 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
his soldierly bearing, his wonderful grasp of and atten-
tion to the details of that battle, the Army of the South-
west would have been overthrown and the conse-
quences could not have been foretold. He decoyed
the army of Price on to the spot where he designed
to fight the battle and the result was that he was vic-
torious, and captured parts of sixty-nine different com-
mands serving under Price and Van Dorn and the
other Confederate commanders. In that important
battle he saved the cause of the Union in the South-
west. Rosecrans was a splendid soldier, a valuable
officer and is now an honored citizen."
Here is the manner in which he impressed the cor-
respondent of the "Cincinnati Commercial," "W. D. B.",
who was with him in the three months' campaign
with the old 14th Army Corps, that terminated with
the brilliant victory of Stone River. "Industry was
one of the most valuable qualities of Gen. Rosecrans,"
wrote this correspondent. "Labor was a constitutional
necessity with him. And he enjoyed a fine faculty for
the disposition of military business - a faculty which
rapidly improved with experience. He neither spared
himself nor his subordinates. He insisted on being
surrounded with active, rapid workers. He 'liked
sandy fellows,' because they were 'quick and sharp.'
He rarely found staff officers who could endure with
him." And no wonder! The General was the first
officer to begin work in the morning, and the last to
leave off at night, never, so this same authority states,
retiring before two o'clock in the morning, very often
not until four, and sometimes not until broad daylight.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 63)
Description
[page 63]
[corresponds to page 59 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
No wonder, too, that the soldiers spoke enthusiastically
of "Rosy," as they called their commander, and ex-
pressed to each other their confidence in him, when
they heard him tell them that if their equipment was
in any way deficient, they should ask for what was
needed and keep on asking until they got it; or that
his subordinate officers were loud in his praise when
they saw that in his official reports to headquarters
every man who had distinguished himself in action
was honorably mentioned and strongly recommended
for promotion.
One more portraiture of Gen. Rosecrans, as he
appeared to those who were associated with him when
he commanded the 14th Army Corps may not be out
of place here. "He had no taste for party politics,"
wrote Gen. Boynton, "having dismissed that subject
until the rebellion should be crushed - a point upon
which he expressed no doubts. And, indeed, he had
never been a politician. Upon the general subject of
slavery, he held the faith that had been proclaimed
immemorially by his Church and by all nations which
have pretended to civilization. * * * Upon belles
lettres he opened a mine of rich lore, and charmed you,
as well by the felicity of his illustrations, as by the
pungent and comprehensive character of his criticism.
It was not a little amusing to the author to read in
a leading eastern journal, that in science and literature
Rosecrans was probably the inferior of McClellan
and Buell. Their respective mutual classmates, and
later associates, are sure that either of the latter might
learn from him in each department. His general
[corresponds to page 59 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
No wonder, too, that the soldiers spoke enthusiastically
of "Rosy," as they called their commander, and ex-
pressed to each other their confidence in him, when
they heard him tell them that if their equipment was
in any way deficient, they should ask for what was
needed and keep on asking until they got it; or that
his subordinate officers were loud in his praise when
they saw that in his official reports to headquarters
every man who had distinguished himself in action
was honorably mentioned and strongly recommended
for promotion.
One more portraiture of Gen. Rosecrans, as he
appeared to those who were associated with him when
he commanded the 14th Army Corps may not be out
of place here. "He had no taste for party politics,"
wrote Gen. Boynton, "having dismissed that subject
until the rebellion should be crushed - a point upon
which he expressed no doubts. And, indeed, he had
never been a politician. Upon the general subject of
slavery, he held the faith that had been proclaimed
immemorially by his Church and by all nations which
have pretended to civilization. * * * Upon belles
lettres he opened a mine of rich lore, and charmed you,
as well by the felicity of his illustrations, as by the
pungent and comprehensive character of his criticism.
It was not a little amusing to the author to read in
a leading eastern journal, that in science and literature
Rosecrans was probably the inferior of McClellan
and Buell. Their respective mutual classmates, and
later associates, are sure that either of the latter might
learn from him in each department. His general
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 64)
Description
[page 64]
[corresponds to page 60 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
knowledge of science is extensive. Geology and min-
eralogy are specialties, and in those sciences he ranks
among the most accomplished in the country."
Let us add just one discordant note, penned by one
who has gone to the other world.
In Charles A. Dana's "Reminiscences," in the Feb-
ruary number of "McClure's Magazine", there is a record
of the impression Gen. Rosecrans made on Mr. Dana,
who was with him in the Chickamauga campaign of
1863. Mr. Dana says of him:
"While few persons exhibited more estimable social
qualities, I have never seen a public man possessing
talent with less administrative power, less clearness
and steadiness in difficulty, and greater practical inca-
pacity than Gen. Rosecrans. He had inventive fertility
and knowledge, but he had no strength of will and
no concentration of purpose. His mind scattered:
there was no system in the use of his busy days and
restless nights, no courage against individuals in his
composition, and, with great love of command, he was
a feeble commander. He was conscientious and honest,
just as he was imperious and disputatious; always with
a stray vein of caprice, and an overweening passion for
the approbation of his personal friends and the public
outside."
It should be remembered that this estimate was
made after Chickamauga; and that it is absolutely in
contradiction of all other estimates made by those who
had just as much, if not more, opportunity of study-
ing the character of our hero. That "he was a feeble
commander" is unjust and untrue and would be repu-
[corresponds to page 60 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
knowledge of science is extensive. Geology and min-
eralogy are specialties, and in those sciences he ranks
among the most accomplished in the country."
Let us add just one discordant note, penned by one
who has gone to the other world.
In Charles A. Dana's "Reminiscences," in the Feb-
ruary number of "McClure's Magazine", there is a record
of the impression Gen. Rosecrans made on Mr. Dana,
who was with him in the Chickamauga campaign of
1863. Mr. Dana says of him:
"While few persons exhibited more estimable social
qualities, I have never seen a public man possessing
talent with less administrative power, less clearness
and steadiness in difficulty, and greater practical inca-
pacity than Gen. Rosecrans. He had inventive fertility
and knowledge, but he had no strength of will and
no concentration of purpose. His mind scattered:
there was no system in the use of his busy days and
restless nights, no courage against individuals in his
composition, and, with great love of command, he was
a feeble commander. He was conscientious and honest,
just as he was imperious and disputatious; always with
a stray vein of caprice, and an overweening passion for
the approbation of his personal friends and the public
outside."
It should be remembered that this estimate was
made after Chickamauga; and that it is absolutely in
contradiction of all other estimates made by those who
had just as much, if not more, opportunity of study-
ing the character of our hero. That "he was a feeble
commander" is unjust and untrue and would be repu-
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 65)
Description
[page 65]
[corresponds to page 61 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
diated by every officer and private of the grand old
Army of the Cumberland. Dana was a civilian and
like many another in his day was ever ready to hastily
criticize the warriors fighting the battles of their coun-
try. As an offset to this opinion we need but place
the kind words of such veterans, both of war and
journalism, as Gen. Boynton, Col. Furay and Maj.
Bickham.
The "Ohio State Journal" said:
"'Old Rosy' is dead. The hero of Stone River and
Chickamauga, one of the few remaining commanders
of the late war, has passed away. General William
Starke Rosecrans died at his home near Los Angeles,
Cal., yesterday morning, of the ailments consequent
upon old age, in the 79th year of his age.
"His war service embraced the command of the
Army of the Mississippi, succeeding General Pope,
the command of the Army of the Cumberland, with
a campaign in West Virginia, his brilliant success at
Carnifex Ferry sending him West. The battles of
Stone River and Chickamauga were fought under his
generalship, both engagements being among the blood-
iest of the war. There was a disposition to censure
Rosecrans for his conduct in the latter battle, but later
developments justified the views of his friends at the
time, that the Union forces had accomplished much,
though at the expense of thousands of lives. But the
gallant Rosecrans was hurt, not only by these misrep-
resentations, but by the venom with which he was
pursued. His nervousness, irritability and impatience
showed to a disadvantage, and he was relieved of his
[corresponds to page 61 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
diated by every officer and private of the grand old
Army of the Cumberland. Dana was a civilian and
like many another in his day was ever ready to hastily
criticize the warriors fighting the battles of their coun-
try. As an offset to this opinion we need but place
the kind words of such veterans, both of war and
journalism, as Gen. Boynton, Col. Furay and Maj.
Bickham.
The "Ohio State Journal" said:
"'Old Rosy' is dead. The hero of Stone River and
Chickamauga, one of the few remaining commanders
of the late war, has passed away. General William
Starke Rosecrans died at his home near Los Angeles,
Cal., yesterday morning, of the ailments consequent
upon old age, in the 79th year of his age.
"His war service embraced the command of the
Army of the Mississippi, succeeding General Pope,
the command of the Army of the Cumberland, with
a campaign in West Virginia, his brilliant success at
Carnifex Ferry sending him West. The battles of
Stone River and Chickamauga were fought under his
generalship, both engagements being among the blood-
iest of the war. There was a disposition to censure
Rosecrans for his conduct in the latter battle, but later
developments justified the views of his friends at the
time, that the Union forces had accomplished much,
though at the expense of thousands of lives. But the
gallant Rosecrans was hurt, not only by these misrep-
resentations, but by the venom with which he was
pursued. His nervousness, irritability and impatience
showed to a disadvantage, and he was relieved of his
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 66)
Description
[page 66]
[corresponds to page 62 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
command. This practically closed his military career,
but he did not resign until after the close of the war.
"With the flight of time, the severest censors of
Rosecrans are willing to admit that he was as clever
a strategist at Chickamauga as he was at Stone River,
even though he had a largely reinforced enemy to
meet. He was a great favorite with his men, and the
boys who marched with him in the awful campaigns
will hear of his death with unfeigned regret. He was
a splendid fighter, possessed of a fine military mind
and ample experience, but had a nervous temperament
that at times unfortunately tended to obscure in the
popular mind the brightness of his achievements on
the field."
The following estimate of Gen. Rosecrans appeared
in the columns of the "Western Christian Advocate," a
Methodist paper, whose editor, Dr. David H. Moore,
was a soldier. It is entitled "Our 'Wreath of Roses.'"
"There died last Friday, in Los Angeles, the ablest
tactician among the great generals of the Civil War.
An impartial study of the history of that immortal
contest will show that in this respect no man, on either
side, surpassed William Starke Rosecrans. Whitelaw
Reid styles him the American Jomini.
"Was there ever a better planned movement than
that which resulted in the first fight 'above the clouds'
where Rosecrans headed the 13th Indiana in a head-
long charge that sent Pegram flying from Rich Moun-
tain and Garrett from Laurel Hill? It lacked only the
promised co-operation of McClellan to have bagged
[corresponds to page 62 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
command. This practically closed his military career,
but he did not resign until after the close of the war.
"With the flight of time, the severest censors of
Rosecrans are willing to admit that he was as clever
a strategist at Chickamauga as he was at Stone River,
even though he had a largely reinforced enemy to
meet. He was a great favorite with his men, and the
boys who marched with him in the awful campaigns
will hear of his death with unfeigned regret. He was
a splendid fighter, possessed of a fine military mind
and ample experience, but had a nervous temperament
that at times unfortunately tended to obscure in the
popular mind the brightness of his achievements on
the field."
The following estimate of Gen. Rosecrans appeared
in the columns of the "Western Christian Advocate," a
Methodist paper, whose editor, Dr. David H. Moore,
was a soldier. It is entitled "Our 'Wreath of Roses.'"
"There died last Friday, in Los Angeles, the ablest
tactician among the great generals of the Civil War.
An impartial study of the history of that immortal
contest will show that in this respect no man, on either
side, surpassed William Starke Rosecrans. Whitelaw
Reid styles him the American Jomini.
"Was there ever a better planned movement than
that which resulted in the first fight 'above the clouds'
where Rosecrans headed the 13th Indiana in a head-
long charge that sent Pegram flying from Rich Moun-
tain and Garrett from Laurel Hill? It lacked only the
promised co-operation of McClellan to have bagged
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 67)
Description
[page 67]
[corresponds to page 63 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
the game so cleverly started. Was there any other
Union officer who outgeneraled Robert E. Lee? Yet
when that incomparable Confederate leader undertook
to win back West Virginia from our Wreath of Roses,
capping the summit of Cheat Mountain, he was out-
maneuvered at every point, his Kanawha division only
escaping capture by the failure of Benham to obey
Rosecrans' orders. Iuka and Corinth added new
laurels to this Wreath, when Price and Van Dorn
were compelled to acknowledge his victorious prow-
ess. Had Phil Sheridan and not McCook commanded
the pivot at Murfreesboro, there had hardly been a
remnant of Bragg's army left. As it was, never was
a battle-plan more speedily and successfully changed
in the teeth of impending disaster.
"The chess-board of the war has not witnessed more
brilliant moves than those by which he maneuvered
Bragg out of Tullahoma. Opinion will forever be
divided on Chickamauga; but Chickamauga was
fought for Chattanooga, and the prize was won. If
there Rosecrans' military sun set, it bathed the heavens
in its effulgence.
"Three things are alleged to have blocked his way
to the very front: his inability to select competent
lieutenants; his kind-hearted reluctance to remove
a commander whose weakness had been demonstrated;
and his lack of tact in managing his superior officers.
If permitted to develop his own plans, Rosecrans, in
our judgment, would have topped the immortals.
"'Old Rosey,' the boys called him; and they loved
him for his cheer and care and kindness.
[corresponds to page 63 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
the game so cleverly started. Was there any other
Union officer who outgeneraled Robert E. Lee? Yet
when that incomparable Confederate leader undertook
to win back West Virginia from our Wreath of Roses,
capping the summit of Cheat Mountain, he was out-
maneuvered at every point, his Kanawha division only
escaping capture by the failure of Benham to obey
Rosecrans' orders. Iuka and Corinth added new
laurels to this Wreath, when Price and Van Dorn
were compelled to acknowledge his victorious prow-
ess. Had Phil Sheridan and not McCook commanded
the pivot at Murfreesboro, there had hardly been a
remnant of Bragg's army left. As it was, never was
a battle-plan more speedily and successfully changed
in the teeth of impending disaster.
"The chess-board of the war has not witnessed more
brilliant moves than those by which he maneuvered
Bragg out of Tullahoma. Opinion will forever be
divided on Chickamauga; but Chickamauga was
fought for Chattanooga, and the prize was won. If
there Rosecrans' military sun set, it bathed the heavens
in its effulgence.
"Three things are alleged to have blocked his way
to the very front: his inability to select competent
lieutenants; his kind-hearted reluctance to remove
a commander whose weakness had been demonstrated;
and his lack of tact in managing his superior officers.
If permitted to develop his own plans, Rosecrans, in
our judgment, would have topped the immortals.
"'Old Rosey,' the boys called him; and they loved
him for his cheer and care and kindness.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 68)
Description
[page 68]
[corresponds to page 64 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
"He was the Roman Catholic Howard. A devouter
Christian there was not. We have not escaped the
clutches of prejudice; but all must admit that, though
wholly a Romanist, he was Catholic in his charity
to those from whom he differed. He believed in God
with all his heart.
"He was a native of Kingston Township, Delaware
County, Ohio, and lived from September 6, 1819, to
March 11, 1898. His paternal ancestors were from
Amsterdam; his Dutch patronymic meaning, 'a wreath
of roses' - the perfume of which will sweeten Amer-
ican history."
[corresponds to page 64 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
"He was the Roman Catholic Howard. A devouter
Christian there was not. We have not escaped the
clutches of prejudice; but all must admit that, though
wholly a Romanist, he was Catholic in his charity
to those from whom he differed. He believed in God
with all his heart.
"He was a native of Kingston Township, Delaware
County, Ohio, and lived from September 6, 1819, to
March 11, 1898. His paternal ancestors were from
Amsterdam; his Dutch patronymic meaning, 'a wreath
of roses' - the perfume of which will sweeten Amer-
ican history."
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 69)
Description
[page 69]
[corresponds to page 65 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
NOTES AND ANECDOTES.
HIS SIMPLICITY.
No man could have been more gentle and
simple in his way. He carried all his honors
and extensive learning with the modesty
becoming a great genius. His lot was not
always cast in the most pleasant places, and yet he
bore his disappointments with Christian fortitude. He
charmed every one with his delightful conversation
and, meeting him once, you longed for another oppor-
tunity to listen to him. He could talk entertainingly
on all subjects and would drift along from a scientific
discussion of the "radius vector" in mathematics to some
disputed point in history and then quietly drift into a
talk about the wonderful manifestation of God's love
for man in the sublime mystery of the Incarnation.
HIS GENEROSITY.
The things of the world - money, etc., - seemed
to have no alluring interest for him, and in his last
days of official life at Washington, as Register of the
Treasury of the United States, his purse was ever open
to the needy. At the close of official hours, as he left
the Treasury Department and wended his way to his
room at Willard's Hotel, he almost invariably was
[corresponds to page 65 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
NOTES AND ANECDOTES.
HIS SIMPLICITY.
No man could have been more gentle and
simple in his way. He carried all his honors
and extensive learning with the modesty
becoming a great genius. His lot was not
always cast in the most pleasant places, and yet he
bore his disappointments with Christian fortitude. He
charmed every one with his delightful conversation
and, meeting him once, you longed for another oppor-
tunity to listen to him. He could talk entertainingly
on all subjects and would drift along from a scientific
discussion of the "radius vector" in mathematics to some
disputed point in history and then quietly drift into a
talk about the wonderful manifestation of God's love
for man in the sublime mystery of the Incarnation.
HIS GENEROSITY.
The things of the world - money, etc., - seemed
to have no alluring interest for him, and in his last
days of official life at Washington, as Register of the
Treasury of the United States, his purse was ever open
to the needy. At the close of official hours, as he left
the Treasury Department and wended his way to his
room at Willard's Hotel, he almost invariably was
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 70)
Description
[page 70]
[corresponds to page 66 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
stopped by some old veteran who appealed for assist-
ance; and if he had no money with him, he took the
needy one into the hotel and had the clerk advance it
for him, until, when pay-day came around, his check
was turned over to the hotel clerk and generally but
little was left to his credit.
HIS BRAVERY.
Sheridan, in his "Personal Memoirs," writing of
the battle of Stone River, tells this incident: "Gen.
Rosecrans, with a part of his staff and a few soldiers,
rode out on the rearranged line to superintend its
formation and encourage the men, and in the prose-
cution of these objects moved around the front of the
column of attack within range of the batteries that
were shelling us so viciously. As he passed to the
open ground on my left, I joined him. The enemy
seeing this mounted party, turned his guns upon it,
and his accurate aim was soon rewarded, for a solid
shot carried away the head of Col. Garesche, the chief
of staff, and killed or wounded two or three orderlies.
Garesch's appalling death stunned us all, and a mo-
mentary expression of horror spread over Rosecrans'
face' but at such time the importance of self-control
was vital; and he pursued his course with an appear-
ance (?) which, however, those immediately about him
saw was assumed, for undoubtedly he felt most deeply
the death of his friend and trusted staff officer."
"OLD ROSEY AND THE TROOPER."
The following story, oft repeated, was one that "Old
Rosey" appeared to enjoy hugely, for, as he said, it
was at his own expense:
The Army of the Cumberland was making a march
in a driving rainstorm, the infantry foot deep in mud,
[corresponds to page 66 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
stopped by some old veteran who appealed for assist-
ance; and if he had no money with him, he took the
needy one into the hotel and had the clerk advance it
for him, until, when pay-day came around, his check
was turned over to the hotel clerk and generally but
little was left to his credit.
HIS BRAVERY.
Sheridan, in his "Personal Memoirs," writing of
the battle of Stone River, tells this incident: "Gen.
Rosecrans, with a part of his staff and a few soldiers,
rode out on the rearranged line to superintend its
formation and encourage the men, and in the prose-
cution of these objects moved around the front of the
column of attack within range of the batteries that
were shelling us so viciously. As he passed to the
open ground on my left, I joined him. The enemy
seeing this mounted party, turned his guns upon it,
and his accurate aim was soon rewarded, for a solid
shot carried away the head of Col. Garesche, the chief
of staff, and killed or wounded two or three orderlies.
Garesch's appalling death stunned us all, and a mo-
mentary expression of horror spread over Rosecrans'
face' but at such time the importance of self-control
was vital; and he pursued his course with an appear-
ance (?) which, however, those immediately about him
saw was assumed, for undoubtedly he felt most deeply
the death of his friend and trusted staff officer."
"OLD ROSEY AND THE TROOPER."
The following story, oft repeated, was one that "Old
Rosey" appeared to enjoy hugely, for, as he said, it
was at his own expense:
The Army of the Cumberland was making a march
in a driving rainstorm, the infantry foot deep in mud,
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 71)
Description
[page 71]
[corresponds to page 67 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
the cavalry mud-bespattered, the wagons and artillery
frequently stalled. Several officers were riding along
the road when they saw a cannon almost helplessly
imbedded in the all-pervading mud of a cornfield. At
the suggestion of the leader they left their mounts and,
wading over to the group working to extricate this
implement of war, lent their assistance. The men
were cursing the weather, the mud, the horses, the
gun, and more particularly and with greater freedom,
Gen. Rosecrans, who, they said, had got them into all
the trouble. In the latter particular they were all very
fluent, with the exception of one trooper who was
pushing at the wheel with one of the officers who was
working hardest. While the others were doing bril-
liant work in the way of reviling the General, he re-
mained silent.
Finally the gun was extricated from its earthly bed,
and the unrecognized officer departed. Then the silent
soldier spoke:
"Don't you know, you blame fools," he said, "that
Gen. Rosecrans was pushing that wheel with me?"
"LONG-LEGGED JIM."
Another favorite yarn with Gen. Rosecrans was
about a soldier known as "Long-legged Jim." He
was a brave fellow but fearfully lazy. On one occa-
sion during a long, dusty march on a hot summer
day, towards four o'clock in the afternoon, while
marching through a bit of timber country, Jim could
not resist the temptation to sit down on a log and
enjoy the shade. His captain spoke up and urged
[corresponds to page 67 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
the cavalry mud-bespattered, the wagons and artillery
frequently stalled. Several officers were riding along
the road when they saw a cannon almost helplessly
imbedded in the all-pervading mud of a cornfield. At
the suggestion of the leader they left their mounts and,
wading over to the group working to extricate this
implement of war, lent their assistance. The men
were cursing the weather, the mud, the horses, the
gun, and more particularly and with greater freedom,
Gen. Rosecrans, who, they said, had got them into all
the trouble. In the latter particular they were all very
fluent, with the exception of one trooper who was
pushing at the wheel with one of the officers who was
working hardest. While the others were doing bril-
liant work in the way of reviling the General, he re-
mained silent.
Finally the gun was extricated from its earthly bed,
and the unrecognized officer departed. Then the silent
soldier spoke:
"Don't you know, you blame fools," he said, "that
Gen. Rosecrans was pushing that wheel with me?"
"LONG-LEGGED JIM."
Another favorite yarn with Gen. Rosecrans was
about a soldier known as "Long-legged Jim." He
was a brave fellow but fearfully lazy. On one occa-
sion during a long, dusty march on a hot summer
day, towards four o'clock in the afternoon, while
marching through a bit of timber country, Jim could
not resist the temptation to sit down on a log and
enjoy the shade. His captain spoke up and urged
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 72)
Description
[page 72]
[corresponds to page 68 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
him to come on. Jim threw down his gun and replied,
"Cap, I'll be danged if I 'walk' another step to-day."
The captain, knowing Jim thoroughly, answered, "All
right," and the company kept right on over the brow
of a neighboring hill. Very soon bullets were heard
whistling through the branches of the trees and Jim,
grabbing his gun, started after his companions, who
by this time had come out in the clearing, and to avoid
the deep dust of the road were marching along close
to a rail fence. Jim came flying by at double quick
in the middle of the road, and as he passed by the
captain yelled: "Say, Jim, I thought you said you
wouldn't walk another step to-day?" "Thunder and
lightning! Cap., do you call this 'walking'?" answered
Jim, as he ran by at double-quick.
"WIDOW GLENN'S HOUSE."
This is the famous spot, where Rosecrans held his
last council of war before the historic 20th day of
September, 1863. Here is a description of that scene
from the pen of Capt. W. C. Margedant:
"Widow Glenn's log house was, like all the houses
of that kind, provided with a large fire-place, in which
a bright fire was burning - perhaps the only fire within
15 square miles, on account of the order given not
to light fires on that night for any purpose. The
remains of a candle were stuck into a reversed bayo-
net, lighting up dimly the battle map, which was
spread out upon a cartridge box. The fire in the large
chimney place flared up from time to time, illuminating
the faces of those who took part in the council of war.
[corresponds to page 68 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
him to come on. Jim threw down his gun and replied,
"Cap, I'll be danged if I 'walk' another step to-day."
The captain, knowing Jim thoroughly, answered, "All
right," and the company kept right on over the brow
of a neighboring hill. Very soon bullets were heard
whistling through the branches of the trees and Jim,
grabbing his gun, started after his companions, who
by this time had come out in the clearing, and to avoid
the deep dust of the road were marching along close
to a rail fence. Jim came flying by at double quick
in the middle of the road, and as he passed by the
captain yelled: "Say, Jim, I thought you said you
wouldn't walk another step to-day?" "Thunder and
lightning! Cap., do you call this 'walking'?" answered
Jim, as he ran by at double-quick.
"WIDOW GLENN'S HOUSE."
This is the famous spot, where Rosecrans held his
last council of war before the historic 20th day of
September, 1863. Here is a description of that scene
from the pen of Capt. W. C. Margedant:
"Widow Glenn's log house was, like all the houses
of that kind, provided with a large fire-place, in which
a bright fire was burning - perhaps the only fire within
15 square miles, on account of the order given not
to light fires on that night for any purpose. The
remains of a candle were stuck into a reversed bayo-
net, lighting up dimly the battle map, which was
spread out upon a cartridge box. The fire in the large
chimney place flared up from time to time, illuminating
the faces of those who took part in the council of war.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 73)
Description
[page 73]
[corresponds to page 69 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
"There was Major-General Rosecrans, sitting, in full
uniform and sword, on the edge of a rustic bed frame,
bending toward the center of the scantily furnished
room, listening and sometimes talking to General
Thomas, who sat near the fire, occuping the only
chair which had been left by the widow Glenn. There
were other generals, commanding corps, divisions and
brigades, some sitting on the rough-hewn barren floor,
with their backs against the walls, while others stood
up.
"It was a picture well worth painting - this the last
council of war on the field of battle - the dim, flaring
light, the faces of the men who directed the battles,
the bright metallic shine of the swords and uniforms,
when the fire flared up in the primitive chimney.
Sometimes, when there was a hush of silence in the
conversation, we could hear, far in the distance in the
enemy's lines, the arrival of trains and moving of
troops, reinforcements, soldiers from all parts of the
Confederacy. It was not the usual preparations of a
Saturday night for a peaceful Sunday; nay, it was
for the most bloody fight ever fought, September 20,
1863. There were a few short hours' rest left after
the hardships of the first day's battle, and during this
last war council of the commanders, the soldiers rested
on their arms, awaiting the break of day to renew their
deadly conflict.
"When the first rays of light colored the firmament
in the East with a bright reddish hue, Gen. Garfield
ordered the general staff officers to mount for the
inspection of our lines. Major-General Rosecrans led
[corresponds to page 69 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
"There was Major-General Rosecrans, sitting, in full
uniform and sword, on the edge of a rustic bed frame,
bending toward the center of the scantily furnished
room, listening and sometimes talking to General
Thomas, who sat near the fire, occuping the only
chair which had been left by the widow Glenn. There
were other generals, commanding corps, divisions and
brigades, some sitting on the rough-hewn barren floor,
with their backs against the walls, while others stood
up.
"It was a picture well worth painting - this the last
council of war on the field of battle - the dim, flaring
light, the faces of the men who directed the battles,
the bright metallic shine of the swords and uniforms,
when the fire flared up in the primitive chimney.
Sometimes, when there was a hush of silence in the
conversation, we could hear, far in the distance in the
enemy's lines, the arrival of trains and moving of
troops, reinforcements, soldiers from all parts of the
Confederacy. It was not the usual preparations of a
Saturday night for a peaceful Sunday; nay, it was
for the most bloody fight ever fought, September 20,
1863. There were a few short hours' rest left after
the hardships of the first day's battle, and during this
last war council of the commanders, the soldiers rested
on their arms, awaiting the break of day to renew their
deadly conflict.
"When the first rays of light colored the firmament
in the East with a bright reddish hue, Gen. Garfield
ordered the general staff officers to mount for the
inspection of our lines. Major-General Rosecrans led
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 74)
Description
[page 74]
[corresponds to page 70 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
the cavalcade. It was one of those quiet, peaceful
Sunday mornings enjoyed only in the country or the
woods. There was no noise. Speaking was done in
a whisper."
Capt. Wm. C. Margedant, formerly Topographical
Engineer on General Rosecrans' staff, contributed a
very interesting series of letters to the Hamilton, O.,
'News,' from which we quote the following remin-
iscences:
HIS INSPECTION.
The manner of his inspection at once engendered
a cordiality toward him which promised happy re-
sults. The soldiers were satisfied that their comman-
der took an interest in their welfare - a moralizing,
agency which no capable general of volunteers can
safely neglect. He examined the equipments of the
men with exacting scrutiny. No trifling minutiae es-
caped him. Everything to which a soldier was en-
titled was important. A private without a canteen
instantly evoked a volley of searching inquiries.
"Where is your canteen?" "How did you lose it?"
when? where?" "Why don't you get another?" To
others, "You need shoes and you a knapsack." Sol-
diers thus addressed were apt to frankly reply, some-
times a whole company was laughing at the novelty
of this keen inquisition.
"Can't get shoes," said one; "required a canteen and
could not get it," rejoined another. "Why?" quoth
the general. "Go to your captain and demand what
you need. Go to him every day until you get it.
Bore him for it. Bore him in his quarters. Bore
[corresponds to page 70 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
the cavalcade. It was one of those quiet, peaceful
Sunday mornings enjoyed only in the country or the
woods. There was no noise. Speaking was done in
a whisper."
Capt. Wm. C. Margedant, formerly Topographical
Engineer on General Rosecrans' staff, contributed a
very interesting series of letters to the Hamilton, O.,
'News,' from which we quote the following remin-
iscences:
HIS INSPECTION.
The manner of his inspection at once engendered
a cordiality toward him which promised happy re-
sults. The soldiers were satisfied that their comman-
der took an interest in their welfare - a moralizing,
agency which no capable general of volunteers can
safely neglect. He examined the equipments of the
men with exacting scrutiny. No trifling minutiae es-
caped him. Everything to which a soldier was en-
titled was important. A private without a canteen
instantly evoked a volley of searching inquiries.
"Where is your canteen?" "How did you lose it?"
when? where?" "Why don't you get another?" To
others, "You need shoes and you a knapsack." Sol-
diers thus addressed were apt to frankly reply, some-
times a whole company was laughing at the novelty
of this keen inquisition.
"Can't get shoes," said one; "required a canteen and
could not get it," rejoined another. "Why?" quoth
the general. "Go to your captain and demand what
you need. Go to him every day until you get it.
Bore him for it. Bore him in his quarters. Bore
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 75)
Description
[page 75]
[corresponds to page 71 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
him at meal-times. Bore him in bed. Bore him: bore
him: bore him. Don't let him rest." And to the
captains. "You bore your colonels; let the colonels
bore the brigadiers; brigadiers bore their division
generals; division generals bore their corps com-
manders, and them bore me. I'll see, then, if you
don't get what you want. Bore, bore, bore, until
you get everything you are entitled to: and so on
through an entire division." "That's the talk, boys,"
quoth a brawny fellow. "He'll do,,' said another; and
the soldiers returned to their camp-fires and talked
about "Rosy" just as those in Mississippi had talked
who knew and loved him.
THE "JACKASS BATTERY."
Early in the campaign of West Virginia after the
battle of Rich Mountain and the engagements of
Philippi and Beverly, General Rosecrans conceived
the plan of forming, what is now called, his famous
"Jackass Battery." In taking up the march through
the mountains they were almost daily compelled to
face the enemy. The advancing column had to fight
its way through the mountains, fight for the posses-
ion of the woods, clear the valleys and sweep the hills.
They moved forward under the greatest difficulties,
and General Rosecrans designed a unique battery con-
sisting of several hundred mules each carrying a cer-
tain part of the cannons. The latter were very short,
but had a very wide bore; the first mule carried the
wheels, the second the lafette, the next the gun, and
so on. The mountain roads were very narrow, often
[corresponds to page 71 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
him at meal-times. Bore him in bed. Bore him: bore
him: bore him. Don't let him rest." And to the
captains. "You bore your colonels; let the colonels
bore the brigadiers; brigadiers bore their division
generals; division generals bore their corps com-
manders, and them bore me. I'll see, then, if you
don't get what you want. Bore, bore, bore, until
you get everything you are entitled to: and so on
through an entire division." "That's the talk, boys,"
quoth a brawny fellow. "He'll do,,' said another; and
the soldiers returned to their camp-fires and talked
about "Rosy" just as those in Mississippi had talked
who knew and loved him.
THE "JACKASS BATTERY."
Early in the campaign of West Virginia after the
battle of Rich Mountain and the engagements of
Philippi and Beverly, General Rosecrans conceived
the plan of forming, what is now called, his famous
"Jackass Battery." In taking up the march through
the mountains they were almost daily compelled to
face the enemy. The advancing column had to fight
its way through the mountains, fight for the posses-
ion of the woods, clear the valleys and sweep the hills.
They moved forward under the greatest difficulties,
and General Rosecrans designed a unique battery con-
sisting of several hundred mules each carrying a cer-
tain part of the cannons. The latter were very short,
but had a very wide bore; the first mule carried the
wheels, the second the lafette, the next the gun, and
so on. The mountain roads were very narrow, often
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 76)
Description
[page 76]
[corresponds to page 72 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
only affording room for two mules. Whenever the
army made a stop the "Mountain Howitzers" or
"Jackass Battery" was brought forward and the can-
non quickly put together and the firing could begin.
The confederates could not stand these shells and al-
ways gave the right of way.
This "Jackass Battery" of General Rosecrans proved
so effective that it was adopted through all the moun-
tain regions. The English always on the alert for
advantages, copied our custom and introduced it into
their army. They mounted the gun on the mule,
loaded the gun while it was on the mule, having for-
gotten to note that the Americans placed the gun in
proper position. They lighted the fuse of the loaded
cannon, and the mule being frightened at the hissing
sound suddenly wheeled around until the cannon
faced the officers and the charge went off. History
does not relate what became of the mule.
THE WHEELING STOGIE.
General Rosecrans was very fond of smoking cigars,
but he was not particular of what weed the cigar was
made. His favorite cigar was a Wheeling stoggie, a
slim, irregular twist of tobacco, which would never
get dry, and twisted around the finger. At that time
this brand of cigars would sell for thirty-five cents a
hundred. The general smoked these cigars, which
were actually not of Havana aroma, when he rode at
the head of the army through the mountain regions
of West Virginia.
The staff officers always tried to keep on the wind
side of the general, so as to give the rising smoke,
[corresponds to page 72 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
only affording room for two mules. Whenever the
army made a stop the "Mountain Howitzers" or
"Jackass Battery" was brought forward and the can-
non quickly put together and the firing could begin.
The confederates could not stand these shells and al-
ways gave the right of way.
This "Jackass Battery" of General Rosecrans proved
so effective that it was adopted through all the moun-
tain regions. The English always on the alert for
advantages, copied our custom and introduced it into
their army. They mounted the gun on the mule,
loaded the gun while it was on the mule, having for-
gotten to note that the Americans placed the gun in
proper position. They lighted the fuse of the loaded
cannon, and the mule being frightened at the hissing
sound suddenly wheeled around until the cannon
faced the officers and the charge went off. History
does not relate what became of the mule.
THE WHEELING STOGIE.
General Rosecrans was very fond of smoking cigars,
but he was not particular of what weed the cigar was
made. His favorite cigar was a Wheeling stoggie, a
slim, irregular twist of tobacco, which would never
get dry, and twisted around the finger. At that time
this brand of cigars would sell for thirty-five cents a
hundred. The general smoked these cigars, which
were actually not of Havana aroma, when he rode at
the head of the army through the mountain regions
of West Virginia.
The staff officers always tried to keep on the wind
side of the general, so as to give the rising smoke,
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 77)
Description
[page 77]
[corresponds to page 73 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
which sometimes came in big puffs, all possible space
for departure. It cannot be claimed that the general
kept all of his treasure to himself. Cigars were at
that time, in the mountains of Virginia, considered
quite as much a boon as a white paper shirt collar
was. On the contrary, whenever an officer rode to
the front to make a report or to receive an order, the
general would sink his hands into his well-filled pock-
ets and taking therefrom a cigar he would address
the officer as follows: "Have a cigar, sir."
I remember that on a certain day, one of the rough
and ready colonels of a regiment, whose name I have
forgotten, rode up on the windy side of the general.
As usual the first thing the general said, "colonel,
have a cigar?"
The colonel rose to his full height in his saddle and
sternly looking at the general said: "General, you are
my superior officer, but d--n your cigars," and rode
away. The general and his staff officer looked upon
this as quite a joke, and it was not long before this
anecdote was related to and by every man in the
ranks.
THE GENERAL AND THE CAPTAIN.
When General Rosecrans rode out to review the
troops, there was usually something of a pleasant as
well as instructive character going on. Upon his ap-
pearance the welkin usually rang with the hearty
cheers of the troops. When dressed in line the gen-
eral occasionally passed along the front, scanning each
man closely, noticing in an instant anything out of
place in his dress. He always kept a sharp lookout
[corresponds to page 73 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
which sometimes came in big puffs, all possible space
for departure. It cannot be claimed that the general
kept all of his treasure to himself. Cigars were at
that time, in the mountains of Virginia, considered
quite as much a boon as a white paper shirt collar
was. On the contrary, whenever an officer rode to
the front to make a report or to receive an order, the
general would sink his hands into his well-filled pock-
ets and taking therefrom a cigar he would address
the officer as follows: "Have a cigar, sir."
I remember that on a certain day, one of the rough
and ready colonels of a regiment, whose name I have
forgotten, rode up on the windy side of the general.
As usual the first thing the general said, "colonel,
have a cigar?"
The colonel rose to his full height in his saddle and
sternly looking at the general said: "General, you are
my superior officer, but d--n your cigars," and rode
away. The general and his staff officer looked upon
this as quite a joke, and it was not long before this
anecdote was related to and by every man in the
ranks.
THE GENERAL AND THE CAPTAIN.
When General Rosecrans rode out to review the
troops, there was usually something of a pleasant as
well as instructive character going on. Upon his ap-
pearance the welkin usually rang with the hearty
cheers of the troops. When dressed in line the gen-
eral occasionally passed along the front, scanning each
man closely, noticing in an instant anything out of
place in his dress. He always kept a sharp lookout
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 78)
Description
[page 78]
[corresponds to page 74 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
for his officers, holding them accountable for the con-
duct of the men. At one review he gave a forcible
illustration of his ideas on the subject. He noticed a
private whose knapsack was very much awry, and
drew him from the ranks, calling at the same time
for his captain, who at once approached. "Captain,
I am sorry to see you don't know how to strap a
knapsack on a soldier's back." "But I didn't do it,
general." "Oh, you didn't? Well, hereafter you had
better do it yourself, or see that it is done correctly by
the private. I have nothing more to say to him. I
shall hold you responsible sir, for the appearance of
your men." "But I can't make them attend to these
matters," said the officer. "Then if you can't you
had better leave the service."
Upon another occasion, General Rosecrans noticed
a private without a canteen, but otherwise quite neatly
arrayed. "Ah, here's a good soldier; all right, first
rate, with one little exception. Good cloth and good
arms; he marches and he drills and fights and eats.
But he don't drink. That's queer; and I fear he won't
hold out a pinch. March all day in the heat and
dust, yet don't want to drink water. Rather afraid
of a break-down here. Better have the canteens,
boys, and well-filled, too." And he passed on, leav-
ing a lesson and a smile.
[corresponds to page 74 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
for his officers, holding them accountable for the con-
duct of the men. At one review he gave a forcible
illustration of his ideas on the subject. He noticed a
private whose knapsack was very much awry, and
drew him from the ranks, calling at the same time
for his captain, who at once approached. "Captain,
I am sorry to see you don't know how to strap a
knapsack on a soldier's back." "But I didn't do it,
general." "Oh, you didn't? Well, hereafter you had
better do it yourself, or see that it is done correctly by
the private. I have nothing more to say to him. I
shall hold you responsible sir, for the appearance of
your men." "But I can't make them attend to these
matters," said the officer. "Then if you can't you
had better leave the service."
Upon another occasion, General Rosecrans noticed
a private without a canteen, but otherwise quite neatly
arrayed. "Ah, here's a good soldier; all right, first
rate, with one little exception. Good cloth and good
arms; he marches and he drills and fights and eats.
But he don't drink. That's queer; and I fear he won't
hold out a pinch. March all day in the heat and
dust, yet don't want to drink water. Rather afraid
of a break-down here. Better have the canteens,
boys, and well-filled, too." And he passed on, leav-
ing a lesson and a smile.
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 79)
Description
[page 79]
[corresponds to page 75 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CHAPTER VIII.
CONCLUSION.
The great old hero is dead, - the last of Ohio's
grand quartet, Grant and Sherman, Sheridan
and Rosecrans. As soldier, statesman and
citizen, in whatever light he be regarded, the
nobility of his character stands out, worthy of all
praise and honor. Faith and justice, love of God and
country were his ideals and he lived up to them to
the last.
"Glory, not grief, our theme to-day!
The record of his life to sing
Who brought to clothe our common clay
The royal mantle of a king."
The deeds of the hero of Rich Hill, Carnifex Ferry,
Iuka, Corinth, Stone River and Chickamauga will
always brighten the pages of our country's history;
and his life will ever stand forth in that same history
as a bright, shining example of a loyal Catholic, whose
eminence in the affairs of the nation did not lessen
his faith, and whose faith did but increase and glorify
his patriotism. Peace to his ashes, and gentle, eternal
rest to his great soul!
[corresponds to page 75 of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
CHAPTER VIII.
CONCLUSION.
The great old hero is dead, - the last of Ohio's
grand quartet, Grant and Sherman, Sheridan
and Rosecrans. As soldier, statesman and
citizen, in whatever light he be regarded, the
nobility of his character stands out, worthy of all
praise and honor. Faith and justice, love of God and
country were his ideals and he lived up to them to
the last.
"Glory, not grief, our theme to-day!
The record of his life to sing
Who brought to clothe our common clay
The royal mantle of a king."
The deeds of the hero of Rich Hill, Carnifex Ferry,
Iuka, Corinth, Stone River and Chickamauga will
always brighten the pages of our country's history;
and his life will ever stand forth in that same history
as a bright, shining example of a loyal Catholic, whose
eminence in the affairs of the nation did not lessen
his faith, and whose faith did but increase and glorify
his patriotism. Peace to his ashes, and gentle, eternal
rest to his great soul!
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 80)
Description
page 80]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 81)
Description
[page 81]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 82)
Description
[page 82]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 83)
Description
[page 83]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 84)
Description
[page 84]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to blank page of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 85)
Description
[page 85]
[corresponds to inside back cover of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
[corresponds to inside back cover of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans (p. 86)
Description
[page 86]
[corresponds to back cover of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Published by
The Columbian Printing Company
62 East Spring Street,
Columbus, O.
[corresponds to back cover of Major-General William Stark Rosecrans:
hero of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland]
Published by
The Columbian Printing Company
62 East Spring Street,
Columbus, O.
Dublin Core
Title
Major-General William Stark Rosecrans. Hero Of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland
Subject
Generals--United States--Biography
Kingston Township--Ohio--Delaware County--Generals--Military
Rosecrans, William Stark--1819-1898
Sunbury--Ohio--Generals--Military
United States--Army--Biography
Kingston Township--Ohio--Delaware County--Generals--Military
Rosecrans, William Stark--1819-1898
Sunbury--Ohio--Generals--Military
United States--Army--Biography
Description
This book is a memorial to General William Stark Rosecrans (1819-1898). General Rosecrans was born in Kingston Township, Delaware County, OH. The biography includes information about Rosecrans' military career, the Battle of Chickamauga, and personal details about his life that focus on his conversion to Catholicism. Many personal references to the General's character are likewise included.
Creator
L. W. Mulhane
Publisher
Columbian Printing Company
Date
1898
Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/
Format
Book
Language
English
Type
Still Image
Text
Text
Identifier
31206527
Collection
Citation
L. W. Mulhane, “Major-General William Stark Rosecrans. Hero Of Iuka, Corinth and Stone River, and Father of the Army of the Cumberland,” Delaware County Memory, accessed December 11, 2024, http://www.delawarecountymemory.org/items/show/15.