The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1847-08-06

nrm, noDIe, manly, never ulspuislnS
his sentiments or avoiding the true
issue; and when fighting with the
most determined energy for every
inch of contested ground, yet bear
ing no malice towards his political
opponents,
As speaker, he was always for
ciblc-oiten eloquent-not in ele-
giant and snowy diction, but in the
power or original, native thought,
and Of bold, sublime conception, and
in that simple, soul-inspiring elo-
quence which rouses the hidden soul
of sympathy, and forces the unhid-
den tear into the eye of sturdy man
hood. He was clear and compre-
hensive in thought and expression,
happy in comparison, and if not
graceful in delivery, yet highl, orig
inal and attractive.-llis prominent
fort in public speaking, consisted in
a practical good sense, and in the
endeavor TO produce conviction rath-
err than admiration. AS a writer, he
was chaste and elegant, and has pro-
duced compositions which would do
credit to the literature of the nation.
With the social character of Col.
Hardin, IN st of you are familiar. If
there was any thing for which he
was truly remarkable, it was in the
capacity to infuse life and animation,
cheertulness and JOY, into the social
circle. No circle in society, where
he was present, ever lacked for en-
tertainment and that cheerful enjoy
ment which drives the dull cares of
life away. His generosity as neigh
Dor and a friend, his aH',ble courte-
sy, and his noble and unboundcd
hospitality at his own dwelling, can
never be forgotten by us. He was
faithful in the discharge Of his do
nestle duties. The evidences of his
devotion to his aged mother, his be-
loved wife and children have ever
been before us Never was ma
ture more fitted for the enjoyment oil
the pleasures of home, more suscep-
tible of deep and strong attachments,
more adapted TO the discharge of all
the duties Of kind father and de-
voted husband. And that parental
attachment and conjugal tenderness
reciprocated to their fullest extent,
made his home the bright scene of
domestic bliss and happiness.
Col. Hardin was man of exalted
purity of moral character; he had
not single vicious habit, he was the
victim OF no base appetite; he was
incorruptible as an honest man, cx-
emplary as a devoted and sincere
christian. He was regular atten-
dant upon all his christian duties,
and had a heart and hand open to
the wants Of the poor, and all the
benevolent and christian enterprises
Of the day.
Ifat any time he might seem to
neglect the discharge OF any duty, it
was the result of another strong trait
Of character; the deep conccnlra-
ton, whole. Soulrd energy, and sin
glcness of purpose, which, for the
time Ling, he devoted to the &C
compnshmcut of some particular OBJ
ject; for whether in the pursuit of
professional, religious, political or
military duties, to whatever lie ad-
dressed himself, he brought uncom-
mon force of character, lirmness Of
purpose and vigor of intellect, and
prosecuted it for the time with all
the energies of his nature. No diff
Iicultics or dangers could discourage
or appal; nothing seemed to daunt
the ardor of his pursuit. Those who
have known him alone in the camp,
or the march or the field, have been
but partially prepared to appreciate
him for all the noble traits of char
actcr. which fitted him to shine as
an ornament o, society in all its va
ried relations.
His military character was highly
appreciated by his fellow citizens.
In 1892, he was aid to the lamented
Gov. Duncan, in the campaign Of
this State in defence Of our frontier
settlements against the attacks OF the
savages. In 1888, he volunteered
as a private soldier in the Black
Hawk war. He was Colonel. and
afterwards a Brigadier General Of
the Militia, which post he held at
the beginning of this war. When
our State was called upon for re-
cruits, in the present war, he was
TIE first to enroll his name ; and that
name was sufficient to rally around
him the bravo Volunteers of Illinois.
Need say he was brave? He
could not be otherwise. The blood
of race Of gallant men flowed in his
veins. His courage was never
doubted. His was the very soul of