Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-05-18
Brig. Gen. Joseph Lane.

If were to select fine specimen of a backwoods-
man (says Cist's Advertiser,) it should be Joseph
Lane l would take foreigner, if in my power, 90
miles to visit Lane as an admirable illustrations Of
the workings of our political and social institution.
know nothing of his early history, and presume
it to be that of thousands in the west l know him
only as farmer and wood merchant, the banks OF
the Ohio in which character first made his acquaint-
ance. He came on board the S. B. Andrew Jackson,
to receive pay for lot of wood sold the boat and
was introduced to me by Capt. Eckert He wore a
blanket coat and his general appearance that OF
backwoodsman, but had not conversed with him
FIVE minutes, before l set him down as q of nc
ordinary cast.
Later, and more intimate acquaintance confirmed
my judgement, and In his late military career IN Mex
leo, he has shone conspicuous for gallanry and good
conduct even in the galaxy OF heroes which the wal
with Mexico has brought to public notice. 1t may not
be amiss to state, how he obtained his military ap
pointment, taken, he was, from the farm, 10 lead
armies to victory. II
When it became the duty of the President q make
the appointment of Brigader General, it felt by
every western member of Congress to be prize fol
his constituents. Probably fifty names had been
handed in the President, accordingly Robert Dale
Owen, in whose district Lane resides, entertaining
such local pride, would probably not have furnished
any name but for suggestion to that effect, from one
of the Indiana Senators, who do you intend recon-
mendingp Why said Mr.. Owen, l had not thought
of offering name. There are no applications to me
from my own district but if you think it due to it, to
offer a name, shall hand in that of 10 Lane
The Senator approved of the choice, and it was ac-
cordingy suggested. The President, as usual, said
he would give it his favorable consideration. few
days afterwards, Mr.. Owen was transacting some
private business at the White House. After it was
through-By the bye. MIR. Owen, observed tine Presi-
dent Il shall have to appoint your friend Lane to the
Brigader Generalship. hope you have well consid
cred your recommendation, for the office is very
responsible one.' Il know nothing, replied Mr.
Owen, 'of Lanes military talents but there abou
him those elements of character, which In all time:
of difficulty prompts every to rally. instinctivey
around him as leader This has been the case in
" days. when awless men infested the river border
Whether shore among boatmen the river
Lane was the man relied on to keep such men in or
der, and he was always found equal to every emer
gency. l would select him for the Office before any
other man know If had the appointment to make.
| Lane was appointed. The sequel is history ant
| justified the penetratve judgment of Mr.. Owen
Lane has developed qualities which place him in tn,
| front rank of military service.
When the news of the battle of Buena Vista reach
ed Washington, Mr. Owen called on Presinent Polk
Well, sir, exclaimed he, what do you think of on
hoosier generals
All! said the President, with "a quiet smile, Mr.
Owen, you safe out of that scrape!