Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-06-16
Biography.
[From the National Gallery ofrcirai,s.l ]
MAJ. GEN. EDMUND r. GAINES.


of James Gaines, was born on the goth of
March, 1777, near the Eastern base of the
Blue Ridge, in the county Of Culpepper, vir.
ginia. His father served in the latter part of
the revolutionary war, at the head of COM
pany Of volunteers; and was soon after cho.
sen member Of the Legislature of North
Carolina, to the Northwest border of which
state he had moved with his family at the
close Of the war.
Entering the army in 1899, he was aciive-
qy employed for about twelve years in From
tier duty, which included many functions of
a civil as well as Of military character and
upon him it devolved to take an active part
in the arrest Of Col. Burr, which was effected
in Alabama--an event which has been sup
posed to have exeried mysterious and pre-
judicial influence upon all his after life
Soon after this he Professionally resigned his
commission, intending to engage in the prac-
tice Of the law, but on the breaking out of
the war in 1912, with Great Britain, he re-
sumed his military career, and carly gained
distinction.
At the battle of Christler's Field, which
took place on the nth Of November, 1913,
Colonel Gaines, but just recovered from the
tedious illness which had deprived him of
the honor of participation in the glory of
Harrson's victory on the Thames command
ed the 25th regiment of U. S. infantry.
That regiment was the most effective in
the service. The important duty was that
day assigned to it of covering the retreat of
our several corps, after the check which the
enemy had received, 10 the place Of rc-cm-
barcation on the St. Lawrence.
The duty was most important and ardu-
.ous one. The officer who commanded the
British force was Col. Morrison, OF the eighty
ninth, than whom his Majesty had not a
more distinguished soldier or accomplished
gentleman in his service.
Flushed with the advantages he had gain
ed in the capture of Il piece of our artillery,
and in the death OF General Covington, who
had fallen at the head of his regiment, in Il
charge against the British line, Morrison
pushed his regiment hard upon his retiring
foe, until he encountered the gallant twenty
fifth. Here all his efforts failed. The twen-
ty-fith held firm foot in spite OF repeated as
saults, and manifested degree of tortitudc
and discipline which astonished the veterans
who had followed Wellington over 50 many
fields of triumph. Under its gallant com
mander, Gaines, it remained as immovable
as a rock.
The enemy finally rcpulsed, and our own
troops again on their line of march TO join
the advance, the twenty fifth slowly retired
from the field, having by its brilliant depor-
ment gained for us all the advantages which
could have sprung from the most decided
victory. Col Morrison himself was so much
pleased with the conduct of the regiment.
that after the battle he sent his cald, with
his compliments, TO the officer who COM
manded it, expressing the warmcst admira-
iion of his courage and conduct, and desiring
TO be made acquainted with his name, that
in case il should be hereafter his good for
tune 10 meet the gentleman under more
peaceful circumstances, he might at once
claim the privileges of an old soldier and
friend. 1t is needless TO say that message
so chivalric and magnanimous could not
have been addressed, to a heart more ready
TO respond: or prompt TO reclprocate the ex-
alted courtesy it cunccd, than that of Col.
Gaines.
In the course Of the war, Gaines received
the several successive, rapid promotions Of
lieutenant colonel, colonel, adjutant general,
brisadier general and major general; the
last being the highest rank authorized by
law, and conferred in a form the most ac-
ceptable TO the soldier, inasnuch as it was
ga ,ar breuet," expressly stating the fact
that it ras con nferred on him IN consequence Of
his gallant aud msri'orious conduct in battle.
The Federal government also honored him
and the officers and men of his command
with unanimous vote of thanks, and anhor-
lied the President 10 provide and present to
him gold medal while the three great and
patriotic states OF New York, Virginia and
Tennessee awarded to him unanimous resolu-
tions of thanks, with fine gold hilted sword,
Frm the New Yurk Trhnuc,
He was made a Brgadcr General, March
s,IsIi, and commanded at Sackert's Haibo
until August, reaching Fort Erie and taking
command there on the 5h. The gallant anc
successful defense of Gen. Gaines of that pos
forms one of the NEST brilliant chapters ii
our Military annals. AT length, having beei
severely wounded by shell, ,"he resigned ih'
command to Gen. Ripley and crossed to But
falo. He did not recover in time to engage
in the farther prosecutionof the War, whcl
closed the next Spring but he received tn
thanks Of Congress, with a medal and IN
brevet rank Of Major General for his briilai
defence. He was soon after transferred
The South, and engaged under jackson in III
Creek war Of 1912. He afterwards CON
rnanded III the Southern Military Distr'
until 1he reduction Of the Army in 1928, b'
Mr. Adams decided illa, Gen. Mccomb
clam ..,s The senior officer during what