Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1853-03-31
MR. L iT.R -

a low me 10 correct
sigh, mistake in your issue of lew
days since, as to the Corps 10 which
Maj l. j. Stevens belongs. lie IL an
officer, not Of Typographical Engineers
but Of the Corps Of Engineers.
The position to which he has Just
been appointed 10 one Of considerable
importance, in view Of our vast and
rapidly developing interests on the
Western Coast OF this Continent, ,spe-
cially in connexion with the prospect
I'VE growth Of ocean steam navigation,
and trade with the republics "l the wes-
tern coast, the Pacific Islands, Austria
liza, China and Japan. A bret notice
OF his early career may on This account
be acceptable 10 your readers and TO the
public.
A native OF Massachusetts, he en-
tered the U. 8. Military Academy al
West Poin, in 1885 Clear, rapid, and
comprehensive, his mind grasped and
mastered the most difficult, while 1t
seized and retained the lighter, parts oi
the course OF studies there pursued,
with an ease and completeness that
placed him on the first examination in
contestibly at the head Of his class.-
Each succeeding examination OF the four
years course only served 10 confirm the
result Of the first. The name Of Isaac
J. Stevens was always found on :he off,
cial records leading the van Of that gal
axy OF talent which headed the class OF
1889.
He was appointed an acting assistant
Professor while in the third or second
class. and when frat saw him in 1888,
he wore that double row Of buttons
which was then the badge Of the Ca
det Professor''-the double testimony
OF high scientific at,xlnnisnts and high
personal standing-,hs proudes, dis,inc-
ton to which cadet could aspire
Standing thus elevated oD the roll ot
academic honors, he occupied position
not less distinguished in the esteem OF
his acquaintances and friends. And
when at the close OF his academic course
with his classmates he lett the Alma
Mater OF the soldiers OF freedom as
many manly hearts beat with az proving
sympathy on beholdlng him crowned
with the first honors OF the graduating
claes, and spcd him with their good
wishes OIL the road to that future USE
funess and honor Of which these acade-
mic laursls gave hope, a. on any occa-
sion during the eight years it has been
my pleasure TO be present al The gradu-
ating ceremonies. The talents, the
magnaninity and high moral worth
which marked his academic career, he
has carried into the army md they
have won Tor him the respect and es-
TEEN OF his brethren in arms. He was
stationed at Newport, r. l., shortly af-
ter graduating, and subsequently, MAJ
ried Miss Hazard, a daughter Of the
distinguished Benjamin Hazard, one Of
Rhode Island's most honcred sops. The
following extract from the Official Reg
is,er oi officers and graduates OF the
Military Academy gives briefly the
chief points in his military career.
ISAAC J. SrEvEns-Promo,ed second
Lieut.. Corps of Engineers, July ]. 1889.
First Lieut.. July |. 1910. Adjuiant OF
Engineers lS47-4S. Brevet Capt, Aug.
20, ls47, for gallant and meritorious
conduct in the battle OF Contreras and
Churubusco, Mexico. ,Bvt. Maj. Sept.
l3, lS47, for gallant aad meritorious
conduct in the Battle OF Chapul,s &c.
Mex. Severely wounded in the suburb
OF San Cosme, City OF Mexico, Sept. IL.
lS47. Assistant IN the Geodetlc survey
OF the coast ol the United States since
lS49."
Unless some unforeseen cloud obscures
his opening prospects. his friends and
our common country may look with
hope to the undeveloped chapters Of
that lie oil honor and usefulness which
now lies IN the future before him.