Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1858-01-30
Col. Johnston, the Leader of Our Utah
Army.

| The interest attached to the NJ ormon ques-
tion naturally excites some curiosity as to the
individual charged by the government with
the difficult and delicate responsibilities of
the present Utah expedition. IL not only
to exhibit military abilities of high order
for the security of his little army in its Sibe-
rian campaign but be must be possessed OF
superior civil qualifications to guide his deal
iDgs with the misgoverned people who are
represented as denying the authority of our
constitution. The following sketch Of his
past career, which we fad in the Press, WILL
therefore, be read with interest:
Colonel Albert Sydney Johnston, Of the
second regiment of cavalry, now commanding
in Utah, stands little over six feet high, is
of large, bony, sincwy Frame with grave
but pleasant face; possesses quiet, unassum-
ing manners, forming in all person of at
tractiye and rather imposing nppearance.-
Born in Kentucky, he was graduated from
the military academy at West Point in 1926,
at about the age Of twenty. Though holding
a high position in his class, his active temper
ament induced him to waive appointment in
the more scientific but sedentary branches OF
the service, and he was gasetted breyet se-
cond lieutenant Of the sixth regiment of in
tantry, then engaged in service On our Indian
frontier
The excitements Of frontier life, though,
did not satisfy his aspirations, and in the
breaking ont Of the Texas revolution he re-
signed his commission in the United States
army, and proceeded at ence to offer his SER
vices to the embryo republic, entering Texas
without letters or acquaintances, he medestly
Joined the army as Il simple volunteer Ac-
cident one day brought the young volunteer
to the notice of the late lamented Rusk,
then holding the Office Of q general. Struck
with the mprehensiveness and clearness of
bis remarks, tile general made some inquiries
IN relation to him, and sending for him, found
that he had in his ranks man not only con-
versant with military organization, in its gen.
erals and its details, but who possessed pro-
found military knowledge with great strata
gic abilities. lit at ouce mode him the ad-
jutant-geGeral Of bis command, and in this
grade ohnston shared with his dscrminat-
ing commander in the victory of San Jacinto
The revolution in Texas afforded but
small field for military distinction yet be-
foro its close, the acknowledgement had at
tained the rank Of q general. The war ended
General Johnston settled upon farm, and
literally converting his sword into plow
share, Cincnnatus. .pke, titled the earth with
his own hands. Called from his retirement
20 Gil the Office OF Secretary of War; he sus-
tanned himself with great ability, and gained
in his political, as he had done previously in
bis military career, the respect and affection
of the people of Texas.
When Mexico worried us in q war in 1876
this graduate of West Point adiutnnt adgu-
tant-general general Secretary of War, again
rendered his services to his country. Push
ing no claims for Office, though he might with
propriety have sought the highest, he came
forward, with his rifle on his shoulder as a
private soldier. The regiment however
made him its colonel, and in that capacity he
served until disbanded by expiration Of SER
vice. Gen. Taylor, though he parted with
the regiment would not with its colonel aud
to secure his valuable aid attached him TO his
person us an Inspector general.
Sharing with Old Zack" the dangers and
glotes of Buena Vista, he returned to the
United Suites and to his farm. Offered
paymastership in the army in 1876, he accep-
ted it, In March, 1855, on the raising of
fonr new regiments, the Hon. Secretary OF
War, Mr.. Jefferson Davis, who knew John
ston's. s.mlitary qualifications aud services, ap-
pointed him colonel of the second cavalry,
and soon after ordered him to the military
command of the department OF Texas The
present administration have assigned to him
the command of Utah.
In all the relations Of life Colonel John
ston, or General Johnston, us he is more
generally called seems to have filled ably
every part to which he has been cast. Not
only has he been able, but his ability has
been accompanied by the esteem and re-
spect of all the communities, civil or military,
into which be has been thrown.