Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-01-20
oil. johnston, Leader OF our Utah Arm =.

Col. johnston, Leader OF our Utah Army
Colonel Albert Sydney Johnston, OF the
second regiment Of cavalry, now commanding
in Utah stands little over six feet high, is
of a large, bony, sinewy frame, with grave
but pleasant face, possesses quiet, unassuG =
ing manners, forming 10 all person OF al
tractivs and rather imposing appearance
Is 70 10 Kentucky, he was graduated from
the military academy at Wet Point in 1926,
ut about the az, of twenty. Though holding
high position in MS class his active tenn
permanent induced him to waive appointment
in the more scientific but sedentary branches
Of the service aud he was gazetted a breVet
second Lieutenant Of the sixth regiment OF
infantry, then engaged IN service on our To-.
dian frontier.
TIE excitements of frontier life, though,
did not satisfy his aspiration, and on the
breaking out of the Texas revolution he re-
signed his commission in the United States
army, and proceeded al once to offer bis ser
vices to the embryo republic. Entering
Texas without letters or acquaintances, be
modestly Joined the army, as simple
volunteer. Accident one day brought the
young volunteer to the notice Of the late
lamented Rusk, then holding the office Of
general. Struck with the cOmprehensigenes
and clearness of his remarks, the general
made some inquiries 10 relation to him, and
sending for him, found that he had in
bis ranks man not only cOnversant with
military organization, in It's generals and IN
it, details, but who possessed profound mill
tary knowledge with greal strategic abilities.
He at once made him the adjutant-general OF
his Command and this grade Johnston shared
with his Discriminating commander IN the
victory of San JacintO.
The revolution in Texas afforded but
small ii Id for military distinction yet, be-
fore its close, the Acknowledgement had o.
tainod the rank Of general. The war
ended, General Johnston settled upon farm,
aud literally converting his sword into a
plowshare, ClncInnatu,-like titled the earth
with his own hands. Called from his retire
ment to fill the Office OF Secretary of War, he
sustained himself with great ability, and
yousy in bis military career the respect and
affection of the people Of Texas.
When Mexico worried US into war 10
1916, this graduate Of West Point adjutant.
general, Secretary Of War, again rendered
his services to his country. Pushing no
claims for Office, though he might with
propriety lave sought the highest, be came
forward, with his rifle on his shoulder, as
private solder. The regiment, however,
made him its colonel and in that capacity
be served until disbanded by expiration Of
service. Gen. Taylor, though he parted with
the regiment, would not with its colonel; and
to secure his valuable aid attached him to
7 his person as rspcctor-general,
Sharing with "Od ZIck" the dangers and
gIories Of Buena Vita, be returned to the
UUited States and to his farm. offered
paymastership in the army in 1916, he &C
copied it, In March, 1855, on the raising of
four new regiments, the Hon. Secretary of
War, Mr. Jefferson Davis, who knew John
stou's military qualifications and services,
appointed him colonel of the second cavalry,
aud soon after ordered him to the military
command OF the department Of Texas. The
present administration have assigned him to
the command Of Utah.