The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-01-05
miscellaneous.
Sketch Of Major Anderson.

SRetcn OF mayor Anderson.
Major Robert Anderson. whose name has
now become familiar as household word in
connection with the dcfences of Charleston,
was horn in Kentucky, in September, 1905.
and is therefore now in his seth year. In
personal appearance he is about five feet nine
inches in height: his figure is well set and
soldcrly his hair is thin and turning to iron
gray his complexion swarthy his eye dark
and intelligent; his nose prominent and well
formed.
A stranger would read in his air and az
pearance determination and an exaction Of
what was due to him. In Intercourse he is
very courteous, and his rich voice and
abundant gcsticulations 60 well together.
lie is always agreeable and gentlemanly,
firm and dignifed On the LIST day of July,
1921 he entered the Military Academy a.
West Point, whence he graduated July |.
1928, taking high position in large class.
composed of such men as Alexander Dallas
Bache. Colonel Benjamin llugher, Colonel
Francis Taylor. Col. Charles +. Smith, and
others, who have been distinguished as well
in civil life as in the line of their profession
His first commission was that of brcvet
Second Lieutenant of the Second Artillery.
July |, 1925, and he was subsequently, pro.
NOTED Second Lieutenant in the Third Regi-
nent, dating from the same day. From May
to October, 1882. he was acting Inspector
General of the Illinois Volunteers ir. the
Black Hawk war; and it is here worthy of
note tnat our President. Mr. Lincoln, was
one OF the captains OF those troops.
In June. 1888, he was promoted FIRST Lieu
tenant, and between 1885 and 1887 was AS
siStant Instructor and Inspector at the Uni
tod h,I,t t,, I
became ABIDE Camp to Major General Scott,
and in the following year published In
struction for Field Artillery, Horse and Foot
arranged for the Service Of the United States, :"
which has been highly approved of. For
gallantry and successful conduct in the war
against tie Florida Indians, he received the
brevet OF Captain, bearing date April ID
1888.
July 7, 1888, he became Assistant Adin-
tant General, with the rank of Captsin
which he relnquished subsequently to being
promoted to a captaincy in his regiment
October, 1911. In March. lS47, he was
with the Third regiment of artillery in the
army of General Scott, and took part in the
siege of Vera Cruz-heing one of the officers
to whom was entrusted, by General Bank.
head, the command of the batteries.
and gallantry, and he continued with the
army until its trump hal entry into the city
of Mexico, in September following During
the operations in the valley of Mexico lie was
attached to the brigade of General Garland,
which formed a part of General Worth
division. In the attack or FL Moline del
Rcy, on the S,h of September, where he was
wounded very severely, his conduct was the
ham of i,1 a.
superior officers.
in his despatch of Sept. o, says -" Capt.
Robert Anderson acting field officer behaved
with great hcroism on this OCCASION. Even
after rccci"ing painful wound he continued
at the head of the column, regardless Of pain
and self-preservatlon. and setting handsome
example to his men Of coolness, energy and
courage"
General Garland speaks of him as being,
with "some few others. the very first to en-
ter the strong position of FL Molno," and
adds that " Brcvet Major Buchanan, Fourth
Infantry Capt Anderson Third artillery,
and Lieut.. Sedgwick, Second artillery, APP
pear to have been particularly distinguished
tor their gallant defence OF the captured
works.
III duuitioH W WIS testimony 10 MS DCar-
ing on that occasion we have that of Genera
Worth, who particularly directed the attcr-
ton Of the unniander-in- Chief TO the part
he had taken in the action. For gallant
and mcritorious conduct in the battle of
Mollno del R"y,' he was promoted to the
brevet rank of Major, dating from Septem-
Der Sth, 1917. October 5lh, 1857, he was
promoted to the position of Major of the
First artillery which he now holds.
This is certainly a good record for soldier
and proves that a jndcious selection was
made of the commander who is to defend the
government forts and property at Charleston.
The last service of Major Anderson, previous
to his taking command at Fort Moul,rie, was
member of the commission ordered last
summer by Congress to inquire into the man
ncr of instruction at the West Point Military
Academy. The labors of that commission
have already been laid before Congress.