The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-15
BROADER GEN. ISAAC /. STEVENS.

BROADER GEN. ISAAC I. STEVENS.
Nothing has contributed TO strengthen decidedly
our confidence in the wisdom and discretion of the Prcs
don't than his recent selection Of Gov Stevens of
the Brgadiers. Not that we regard this appointment
indicating the appropriate goal for the ambition OF its
recipient, but rather intimaiion Of his recognition
- one OF those few master spirits who destined 10
play the prominent parts in the present drama. In
opinion Mr. Lincoln has done other thing well cacn
lated TO inspire the country with confidence high
order Of his patriotism.
The rebels boast and doubtless believe, that they have
secured the flower Of old army But it should be
remembered that the exgences Of civil life at the North
and IN the Westso much superior to the dull routine Of
military experience in seasons Of unbroken pcacehad
naturally won from the old army its abest men,
and transplanted them, from time to time, to
neds of wider enterprise than included in the
experiences of garrison lfe in occasional
against struggling Indians. Thus the most accomplished
Of our military have been into pursuits in civil
life specially adapted TO their scientific education To
men Of genius the attraction of higher field of labor
imperative its demands the relations between
positive and the electro negative elements the chemical
world II from distaste of military life that the
young General who commands the army OF the Poto
mac with such glad confidence on the part Of the country
led temporarily abandon his military career,
because civil life offered higher scope for faculties which
were slumberug in the late piping times of peace"
The subject Of this sketch Oilers striking Illustration
IN the direction. Isaac Stevens--better known
Gov. Stevens, OF Washington Terrtory-unt now mo.
deetly commanding decimated New York regiment
the banks Of the Potomac has achieved perhaps, more
tnan any other man oil his during his absence from
military life.
within the short period of six years he surveys tho
railroad route from the head waters Of the Mississippi
Puget Sound making vast additions 10 geographical
knowledge; Governor Of Washington Territory he in
fact Organizes that new country Is Indian Commissioner
thousand aud
conducts TO prosperous termination with Indians
who threaten to devastae the Territories Of Washington
and Oregon. For two years delegate Congress from
Washington Territory, he secures the construction of
wagon road connecting the waters Of the Columbia and
Missouri aud the passage Of bill for payment OF the
debt Of Washington and Oregon During the period
he writes report Of his survey occupying four hundred
quaro pages, by far the attractive Of the twelve
volumes OF the Pacific Railroad reports.
ms EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION.
1ovefhor stevens now anont iorty I'VE years Of age
was born IN Andover In the state Of Observation-Disclosures
the Old Bay State has not entirely forgotten who
has done so much TO make her honorable his father
plain farmer being OF the Puritan stock Receiving his
early education Of the best academies New Eng
land his precocious ability led TO his appointment while
mere boy, To cadetship at West Point He graduated
nj that institution the scholar his class stand.
ing high above all others that it is said there
were fifteen degrees between himself and the
cadet next in rank. His high rank was at.
tanned without remarkable labor for lie learned
almost by ntutiona single reading OF the abstruse
proposition In mathematics being sufficient to enable
him TO master IT, Upon leaving West Point young stevens
appointed to the Engineer corps and for several
coast for,idcaons, OF which the important
near Bucksport, upon the Penobscot river.
yxPERENcE IN MEXICO.
Upon the breaking out OF the with Mexico Lieut..
Stevens served the Re sona staff of General scott and
in all the battles The plains of Mexico His bold
Reconnaissance personal gaantry and profound know
ledge Of the principles OF war attracted the attention
OF his general, who spoke OF him he most promising
officer OF his age" He was twice breveted for gaantfy
III action aud Of the last battles received severe
Runsot wound in the foot from which he still suffers
. MS CONNECTION WITH THE COAST SURVEY.
Upon his return 10 the United States MAJOR Stevens
was selected by the distinguished Professor Bache TO per
form the duties OF Chief Of the Coast Survey Office at
washnsion and while occupying that position perform
cd valuable pubic service by successfully combating
the preudces which prevailed in Congress against that
most important work During this period Major stevens
also published history, rather criticism, OF the
Mexican war. rms work eminenty philosophical, and
displaying profound comprehension strategic prin.
ciples, wing been published pamphlet form Is m
fortunately out Of print.
PACIFIC RAILROAD SURVEY
Upon the accession of Gen Pierce to the Presidency and
the organization Of the Territory Of Washington Professor
Bache and Gen. Toen urged upon the President the an.
of Stevens IN take charge OF the
railroad survey from the head waters of the Mississippi 10
Puget sound and Gen Pierce, who bad personally wit
messed his high qualities in Mexico, only placed him
OF Washington Territory and ezc6fcio Commissioner Of
Indian Affairs.
The history Of the survey appears superb quarto
volume, forming the twelfth OF the Pacific Railroad Re
mirable first written out by short hand report
from Gov Stevens dication, he beng engrossed
with Congressional abOrs TO leave no time TO prepare
che work otherwise But this not allowed 10 inter.
fere with most thorough and searching subsequent
revision.
One whok year Of GovernQg stevens term Of Office as