The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-29
SKETCH on nRIaAprEn arNEnAI. srEvENs.

age He was born IN Andover in the State of Missachu
settshs father, plain farmer being Of the true Puri-
tan stock Receiving his early education at one Of the
best academies in New England his precocious ability
led to his appointment while mere boy to a cadetshp
at West Point He graduated that institution as the
first scholar Of his class standing high above all others
that II Is said there were fifteen degrees between himself
and the cadet next in rank His high rank attained
without remarkable labor for he learned almost by in
tuitiona single reading of tho abstusc proposition
In mathematics being sufficient enable him to master
IT, Upon leaving West Point young stevens was appoint
cd to the Engineer corps and for several years
poycd in experimenting the construction Of seacoast for
titcanls, ono OF which was the important fort near
Bucksport, upon the Penobscot river
Upon the breaking out Of the war with Mexico Lieut..
Stevens served on the personal staff Of Gen. Scott and
was in all the battles on the plains Of Mexico. His bold
reconnaissance personal gaanry and profound know
ledge OF the principles Of attracted tho attention
OF his general who spoke Of him "the most promising
officer Of his age" He brevcted for gallantry
in action apd in Of the last battles received severe
gunshot wound in tho foot, from which he sti suffers
Upon his return to tho United States "Major Stevens
was selected by tho distinguished Professor Bachc to per-
form the duties of Chief Of the Coast Survey once at
Washington and while occupying that position performed
valuable public service by successfully combating the
eudces which prevailed in Congress against that most
important work During this period Major Stevens also
published history, rather CRITICISM Of tho Mexican
war. This work eminently philosophical and displaying
aprofound comprehension Of strategic principles having
been published in pamphlet FORM unfortunately out Of
print.
Upon the OF General Pierce to the Presidency
and the organization Of the Territory Of Washington,
Professor Bache and General Totten urged upon the Pre-
sdent the appointment Of Stevens take charge Of the
contemplated railroad survey from the head waters Of
the Mississippi to Puget sound General Pierce who
had personally witnessed his high qualities Mexico,
not only placed him in charge of the survey, but APP
pointed him also Governor Of Washington Territory and
es 1fcio Commissioner Of Indian Affairs.
The history Of the survey appears in superb quarto
volume, forming the twelfth Of the Pacific Railroad Re
ports. is remarkable fact that the whole of this nd
mrable work first written by short hand report
ters from Governor Stevens dictation, he being
crossed with Congressional labors to have time TO
prepare the work otherwise But this not allowed
10 interfere with most thorough and searching subse-
quent revision.
One whole year Of Governor Stevens term of Office as
Governor Of Washington Territory occupied by his
negotiation with the Indian tribes between the Missouri
and Puget Sound. He made treaties with the formidable
Backfect the Gros ventres the Pend Orees and nearly
twenty other tribes, and established friendly relations
at the Indian Bureau Of the important that
has ever been effected in our Indian relations
Upon returning from the Backfect Council Governor
Stevens learned that during his absence the Indians
the coast had declared upon the whites. with
the utmost difficulty but by feats of the most daring
ntrcpdity, he brought his small party safely through
the hostile tribes and instantly set himself to work TO
prosecute the The whole conduct Of affairs dcvoved
upon him, and although questions have arisen about
the policy Of the there have been 70 de-
cison promptness and vgor display by Governor Ste
vens The Indians quelled, and 1t is the settled
opinion that the very existence Of tho Territories Ore
gen and Washington due to the military genius aud OK
ecutive power of the Governor. President Pierce and
Secretary Davis disappearing the war; Governor Stevens
removed from the executive chair; but the people Of
Washington Territory better informed showed their ap
probation Of his services by Immediately electing him
delegate to Congress.
Although selected as Chairman Of the Brecknrdge Ex-
ecutve Committee in the Presidential campaign Of $780,
and thus intimately associated with the Southern leaders.
he was taken into their treasoDable councils and
at the FIRST declaration Of he openly
them His intimacy and influence with President Blu
chanan now enabled him quietly TO perform what
was perhaps the most important service Of his
life. He urged upon the President tho prompt
dismissal Of Floyd and Thompson from the Cabi-
VI
Scott He was during the WINTER daily consultation
with officers Of the army in relation to the defcnces Of
the city Of Washington andcxercsed controlling inu
them. For these acts he deserves the graft
udc Of the country less than those other noble demo
Gratis, Holt and Stanton. He fortunately stimulated
in his loyalty by his admirable wife and her sister the
daughters OF Of the eminent lawyers Of Rhode
Island.
At the close Of the session Of Congress Governor ste
vens proceeded to Washington Territory and while in
the remoes part Of the Territory heard Of the attack on
Sumter. He instantly offered his 10 the govern
ment and left for the city Of Washington determined 10
fight for the Union, even in the ranks He got command
of the Seventy ninth New York regment-the Highland
ersand at gained their confidence, respect and ad
miration soon restoring them from the Of demora
zaon and revolt in which he found them into one OF tho
most reliable regiments in the service. He is now in
command Of the Third Brigade Of which the Seventy
ninth forms part We may expect him and the brigade
to distinguish themselves.
SKETCH OF GENERAL WRIGHT.
Brigader General Horato Gates Wright is native Of
Clinton Connecticut and graduated at West Point 1s4l
standing number two in his class. He became Second
Lieutenant Of the First United States Engineers in the same
year and in January 1S42 appointed acting assist
Professor Of Engineering at the Military Academy
position he held until August 1843 when he became full
Assistant Professor In February 1S4S he promoted
TO First Licutenantoy, and in February 1856 TO Cap
taincy the Engineers He for four years assistant
70 General Totten, in the Engineer Office at Washington
and rendered valuable service in that capacity. He
subsequently stationed at the Tortugas Island engaged
the construction Of Fort Jefferson duty that may b.
considered as an honorable exile. Our readers will re
member how the mereurial Floyd sent Captain NJ. c
Meigs to this post to be cnectuay rid Of him. By thu
increase Of the engineer corps be promoted Major
his commission dating August 6, of the present year. III
among those recently created Bgader Generals by h
| President, his appointment dating from last month.
Such are the men on whom the hopes Of tho country
now rest having the conduct Of expedition of sucf
vast magnitude and fraught with such nestimable
suits to tho whole republic We trust they will all prove
fully up to the trust reposed in Them and that the work
which they have hand will rebound to their own
glory and the great and lasting interests Of the who
| land
The COAST SURVEY OFFICER.