The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-08-02
PERSONAL HISTORIES.


PERSONAL HISTORIES.
J GEN. RozEScRANTz.-Ths officer, who
seems to have achieved the principal victory
in Western Virginia, is from Ohio. lie
graduated at West Point at the head Of his
class, and is therefore finished soldier. lie
has the rank of Brigadier General, and com.
mands one of the divisions under Mcclellan
the latter commanding one Of the others, and
Gen. Morris of Indiana the third.
Major General GEORGE b. McCLELLEs now
has command Of the Department of Ohio,
which comprizes Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio,
and part Of Virginia In rank he is next
to Gen. Scott, although only IS years af age
He was born in Philadelphia, Dec. 3, 1896;
was educated at West Point, graduated in
1916, and appointed Brevct Second Lieut..
of Engineers. Upon proceeding to Mexico,
he at once distinguished himself, and was
breveted for his gallantry at Contreas ,Cheru-
busco, Molino del Rcy and Chepultapec, and
came out of tho war a captain, and in COM
rnapd of the Sappcrs and Miners. In that
capacity he served until 1851, at. West Point,
and, while in this position, he INTRODUCED the
bayonet exercise into the army. The same
year, he superintended the construction of
Fort Delaware; and In the spring Of 1852,
proceeded to Texas, as Senior Engineer. on
the staff of Gen. Persifer F. Smith, and pas
scd several months in surveying the rivers and
harbors of that State. In 1858, he was or.
dercd to the Pacific coast, in command Of the
Western division Of the survey Of the North
Pacific Railroad Route. In 1854, he was
engaged in secret service in the West Indies.
The next year he was commissioned as Major
in the First Regiment Of Cavalry, and was
ono of the officers sent TO the Crimea, and,
on the return of the commission, drew up
the report on thc"0rganization of European
Armies, and the Operations Of the War
Having accomplished th, important work,
aud not having any very active duty assigned
him, he resigned in 1857, to become Vice
President Of Illinois Central Railroad, which
he held for three years, and then accepted
the Presidency Of the Ohio and Mississippi
Railroad, of which he was also General Su.
perintcnt. Upon the breaking out OF the
secession troubles, he accepted the Major
Gencralship Of the Ohio forces, and on the
nth of May received commission as Major
General in thcarmy of the United States.
MAJoR.GEy. RoBERR PArrAsoy.-Major-
Gen. Robert Patterson was born in Ireland
in 1902, and clnigrated to this country when
quite young, taking up his abode in Phila-
dclphia. lie received collegiate education,
and early manifested military inclinations.-
After graduating at college, he was appointed
First Lieut.. in the 22d Regiment Of regulars
U. S. Infantry; in April, 1913, he was trans
icrcd to the 32l Infantry; appointed Assistant
Deputy Quartermaster General with the
rank of captain) January, 1913, and cap
tlin.in-linc, 1914, and thcrcupon rclinquished
rank in the staff. He retired from the army
in the same year, upon the disbandment Of
his regiment. lie subsequently followed the
profession of the law in his adopted city, and
for many years was connected with the mill
tary Of Philadelphia. In lSI7, he was ap-
pointed Major General Of the volunteers, and
proceeded to Mexico and assumed command
of his division. lle was actively engaged in
the siege Of Vera Cruz, but shortly after his
health failed, and he returned to the United
States, and was therefore unable to take part
in the well.contcsted battles in the upper
part of Mexico, which crowned the American
arms with glory and conquered peace.
GEy. PREsrrss OF ILLISoIs.-The name Of
Brigadicr General Prentiss has been frequent
ly mentioned Of late, In consequences OF his
positiop, rs Commander oftho Illinois volun-
tecrs at Carlo. lie was born in Bellyillc,
Wood County, Va, Nov. o, 1919. In 1886
his family removed to Missouri, and ho re-
mained there till 1910, when he moved to
Quincy, ILL.,. where his home still is. In
1886, being then Capt Of the Quincy Blues.
he volunteered for the Mexican war, with
his company, and commanded it at the battle
Of Buena Vista. Upon the close Of the war
he retired to private life, except that in 1860
ho was induced to run for Congress against
the Douglas candidate, by whom he was do
fcated. As soon as the secession movement
became tangible, he reorganiied the Quincy
Blues. was elected Colonel Of the Seventh
regiment Of volunteers, and when brigade
was organized at atCario, he was chosen Briga-
dier General.
ALorAL JupoE.--The country will read
with much pleasure the accounts from st.