Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1861-11-01
Tho Death of Col. Baker, the eloquent
aSl Tu'0 Senator and brave Soldier. g

Tho Death of Col Baker, the eloquent
@l 1"'r Senator and brave Soldier. g
Among the saddcst losses which have been
inflicted on the country since the opening
of the war, is that Of the late lamented Ed
ward D. Baker, Colonel of the lst Regiment
Of California Volunteers, and Senator Of the
United States. Col. Baker participated in
the battle which took place near Edwards
Ferry, in Virginia, on tho afternoon Of Non
day last, and fell at the head of his troops
while waving his sword, and cheering on his
men. BY his death, the country is deprived
of ono Of its most eloquent advocates in the
super ior chamber of our national Legislature,
and one Of its most patriotic and fearless
champions in the field. t..........
Y The dead Senator was Of English birth,
but he came to this country when five years
of age, and by the choice Of his father was
settled in Philadelphia, that Quaker neigh
borhood being especially congenial, as the
old gentleman was Of the Society Of
Friends" Possessed of an ardent iinagi-
nation, he naturally took deep interest in
reading, and being stimulated by the allure.
ments of romance, his taste enlarged, until
as of Elusive literature. But none, however,
saw it that patient, thoughtful, never-hagging
boy tho future statesman whose youth was
worthy of lift. Modesty is good maxim
for the manner OF a youth, but genius always
knows itself; and Edward Baker, whose
mind had dwelt upon the marvels of the
West, feeling within himself that confidence
which innate strength inspires, determined
to seek its broad and inviting platform for
his future Youth needs but little prepara-
ton when it sets out to seek its fortune
and hope at all times requires but little
backing.
Edward, though he had but little means
to make the journey, communicated his res
olution to his brother, and the two hand
loom journcymcn, with packs upon their
shoulders, strong stats in their hands, and
stout, hopeful hearts within their bosoms, set
their faces toward the Alleghanies. On foot
they undertook their ascent, and on foot
they crossed and so they trudged along,
through broad, intervening States, until they
found themselves in that portion of the then
far West which was known ms Illinois Here
the young men paused and cast their lot, Ed
ward selecting Springfield as the special place
of residence. There, in a little while, he was
enabled to turn to account the legal reading
which he had begun in Philadelphia and
having happy gift of language to help it
into use, he soon was enabled TO make q liv-
ing at the law. By fast degrees he rose, and
ripcning with exercise, it was not long be-
fore he was among the most popular advo-
Gates mt the bar. ...s. ...s ..E ...
Through his prosperity he was now en-
ablcd to look beyond the narrow circle of
the private sptcs and griefS, in which the
mere attorney is required to abuse his mind !;
and the broad field of politics invited him to
the discussion of more lofty topics. He en-
braccd the doctrines of the old Wing party,
and transferred his eloquence to the forum
with such effect that he soon won his way
to Congress. He occupied his seat in the
House Of Representatives with dignity and
credit, and was fast being recognized as one
of the leaders of that body, when the tempt
ations of the Mexican campaign appealed to
his ardent and enthusiastic mind, and in
duccd him to abandon civil life, and seek an
employment in the way Of war. He went to
| Illinois, raised a regiment and took it to the
Rio Grande. A pause in the campaign en-
ablcd him to return temporarily to Washing
ton, in order that he might express himself
upon the policy of the war and cast his votes !;
but that done, he went back to his command
and followed its fortunes on the line from
Vera Cruz. All the actions of the contested
road to Mexico recognized his valor :; and
when Shields fell at the head of his brigade
at Cerro Gortlo, it was Bakers distinguished
fortune to rise to the command, and to lead
the New York regiments through the bloody
struggles of that day. Well do we mind the
lofty look with which the noble Senator, ff-
teen years more Of snow being on his head,
told the people Of this city, Of that circum-
stance, in April last, when, altogether we
pledged ourselves at Union square, to ayenge
the parricidal blow at Sumter. .., .,.
Returning to Illinois in triumph, Colonel
Baker was again elected to represent his dis.
trict in the halls Of Congress; and he served
there until 1850, but at the end of his term,
he yielded to some views of business, and
went out awhile to Panama. The fever, how.
ever, soon drove him home, where being re-
cruited in his health, new contagion touch
ed his mind. This Was the memorable cpl
demc which directed universal attention to
the Pacific shore; and yielding to the fasci-
| nation, the soldier who had become unsettled
| by the excitcments Of the war, turned his
. footsteps to the new FL Dorado of the West.
His fame had gone before him, and he was
spared any efforts to popularizc himself in
this new field Of effort. He took at once q
superior position at the bar Of San Francisco
and large proportion of the heavy cases Of
the circuit sought the advantage ofhis treat
ment. By common consent he was acknow.
lodged to be the most eloquent speaker iT
California but proof was in reserve, in .
circumstance beyond the mere limits of 70
rcnsic eloqucnce, to create for him the claim
Of being, perhaps, the most accomplished or
ator in the world. Broderick, that noble
young tribune, who had defended Californi,
from the doom Of Slavery, and stood th'
stern bulwark against the dominccring horde.
of Southern Chivalry," had been taken i,
the tolls of band Of pistol sharpers, ant
slain.
"Thcy have killed me because was op
posed to the extension Of Slavery and cor
4 rupt Administration" was the last declara
ton of the dying Senator and as the words
fell from his lips, they became fire in the hear
of the weeping orator who helped to close hi
eyes. " Ntt
The empire Of the Western Ocean wa.
stepped in gloom at the contemplation Of tn,
monstrons deed. All trade was stopped; M
sound of bust,c was heard along the street