Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1861-11-06
From the Cincinnati Commercial,
The Late Col. Balxel..


The country's loss is a severe one. No
brayer man, or more accomplished gentle
man has lost bis life in this unhappy war
He was a native Of England, and came to
this country in his infancy. Daring the
Mexican war be was colonel Of one of the
Illinois regiments, and distinguished kim-
self by leading his men in one of tie bril-
liant and desperate charges that won tbs
day at Cerro Gordo. After the close Of
the war he emigrated to California. His
energy of character, his chNalrous depert-
ment, and splendid talent made him man
Of mark. He was one OF the true friends
Of tie Iahiented Broderick, and his Grafton
on tie death Of that true man and Sena-
tor was a mast 4r-piece, and gave him a ma
liona reputation Its thrilling eloquenee
touched the hearts OF the people. Disap-
pointed in his hopes for political prefer
and was elected u. S. Senator by coali-
ton Of Douglas democrats ami republicans
against Joe Lane democrats, He entered
the Senate OF the United States last win
ter with high reputation for eloquence,
which he felly maintained. One Of his
most remarkable speeches was during the
late extra session Of Cong.ess, in reply 10
John g. Breckenridge.
He accepted the. command Of the Cali
fornia regiment, SO called, which was raised
IN the cities OF New York and Philade-
phia, and which was the largest regiment
in the service, numbering about fifteen
hundred men.
The writer met Gel. Baker in June last,
on steamer going from Baltimore to Fort
ress Monroe lie said he did not expect
to survive the war, that, in his Judgment,
lie never should see the shores OF the Pa
cite again. This was hardly SO mueh Il
presenument on bis part lis calculation.
lie SAID the troops were green, and it
would be necessary fol the officers to ex-
pose themselves. He had seen service,
and would feel it q duty to lead his fegi-
ment. The enemy had plenty Of sharp
shooters, and be presumed they would pick
linn of. He said he believed it would be
his fate to die at the head ot his regiment
and 50 be died.
1t may illustrate the temper and charae-
ter Of the man to mention that, after say
Ing with as perfect calnhess as he Could
have nlmed the most trivial circumstances
he believed it would be his iato to fall in
battle, and that he should never see his
home on the Pacific again, he retired from
the guards where be had engage in con-
versation, to the cabin, and seating himself
at the piano, played, with grace and skill
remarkable for a gentleman amateur on
that instrument, several touching airs,
among them that favorite of the English
soldiers before Sebastopo,s sweet and NOUN
FIJI Anne Laurie.
In person Col. Baker was erect, tall and
commanding. His features were regular
in outline, and refined in expression; biz
eye blue aud keen; his clean-shayen face
rosy with health. The top Of bis head was
bald, and the fringe Of hair about his ears
and collar was fine as unspun silk and white
as snow.
We believe he never was married. His
mother is living near Springfield, III. lie
visited her year ago, and spent several
days in her humble home.
We think the Commercial is mistaken
in saying that Col. Baker never was mar
ried.--ED. HERALD.