The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-06-14
BIDDEFORD, MAINE FRIDAY MORNING. JUNE IA, 1861

vast flutter OF interest and gale Of applause
that their challenge trip occasioned, though
the great military sensation Of the age. was
utterly unworthy Of the subject, rs It failed
to distinguish tho real spirit Of Ellsworth's
work. While it dwelt upon the unerring
precision with which these scarlet machines
performed their gymnastic Lesson, they lett
out of view the entire disciplino-thc identi'
fcation Of spirit Of commander and men
the 'animus' that, derived from their idol
lied leader, inspired those young men and
annihilated their susceptibility to hunger
and fatigue. Was it not also great TIL
umph for this water-drinking colonel to abol-
ish, by the force of his own iron will, a prac-
tice against which the anti-alcoholic forces,
under thousand aliases, have warred tor
years in vain?
know the trial excursion Of tho Zouave
Cadets was not undertaken from any motives
of display, but by tho force Of contrast to
demonstrate tho fact, in way that people
could understand, that our ordinary militia
isa very unweildy and useless affair, and
cannot bo made seryiceable except by vast
expenditure and endless annoyance and delay
And, although in the last six weeks tho pco-
pie have wonderfully seconded the efforts of
the government, candid review OF their op-
erations. from the proclamation until to-day,
will convince anyone Of the necessity Of q
thorough reconstruction Of the militia laws
Of tho States, and such reorganization OF
tho citizen soldicry as will nourish a more
decided military spirit, and establish high
or standard of discipline.
To q great extent, tho trip was great
success. In its wake sprung up hundreds
of new military companies, like phosphores-
cent sparks in the track ofia ship. Several
states reconstructed their militia laws, and q
general military revival was perccptible thro'
out tho land. II had an effect also, in dis
sommating some sensible ideas in regard to
uniform. Inside of the aashy absurdities Of
crimson and gold, for which it was response
bic, thero was germ Of sound Judgment in
tho easy careless flow Of the Zouayo costume,
which hardly touches the wearer.
Ellsworth went back to Chicago, for his
brief hour, tho most talkcd.oG man in tho
country. He quietly organized skeleton
regiment of his own, and made his best men
tho officers in it. Io offered this TO the
Governor of Illinois, and to the President,
for any service consistent with honor" This
was the first offer Of an organized force to
sustain the Constitution and the laws. With
soldcrly instinct he foresaw tho inevitable
struggle, and predicted the very manner Of
its beginning.
Leaving Chicago, ho camo to Springfield
in the midst of the most exciting campaign
known to political history. 1t was not pos
siblc for Ellsworth to bo neutral in anything
or idle while Others were working. With
the whole energy Of his nature ho entered
into the struggle. Hc became one Of tho
most popular speakers known to the school
houses and barns of central Illinois. Tho
magnificent volume Of his voice, which /
never heard surpassed, tho unfailins flow Of
his hearty hulnor, and the deep earnestness
of conviction that lived in his looks and his
tones, were the qualities which struck the
fancy of the Western crowd. Besides, 1t
was very delightful and very novel to SEQ
soldier who could talk.
An administration in harmony with him
was elected, and Ellsworth hoped to put into
practical operation those plans which had
formed the goal Of oil his former efforts. My
space will not permit an analysis of those
plans. They looked to the entire roorgani-
z,tion of the militia of the United States.
They had the approval of some of tho best
military minds on tho continent. With the
hope of fbeins placed in a position where he
could be of service in this way, he accepted
Mr.. Lincoln's s invitation, and joined the pres
idcntial travelling party. lilo soon became
indispensable. No one could manage like
him the assemblages OF turbulent loyalty
that crowded and jostled at every station.
At Washington, ho was placed in false
position. lie never wished Office for its hon
or,.or its profits, but you never can get Office
seekers or ofIice-dispcnsers to believe any such
story. His delicate sense Of honor felt a
stain.liko wonnd, and tho amiablo gentle
men of tho pres. never can withhold the sly
stab when they think man is failing.
These weeks were the least pleasant OF
Ellsworth's life. They wero Frightened on
ly by the society of those no trusted most.
and by the unvaryins friendship and conf
dcnco Of tho President and his family. But
Sumter fell, and the gale Of aroused patriot
ism. sweeping down from tho Nortb' scatter
ed away the cobwcbs of political chicanc'
and cduccd the true men Of the time. When
war was in tho land, there was no moro
dancing attendance for man who knew
that God had made him soldior. There
was only q moment Of hcsitation-it was
whether Chicago or New York should have
the glory Of his regiment. His friends rc-
mcmbered that malignant jealousy that ham,
pcred what he and they would have done for
the State Of Illinois last winter and feared
repetition Of the scene. New York was
catholic and metropolitan. Hewent to New
York.
The rest tansends memoir and passes into
the sphere Of history.
How ho conceived tho novel idea Of tho
6re brirade: how he formed tho most muscu-