The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-09-12
SKETCH OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
STEVENS


ISAAC INGALLS, STEVENS, whose death is
announced in our dispatches, was born in
Andover, in the State of Massachusetts,
bis father, plain farmer, being OF the true
Puritan stock. Receiving his early educa.
tion at one of the best academies in New
England, bis precocious ability led to his
appointment, while mere boy, to cadet
ship at West Point. lie graduated at that
Institution as the first scholar of his class,
standing so high above all Others that it is
said there were fifteen degrees between him.
self and the cadet next in rank. His high
rank was attained without remarkable
labor, for he learned almost by intution-a
single reading of the most abstruse prop0.
sition in mathematics being sufficient to
enable him to master it. Upon leaving
West Point young Stevens was appointed
to the Engineer corps end was for several
years employed in experimenting the con.
struction Of seacoast fortifications one of
which was the important fort near Bucks
port, upon the Penobscot River.
Upon the breaking out of the war with
Mexico, Lieut.. Stevens served on the per-
sonal staff of Gen. Scott, and was in all the
battles on the plains of Mexico. His bold
Reconnaissance, personal gallantry and pro-
found knowledge of the principles of war,
attracted the attention of his general, who
spoke of him as the most promising off.
Ger of his age" He was twice breveted
for gallantry in action, and in one of the
last battles received severe gunshot wound
in the foot.
Upon his return to the United States
"Major" Stevens was selected by the dis
tinguished Professor Bache to perform the
duties of Chief of the Coast Survey Office
at Washington, and while occupying that
position performed a valuable public ser.
vice by successfully combating the preju-
dices prevailed in Congress agains5 that
most important work. During the period
Major Stevens also published history, or
rather criticism, of the Mexican war. This
work, eminently philosophical, and display
ing profound comprehension of strategic
principles, having been published in pamph
let form, is unfortunately out of print.
On the accession of General Pierce to
the Presidency, and organization of the
Territory of Washington, Professor Bache
and General Totten urged upon the Presi-
dent the appointment of Stevecs to take
charge of the contemplated railroad survey
from the head waters of the Mississippi to
Puget Sound and General Pierce, who
had personally witnessed bis high qualities
in Mexico, not only placed him in charge of
the survey, but also appointed him Govern
or of Washington Territory and ex officio
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
One whole year of Gov. Stevens term of
Office as Governor of Washington Territory
was occupied by his negotiation with the
Indian tribes between the Missouri and Pu-
get Sound. He made treaties with the
formidable Blackfeet, the Gros Ventres, the
Pend Orelles, and nearly twenty other
tribes, and established friendly relations
with twenty thousand Indians work re-
garded by the Indian Bureau as one of the
most important that has ever been effected
in our Indian relations.
Upon turning from the Blackfeet Coun-
Gil, Governor Stevens harmed that during
bis absence the Indians upon the coast had
declared war upon the whites With the
utmost difficulty, but by feats Of the most
daring intrepidity, be brought his small
party safely through the hostile tribes, and
Instantly set himself to work to prosecute
the war. The whole conduct of the affairs
devolved upon him, and although questions
have arisen about the policy of the war,
there have been none as to the decision,
promptness and vigor displayed by Govern
or Stevens. The Indians were quelled, and
it is the settled opinion that the very exiss
tence of the Territories OF Oregon and
Washington is due to the military genius
and executive power of the Governor.
president Pierce and Secretary Davis dis
approving the war, Governor Stevens was
removed from the executive chair; but the
people of Washington Territory, better in.
formed, showed their appreciation of his
services by Immediately electing him dele.
gate to Congress.
Although selected as Chairman of the
Breckenridge Executive Committee in the
Presidential campaign of 1860, and thus in.
timately associated with the Southern Iead-
ers, be was never taken into their treason
able councils, and at the first declaration of
secession he openly denounced them. His
intimacy and influence with President Blu.
chanan now enabled him quietly to perform
what was perhaps the most important ser
vice of his life. He urged upon the Presi-
dent the prompt dismissal of Floyd and
Thompson from the Cabinet, and pressed
him to trust to the counsels of General
Scott. lie was, during the winter, in daily
consultation with officers of the army 10 re.
lation to the deiences of the city of WASH
ington and exercised controlling influence
over them. For these acts be deserves the
gratitude of the country, no less than those
other noble democrats, Holt and Stanton.
He was fortunately stimulated in bis 10y
atty by bis admirable wife and her sister,
the daughters OF one of the most eminent
lawyers of Rhode Island.
At the close of the session of Congress
Governor Stevens proceeded to Washing
ton Territory, and while in the remotest
part Of the Territory, heard Of the attack
on Sumter. He instantly offered bis SER
vices to the government and left for the city
of Washington, determined to fight for the
Union, even in the ranks. he got com
mand of the Seventy,ninth New York reg.
iment-the Highlanders-and at once
gained their confidence, respect and admir-
alton. soan restoring them from the state of