The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-10-10
The Late Gen. Nelson.

We regret to notice that since the tragic
occurrence which ended in the death of
Gen. NELSON the other day, the newspa-
pers generally have been pointing out the
sterner features Of his character, as dis
played in the conduct of his official duties.
The Louisville Journal, however, gives us
an interior glimpse of his character, which
is very different from that usually attrib-
uted to him. That paper says that his
greatest solicitude in his last moments
seemed to be for the salvation of his soul.
and he died in indistinct prayer for the
forgiveness of his sins. The Journal
would overlook his faults for the many
noble virtues he possessed-incorruptble
patriotism, amazing energy, and his abso-
lutte fearlessness, moral and physical The
Journal adds:
Nor was Gen. Nelson amongst his customary
roughness of look and demeanor without the
softer graces Of character, or the gentIer graces
OF refined life. He was prominently a gener-
GUS man: His heart was as open to the appeal
OF suffering as wOman's. He loved music
passlonately, and cOmprehended it like mas
Ter. Sitting with him in his room but the
other night in a brief interval of business. we
were surprised to hear him whistle. with evil
dent appreciation, an air from u 7focotore, and
still more surprised when he proceeded to re-
count in strain of enthusiasm the circum-
stances under which he first heard that glorious
opera at Naples, with the unutterable delight if.
afforded him. He seemed for the moment
transform apII
Presently, however, an officer. belted and
spurred rushed into the room upon business.
and the imprisoned amateur of music was
again the rough and stalwart soldier We left
him then with the mental reflection that this
daring and impetuOus spirit cherished in its
depths riches of which the world suspected
nothing. With the expression of this reflec-
ton we leave him now. Alas that we leave
him in his coffin instead of his proud place
among men,
The correspondent of the Cincinnati
Commercial, writing from Louisville, SAYS:
General Nelson was one Of the strictest disci
plinarans in the army, and on this account was
unpopular with a certain class of officers. and
with men VINO had just entered the military
service. In the 4th Division of the Army of
the Ohio, he was exceedingly popular. He
was beloved by nearly every man in it. No
better proof OF the estimation i'm which he was
held by his old command need be given than
the fact that it was found necessary to double
the camp-guards to-day to prevent men from
coming to the city to carry into effect their
threats to avenge his death.
His manner was not always agreeable and
pleasant. When pressed by the urgent business
OF an important military command, he was at
times impOlte and uncvl toward all who call
ed upon him. He was impetuOus and rash oc-
caslolEllly IN his interviews with officers of his
command, but when convinced that he had
been unnecessarily rough toward any of his in
terlors, ne was ready and willing to apologize
for the offence. High above these little nfirln-
ties OF character, however, his great personal
bravery and skill as commander lowered. If
all did not know him to love him. few can
name him but to praise as an officer