, 1863-09-28
Maj. Gen. Thomas, the Hero of tho
8Attle OF ChfckamnuUA.

Major General George Henry Thomaa Is IN
officer Of the United States Army, and na-
tive ef Virginia, about forty four years Of age.
He entered the West Point Military Academy
as cadet in 1885, and graduated 1oth in rank
In class Of forty-two. Upon his graduation
In 1910, he was assigned to the Sd artillery as
I'd Lieutenant. His regiment was then in
Flo1ida~ November 6, 1871, he was breyetted
LIST Leutenvnt for gallant1y and meritorious
conduct In the war then being waged against
the Florida Indians. He ras made full
First Lleotonant in Arru, 1914, snd was bfe-
retted Captain for gallant ana me1Itozlous
conduct at Monterey, In Mexico, taking that
rank from September; %, 1915. He was also
breEetted Major for gallant and meritorious
conduct In the battle Of Buena Vista, which
breyet was dated February 23, 1917, tie rank
asnaIt being aWaraed in Nay, 1873; In 1850 he was
At West Point. In December, 1858, be vi
promoted to the Captaincy Of Company B. Of
his regiment, and on the E2th Of Nav. 1855.
Was selected tor promotion to Major In the
I'd cavalry, which was organized in TINT wear.
ae vas commander Of the post at Fort Yuma,
California, in 1856. From 1855 to 1850. he
VAS on duty in Texas, commanding his reei.
ment for the last three years Of that time
against the Indians, and In exploring expedi-
tons. In 1851, he was ordered to Carlisle
Barracks, Pennsylvania. On the resignation
o. ms superior officers, at the commence.
to the Lieutenant Colonelcy Of his regiment,
and on the Sd Of May, 1851, was made Colonel
Of the 70 cavalry. As Colonel he had charge
o1 the United States regular forces uuder
Gen. Patterson, In the Department Of the
Shenandoah. and led the pasaage Of the troops
across the Potomac. He was next appointed
IN acting Bngadler General In the same de-
pa1tment, In which capacity he served under
General Banks. On the l7tn Of August, 1861.
be was promoted to the rank of ,Brigadler
General Of volunteers, and when Kentucky
and Tennessee were made into separate de-
Ia1tmtnt, he vas ordered to report to the
Commander at the headquarters. In the bri-
gadipg Of the forces OF that department he
Was ordered to the command Of the 18th Diyis-
ion. He commanded ut the battle Of hill
Spring, January ", 1862, when the rebel Geo,
Zolltcoffer was Killed md the Confedesates
completely defeated; Els division YVES after
marched to Pittsbu1g Landing, but being in
the reserve, did not arrive In time to take
part in the battle Of Shiloh. He was appoint
ed Major General Of volunteers, April Is,
1852, md assigned to the right wing Of Cen
Ha]leck's army. He was subsequently trans
pointed commander In the field OF .he three
corps embraced in that department. On the
20th Of September he was ordered to super
eede Gen. Buell., but, on the 1emonstrance Of
himself and other officers that General, was
Tor the time reinstated. He took proml-
nent part In the battle of Murfreesboro, and
has been conspicuous in al the later opera.
tions Of Gen. Rosecrans' army. In person
Gen. Thomas is peculiar. He Is fully SIX feet
high, but his figure is so large and square that
It seems to rob him ofseYe1a1 inches Of stature
eandyish hair; keen blue eyes Of medium
proportions, sunken under shaggy brows;
straight nose, not strikingly prominent, but
strong. rudy features, deeply scanned;
square face; large, compact head; heavy but
firm step; there Fou have the physical man.
and energetic. Gen. Roaecrans is said to en-
te1tain for him an exolted esteem.