Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1864-07-30
~ DEATH OF MAJOR GENERAL Nc
John p. Mcpherson was

DEATH OF MAJOR GENERAL Nc
PHERsoS-Geucral John b. Mcpherson was
= regularly trained and scientifically educa-
ted soldier, graduate of West Point, and
one Of the brightest ornaments of that IA
nous military college. He may be said to
be peculiarly identified with the war in the
west. lie shared in its earliest tolls and
sufierings, in its most brilliant achievements
and did much, very much, to bring about
It's bright results. He served under Grant
at Fort Donelson, VIcksburg and Chat;a-
nooga, and under sherman in his marvel
lous expedition through the cotton States
last winter, and has been with him again all
through the campaign in Georgia.
1t was the possession Of such coadjutors
as Mcpherson that enabled Grant to divide
his army without risk, and entrust his com
manders with much separate authority
Thus, in his great march from Port Gibson
10 Jackson, Mcpherson led the vanguard,
fought some of the battles with his own
corps alone. So perfectly acquainted with
his ability did the rebels become, that
some of their papers gave him the credit of
being the man behind the scenes in all
Grants victories, and they stated that he
had undertaken to do as much for Sherman
rs he had for Grant. OF course this was
gross msstatement, and was intended to
undcrrate Grant and Sherman, but it is proof
that Mcpherson was man of no ordinary
kind.
1t is true that Mcpherson was an adept at
strategy, but he was also an advocate of
prompt and desperate battles. Rapid march
ing and savage attacks on the enemy immc-
diatriy on meeting them suited his restless,
ultiring disposition peculiarly. He seemed
to believe in the Irishmans maxim, "If you
see a mead hit it," These were the qualities
which made him terror to the enemy. for
long experience had taught them to know
him. But it is an eXaggeration to say that
he was the originator of this sort of warfare
in these western campaigns, for Grant, Shcr-
man and Mcpherson had fought together so
long that they knew each others views of
army matters and had become moulded into
the same kind Of generals
1t is true that Sherman has in Generals
Thomas, Schofeld and Hooker men worthy
10 be trusted in any campaign, and in the
march from Chattanooga they have proved
this on many occasions. They, too, have
learned the military maxims and policy Of
Grant, Mcpherson and Sherman. But We
cannot avoid an expression of sincere sorrow
Tor the unlimely fall Of Mcpherson.
~ The estimated loss, caused by the
ate raid of the rebels into MARYLAND, l.
about tSo millions of dollars. In tins csti-
mate, the loss to the Northern Central road.
Il put down AT 100, 900. We doubt II the
actual loss is half that sum,
.I- The rebels are again advancing 10.
wards the Potomac. Gen Hunters lorc,s
have becn severely aud roughly handled
by superior numbcp of nhc,, and some
leading officer. are reported killcd. Ills
fnrccs afe naw concentrated bear IInrp'r's
, -.- n Ds r44gl abandon N'riiAla ve
30 aDl sre any o''staels ." pryyrn' thr Dhrb
reNisillng Mar lasd, " ia Gfce The rl
NOR that Gen. A,,du uas killsd. Il nul
true he iell back flom Manln.bufg to
HaTPsIs feTry beiore superior namtsr.,
~ Tbs drcllon elilseTs chosel lasl spring
may Ia sli tgufn pn0T 40, OF 90 tbs secund