The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1866-08-02

ACl'clSs oDtdlHtHS hDOWleuSe Wnlcn mas
since been of value to the nation. Again,
by what seemed Provideutial accident,
L was sent to take testimony about some
lost saddles and brid -7alue, nothing;
but nevertheless those lost saddles and
brides took me into a region of country,
the knowledge of which atterwaro proved
to be OF the greatest Importance to the
people of New Hampshire and the whole
civilized world | went to Marietta and
Chattanooga and stayed six weeks, and in
that short time gained knowledge which
has since, [ think, repaid the mile
age paid me 3. ten cents per mile
Shortly atterward, just about 20 years
ago, remember sitting with many young
ofhcers-Braxton Bragg was one-at the
dining table of the Hon. James Pettigrew.
L believe the best Uuion man present will
not doubt the loyalty of Mr.. Pettigrew,
tor he was loya. In 1881. He was the
only loyal intelligent man in Charleston
during the rebellion, and ne is ioyal now.
Mr.. Pettigrew listened to our complaints
that our future looked poor, and that the
only promise held out to US was a brevet
major commission and command of some
little post on the New England coast
He told US, "Gentlemen, do not be alarm
eu; there is Providence guides this
world, and you young men will yet have
to await an opportunity to put your talents
to use" His language gave us encour-
agement. The Mexican war soon broke
out, and [ was sent to California, where
in my wanderings | saw the first pieces
of gold discovered, and watched its mag
icai effect upon the whole world The
discovery of thai gold gave millions to
America, and [ doubt much whether, if
that gold had not been discovered. the
nation would have maEaged to work out
the problem of finance which the war of
Rebellion had raised, and preserved its
present g )rious position. That gold gave
US wealth and credit abroad, and strength
and durability which survived the war.
After some years again went South, and
all at once | paused to see and feel In the
very air that we were upon the verge of
a sectional war. | had heard it spoken
of in Charleston. We had laughed and
joked over it at the mess table. l had
heard it discussed by politicians 1 had
heard Gen. Scott say we were upon the
eve of war; !; but my mind never realized
it until the Spring or Summer of 1860,
when was in New Orleans and Baton
Rouge. Then, for the first time, | saw
that it was not all talk. That cry of
wolf, wolf, meant something, and that
civil war was upon US sure enough and
what has been the Issue? You all know
it has been short war to the world at
large, but long enough to Us during those
dark days which formed the early part of
it. I will not review ii. Let history
take charge Of il. Al! l will say is that
in that war arose men, one by one, equal
to the emergency, until the war closed
and the nation was saved And now,
young gentlemen, ask you to look at
these men and your future. They are like
yourselves. Look at Gen. Grant, a mod
est, plain, bold, brave, unchanging gen
tleman, with the simple idea to do
what is right, and nothing will turn him
aside from that. Il more modest man
than George Thomas exists not on earth.
If he were present, you could not begin
to get him to stand up here; Phil. Sheri-
dan would infinitely rather, with saber IN
hand, ride down the rebel lines than enter
this room and stand in my place. Gen.
Meade is an accomplished gentleman and
scholar, and would FL this place far better
than [. Thus you see that during the
war men have risen to the highest posi-
tions, and stand there now, not Que of
whom preteGds to be above you aid this
teaches the simple lesson that with hon.
esty of purpose you can master every
problem if you go at it with a good pur-
pose and determination to do so. There
is no doubt of that, in my judgment. 1t
requires, of course, a great intellect to
become a renowned judge or lawyer or
man of science, but for man Of business
for the thousand and one employments
that give tone and temper to the country,
any young man, with good, earnest
heart, eau master them. For the art of
war, in which renown seems thrust upon
US, all that is required is nerve, honor,
courage and faith in the flag that wins
and wins always. l will not occupy more
of yonr time, for [ have seen ladies and
gentlemen standing here for five long
hours, patiently, aud you must oe tired.
| know YOU will say amen to the words L
have spoken to these young men ard give
them a parting aud cheerful word as they
start out into that world which Is not so
dark and full of bad people as has been
represented There are a great many
good people IN the world. You will find
them wherever you go, for they are all
pretty much as God Almighty designed
them. Therefore, young gentlemen, wish
ing you happy passage through the sea
of life, | bid you farewell.
nag IF we would have the kindness of