The Shasta courier., 1866-08-11
General John A. Logan.

sentiment of the production, we propose 10
devote some space to the history of its DIS
tinguished author:
| General Logan was born in jackson coun-
ty, ILL.,, on the 9th of February, 1926. His
father was an Irish refugee who, on account
of his denunciations of British tyranny, was
forced to flee from his native land, and Fl
nally settled down at Carbondale, jackson
county, Illinois, where he married and still
resides.
During young Logan's boyhood schools
we're scarcely known in the new State of
Illinois, and his early opportunities for ac-
curing an education were of the most meagre
character; but Ly determined application and
the assistance of his parents, he learned to
spell and read. Having mastered these two
elementary requirements, he eagerly sought
and read every history and biography obtain
able in his neighborhood, Histories of the
early settlement of the colonies, and Of the
Revolution, were sources of especial interest
to the young student. The perusal of these
works, and the recollection Of his fathers
exile, doubtless fostered the love of freedom
and republican institutions in his heart, and
kindled within his youthful soul the latent
spirit of resentment against wrong and op-
preston.
| In 1916 war was declared against Mexico,
and thousands rushed to avenge the insults
offered our national honor. Among the num-
Der who thus volunteered was Logan, who,
although but twenty years of age, was elected
First Lieutenant of company of the First
Illinois Regiment, which particularly dis
tinguished itself on several of the bloodiest
fields of Mexico.
| At the close Of the war he returned to his
native place and commenced the study of the
law. While pursuing his studies, be was
married to Miss Mary Cunningham, of Shaw
neetown, H., and was elected to several local
Offices In 1858 he was elected to Congress
from the Ninth District of Illinois, and the
once poor boy and self made man exchanged
the dingy and obscure Court rooms of
Egypt for the frescoed halls of the Ma
tional capitol, where his eloquence and spirit
in debate not only endeared him to his friends
but compelled the respect of his opponents.
But it was not until 1861 that the genius and
ability of John a. Logan was destined to
shine forth in full lustre before the public,
gaining additional respendency by the fire
and fervor of his pure and disinterested pat
riotism The leaders of the great conspiracy
against the perpetuity of the Union were be-
ginning to boldly unfold their reasonable
programme. Doubt and gloom overshadow
ed the land, and at the behest of traitorous
convocations, State after State were being
torn from their ancient moorings around the
central Government, and plunged into the
vortex of rebellion and anarchy. Defiant
traitors, who had been nurtured and fed by
the Government were turning to strike down
their foster parent, as it were, and Haunting
the emblem of revolt on every breeze. AL
ready Sumter's guns stood silent on the bat
tered parapets, and the flag of rebellious
Carolina foated above the Sta-s and Stripes;
and to further dedicate their unholy cause
and set still deeper seal of blood upon the
act of secession, the traitor leaders arrayed
an army within sight of the National capitol,
and the disastrous battle of Bull Run fairly
inaugurated the greatest conflict of modern
times. When the boom of the guns denoting
the commencement of this engagement rever-
berated sullenly over Washington, and
echoed ominously along the arches and cor
ridors of the capitol Logan arose from his
seat in Congress, and with flashing eyes aud
compressed lips hurriedly left the hall.
Passing into the street he obtained horse
and musket, and thus equipped followed and
overlook Col. Richardson's regiment in time
to take part in the unsuccessful struggle
Returning to Washington the following
day. he delivered fervid and glowing fare
well speech in Congress, assuring his COM
peers that the " men of the West would hew
their way to the Gulf with their swords" at
the same time declaring his intentions of
entering the service of the Government and
fighting for the maintainance of the Union so
long as an unconquered foe remained to pol
lutte the soil of his native land.
Returning home to Illinois, he raised and
equipped the 31st Regiment Illinois Volun-
tee-s, and on the 1st of November, 1861,
Col Logan led bis men in the thickest of the
| fight mt Belmont Later, while leading a
desperate charge at Fort Donelson, he re
ceived q severe wound from musket ball in
his left side, and another in the thigh, and
although faint from suffering and loss of
blood. he resolutely clung to his saddle, and
called on his men to hold their ground.
which they did until reinforcements arrived.
when he was taken from his horse to be
treated by the surgeon.
Partially recovered from his wounds, Lo-
gan rejoined the army in time to participate
in the hotly contested battle of Shiloh, and
for his bravery and success on that occasion,
was promoted to the rank of Brigadier Gen.
eral. During Grants Mississippi campaign
Logan was further promoted to the rank of
Major General of Volunteers. and was placed
in command of one of the divisions of the
18th Army Corps. At the siege of vicks.
burg, and in the battles of Raymond, Jack
son and Champion Hill, Logan took con-