Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1867-10-12

scientious. To discharge his duty seemed
his governing purpose Humbug, ostcnta
ton and self fgloritication were foreign t,
his nature. No newspaper reporters wer
ever encouraged to hang round his quarter
to puff him into celebrity and he was con
scquently, distinguished in the army lont
before his worth was appreciated by tht
public. More than once he secuted tn,
press letter writers from his presence, whet
they intruded with impertinent question
ings. Get out of my sight, sr!' vas the
asture command he uttered to one bold cor
respondent of a leading New York journal
who rode up to him on march, to post
himself on movements. Hence, but little
adulation of him was spread before the
readers of newspapers. This indifference tc
public applause, and seeming disregard OF
the favor of the men, made him unpopular
with them on first acquaintance :" but as
they grew familiar with his merits, knew
how real was his concern for them. and how
safe they were under his guidance, he be.
came the idol of all The private soldiers
recognize an able leader, and know "when
things are going right by instinct, appa-
rently.
One Of the first occasions to popuialize the
General was at the battle of Drainesville.
While Ord was foraging along the pike near
Dralnesvi!le, he was attacked on his tlanks
by concealed enemy. Reynolds brigade
lay 20 the south of the road, within support
ing distance. The sound of the guns started
him to the field Of action, and he instantly
made for a road which would have brought
him to the rear of the rebels and secured
their complete capture. The Division Com
mander diverted the move and the enemy
escaped. The military ability of the Gene
raj was established.
In the following spring, while Mcdowell
was covering Washington, Reynolds bri
gade was encamped ON the heights of Fred
ericksburg, of which city he was Military
Governor. The ladies of the place were
pestl!ently and proverbially disloval, and
displayed their aversion to the Yankees on
all occasions by the most COntcmptuous
and audaciOus dcmeanOr Some over yea
lous women placed pair of diminutive re.
bel banners against ;hcir parlor window
panes. A party of soldiers passing by, halt
ed, and compelled the ancient maiden to
remove the obnoxious symbols. and straight
way erected a staff and hoisted The true flag
Immediately in front of the dwelling of the
offenders. \ gallant pet-knight, from a
New York regiment, "came riding by" ana
pompousy ordered the men to take down
the pole and dispersc. This was sooner
said than done. A disturbance was arising.
when the General swooped on the crowd.
Learning the state of the case he is said to
have directed the flag to remain, and threat
ening with severe punishment any one who
would dare to disturb it. sent the delighted
soldiers to their regiments.
1t is not our purpose to write a biography
Of General Reynolds, or to discuss his gene.
ralship Swinton has aptly depicted him as
lone Of the most distinguished and best he.
loved officers of the army OF the Potomac a;
one whom, hy the steady growth of the
highest military qualities, the general voice
of the whole army had marked out for the
largest fame" We merely glance at some
personal points of character and some in
cidents in his short career.
At Mechanicsvile he TcpulSed the Tchel
assault which opened the Seven Days Fight
ing; when the enemy lost between three
and four thousand men. He was every
where present along the lines, and seemed
As self possessed and eated as if he were n
knight on holiday journey. Indeed, this
was Characteristic. The excitement of battle
kindled and animated him, ana his face
shone with eagerncss in the fray. He was
nsensible of fear. As his corps fell hack.
b.,
at fredericksburg he directed the serving of
the batteries that covered their retreat and
occupied position of imminent peril One
of his staff, whose courage was beyond qucs-
tion, ventured to call him to a sense of his
danger. we are directly in range of the
rebel guns" mildly suggested the young
officer The General was oblivious. The
hint was repeated. when he exclaimed, AIR
and remained imperturbablc.
At the battle ol Gaines Hill, Gen. Rey-
noIds evinced all his energy and skill. He
was at every point. As he was returning
from the right of his line to procure relief
for two regiments. which had expended
their ammunition and were hard pressed and
exhausted, he discovered that his LETT was IN
impending jeopardy. and he hnStcued to its
front H. Supports gave way, and the enc
NY swept round and captured the eleventh
regiment, and cut him off. With his Adju-
tant General aud an orderly, he concealed
himself in IA piece of woods over night; hut
at dav break they were taken prisoners,
while making an effort to escape into our
lines. He was carried to Richmond, thrust
into Libby, and treated with discourtesy.
Too dignited and manly to ask for favors,
he shared imprisonment and cOntumely with
comrades of all ranks and conditions. 1t
happened that one Turner, a petty rebel Of
fetal, had command in the prison, and re-
cogniZing the General, went forward and
addressed him. The General did not re.
member his jailor. my name is Turner,
said the miserable traitor. An. ] know
you," replied the General, and turned dis
dainfully on mis- heel. The secret of the
Generals contempt had this origin: while he
was on duty (as tutor, we Think at west
Point this sprig of chivalry was a cadet and
disgraced himself by conduct that removed
him from the right of fellowship with gen
tclmen. Turner was stung by the scorn he
received upon his selfintroduction, and re-
talated with petty annoyances.
The General was soon exchanged, and re-
ioined his command at Ilarrison's Landing.
His brigade was drawn up TO receive him,
and heartier welcome home could not have
! been given under any circumstances than
was extended to the restored commander.
| Immediately upon return to quarters, the
private soldiers collected among themselves
| a large sum of money, to buy him hand
some sword. An elegant weapon was pur
chased, but the stern events that crowded
into history prevented its presentation, and
this tribute of affection was carried by &
sergeant from the front, and consigned Il
the family of the General at Lancaster aite
his remains had been deposited in the quie
church YARD there.
Rashness has been imputed to Genera
REYNOLDS. We demur. 1t is true, he dc
II. . Ia.