Bloomsburg democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1867-1869, 1868-07-22


against Reuben E. Fenton,iby whom he was
defeated. ....-...s. g.t..,. ..ng.
At the National Democratic Convention
held in Chicago in 1864, Nj. Seymour was
with great unanimity chosen its President,
and how ably and efficiently he discharged
the duties and responsibilities of that i'm
portant position, the records and history OF
the Convention will indisputably show.
Since that time Mr.. Seymour has delivered
many powerful Democratic speeches in va
rious parts Of the country, entering each
successive campaign in this State with his
accustomed vigor, fearlessness and efficiency.
At his home in Utica, as we'll as through
out the State, he is esteemed and respected
with that fervor that springs only from true
friendship. He has been from early boy
hood a faithful and energetic member Of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, the interest of
which he has labored earnestly to promote,
both as an individual member and leader
in her legislative councils. He takes espc-
cial interest in educational establishments
and in the Sunday school, whose usefulness
and influence he labors zealously to promote
and advance.
FRANCIS PRESTON BLAIR, IN. ....
The gallant soldier and statesman, who
has been nominated for the Office of Vice
President of the United States by the Ma
tional Democratic Convention, and who will
certainly fill that Office, was born in the
quaint old town of Lexington, Ky, Febru-
ary 10, 1921, and is now in his forty-eighth
year. In his twentieth year he graduated
at Princeton College, and removed to St.
Louis, Missouri and there began the study
Of law, in which profession he made rapid
progress. In lS45, being then in his twen-
ty-fifth year, he made journey to the
Rocky Mountains with a party of trappers
for the Improvement of his health, which
had failed somewhat, owing to close pursuit
Of his studies; and on the breaking out of
the Mexican war; Blair joined the force un-
der Kearney and the gallant Donephan in
New Mexico, and served as private soldier
until ls47, when he returned to St. Louis
and resumed the practice of his profession.
In 1913, like his father, Francis p. Blair,
Sr., he gave his support to the Free Soil
party, and in speech delivered at the Court
House in St. Louis, contended against the
extension of slavery into the Territories Of
the nation. In 1852 he was elected from
St. Louis county, Missouri, to the Legisla-
turc as an avowcd Free Soiler, and he was
re elected in 1854, though Thomas H. Ben
ton, the Congressional candidate Of the Free
Soicrs was beaten. In 1856 Mr.. Blair was
returned to Congress from the St. Louis dis
trict, over Mr.. Kcnnctt, who had defeated
Colonel Benton two years before. In 1857
he delivered an elaborate speech in the
House Of Representatives in favor of col
onizing the black population Of the United
States in Central America. Mr.. Blair was
also an editor and writer on the Missouri
Democrat at one time. The father of Gen
eral Blair was firm and fast friend of An
drew jackson the General when a child,
was wont to play on the knees of Andrew
Jackson in the White House. His father
was at that time editor of the Globe, in
Washington. In 1860 Mr.. Blair contested
the seat in Congress Of Mr.. Barrett, from
the St. Louis district, and soon after was
returned to the House, after which he re-
signed his seat. In 1860 General Blair
made a speech in Brooklyn in favor Of Mr..
Lincoln for the Presidency, and also deliv-
cred speech at the Metropolitan Hotel, in
this city, in June, 1861, in favor of strong
war measures, limiting that General Scott
was rather slow campaigner. MIR. Blair
was very assiduous in raising volunteers in
81. Louis, and was the first volunte er Of the
State of Missouri. lie raised the first regi-
mcnt Of Missouri Volunteers, and acted as
its Colonel, albeit he did not hold commits
sion as Colonel of tho regiment. A diff
Guilty arose between Colonel Blair and Gen.
eral Fremont, and Colonel Blair was unjustly
placed under arrest by that officer, who was
commander OF that department. This arbi.
trary measure of General Fremont's aroused
great excitement in St. Louis where Gen
eral Blair was universally known and re.
spected, the journals of that city taking part
in the quarrel at the time. President Lin
coin ordered Colonel Blair to DO released
from arrest in September, 1861, thereby
causing great feeling of relief to the nu-
merous friends Of Colonel Blairin St. Louis.
He was again arrested by General Fremont,
but finally released after considerable trouble
and newspaper discussion by both parties.
Colonel Blair rapidly rose as q soldier and
became one of the most skilful Generals in
the Western armies. On the 22d of May,
1862, General Blair commanded division
in Sherman's attack on Vioksburg. The
brigades of Ewing, Smith, and Kilby Smith
composed his division. Frank Blair had
the honor Of leading the attack in person,
five batteries concentrating their guns on |
the rebel position. The attack was terrific
and was repulscd. AS the head Of the col
umn passed over the parapet, dense fire |
Of musketry swept all its leading files. The