The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1868-07-16


eustomed vigor, fearlesspess and efficiency,
At his home in Utica, as well through
out the State, he is esteemed and respected
with that fervor that springs only from true
friendship. He has been from early boyhood
a faithful and energetic member of the Pro
testant Episcopal Church, the interests OF
which he has laborcd earnestly to promote,
both as an individual member and leader
in her legislative councils. He takes espe-
cial interest in educational establishments
and in the Sunday school, whose usefulness
and il fluence he laborE zealously to promote
and advance.
FRANCIS PRESTON BLAIR ,JR-,
The gallant soldier and statesman who has
been nominated for the office Of Nice-PTesl-
dent of the United States by the National
Democratic Convention. and who Will GER
tainly fill that Office, was born IN the quaint
Old town of Lexington, Kentucky, Febl uary
10, 1921, and is now in his forty eighth year.
In his twentieth year he graduated at Prince
ton College, and removed to St. Louis, Mis-
sour. and there began the study OF law, III
which profession he made rapid progress
In 1915 being then il his twenty hfth year,
he made a Journey to the L 1cky Mountains
with party Of trappers Tor the improvement
Of his health, which had failed somewhat.
the breaking out of the Mexican war Blair
ioned the force under Kearuey and the gal
LIANT Donephan in New Mexico, and served
as a private soldier until 1S47, when he re-
turned to St Louis and resumed the practice
of his profession. Ia lS4S, like his father
Francis p Blair, Sr., he gave his support to
the Free Sill party and in speech DELIVERED
at the Court House in ST Louis, c0ntcndcd
a aEaiust the extension of slavery into the
Territories of the nation. In 1852 he was
elected from St. Louis County, Missouri, to
the Legislature an avOwcd Free Solief.
and he was reelected in 1854, though IhoS
H. Benton, the Congressional candidate OF
the Free Soilers was beaten In 1856 Mr..
Blair was returned to Congress from the st.
Louis district, over Mr.. Kenuett, who had
defeated Colonel Benton two years before.
In 1857 he delivered an elaborate speech IN
the House of Representatives III favor OF
coloniziug the black population OF the United
States in Central America. MIR. Blair was
also an editor aud Wi er on the Nils souri,
Democrat at one time. The father OF Gen
Blair was a firm aud fast friend Of Andrew
jackson the General when child was wont
10 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 resigned his seat In 1860
General Blair made speech, in Brooklyn,
in favor Of Mr.. Lincoln for the Presidency,
and also delivered speech at tie Nietropo.I-
tau Hotel, in this city, in June, 1861, it
favor Of strong war measures, hiTting than
General Scott was rather slow campaigner
Mr.. Blair was very assiduous in raising vol
unteerS z ST Louis. aud was the first Yolun-
teer Of the State of Missouri. lie raised the
First regiment of Missouri Volunteers, and
acted as its Colonel, albeit he did not hold
commission as Colonel Of the regiment. y
difficulty arose between Colonel Blair and
General Fremont. and Colonel Blair was un-
Justly placed under arre>t by that officer,
who was commander of that department.
This arbitrary measure Of General FIemOnts
aroused great excitement in St. Louis, where
General Blair was universally known and
respected, the journals of that city taking
part in the quarrel at the time. President
Lincoln ordered Colonel Blair to be released
from arrest in September. 1861, thereby
causing a great feeling of relief to the numer-
Gus friends of Colonel Blair in 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 a soldier and
became one of the most skilliul Generals in
the Western armies. On the Z2d of May,
1862, General Blair commanded a division
in Sherman's attack on Ficksburg-the
Origades Of Ewing, Smith, and Kirby Smith,
composing 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 repulsed. AS the head of the col
umn passed over the parapet dense fire Of
musketry swept away ali its leading files.
The rear of the column attem Etgd TO rush
on, but were driven back. Here. by the bad
management OF Grant, Blair was not support
ed, the supporting divisions ueIe too far
away to give him assistance. AT the cap
ture of Vicksburg Bair's division partjcipa
ted, and did the heaviest fighting in Sher-
mans command. 1t was at this time that
Grant pronounced Frank Blair TO be the best
volunteer general in the United States Army,
an opinion that was fully sustained by his
conduct in action and his Judgment as
campaigner. In the great march Of Sherman
to the sea, General Frank ?. Blair command
ed the Seventeenth Army Corps, the finest
corps of the whole army. He crossed the
Ogeechee near Barton, and captured the
first prisoners. His divisions laid pontoons
across the river, and the two wings were thus
united before Savannah. His division was
the first to march into Savannah, From
Savannah, the Fourteenth Corps was taken
by water to Pocotailgo, whence it Threatened
Charleston, while Slocum, with the Tweu-
tieth Corps and kiipatrick's cavalry, march
ed UP the Augusta to Sister Ferry, threatens
ing an advance on Savannah at Tailahatchie.
Blair waded through swamp three miles
wide, with water four feet deep. the weather
being bitter cold. Here the Seventeenth
had another fight, and lost number Of
killed and wounded. Tut drove the rebels
behind the Edisto at Branchville. The army
then directed its march on Orangeburg.
Here the Seventeenth carried the bridge over
theSouth Edisto by gallant dash Blair lead
ing his men, as usual, up to the batteTy's
mouth, which was covered by parapet Of
cotton and earth extending as far as could
be seen. Blair threw Smiths division in
front, while his other division crossed below
and carried the bridge after hard fight. A
half dozen men Of Blair's corps were the
first to enter Columbia. The Seventeenth
GorOs hOXypve- vvera not oI1iltv Of tho buru-