New-York tribune., 1868-05-30
THE NEW SECRETARY or W1R.
MAJoR-GEN. J. NJ. scHoFrELD,


John McAlister SchOfeld was born in Chan
tauqua County New-York Sept %, 1881 At the ace !,
u years he removed with his fathers family to Unol
and from that State where he received his primary edu
cation he was entered Cadet at the Military Academy
at West Point, where he was graduated In 1852 receiving
at that time brevet second lieutenant in the second
regiment Of artillery. He stationed for two yea At
Fort Moultre, s. c., and subsequently at Fort Casp
Florida Afterward he ordered TO West Point a. IN
structor in Natural Philosophy and filed that position
for five years He was, 1so granted leave OF absence
to occupy the chair Of Natural Philosophy IN Washing
ton University, st. Louis and 50 engaged
when the late war broke out BY an order
from the War Department he detailed
to muster into service the Missouri troops and was an
pointed major in the list Missouri Infantry His rank in
the Regular Army then first Lieutenant and In MAY
1861 he was appointed captain After the battle Of
Bonneville he joined Gen. Lyon Assistant Adjutant
General and Cbiefof-staf, and was with him when he
fell at the battle of Wilson's Creek Major sturgs In bh
report Of that battle to Major Fremont speaks Of tia
then Major Schoeld follows "Whereyer the battle most
fercey raged there Gen. Lyon and there too was
Major schOfed, his principal staff efcer The cOolness
and equanmity with which he moved from point to
point carrying orders, theme Of universal conyer
sation. cannot speak too highly Of the invaluable ser
vices Major schO6ed rendered by the confidence his e1
ample inspired" Major schoheld was commissioned
Brgader General Of Volunteers Nov a. 18 and
10 the command OF the militia OF Missouri, authorized
to be raised for service during the war. When
Gen. Halleck went TO Pittsburg Landing about
four-ffths Of the State was placed under com.
mand Of Gen. schofeld and on June J. 1852 the district
Of Missouri comprising the entire State assigned
him. In October he received command Of the army Of
the frontier, comprising the troops OF the organized
forces of the Rebels back to the valley OF the Akane
defeating Hndman, October o. at Maysyie, near Pea
Ridge Arkansas and pursuing him beyond the Boston
Mountains. In November, 1862, he was commlssoneda
Major-General Of Volunteers and in 1864 Brigadet
General In the Regular Army, and in 1865 Breyet Major
General and subsequently elevated to the full rank
After the close Of the war Major Gen. Schofeld
10 the Southern States tour OF inquiry 10 ascertain
the condition Of things there and after short absence
returned TO Washington and reported the result
of his examination. When, May D. 1867. Congress
passed the bill entitled Gan act for the efficient gov
ernment OF the States lately in rebellion" BY which the
South was divided into military districts Maj Gen schO
field was appointed to the command of the First District
comprising the State OF Virginia. which position he sto
cupies After Gen. Grant resigned the dd interim sec
taryship of War; in obedience to the action OF Congress
reinstating Secretary Stanton and while the Impeach
ment trial progressing, President johnson nominal
ed Gen. schofed for the portfolio of War; which nominL
ton mas now been confirmed.