New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-03-06
SECRETARY OF WAR.

SECRETARY OF WAR
MAJOR GEN. JOHN NJ. soHofIELD OF TIE U. s..
ARMY.
Among the members of the new Cabinet Gen. Scho-
field is the best known to the people at large having
been prominently connected with public affairs for
many years, and having soldier done good
service to the State. John McAllister Schofeld was
born on the Goth of September, 1881, in Chatauqua
County, NewYork. In 1S43, at the age of IL, he
moved with his father to Illinois, from which State,
after having received his primary education, he was
admitted TO West Point. In 1868 he graduated and
was breveted Second Lieutenant in the Cd Artillery.
For two years lie stationed with his battery at
Fort Moultrie. afterward made memorable in the
War Of the Rebellion and subsequently at Fort Cass,
in Florida. Two years later he was appointed In
structor in Natural Philosophy at West Point, and
held that position for five years. In 1860 he was
granted leave of absence TO occupy the chair
of Natural Philosophy in Washington Uni
versity, st. Louis, and was engaged in
the duties of his position when the war broke out.
few months after the firing on Fort Sumter he was
ordered by tho War Department to muster the Mis-
souri, troops into the United States service and
ceived at the time the appointment of Major in
the LIST Regiment of Missouri Infantry his rank in
the regular army being that of Captain. From this
time forth no was recognized by all n n thorough
soldier After the battle Of Boonville he was ap-
pointed Assistant Acknowledgement on the staff of
Gen. Lyon, and was at his side when that gallant
soldier fell at Wilson's Creek. In the official report
of that battle Major Sturgs wrote as follows of Major
Schofeld Wherever the battle most fercely ragged,
there was Cen Lyon and there, too, Major Scho-
field. his principal staff officer. The GOODNESS and
equanmity with which he moved from point to
point carrying orders, was the theme of universal
conversation. Icannot speak too highly of the in
valuable service Major Schohed rendered By the
confidence his example inspired"
On the 2lst of Nov. 1861, he was commissioned as
Brigadier General of volunteers and placed in COM
mand Of the Missouri militia For about n year
nearly the whole military force Of the State was I'M
der his orders and In June 1862 the entire district
Of Missouri was assigned TO him. In October of the
same year he took command of the army OF The from
tier and on the ODD Of that month defeated the Rebel
Gen IIindman at Maysye. near Pea Ridge, Arkan-
sas. and pursued him beyond the Rocky Mountains.
In November he was made n Major-G General OF yolun-
teers. and in 1854 was appointed BrigaderGeneral
in the Regular Army. In 1865 he was brovet-
ed Major General. aud in few months afterward
was elevated TO the full rank At the close of the
war; Gen. Schofeld was sent South on tour OF
investigation and his return, after the passage OF
the Act OF May 2 1861 for the more efficient govern
nent of the States lately in rebellion, by which the
Military Districts were organized, Major-Gen
Scholeld was appointed to the command OF the
First District comprising the State Of Virginia. In
June last year. after Gen. Grant resigned the dd
interim secretaryship Of War, Gen. Schofed was
appointed TO the position by President Johnson and
has held il ever since