The Orangeburg news. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1867-1875, 1869-09-25
Let The Republic be Grateful.

One OF the worlds hard-workers has
gone to rest,-one who had learned in
his country's service to "suffer and be
strong;" one who had been content to
do his duty, albeit fame and wealth-all
the prizes of this world-were not
awarded. Gen. john a. Rawins, Chief
of Staff to our first General, and Secre-
tary of War to the General made Presi-
deut, has done more for this country
than will ever appear from written his
tory. The labors of some men are made
conspicuous without their special seek
ing; their talents catch the eyes of the
public at some propitious moment, and
tlrcir fidelity, energy and unsefshness,
keep them in high position. There are
other men whose abilities and faithfulness
and moral worth are quite as unquestion-
ed, to whom Providence seems to assign
positions wherein these go almost unre
Quilted. Few who admire tho brilliant
record of Gen. Grant know how much
he was indebted for his fame and success
to the vigilance and executive industry
of his late Chief of Staff. 1t was during
those weary weeks at Vicksburg-wheu
the dreaded night attack was only to be
avcrted by incessant watchfulnes, when
exposures tp the death-damp were as
little thought of as disturbed dreams
that the nations grandest Fourth Of
July was bought oy a mortgage on the
life of the Generals, Adiutant. No one
read the. name of Rawlins on the scroll
of that victory, but he whose fame was
thereby established knew the worth of
his own right hand, and nobly recognized
his Indebtedness to it,
The only substantial rewards which
have fallen to. this man of quiet heroisnl
are those which a true heart most values.
those which can be carried through this
world anc into the next without sutferinge
dimunition or decay The friendship of
noble souls and the blessed discipline of
selfsacrfice have been granted him in
large measure. The great chieftains of
the Union are his lovers ythe heritage of
work fell to him not as honors fall upon
the ambitious, but as ministrations of
good fall to the hands of the angels. A
wider reputation or higher office could
not have made more peaceful the dying
reflections of Secretary Rawlins
But there was an anxiety which made
II ripple on that iakemirror OF devoted
life. In distant town the loving wife,
but few days since disappointed
mother, shared with him the bitter pros
pect which lies before family of child
rem, unprovided for.
"Aly greatest JOY in life is the educa-
ton of my boys" said the dying officer
Those arge-hearted old soldiers who
were standing by their comrade's death
bed, could not help responding, "Give
us your boys. General, we will adopt
themj" but no, country has higher
claim than even those dear companions
in arms. For us, during years of priva-
tion, the departed gave all too freely of
his vital energies; for us the wakeful
night, the harasscd day, the faithfulness
in obscurity, the slowly recognized but
never flinching application of varied
talent to duties more various than ordin
airy men ever encounter. We cannot
allow even personal friendship to pay
the interest-all that is possible to pay
ON our debt of gratitude.
Many of our citizens have already
signed document, the figures whereof
affirm that the children of Secretary
Rawins are to be adapted by Mcir coun-
tY
Let every one who acknowledges the
claims of patriotism, and the inspiration
of pure religion, remember these father
less and this widow in their affiiction,
and according to his means sncloso check
bank-note or stamp, to Gen. d. Butter
field, United States Sub-Trcasury, New
York. 1t was pleasant for the father to
die for his country let us make it pleas
ant for his bcreaved family to live in it.
-, Al