The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1869-09-16
Death of Secretary Rawlins.

General John A. Rawlins, Secretary of
War, had been afflicted some time past,
terminated in his death, at Washington,
shortly after o'clock, yesterday after
noon. General Rawlins may be said to
have exemplifed in the circumstances
of his death a trait which is attribu-
ted TO him as acLeristic-steadines
and faithfulness in the discharge Of duty
-ior he appears to have continued in the
performance of the functions of his i'm
portant office Of Secretary of War almost
up to the last day OF existence. His at
tack was hemorrhage of The lungs,
| which seized him less than month ago.
He recovered so that he was able to ride
out, and even to resume his functions in
the War Office, but relapsed. From that
time his condition alternated between the
extremes There are probably few men
whose death will be more felt in the ma
ture of personal loss by the President.
General Rawlins was yet young man.
He was born February l3, 1881, in Joe
Davies County, Illinois, and there resided
till he entered the military service in 1861.
He commenced life humbly, having been
originally engaged in charcoal burning,
during which time, however, he made the
best Of all opportunities for procuring an
education. In 1853 he began the study
of law at Galena, and as early as gear
afterwards was admitted to the bar as o
copartner with his law instructor. But
while continuing the practice of his pro-
feseion, be manifested some interest in
politics also as Democrat. He adhered
to Mr.. DougAs in 1860, and as the candi
date for electA in the First Congressional
District of Illinois, canvassed the Dis
trict in behalf Of the Douglas ticket, as
was conceded with ability.
Having done, in his judgment, all that
one in his position could TO avert the war,
when it did come he eagerly determined
upon his course, and after the first battle
of Bull Run he commenced to raise the
Forty-ifth or "Lead.mine" regiment, 1li-
nois infantry, when, in August, he receiy-
ed from General Grant, with whom he
had been acquainted from the time Of his
settling in Galena, the tender of position
on his staff, which he accepted. Gen.
eral RawIins Joined General Grant on the
18th of September. at Cairo, Illinois, as
his assistant adjutant-genera!, and was
with him from that time in all his battles
and campaigns, until the surrender Of the
Army of Northern Virginia, at Appomat-
tox Court House, except about two
mouths, when lie was absent for the treat
ment of bronchial affection. Commen-
cling US captain, he was in 1862, as chiet
of staff, promoted to lieutenant colonel,
in 1863 to brigadier- general of volunteers,
and in February, 1866, to brevet major
general OF volunteers. March 8, 1865,
lie was appointed cheit OF staff to the
lieutenant general commanding. with the
rank OF br gader.gencral in the United
States army, and was subsequently bre-
we'd major. general United States army, to
rank from March 13, 1865.
In 1866 Congress created the title of
General which was bestowed on Lieu.
tenant. General Grant; ut the same time
General Rawins Was signaled as chiot
of staff to the general commanding the
armies. Shortly after General Grant had
entered upon the Presidential office, lie
nominated General Rawlins TO the Senate
as Secretary OF War, and he was confirm
cd. relieving General Scho6cld, who had
been dischaTging the duties OF the office.
The relations between the President and
General Rawlins were intimate and conf.
Dental, and the former had great faith in
the jud gment and intelligence of the lat
ter aa temperate and discreet adviser.
General Rawlins, it is stated, had made
himself, as chiet of staff, we'll acquainted
with the reconstruction laws, and with
this experience, lie devoted himself anew,
as Secretary of War, to the work of re-
constructions and constantly urged the
conciiatory policy reflected in General
Grants letters and official communica-
tions at the close OF the rampaign.-Bal-
timore Sun.
DRINKING WHILE EATING.-A recent
contributor to the Herald of Health con-