The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1870-04-02
THE 1ArEMAJoR-GENE THOMAS

The Army Of the Cumberland in tho Astor
House-Rosecrans and Fighting doe
Hooker Pre-ent-The Latter Character
isricul'y speaks his Mind, aud Dcnouncrs
the Government for Its shabby Treat
mcnt OF General Thomas.
BY the courtesy of Captain Stetson, many ex-
officers of the Army OF the Cumberland, residents
OF sojournors in the city assembled in the par
lors Of the Astor House yesterday TO take
action on the death OF General Thom-
General William S. Rosecrans, the FIRST
commander Of that army, who organized IL, and gave
II its name, occupied the chair. lie spoke arec
tiouaely OF tic virtues and heroic life Of the de-
ceased oflcor, with whom he said he had been init
mately associated for years. and whose life with
out blot. The General expressed his surprise and
pleasure at meeting many officers Of his old army
this city. and submitted that no more forcible
evidence was needed to show the deep veneration
entertained for tue memory OF the brave Thomas by
his subordlnates, than the gathering over which he
had been called to preside.
Major General Joseph Hooker, or "Fghting Joe, F."
as his men loved to call him, was also present,
his eye kindliug with that same fire which was
wont TO mis- men 10 victory but his manly hg-
ure a sal and melancholy wreck. The
General Is almost helpless nom paralysis
and requires the constant all OF an
attendant lie wore heavy military cape and his
face was as usual, shaver clean. As he to take
his seat by the side OF Rosecrans, moving with such
a painful effort. those who remembered his hand
some and dashng figure on many hard contested
field could not ress, the kecnest suggestions OF sym
patty for their beloved commander now tottering
before them. But Joe Hooker is yet as vigorous in
mind as ever.
Significantly shaking his head he would suddenly
break out with, I'VE have lost our best soldier
There was but one Thomas In our army" Thon he
would hesitate cast his eyes upon the carpet II
In revery; and again add similar expressions enlo,
CYSTIC Of Thomas Said he growing warm, "What
\ shameful attempt was made In the Tribune few
weeks ago to rob Thomas OF his lAures; to praise
II IL, gentlemen, their names clnnot be mentioned
in the same breath aud ! know what Soho
field is, too, see through i, however under,
It was malignant to attempt to stab brave, noble
soldier like Thomas 10 this way That game was all
here. He earned the rilht TO rest here with US,
but Grant never forgives grudge, and so he was
snpGed on 70 san F1anciseo understand it, Yes"
This conversation was Informal and soto roce
among the officers, and as each of them went over to
listen to Fighting joss opinion OF the shabby
treatment Of Gen, Thomas, which probably hastened
hs death, ther approving mods indicated their con
currence In the heartspoken sentiments Of the gal
Major Marshall IT. Bright, formerly one Of Rose.
Grams stan Officers was chosen Secretary of the meet
ing. The Committee on Resolutions reported reso.
lutions of coincidence and resolutions pledgng those
present to wear the usual badge OF mourning and to
directed to he sent to Mrs. Thomas.
co. Jlane mSNed their adoption In speech re.
the affection, respect and admiration of his army.
Members OF tue Army Of the Cumberland In the
city, whether officers or prvates, who desire To at
tend the funeral, requested TO subscribe their
names In book opened by Capt. stetson FOL the
purpose.
Among those present yesterday were Gen. A. ].
MackaY, Chief Quartermaster OF the Army OF the
tN,gm9msriand g,Gen; Charles Thompson, Col,