The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-04-04

WILLIAM WINSTON SEAToN, of the National
Mtelhgencer. A Biographical Sketch, with
passing notices of his associates and friends,
Boston: James R. Osgood Il Co. Washing
ton; Philip Solomons.
Although one might complain that she
author of this volume is somewhat long In
getting down from the family trees of the
Seaton and Gales families respectively, to
our two well-known men who became
brothers-in-law and partners in business,
yet there is much of really interesting mat
ter in that sixty or seventy pages belong
ing to that portion of the book. We are glad,
therefore. the writer took the long prelim-
mary run (if we may so change our figure
ofspeech) before leaping into the midst of
things in which either Mr.. Seaton or Mr..
Gales becomes especially interesting to
Washington and the world, because of
their union as editors and publishers of that
genuine old Washington institution, the
National Intelhgencer. The experiences of
Joseph Gales, ST., father of our Washing
ton Gales, as editor and publisher at Shelf
field, in England, previous to his emgra-
tion to this country, are particularly inter-
esting, and their history contains anecdotes
of persons and affairs not unworthy of pre-
servation. Mr.. Gales preceded James
Montgomery the poet, as editor of the
Sheffield Register.
But it is where Mr.. Ssatons joins Mr..
Joseph Gales, Jr., in the conduct of the
old Washington newspaper in 1912, that
this volume becomes such record of So
cial and political matters here as gives it
wide local and, indeed, national value and
importance. Here, one may say, the life
of the newspaper begins, aud that of Mr..
Seaton is merged and disappears, or is only
seen by glimpses-one of these being the
occasion when the British invasion of the
city being expected, he and his partner are
seen serving on picket duty several miles
away, yet keeping the paper in sight and
the press moving by fitful and alternate
visits to town and office. These were the
times, doubtless, that tried editors souls.
Here is little record by the wife of Mr..
Seaton that comes home TO our editorial
business and bosoms, dated June 27, 1914:
"Joseph cher brother, Mr.. Gales) has re.
turned within one hour from a fatiguing and
injury than excessive weariness, after being
exposed to the fire of the British on an open
plain, where the balls whistled round his ears
for the first time. The scene was novel to him,
but, unlike most other novelties, ii was not
pleasing. He volunteered his services, while
absent, on every occasion Of fatigue or hazard
which occurred, and was always 'to the fore
when they expected attack.
William Cher husband) has held himself in
readiness to be called out with his company at
a moments warning but | trust they will
have no further occasion for their armies, as
General Armstrong has issued orders for the
return of those who are at Benedict. Sunday,
the day on which the cavalry, rifemen, and
infantry from Georgetown and Washington
started to Nottingham, was a distressing
period. Seeing Joseph 60, and expecting
William to be ordered off every moment, rem
dered the parade which took place before our
door previous to starting extremely painful"