The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-16
GENERAL CANBYs SUCCESSOR.


Sketch OF Colonel JefF. q, Davis, His Life
and Services.
Colonel Jefferson G. Davis, the offlcer who sue
ceeds the murdered Candy in command of the
United states forces operating against the band of
Captain Jack, was, when the war broke out, a Sec
end lieutenant or artillery In Fort Sumter ana
distinguished himself in its stubborn defence under
Major Anderson. Later, after his exchange, he
operated In Missouri and Arkansas with the forces
combating the Confederate General Sterling
Price, In these Southwestern campaigns he distfn.
gushed himself both as an infantry and cavalry
commander and at one time commanded q d.
vision. He subsequently was assigned to the CON-
mand OF General Nelson at Louisville In organizing
troops at that point, but becoming involved in q
difficulty with Nelson weapons were drawn in the
Gait House, ana Davis killed his superior officer.
He was tried by court martial and honorably &c
quilted. Still later he served as brgadier general
OF infantry under Rosencrans in the Army OF the
Cumberland, and was raised TO the rank of
mjOr general OF volunteers and commanded a.
division at Chickamauga and the battles
about Chattanooga. In all his engage
ments he was noted for caution able
strategy and personal bravery, and was implicitly
trusted by his supcriors and esteemed as faith
full officer. On the resignation OF General after
wards Governor) John NJ Palmer, OF Illinois, Com
mander OF the old Fourteenth Army corps, General
Davis succeeded to the command and remained Its
leader in all the battles during the Summer cam
paign OF 1854 against Atlanta, in the march to the
sea and the advance through the Caroinas to
Richmond and washington. At Ebenezar
Greek, in the rear OF Savannah, Davis
command was so encountered by negro
refugees that it dropped far behind the other corps
ana was in danger OF attack and humiliation by
the Confederate forces on its tanks and rear. In
this dilemma Davis resolved to save his corps at all
hazards, and, stationng guards at the bridge OF
Ebenezar Greek, stopped all the refugees tsome six
thousand in number) until his troops and
trains had passed over safely. He then
burned the bridge and, leaving the negroes
on the north side OF the creek, made
forced march, saved mis- corps and participated In
the attack upon Savannah. At this time Wheeler's
cavalry was close upon his rear, and on arriving at
the bridge, Wheeler smarting under the escape OF
Davis, madly charged upon the poor negroes and
men, women and children were driven into the
muddy waters OF the Ebenezar, where many we're
drowned. fearful howl was re-echOed through
the country at what partisan journals de-
nominated 'Davis' criminal cruelty" and
q Congressional committee was instructed
to inquire into the circumstances OF
the massacre at Ebenezar Greek. All
army officers familiar with the facts justified Davis
in resorting to this alternative to save his CON-
mand and the Congressional committee were
forced to the same conclusion. When the war
closed General Davis neld some minor positions.
and finally went out to Alaska to receive 1t on behalf
of the United States. In the execution OF that
mission he gave entire satisfaction to our govern
ment and that OF Russia, from which he
received the Territory. More recently he
was stationed in this city In charge OF
the recruiting service in this district
1t would be difficult to find an officer Of the
army more prompt to carry out to the letter the
orders OF his supertors, and those who served with
him IN many engagements express the belief that
II IT be the desire Of the War Department and the
President to exterminate the treacherous Modocs,
they have In General Davis man who will allow
none to escape the vengeance OF his troopers.