Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-05-26

A GLIMPSE OF his LIFE AND CHARACTER
ASA SOLDIER,


Rev. George +. Pcntecost Of that city, of
Col. Benz. II. Dristow, Mr.. PenIecost hav-
ing served as chaplain in Mr.. Bristow's
regiment during portion of the war of
tho rebellion -
L have known Mr.. Bristow somewhat
intimately for years. 1t was my good for
tune to be his intimate friend and compau-
ion during the war, we having served to-
gether in the same regiment tho Eighth
Kentucky Cavalry he as Lieutenant-Col-
onel and Colonel and as chaplain. AS !
have said my acquaintance with him was
both intimate and confidential. We mess
ed together, rode together-indoed were
side by side much of the time, both in the
camp aud in the field. l have boon the
guest of his home and known somewhat
intimately his private as well as public life
Since the war l have watched his career
with more than ordinary interest, for the
reason that l have ever felt that he was
destined in time to be called to high, If not
the highest public trust in the gilt of the
nation. Immediately upon his appoint
ment to the Treasury Department I re-
marked to some friends that that appoint
the Presidency. l trust my prophecy will
prove TO have been true. His present pop
uariiy with the people and uDpopularity
with a certain class OF politicians is the
most natural result in the world. II could
not be otherwise. During the war he was
ever the terror aud dread of dishonest sut-
lers, contractors, and all trining and in
competent officers. In the administration
of his regiment and tho various posts that
were at different times under his COM
maud, "rings" of all kinds were dashed
TO pieces like potter's vessel" aud cor
ruption fled before him like fog before the
SUI. No matter who was guilty-be 1t
friend or foe--he was instantly called 10 an
account. lie never relaxed the severity of
law for his chosen friends. 1 call TO mind
at this moment tritl:ng breach of disci-
plino while on march by myself be-
lieve it was falling out of line-and, not
withstanding the intimacy or friendship
between us, was placed under arrest, he
remarking TO me that my position made
the offence all the more Inaccessible. What
might be overlooked in private could not
be in an officer. Always prompt and even
inpulsive in AL minstratiOn, he was sell
dom swayed 10y anger. though he is Of a
somewhat quick and passionate tempera-
mcht. He was as severe with himself as
with others. l remember once he had, in
a moment of haste, administered a severe
blow to a refractory soldier who refused
prompt obedience TO a commend. He was
right in administering discipline, but he
~ 4 II
he lament it that he came 10 my tent the
night aflerward and held long consulta-
| ton as TO how be might repair the person.
al wrong done TO the soldier without weak
ening the moral influence of the discipline.
believe he aflerward sought out the SOL
der and made some personal apology for
his haste and for the method Of his disci-
| pine. 1t is needless TO say that all his of
ticers respected him, though some feared,
and the men all loved him. There was a
time when he might have had n Brigader-
| Generals commission for the asking. 9th
or officers in the brigade and division were
working day and night for these honors.
/ said TO him one day, "Colonel, why don't
| you go for that commission you know
you can have it for the asking?" His re-
| ply was, "Parson, I went into the war for
the fight and not for the honors. am sat
isfed that l can do as good service at the
head Of this regiment as l could with a
Brigadier- Generals commission. II will
be time enough to take higher rank when
the necessity of the service calls for it,"
He was almost morbid about doing any
thing that would ever have the appearance
of sell-seeking. 1t is not surprising that
he is now making himself conspicuous in
attending TO the affairs of his department
rather than looking AFTER Stale delegations
20 Cincinnati. II he is ever nominated
and elected others will have to do it for
him. His personal integrity in the least
matters was conspicuous to them that
knew him intimately. For instance, when
we were on the Morgan raid" cur horses
were giving out and the order went out fol
officers aud men to impress what horse
they needed, aud field officers were author
lied to receipt for them at $50 per head
One day Colonel Bristow's horse gave GU
and lie was forced TO take horse for him
SELF Instead Of giving a government re
ceipt for $50 he bargaine1 with the maj
for his horse at fair price and gave hin
his personal note, payable at thirty or six
~ days. 1 was at his side at the time ant
said, "Why did you not give Govern
Ineut receipt? The officers were authori
zed TO do so as well for themselves as fol
the men," He replied; "The Govern
ment requires the officers to furnish the:
own horses. have no right TO make tn
Government pay for my horse; certainly
not as long as l can pay for it myself. An'
l have no right TO take mans horse an'
give him less than its value, simply be
cause have the power to do 3d." 1t is no
surprising that Colonel BrisIow is able a
once and efIectually 10 meet all charge
that are trumped up against him. These lit
tie cracks in his personal and private life lie
a great deal OF light in upon his character
l might multiply such incidents illustrat
ing the sterling integrity of the man al
most indefinitely. Some men are homes
because it is the best policy, but lie is hon
est because he knows not to be otherwise
have never had the least fear that any q
the charges brought against him woul,
stick. At the battle of Fort Donaldson
shell exploded above his head, and III
conclusion knocked him from bis horse
! lie was stunned for while, but soon dem
, onstrated that his wound was at leas
twelve feet above his head. This was th
nearest the enemy ever got shot HON
) upon him, and am sure that his politics
enemies will never do better execution
, Colonel Bristow is gentleman by birth
by instinct and by education. He is cour
, ly in person, grave and impressive in mar
, ners, and just the man in his personnel
give dignity and character to the Office fo