The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1876-06-30

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only darkness saved it from total cap-
ture or annihiIation. Practically ther.
was nothing left for Sheridan to fight
and, excepting two or three subsequent
cavalry skirInishes, the war in the Val
Iey was ended.
HAYES A BRIGADIER GENERAL.
Col Hayes WAS now promoted to
Brigadier- General, ''for gallant and
meritorious services in the battles of
Winchester, Fishers Hill. and Cedar
Greek, to take rank from October, 10,
1861, and was brevetted Major General
for gallant and distinguished services
during the campaigns of 1864, in West
Virginia, aild partic1ly in the battles
of Fishers Hill and Cedar Creek"
Prior To these promotions he had COM
manded a brigade for over two years,
and he was then commanding a divis-
ion. In TIA" course of his arduous serv-
ices, four horses had been shot under
him, and lie had been wounded four
times.
His advancement was never sought.
and did not come until long after it
had been fully earned. OF his military
character, one who served him in near
ly all his campaigns has written as fol-
lows:
''Gen. Hayes was one of the: most
gallant soldiers that ever drew sword
More than four years service in ths.
same command gave the writer ample
opportunity to observe that no drawer
or more dashing and enterprising COM
mander gave his services to the Repub-
lie than Gen. Hayes He was the idol
of his command. No soldier ever
doubted where he led"
Another, who was associated with
him in the army. speaking of his mill
tary traits says:
''IIe proved himself not only q gal
liant soldier, but model officer. We
had opportunities of close observation
of him in Virginia, and found him cool,
self possessed, and as thorough in the
discharge of his duties as he was gallant
in action. There is probably no posi-
ton that so thoroughly tries the gen
tleman as that of the officer in time of
war. The despOtic power suddenly
placed in his hands calls for the higher
attributes of manhood to preserve its
possession from abuse. To his inferi-
ors in rank General Hayes was ever
kind, patient and eonsiderate. He
was, in the finest sense of the term, the
soldiers friend. As an officer he was
noted not only for his strict loyalty to
his superiors, but for gallantry in bat
tie and activity in the discharge of
every duty, however perilous or ardu
ous."
FIRST SUGGESTION OF a POLITICAL
CAREER.
How he was estimated by his troops
is shown by the proceedings of a meet
ing held by them on the 20th of April,
1866. AT this time the fighting in the
valley was over, and an expedition was
being organized, about 10, 900 strong,
to move against Lynehburg. Gen.
Hayes had been selected to command
this expedition, which was intended as
one of several co operative movements
against Gen. Lees rear, but was rem
dered unnecessary by his surrender.
Anticipating the separation from them
of their old commander, the Ohio,
Kanawhas, and all the other Ohio men
in the valley, without his knowledge,
held n meeting ut Winchester on the
date already given, and unanimously
adopted the following:
"ReSoIced, That Gen. Hayes, in ad-
dition to possessessing the ability and
craftsmanship necessary to qualify him
in an eminent degree for Chief Magis-
trate of the great State of Ohio, is u
soldier unsurpassed for patriotism and
bravery, he having served four years
in the army, earning his promotion
from Major in one of the Ohio regi
ments TO his present position.
The first suggestion of his nomination
for Governor was strongly disfavored
by the General, who put a quietus
upon the movement in that direction
as scOn as he heard of it. He greatly
preferred to remain in the military
service rs long as the rebellion lasted,
and no political promotion was any
temptation to him to leave it while the
triumph of the national arms was in
complete. During the autumn of 1864
he was nominated for Congress by the
Republicans of the Second District,
and directly afterward received IA letter
inportuniug him 20 come home and
make the canvass. Gen. Hayes replied
to this letter as follows:
''lN CAMP, --
''Yours of - is received. Thanks.
| have other business just now Any
man who would leave the army at this
time to electiOneer for Congress ought
to he scalped. Truly yours,
II. B. HAYES
HAYES ~ CONGREss-
Notwithstanding this refusal to leave
the field to co operate with his friends
in securing his political preferInent, he
was handsomely elected, defeating
jose ph G.. Butler, the Democratic can
didate, bya ma ajority of 2, 455. In 1866
he was re- elected, his competitor being
Mr. Theodore Cook, and his majority
over that gentleman 2,556. In Con-
gress his industry, sound judgment, and
fidelity to the interests of his constit-
uents, were conspicuous, and gave him
position of great prominence and
influence with his fellow members.
Though not apparently ambitious of
oratOrical display, and seldom occupy
ing the time of the House with even
short speech, his unobtrusive and thor
oughIy efficient discharge of his duty
won for him not only respect but rep
utsItlOu, anu lic WIS TtHstIutu DOtl III
Washington and in Ohio as one of the
ablest and best members on the floor.
He took "A deep interest in all the great
and agitating questions then before
Congress, including those pertaining
to the reorganization of the lately re-
volted States, and acted uniformly In
accord with the Republican line of
policy in reference to these measures. -
A newspaper writer thus describes him
at this time October, 1860, and he is
the same now:
''Mr. Hayes is n good sized, well
formed man. lie is every way well
made, has n handsome head on n rath-
er handsome body, and face which
would introduce him favorsbIy any
where His complexion is light, skin
fiOrid, temperament composed of the
vital motive and mental in almost
equal proportions. He is neither TOO
fast nor too slow, excitable or sluggish,
but he is at once sufficiently energetic.
original, comprehensive, dignified and
resolute. He is more profound than
snowy. and has more application than
versatility. He will finish what he be-
gins, and make Thorough work. He
has hopeful, happy nature, is emi-
nentiy social. fond of home and all
that belongs thereto, and as hOspitable
to all as he is thoughtful and consider
ate. But, to be more specific. This
gentleman is comparatively young ia
years, and younger in spirit. Though
he has already accomplished mueh. he
has by no means reached the climax OF
his fame. lie is n rising young states
man. and il spared, will, in the course
of few years, be found ia the front