The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-06-24

vision was always iortcnate ana famous
organization. 1t WAS commanded at differ
ent times by Gems. Rosecrans, Cox, and
Crook, and in the first campaign in the
Army of the Shenandoah was led by Gems.
Hayes and Duval. 1t bore a prominent
part in Rosecrans' campaigns in West Nir-
ginia in 1861, in McClellan's Antietam
campaign in 1869, and in Sheridan's cam
paign in the Valley of Virginia in 1864
Gen. Hayes entered it as Major of the
Twenty third Ohio, and commanded its
first brigade over two years During 1868,
he led his brigade in numerous arduous
expeditions in West Virginia, one Of these
that of Gen. Scanmon to the extreme south
western part of the State for the capture
of Saltville. The expedition succeeded in
capturing Wytheville, broke up the railway
at that point, and returned in time to assist
in preventing the escape of John Morgan
from Ohio.
COL. HAYES WITH SHERIDAN.
Gen. Sheridan took command of the new
Middle Department on the eth of August,
1864, and selected the kanawha Division,
including Col. Hayes brigade, to act with
his cavalry in repeated assaults on Early S
lines. Sheridan was not quite ready for a
general advance, and it was in part the
objects of these assaults to keep the enemy
occupied, and prevent him from detaching
any portion of his force for the assistance
of Lee at Richmond. Several times Early
undertook to do this, and as often was pre-
vented by Sheridan's vigorous demonstra-
lions, which sometimes rose to the proper
tions of a serious battle. Seldom a week
passed without two or three of these at
tacks being made, Col. Hayes often forcing
his way with his brigade not only through
Early's formidable picket lines, but through
his main line, compelling him to develop
his full strength, and even to seek new
positions. So bold and hazardous were
these raids that it was often matter of
grave surmse with officers and men, in set
ting out, whether the brigade would ever
return again to the main body, and many
times the chances seemed to he decidedly
in favor Of its capture or humiliation.
But it always managed to get back in good
fighting trim, and its habitual success
greatly increased the confidence of the men
in themselves and their leader.
PROMOTED TO BROADER GENERAL.
Col. Hayes was now promoted to Briga-
der General " for gallant and meritorious
service in the battles of Winchester, Fish
from Oct. 18th, 1864, and was brevetted
Major General "for gallant and distin-
guished services during the campaigns OF
1864 in West Virginia, aud particularly in
the battles of Fishers Hill and Cedar
Creek" Prior to these promotions he had
commanded a brigade as Colonel for over
Two years, and he was then commanding a
division. In the course of his arduous
him, and he had been wounded four times.
His advancement was never sought, and
did not come until long after it had been
fully earned.
THE SPLENDID SPIRIT OF THE MAN.
Of his military character, one who served
with him in nearly all his campaigns has
written as follows:
"As an officer he was noted not only for
strict loyalty to his superiors, but for gal
lantry in battle and alacrity in the dis
charge of every duty, however perilous or
arduouS. The first suggestion of his NOM
ination for Governor was strongly disfavor-
ed by the General, who put quietus upon
the movement in that direction as soon as
he heard of it. He generally preferred to
remain in the military service as long as
the rebellion lasted and no political pro.
motion was any temptation for him to leave
it while the triumph of the national arms
was incomplete. During the war he was
nominated for Congress by the Republicans
OF the Second District, and directly after
ward received letter importuning him to
return home and make the canvass. Gen.
Hayes replied to this letter as follows:
In CAMP, Oct. ,.
Yours of Goth ult. is received. Thanks.
| have other business just now. Any man
who would leave the Army at this time to
electioneer for Congress ought to be scalp.
ed. Truly yours, X. b. HAYES
Notwithstanding this refusal to leave the
field to cooperate with his friends in secur-
ing his political preferment, he was hand
somely elected, defeating Joseph c. Butler,
the Democratic candidate, by majority OF
2,455. In 1868 he was re- elected, his com
petitor being Theodore Cook, and his ma
jority over that gentleman was 2,556. In
Congress his industry, sound Judgment,
and fidelity to the interests of his constitu-
ents were conspicuous, and gave him a
position OF great prominence and influence
with his fellow members. Though not APP
parently ambitious of oratorical display,
and seldom occupying the time OF the
House with even short speech, his unob,
trusive and thoroughly efficient discharge
of his duty won for him not only respect
but reputation, and he was regarded both
in Washington and in Ohio as one of the
ablest and best members on the floor. He
took deep interest in all the great and
agitating questions then before Congress,
including those relating to the reorgauiZa-
ton of the lately revolted states, and acted
! uniformly in accord with the Republican
line of policy in reference to the measures
Mr. Hayes is a good sized, well-formed
man. He is every way well made, has a
handsome head and rather handsome