Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-03-02

ism of its intrepid commander. Overlspped and
assaulted impetuousiy OF both tanks and asssiled
in front, his line rapidly melted away: Hayes
was left alone, exposed to murderous hre. A
heavy volley was aimed at him. IL killed his
horse, Kidding it with a score of bullets. Flung
ing forward in its death throes, il violently threw
its rider, dislocating his ankle aud bruising bin
from head to foot; he, nevertheless, regslned ms
regiment. AT the crisis of the battle, sheridan
arrival, after his spirited ride, changed the whole
face of affairs. "Boys. we must 20 back to camp,
was his inspiring cry. Back they went right gal
lantly Rapidly ieorganizing his broken ranks,
and reforming his line, with the "old hans"ha
in the centre, he charged Early 'npetuously IN
front and flank, forcing him back upon CEDAR
Creek, finally breaking his army in utter rout,
and pursuing and capturing pfsouers, artillery
arms, camps and baggage. The victory was as
complete as glorious. Early was ,squelched.
IL was on this memorable field that Sheridan,
claspipg the hand of Hayes, exclaimed: "Coonel!
from this DAY forward you will be 4 brigsdier
general" Ten days later the commission arrived
little later that Of major general. Wounded
four times and hundred DAYS under fire. exposed
to death IN a series of brilliant actions. ms pro-
motions were but the well earned meed OF merit
In the field
Such was the gallant and brilliant career
of Hayes as a soldier. In politics he was
originally a Wing, his fist vote for Presi-
dent having been cast for Henry Clay.
At the collapse OF the Wing party he en-
listed under the banner OF republicanism,
speaking and voting for Fremont in 1896,
and for Abraham Lincoln ia 1860. In
1864, while in the field, without his
knowledge, he was nominated for Con-
gress by the republican convention OF the
2nd Congressional district of Ohio. In
1866 he was re-nominated by reclamation.
In 1867 he was nominated for Governor of
Ohio. and in 1869 rc-nomnated by accla
nation and elected. In 1870, he WAS
again nominated for Governor and elected
over William Allen, the latter standing as
the soft money representative and cham
pion.
Ii the army Rutherford B. Hayes was a
brave and true soldier in Congress and
as Governor of Ohio he has been sound in
his political faith, true TO the best and
highest interests OF his constituents. His
sympathies with the masses are clearly
shown in ali his acts. lie was the oppo-
nent of slavery and slave labor; the con-
slant supporter OF measures TO increase
the area of freedom and amelorate the
condition of The down-,roddcn; the firm
friend of the recon struciion of the South
on the broad basis of liberty and equal
rights for all before the law. During the
contest now about closing he has main
tanned n quiet, decent attitude, refusing
to stain his hands with Offering brides or
becoming party to any plots or bargains
TO advance his own success as candidate
for President. In this respect he presents
a remarkable contrast to his competitor,
who has hestated at no means, however
corrupt, to obtain the Presidency.
Rutherforl B. Hayes will be an able.
discreet, conscientious Pre,i lent. the
reports that he will abandon the cause OF
freedmen in the South, that he will sink
Justice and right at the demand of COM
mercial greed, are without foundation.
He may be trusted TO form a Cabinet that
will be of good timber. selected with a
view to the highest interests of the nation,
and worthy the support of the country.
That he will satisfy everybody is not TO be
expected; that he will act with due DELHI
Grafton and good judgment we may safely
trust.