New-York tribune., 1878-10-11


I'D Az. 81 Louis Bryan, Brand. q Go.
The military career of General Harney COM
meneed IN 1915 before he had attained the tWehlleun
year Of his age His first service was in the pursuit Oh
some Of the famous band Of Lahtte's pirates IN INC
swamps Of Louisiana. He afterward distinguished Nm
self In the Seminole in the Black Hawk war; tooA
part in the capture OF Mexico City, and eommanoed the
United states forces Missouri at the commencement
of the rebellion. His biography is related win great
Dnuteness OF detail by Mr.. Reavis who evinces equal
knowledge Of his subject and admiration OF ms nero.
Ihe most interesting portion Of the volume is devoted
10 General IIaTneys services in Missouri, when nave
given occasion to wide differences OF opinion and from
which he WAS relieved before the end Of the INST year OF
the Civil War At the breaking ont OF the CONNECT,
General Harvey had Just returned from Drotracteu
duty the Pacific coast whom he was al once piaceu
In command at St Louis. He had been bred IN the
camp was devoted to the profession OF arms ana hau
never taken part in political strife. The approach OF
war involved him in difficult problems OF official lfe
HIS home was in st. Louis lie had married in that city,
and was surrounded by large circle OF hienos Gnu
relatives, who held prominent position IN sOeiey'
These for the most part, sympathzed Win the ooun'
and many Of them took an active part IN the reDeo
On this account prejudice was created against Eenera
Harpey especially among the strangers who suddenly
came into power on the side Of the Governmnnt In tne
middle Of April 1861 he was ordered TO washington ny
the Secretary OF War; but on the way was made prisoner
by Confederate soldiers and taken to RICHMOND
aide many of them old acquantences, by whom ne was
urged 10 oin the South and take up arms against his
country On meeting General Lee, Harvey said to MIN
% am sorry TO meet you in this way " Lee answered.
"General Harney, had no idea OF taking any part ID
this matter; WANTED TO stay at Arlington ana raise
potatoes my family but my friends forced me INTO
It," General j. Johnston also met Gener al Harney al
Richmond andtold him tba: be opposed to the rebel
on but that he would be eIecraed by his relatives an
OF whom lived iu Virginia. if he did not take sides with
the South Harney speedily released ana departed
for Washington. His journey from Richmond wasa con-
slant ovation. The people everywhere crowded
to see the war-ehlef Of tho West. But meas
ures were at the same time set on foot at 81
Louis to him from his command. From
the beginning he had taken the ground that theFe was
no necessity for the exercise Of military force III MIS-
souri, and on the l4th of May he issued proclamation
announcing his intention TO maintain the peace. But
there were plenty OF turbulent spirits by whom peace
was not desired The eXaspernted political parties oe
sired protection but also freedom TO barass each other
General Harvey seen to be the man FOR tho ooca
aion He gave protection unfortunately TO ALL Dnt
checked the spirit OF license that began to appear lie
was supported by the intelligent and discreet part
OF the people, but cabal formed to procure his re-
Inoval through influence at Washington. This move
ment says his biOgrapher not for the purpose OF
supplying his place with more loyal cluzeh' OF an
aber soldier but in the interest OF personal ambition on
the part Of his OppOsers. Among his principal
enemies the Blair family were conspicuous.
They are described by Mr. Reavis as "luiI OF
ambition love of power and the spirit OF rule or ruin
Francis p Blair sen who lost the favor OF President
jackson by his love Of selfish intrigue, the author arms
was at the head OF the plot to overthrow General Har
ney His who inherited the traits OF the father took
an active part in scheme Montgomery Blair who Is
STYLED by Mr. Reavs the PisstTatus OF his race the
man of sedition Madness and intrigue disgrace to the
high place he once held in President Lincolns Cabinet
brought into reQuisitiOn all Of his official resources Tor
the removal Of Harvey The veteran soldier was IN the
way OF his schemes for place and power in the advancing
West In military life General Harvey knew no p0ht-
cians, no speculators. He was only a bun, praVe
decisive soldier. General Scott and President LIN
coin were both slow to yield to the conspirators.
There is evidence says the author that either OF
them approved OF the removal OF General Harvey from
the command Of the West. On the contrary, IL Is true
that President Lincoln admitted that this step one
of the greatest mistakes Of his administration and
that General Scott asserted that it would cost the Gov
ernment 100000 men and S10O,O00,0O Of treasure.
OF the loyalty Of General Harvey says Mr. Reavs OF
his devotion TO the flag and the Constitution OF the
United States during the great conflict there can be no
doubt Had be received full justice e would have been
placed at the head Of the on the death OF General
Scott The narrative Of Mr. Reavs is copiOus, and
often too dfuse showing intelligent study Of tho
subject and familiar acquaintance with the historical
events 10 which It relates written in the spirit Of
found admiration for the whose deeds it records
and who sti lives at an advanced TO enjoy this
high wrought memorial Of an illustrious career.
EVOLUTION OF SOUND, By wnFoRD svo. pp $685.
Hall & Co.
The present treatise is intended as an intro
duetiOu larger work devoted TO the problem OF hu