Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-11-28


1t was right that Gen. Thomas should have
a worthy monument at the capital Of the
country he fought for, and that it should be
inaugurated with all the dignity that i'm
mense multitudes and an imposing pa
rade and notable speeches by the most dis
tinguished soldiers could give TO the occasion
for he was faithful among the fathless.
When the war broke out he was Major of the
Second United States cavalry, Of which Al
bert Sidney johnson was Colonel, and Rob
ert L. Lee Lieutenant Colonel aud Of which
Gen Hardee and other rebel officers were
members. Thomas and Lee were intimate
friends, as well "a brother officers in the same
regiment They were both scions Of wealthy
and exclusive families Of the old Dominion.
both were trained soldiers, both entered the
army in early youth, and obtained special
promotion for high merit both were con-
fronted when the rebellion opened with the
great question, State or Country Lee hes
itated. and was lost Thomas saw his duty.
and did it. He never for a moment wavered
in his loyalty TO the flag and the government
Thomas and Lee never fought directly against
each other, for their commands were in differ
ent fields, if they had been matched against
each other the rebel chieftain would have
been compelled TO own that in his old com
Tuut ne hhu III OllllputuA NOlAug VI Ills steel
For Gen Thomas was one Of the few gener-
alt Of the war whose record shows no serious
blundtrs or reverses.
Thomas was with the Army Of the Cum
berlaud from first 10 last. He mustered into
service It's first brigade. lie baptized it with
its frs, victory at Mill Springs At somer-
set he defeated Zollicotfer ard introduced the
bayonet as one Of the factors Of the contest,
showing the nation that IN the shock Of con
tending lines Western Drawn and muscle were
more than a match for Southern fire. Thorn
a~ held the centre against the most desperate
assaults Of Bragg at Murfreesboro 80 well
hatEosecraus gratefully spoke Of him. in his
report. true aud prudent. distinguished
IN council. and celebrated on many battle
fields for lIs courage At ChicamAuga.
when defeat threatened the Union arms,
Thomas held the centre like q rock. after
both fAuks had been OVERCOME. and gather
ing TO himself detachment from every corps
on the field, be saved the day aud the army.
When in command at Chattanooga, he prom
ised Grant to hold the town till We starye
and it was held. In the battle Of Chattan-
uOgG, Thomas held the centre. formed his
command with perfect precision, aud swept
Bragg army from the heights. At Nash
vile his caution so disquiotld General Grant
and take the command Of the beleaguered
army. Logan was on his way to his new
command when the news Of the annihilAtion
Of Hood army reached him. The delay Of
Thomas Was for purpose. Hoods army
had been allowed to choose It's position. and
to fancy It's prey secure. when the terrible
blow which had been prepared for it descend
cd. When the right hour came, Thomas
struck and Hoods army vanished. Thomas
took 1879 prisoners and - cannon. besides
receiving . 200 doserters infictiug loss Of
-. 900 IN killed. wounded and captured, out
Of al army Of - 600 Speaker Randall well
said Of him Thomas was faithful brave
and true man. He was perhaps the only
General Of the war who always Tough; his
great battles with even plumbers. His sue
cess was not the success of an overwhelming
| force IT was the triumph Of military skill "
| The memory Of such a man. a. trus;y as be
wac able, rs pure IN life and morals a. be was
! brave, deserves 10 be comm norated IL en-
| during bronze, and TO be long held IL the
| hearts Of grateful people. - burlington Fire,
! PreS