Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1879-06-12

hope that he led during the Mexican
war in order 20 relieve some Englishla-
dies. who were suffering privati0r and
indigni.ies in the City Of Mexico. With
a small company Of kindred spirits Ne
penetrated 10 the heart Of the city and
released the sufferers, who we're quar-
tered in the American camp until the
city was taken, and they were restored
TO their homes. Gen. Scott repFimane-
ed him Cor this. but in such slight way
tl.at 4 did Dot pEevenl III promolion.
4 .EarIy % Tie late var Gen. Shielasss
friends sought to raise an Irish brigade
for hlm. Chief Justice Daley and 9TH
ere were foremost in bringing him out
and organizing the brigade. He lrrived
late from California with the understand
ing that he was 70 be given the COM
mand. Meanwhile Thomas Francis
Meagher had been acting as General.
and, although he gave Gen. Shields
grand dinner and reception, showed no
disposition TO give up the command.
Shields was much disappointed. and by
no means apPeased with the command
oi brigade under Banks that was given
him. He gained. however. the credit
Of winning about the only battle CREDIT
ed to Banks--lhe battle Of Winchester.
He had pet project Of capturing Stone
wall Jackson, but complained bitterly
that just as his plans were about maiur-
ing be was ordered by Gen. Mcdowell
TO retreat.
General Shields was FIVE feet eight
inches in height, Of compact build. and
in his youth had dark hair. His eyes
were dark aud piercing, and gave him
wild look to strangers. He was very
attentive to woman, and fond Of paying
them compliments. He made long vis-
It's 10 friends in New York and through.
out thr country. He was once dining
at The house of a prominent citizen Of
New York, whose wife, member Of q
staid old Dutch family, dId not relish
Gen. Shields reticence about his do
nestle relations. She took occasion to
speak out bluntiy on one occasion, pro-
posing "the health Of Gen. Shields and
his wile." Some OF his military ssso-
ciates present were quite surprised to
learn that he was married, but the good
mairon carried her point. and in this
scmi-pubIic way took the opportunity 10
warn some of her maiden lady friends
not TO lose their hearts. Gen. Shields
leaves a wife and family at Carroll
ton, Mo. One son is 10.
II regard Gen. ShIelds's career asa
singular instance Of the facility with
which man Of original power can brave
the difficulties Of fortune and rise above
them. Coming here as an Irish lad,
without education, working first ss a
schooImaster. finding field for his tall
ents such as the free institutions Of this
country have opened 10 so many.
ale was man Of great physical en-
duranee, aud yet he did not seem TO take
care Of himself. He would est and
drink almost anything. and work as long
as there was work 10 do. As conyeT-
satIonalisi he was marvel. He seemed
TO remember everything he ever read.
He was fond of Burns, and was born
sufficiently far north in Ireland TO have
some Of the air Of Scotland waited over
TO hIm. He had no petty national feeling
that would prevent his admiring poet
Of another nationality. He was great
friend Of John Mitchell, as both came
from the same part Of Ireland. They
were Of The same clear steel sort Of ma
ture. He was also intimate with Rich
ard O'Gorman and often stopped at
bis house and at Judge Days. His
speeches were all extempOraneOus, and
hls resources Of exact knowledge never
failed him. lie was quite sOldieFly in
bearing. and a very great favorite with
all who knew him Intimately. A strong
though unsuccessful effort was made
year ago TO procure for him pension,
and 10 have him appointed to the sine
cure Office Of Doorkeeper Of the House.
He had not very extensive means, and
has been glad TO lecture dnnng the past
Two years"