Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1879-11-21

ground for burial,-into tombs for our
uebly.deeimated ranks. Then, aga n,nsw
light broke from mis- troubled genus on
the scene, and displayed ,hs p, 5 ible
path for valor. Breaking past the
rebel bsttlements, and across the great
river, he flung our army into the midst
OF the hostile host, like mighty glad
iator surrounded by mis- foes, choosing
no escape but in victory. There, with
fiery zest, il fierce rapi iity he smote
t-e foe the crushing strokes of Port
Gibson, RAYMOND. Jackson, Champion
Hills and Black River, and seized the
doomed city with the unrelenting grasp
of his Army of the Tennessee. An!
when, ON the new birthday of me re-
public, her flag shook out its beautiful
folds above the ramparts of that boast
ed citadel, the territory of revolt was
finally split in twain, the backbone Of
rebellion was broken.
Such, in glance, your splendid story,
companions, under our first com.
mauderl
He and his Army Of the Tennessee
entered on the page of history together.
Together they achieved the first great
prophetic triumphs for the Union; TO-
gether they followed and fought her en-
emies from field to field. pushing our
advancing arms in steady career toward
the Gulf. Nor were their efforts for
our country disunited, until, having dis,
membered the vast rebellion, the begin
ming of its utter downfall had been seen.
GUIDED BY HIS GENIUS
your army had learned to fight only to
conquer. Parted from him, it forgot
not the teaching. Its march and war
struck every revolted state save two, but
never general anywhere lamented
over its retreat from the field of arms.
Joyfully may we point to that exalted
fame, which, rising like pinnacle of the
Alps, breaks through the armament
above to carry up the name Of the
unconquered Grant; for it is our
felicity, that ON the solid base from
which it lifts, history has written the
proud legend of the army of the leu
nessee, which never Stunned and never
lost battle with its foes,
Joined to it by such story,
and especially when 50 assem-
b ed, his Old associates and soldiers
in war, we may rightfully, without
censure and without adulation. claim
and speak the just measure Of his M er :
and renown. Nor shall his presence de-
ny that satisfaction to us. His reputa.
ton is not his, not even his country's,
alone. 1t Is, in part, our peculiar pos.
session. We, who fought to aid its ris-
ing, may well rejoice in its meridian
splendor.
The foundations Of his title are deep
laid and safe. There was reaction in
the minds of our people after the in
tense strain OF war; and many distract
ing subjects for attention. But with re-
gained composure and reflection, his
reputation augmcnts; and its founda-
tons more and more plainly appear IT.
removably fixed for lasting duration.
Tney spring not from merely having
enjoyed possession OF the honors OF
place and power. which his countrymen
have bestowed; others have had
them too. They lie not specially
on his shining courage and per-
3
who was never outdone in calm intreoid
ity; nor in the splendid daring with
which he ever urged the battle he lm-
mediately ordered; though long these
will live IN song and story. Beyond the
warriors distinction,-which was his
earlier gIory--hls Is the true genins Of
the general. The strategic learning Of
the military art was TO him n simple
implement, like colors and brush to a
Raphael, not letters to the mind. How
like n weapon in giants hand, did he
WELD the vast agsregatlons of soldiely,
whose immensely oppressed so many
minds! How easily moved his dlvis-
ions, yet now firm the place Of all
flow every soldier came to feel his par
ticipation direct contribution to tho
general success And when, at length,
his merit won the government of the
entire military power Of the north, how
perfect became, -,
WITHOUT NOISE OR FRICTION,
the cooperation Of every army,
Of every strength, throughout the
wi 10 tg ritory of the war, tower
the common endl Subordinate eNety
will and jealous soul, the pro-
found military wisdom Of the cap.
itsl, even, to the clear purpose and
comprehensive grasp OF the one COM
manding mindl THIN how rapidly
crumbled on every side tho crushed
revolt Where shall we find, in past
records. the tale of such struggle, so
enormous in extent, so nearly matched
at the outset, SO desperately contested,
so effectively decided Through what
q course Of uninterrupted victory did
be proceed from the earliest engage
mtnts TO a complete dominion OF the
vast catastrophe
Spare, in pity, the poor brain which
cannot see, in this career, more than q
logged pertinacity 0ut upon the I'M
just prejudice which will consciously
disparage the true need Of genius
Leave it where his reliant silence
leaves it Leave it to history Leave
it 10 the world
But in the great cause, so well under
stood, and the great results to men, so