Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1880-07-20
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Winfield Scott Hancock.
cPbiiad.lpb;n Times

w luneld Scott hancock was born in Mont.
gomery county, Pennsylvania, February II,
!S24, and is therefore ffty>six years of age.
HIs mothers father was a Revolutionary
soldier aud was captured at sea and confined
IN the Dartmoor Prison, England, His
great grandfather on his mothers side was
also a good soldier under Washington and
rendered good service, dying at the close of
the Revolution from exposure aud hardships
endured in the field. Haucock's father
served in the war of 1879 and afterwards
became lawyer of distinction 10 Mont.
gomery county, Penusy lvania. At the age
OF sixteen Hancock was sent to West Point
aud had for classmates u S. Grant, George
B. Mcclellan, J. F. Reynolds, j. L. Reno,
Burnside, Franklin and ". e. Smith. He
graduated in 1874, June 80, and in 1856
served with his regiment in the Indian Ter
ritory as second lieutenant of the Sixth
Infantry. In 1877 we fud him in Mexico
and comprehension gallantry at the Natural
Bridge, San Antonio, Contreras, Cherubus-
co, !Molino, del Rey aud the Capture of the
City of Mexico. He was breveted for gall
lantry at the battles of Contreras and Cheru>
busco. In 1S49 and 1850 he served with
his regiment as quartermaster and adiutant.
aud in the fall of 1850 was married at ST.
Louis to Miss Almira RUSSELL the daughter
OF prominent merchant of that CITY. He
took part in several Indian campaigns in tho
West.and in 1857 was engaged in the South
ern Florida war. He served in the cxpedi>
tion against Utah and in 1859 went to Cali
forDia.
r. When be heard of the rebellion be took
high ground in favor of the Union, and did
much in 1861 to check the secession spirit.
then sezing upon California. He applied
to Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, for a
commission in the volunteers, but the Cow
ernor being Glow in replying to his applica-
ton he obtained leave Of absence and came
East. His earnestness impressed General
Scott, who ordered him to report TO General
Mcclellan. and on the formal recommends,
ton of Mcclellan, President Lincoln, on the
23d of September, 1861, commissioned Han.
cock a. .Brigndier> General of Volunteers. He
was assigned to brigade in the division of
General BaIdy Smith, and reported for duty
at Chain Bridge, Virginia, in tho Army of
the Potomac. His subsequent military ca
reer forms one of the most brilliant chapters
in the history OF the war ass
Hancock, in personal appearance is tall,
we'll formed and very handsome His height
cannot be less than six feet two inches, and
he weighs two hundred and forty pounds
He would make the foest looking President
who ever sat in the White House. except,
possloly, george Washington. His form
towers above other men, and he attracts at
tention by his mere looks wherever he goes.
II is eyes are blue and have beuiguant aud
mild expression when in repose, but inspiring
when in danger. His manner is dignified
and knightly and be is courtesy itself. He
IS always. magnetic. and draws men to him
by bis, kindiiness and gentle interest in their
affairs. His sympathies are easily aroused,
aud henbecomes intensely concerned for the
sorrows and misfortunes of others, striving
IN every way to relieve them ,as though their
troubles were his own. Hancock's Kindness
to his subordinates won not only their love
and confidence, and caused them to rely on
him as friend as we'll as commander. He
gave man good opinion of himself, and
made each one feel he was of more import
ance than he ever before suspected. 1t was
this which caused him to have such power
over his officers and men 10 battle, and made
them prefer rather to die than forfeit the
good opinion of their leader.
General Hancock had two children, Rus
sell Hancock and Ada Elizabeth The lat
ter died in New York of typhoid fever when
IL years of age. She was young lady of
great promise. Russell Hancock, the Gem
erals only son, is living, and is planter 10
Mississippi.