The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1880-07-03
Gen. w. 5. Hsancocz<.


The nominee OF the democracy 1of
the Presidency has occupied SO prom
inent a position before the public In
the Southwest that the principal fea-
lures of his career are familiar to our
readers. Nevertheless we may sketch
briefly the life of the gallant soldier
and patriot whose elevation to the
highest Office in the land we are sure
will be the earnest desire of our good
people.
His family is one of the oldest IN
the country, and was made famous by
John Hancock, of Massachusetts,, the
first signer of the Declaration OF indie
pendence. Winfield Scott Hancock
was born in Montgomery county, Pa,
February IA, 1924, and is therefore in
his 57th year. Atan academy in Nor
ristown he received his early education.
Entering West Point at Is he gradua-
ted June 30, 1914. Under his name
sake he distinguished himself at the
battles of Contreras, Churubusco and
Moline del Rey, entering the city OF
Mexico with the victorious American
army as second lieutenant. From
ls46 to 1861 he was employed in va
.rious capacities, being stationed at Los
Angeles, California, when Fort Sumter
was fired upon.
rendering his services to the Ma
tional Government he was ordered to
Washington, and commissioned by
President Lincoln as Brigadier General
of Volunteers, September Esd. With
four regiments, he repaired in March
1862, to the Peninsula, joining McClel-
Ian forces. Atthe battle of Williams
burg, on May 5th, the brigade won
laurels by brilliant charge, led by
General Hancock in person. After the
fight at Malvern Hill, on the recon-
mendation of his commander, he was
promoted to the rank of Major General
of Volunteers, and bregeted Colonel in
the regular army:
Subsequently in the conflicts of Cen
treville, South Mountain and Antietam,
he became Division Commander. On
December 18th, 1862, at the head of
his division he participated in the bat
tie of Fredericksburg, being slightly
wounded. After the defeat of Chan
cellorville he stayed the i'll fortunes of
the day by covering the retreat, and
won the command Of the second army
corps.
His greatest achievement, which is
generally regarded as the turning point
of the war, was on the field at Gettys-
burg. On his advice that point was
selected as fitting place for decisive
contest with Lees advancing army. He
was in command OF the entire Union
forces during the first days fight. On
the second day Meade having arrived,
Hancock took charge of the left centre,
and before nightfall was severely
wounded. Congress recognized his
generalship and heroism in these battles
by resolution of thanks.
Having recovered from his wounds
be resumed command of his old corps
in 1864, and under Grant was present
at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court-
House, North Anna and Cold Harbor-
Placed at the head of a corps of
veterans after the close of the contest
he was in command of Washington
when President Lincoln was assassina-
ted. Compelled to witness the trial
and condemnation of Mrs. Surratt, he
made every effort consistent with his
position to save the life of that unfor-
tunate woman. He suggested to her
daughter the interview with President
johnson, and made every preparation
to convey the pardon to the execntioner
with the greatest possible speed if it
was granted at the last moment.
Transferred TO the Middle Depart
ment with headquarters at Baltimore
he remained in charge of this until
July, 1869, when he was transferred to
Missouri, where he conducted several
campaigns against the hostile Indians.
Assuming command of the Fifth
Military District, embracing Louisiana
and Texas, November 80, 1867, he be-
gun that civil record which has SO en-
deared him to the lovers of liberty.
General order No. 40 showed how
deeplythe principles of republican gov
eminent were engrayen on his heart.
In a letter to Pease he said: ePower
may destroy the forms, but not the
principles Of justice; these will live in
spite even of the sword"
Pease had been appointed Governor
ofTexas With the spirit which then
actnated the government of the CON
qnered States, he proceeded to remove
the chosen judges and county officers,
and replace them by his creatures, in
voked the aid of military commissions
to try citizens, and even questioned the
liberty of the press.
When pnblic.sentiment at the North
began to indicate displeasure at the
course pursued by Gen. Hancock, the
ivindictive Pease, in an open letter, at
tackled the policy of order No. 40. and