Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1881-02-05

obey. / was captured inside the euerai
lines, tried by a Military Court, and not
withstanding my mission was shown 10
have been undertaken by the peremptory
orders of my superior officers, was never
thclesS sentenced to fifteen years connne-
ment and labor. The Confederate Gov
eminent being pledged to my protectioh
directed that Major Golf be subjected 10
the same punishment until my release.
About the 9th day of August, 1864, we
were exchanged, the one for the other,
but placed on parole. Afterward, by
special order, was regularly exchanged
and placed in command OF the counties OF
Hardy, Highland and Pocahontas. SUD
sequently, Oh the 18th day OF April, iooo'
| was again arrested and taken TO Clarks-
burg. / was well acquainted in Harrison
County, and us soon as it became known
that was imprisoned ut Clarksburg and
that was the same man for whom Major
Golf had been so long imprisoned there
was great excitement and indignation
toward ME. / was insulted and badly
treated by men whom l had never
wronged. In the midst Of my embarrass-
ment Major Golf visited me, and without
hesitation offered me his hand i'll kindest
friendship, insured my safety, and ex-
pressed his deep regret that he was un-
able 10 have me entirely released. Major
Golf at that time was mere boy-proba-
bly, not over 20 years ofage. Conduct so
noble and gallant was scarcely TO be eX-
pccted of one so young. Surrounded as
he then was by admiring and sympathlz-
ing friends, one unkind word from MN
against me in that critical hour would
have cost me my life. His kind and gem
erouS conduct upon that occasion L shall
never forget or lose an opportunity TO
reeiprocate. In consideration of these
facts take great pleasure III recon-
mending Major Golf to all true men, with
out regard TO party affiliations. trust
nv friends will be his friends. lie has
proven himself strong, generous, brave,
and true. and / hazard nothing in saying
the destiny of West Virginia will be safe
in his hands. Very respectfully,
THOMAS ID. ARMsEY.
Your correspondent has heard this
Confederate Major with the deepest
emotion relate this story TO an audience
during the memorable campaign Gener-
al Coli made for the Governorship in
1876. After the war Gen. Golf served
in both branches of the Legislature,
where he became, while yet almost
boy, a recognized leader. Soon after
mis- admission TO the bar he was made
United States District Attorney OF
West Virginia, and for twelve years
has occupied that position. lie rose at
once to the first rank in his profession,
and has the largest law practice in the
State, private as well as public: LIS
reputation the country over is that OF
one of the most successful OF the Uni
ted States District Attorneys. In 1876
the State Convention nominated him for
the Governorship by acclamation after
he had absolutely declined the nomlna-
ton, and he was Utterly forced iuto the
contest. The history OF thatpolitical bat
tie is one of the most noticeable in the
record of American politics. For eight
weeks General Golf, accompanied by q
single friend, travelled into the remotest
sections OF the State, often walking
miles over the mountain TO speak to a
handful of people; frequently driving "
hundred aud more miles into the noun
tain Businesses to keep his engagements
and to carry out the programme which
he had made for himself of meeting the
people of every county in the State. .
The result of such canvass and OF
his presence was that he ran ahead OF
his ticket in every county, nothwlth-
standing the proverbial prejudlces OF
the people. lie ran 1877 votes ahead ct
his ticket in the county where his OPP
ponent resides. He is one OF the strong
est and most aggressive debaters in the
country. He was born on the 9th OF
January, ls43, and, having been con
firmed as Secretaryof the Navy on the
9TH inst, was consequently only 81
years of age when appointed. lie IS
the Youngest Cabinet officer since Alex
ander Hamilton. He looks even young
er than his years. He is rather below
medium size, with a full, well-knit
frame; which denotes great physical
strength. His face is as round as the
full moon and his countenance is pleas
ing yet characterized by firmness and
courage in every line. lie wears no
beard, Which gives full effect to the
strong outline of bis face, showing the
massive underjaw and firm, well-shaped
mouth. A pair of clear blue eyes light
up his strong face, aud q full suit Of hair
Just beginning to turn gray completes
the picture.
Such man is the new Secretary of
the Navy as described by his friends
and seen by any stranger who may
come into the room set apart for his use
at the seat Of Government. Perhaps
no appointment was ever made for any
position under the Government which
has been so universally recognized as
creditable to the appointing power.
Both the press and The politicians have
conceded its strength and fitness. The
statement that General Goff will remain
in General Gar6eld's Cabinet is gener-
believed. If there is 10 be Southern
man in the Cabinet it seems TO be the
recognized opinion that General Gotf
will stay. r. a. Is.
1851. ISL.
THE BALTIMORE Sun.
Published DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY.