New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-07-26
GENERAL ORD As SOLDIER IND MN
WARM TRIBUTE FROM THE Rev. 8. 8. Swami
A FORMER AIDE-DE CAMP.
N

To the Editor of The Tribune.
SR The war record of the gallant but mode
officer whose sad death at Havana recorde In THU
mornings papers, needs defence at the hands CT hid
personal friends. Although he did not I'LL so large
space In the public eye some Others General ORD
Of the most useful and successful officers OF tho
war. Almost all the enterprises in which he en-
gagged victorlous-a, indeed, In which he held
an independent command occupied leading position.
The battle OF Dranesville, which gave new life ana
courage to the Army of the Potomac was won by his
genius. After making the proper disposition Of tho
infantry, his quick eye, trained In the command Of
artillery that the fate Of the battle depended upon
the destruction of rebel battery He saw also that
though 1t was sheltered by woods 1t was 80 confined In
road that his own battery, If properly placed.
would rake Sit from front TO He stationed his
guns himself and the first and second shots proved thao
his surnise correct and filed the with courage
and exultation. Having accomplished this he returned
to the infantry, which already charging the enemy
and in less than half hour had turned what
being asurprse into complete victory. He showed the
same characteristics during the whole
But 1t is not much to his sodierly vaor that wish
to bear record to his personal character He was
Of the Nations nobemen had the honor to
with him nearly four years, and truly say that
him under any circumstances lose his self
control forfeit for instant his character .
courteous gentleman. Even his rebukes never gave
him even in the face Of the enemy. He was brave
as a lion and gentle q woman In the camp and
the march he exceedingly careful OF his soldiers
providing their comfort their clothing, their rations
and medical attendance with almost paternal caro-.
and he showed equal solicitation for the sick and
wounded Before the battle. also, he exceedingly
cautious doing all he could guard against SURPRISE
and anticipating every emergency; but soon the
first bullet whsed his head he seemed TO lose all
OF fear all hesitation. all thought, except 10 90
forward and win the victory Thus al Fort Harrison, ~
ordered the formed In column, at double-qucks
and went the parapet before they had recovered
from their surprise; ana have IL on the authority OF
gentleman then officer In the rebel army that the troops
General ord advancing when he entered the fort
part OF LOngsreets command coming TO the de-
fence OF the position and that II lie had paused TO form
line of battle those troops would have oecuped the
parapets and driven him back with great slaughter.
Although General Ord OF Southern birth he was
Of the long struggle did his faith waive for
instant. On the whole he may be olassed among ths
foremost OF the galaxy Of brilliant officers brought TO
the front during the hie his private and dOmes
countrymen they hidden by the ustre OF his
public deeds IL Is nearly eighteen years since
Tesigned my position bis staf and sought the walks
of private hfe and have seen him only twice during
that time But my respect and affection for him have
grown as my appreciation OF genuine manly worth has
increased with and experience, aud desire TO
testify to II as fully and publicly as possible But
would not take upon myself to do this II did not
believe that IL would find warm response In the mind
and heart OF every officer soldier who served Under
him and enjoyed reasonable opportunity OF knowing
and understanding his character. lie was true pa
trOt, bra soldier, and kind husband and father.
sincere friend and noble man. His name IL one the
Nation may well be proud Of His memory should 10
tenderly cherished.
with sincere comniseration for his bereaved and
strickenfamiy, yours etc, =. T. SEWARD,
Late A. ID. Z. Stan OF General ord.
York, July "a, 1883.