McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1884-06-19

A Sketch of the Gallant Soldier Nominated
for INSTRUMENTATION He Earned
His Epaulets In tho Mexican War
and In the Rebellion.
John Alexander Logan is of Irish
stock, his father, DR.. John Logan,
coming to this country from Ireland
three years before the birth of the gen.
eral, al event which occurred February
9, 1926.
With the exception of attending
schools in the neighborhood in an in
termittent fashion, owing to the fact
that no regular schools existed in the
settlement, his early or preparatory
education was derived from the teach
ing of his father. Having laid the foun-
dation, he entered Louisville university,
and in due course graduated.
Upon the declaration of war with
Mexico, John A. Logan promptly en-
listed as private soldier in the ILL
nois volunteers, and was chosen a lieu
tenant in the First Illinois infantry.
He did good service, becoming quarter
master and adjutant of his regiment.
At the close of the war he returned
home, and in the fall of 1848 began to
study law in the Office of his uncle,
Alexander M. jenkins, formerly lieu
tenant-governor of Illinois.
In November, 1848, he was elected
clerk of Jackson county, and while
discharging his official duties completed
his law studies, and after attending a
course of law lectures in Louisville, re-
ceiving diploma, he was admitted to
the bar, and commenced practice with
his uncle. He became almost immedi-
ately successful and popular, for we
find that in 1858 he was elected to the
state legislature, and in 1854 to the Of
flee of prosecuting attorney of the third
judicial district Of Illinois, holding the
office until 1857. Mr.. Logan was re-
elected to the state legislature in 1858,
1856 and 1857, and in 1856 was presi-
Dental elector on the Buchanan and
Breckenridge ticket. In 1858 he was
nominated and elected as representa-
tive to the thirty-six congress as a
Douglas democrat, and reelected by a
large majority in 1860.
The most ardent democrat and an
earnest supporter to the s'Little Giant
when the bugle blast of war swept
northward from the south, he declared
his willingness to shoulder his musket
to secure the inauguration of Mr.. Lin
coin"
In July, 1861, during the extra ses-
sion of congress, his patriotism was
greatly aroused by the sight of Him,
troops going to the front, he left his
seat in the house, and joined the troops
on their way to meet the enemy. lie
marched bravely into the first battle ri
Bull Run under Col. Richardson, fough5
in the ranks, and was among the las 20
leave the ensanguine field. In August
of the same year he returned from his
home to Washington, resigned his office
as representative, and dedicated him
self to the country's cause for the term
of the war, unless sooner killed or dis
abled.
He Immediately organized the Thirty
first Illinois Infantry, and September
81 was made its colonel. In November,
the regiment had its first baptism of
blood at Belmont. Here he had his
horse shot under him while leading
successful bayonet charge. With Grant
he made the campaign which resulted
in the taking of Fort Henry and Donel-
son, but was so severely wounded at
the assault upon the latter, he was dis
abled for several months. As soon as
convalescent he reported for duty to
General Grant at Pittsburg Landing,
March 5, 1862, and was Immediately
appointed brigadier-general of volun-
teers. He bore a conspicuous part in
the movement. against Corinth, and
performed efficient service in guard,
ing the railroad line to jackson, Tenn.
During the summer of 1862 he was
repeatedly urged to ''run for con-
gress," but his reply was worthy
hero; 81 have entered the field to die,
if need be, for this government, and
never expect to return to peaceful pur-
suits until the object of this war OF pre-
servation has become fact establish
ed" His personal bravery and mill
tary skill were so conspicuous in Grants
Northern Mississippi movements, where
he commanded division of the Seven.
teenth army corps, under General Nc
Pherson, he was promoted to the rank
of major-general Nov. 26, 1862. He
was present in every fight, his daring
UIdFoiy dulIudtiuS Ills IuCu t1o lulu uiO-'
son, Raymond, Jackson, Champion
Hill, and Vicksburg. He was in COM
mand of McPherson's centre June 25,
when the assault upon Vicksburg was
made, Immediately following the mine
explosion. His column led the entrance
into the city, and he became its first
governor.
In November, 1868, Gen. Logan sue
ceeded Gen. Sherman in command Of
the Fifteenth Army corps; and the fol-
lowing May he joined Sherman as the
Georgia campaign was opening. Logan
led the advance of the army of Tennes-
see at Resaca, whipped Hardee's
trained veterans at Dallas, and drove
the enemy from Kenesaw mountain.
July % he was in the fierce battle be-
fore Atlanta, which cost the gallant
his life. In his report of
the battle Gen. Sherman said: "Gen.