The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-11-05
GEN. HAZEN'S BOOK.

| SNAA' AAe>SAAS WYNN ID ~ 'oAUp"iS SO'sAh'o
ton. He truly says in the preface that
those who make history do not write
it,; but an impartial verdict can only be
arrived at after hearing the testimony Of
those who participated in the events which
go to make up the record of history.
Gen. Hazen has not undertaken history
OF the war, combining himself rigidly to the
| services of the various organizations from
| time to time under his own immediate COM
mand. The general plans of campaigns and
| movements of armies are only incidentally
and briefly alluded to, in so far as is neces-
sary to an understanding of his own story.
The book is full of interest from its first to
its last page, and especially so to the living,
| and the friends of the dead, whose gallant
| deeds are therein recorded. The narrative
is plainly and clearly told, without unneces-
sary verbiage, or effort at rhetorical display.
Gen. Hazen begins with a sketch of the
organization of the 41st Ohio, of which regi-
ment he was made Colonel in September,
1861. The thorough and rigid system of
drill and discipline established in the camp
at Cleveland contributed in no small degree
to the marked efficiency of this regiment in
the field. Speaking of the material of which
it was composed he makes the following OBJ
servations. which will apply with about
equal force to most of the volunteer regi-
ments:
Officers not suited to their places, either from
want of industry, character, other causes, soon
made their unfitncss evident in many ways and
when there was no more hope. they either volun-
tarly resigned or were informed in n kind way
that they were not likely to be useful, and quietly
went home. 1t is remarkable now, in looking over
the first roster to notice that rule, fitness was
found to exist inversely with rank. Thus of the
Captains, only four ever went into battle or were
suited for the office they held and but one, Aqula
Wiley, of Wooster, O., arrived at special distinction
No part of the regiment ever faltered
failed in the least particular in the performance of
every duty assigned it. The thoroughness of its
instruction, the accuracy of its drill. its soldierly
habit promptness and correctness in the perform
and general efficiency were at all times marked.
1t was conspicuous in most of the great battles of
the West, and ii lost by the bullet nearly
200 per cent. of its average strength If any regi-
ment at any time has had better record, do not
know it. Long before the war closed the wisdom
of what to many appeared harsh and unnecessary.
Il mean uncomproinising rgOr of discipline and
Instruction. was so fully justified and admitted
to bring me that confidence and respect which is a
SnII liars hacfr vi 4 &c, ~
American citizen, properly commanded and in
structed makes the best soldier in the world. This
is due mainly to his intelligence, perfect amena-
bility to the highest discipline and to his full APP
probation of its necessity.
The dist Ohio was sent to West Virginia,
but after brief service there was ordered,
late in November, 1861, to Louisville. Here
Col Hazen was placed in command of the
Nineteenth Brigade, Army of the Ohio, con-
sisting of the 41st Ohio 46th and 47th Ind
and 9th KY. Subsequently the two Indiana
regiments were detached, and their places
in the brigade were filled by the 9th Ind.
and 9th Ohio. The first solid fighting of
the brigade was at Shiloh, of which Gen.
Hazen gives a very spirited account. The
loss of his brigade in killed and wounded
was 800, which was twice the average of
Buelps troops engaged" Then follows the
story of the siege of Corinth, the operations
in Northern Alabama, and the chase after
Bragg to Louisville. The following interest
ing incident is narrated:
One evening" while on the march from Shiloh to
Corinth, Gen. Nelson. Col. James Jackson of Ken
lucky and myself were together Nelson remarked
that on his next birthday he would be glad TO have
us dine with him at the Gait House in Louisville
Jackson asked him when that would be. He re-
piled, The 9th day of September" Jackson re-
marked that 1t was very strange, but that was his
birthday also, and, very much stranger still, il
mine. SO remarkable coincidence, which by the
law of chances would occur but in 40 900 such
meetings, led to an engagement for the dinner,
wherever might be. But, to continue the strange
part of this story, next birthday found us at the
very spot Nelson had first proposed-at the Gait
House In Louisville. This remarkable chain of
condolences did not stop even here, as the tragic
sequel will show. The dinAer. which was attended
by nearly all the officers of high rank in the city
and by the Hon. j. j. Crtenden and other notable
citizens, very elaborate and elegant. Gen.
Buell., although invited, was not present. He had
fallen under very great criticism because Bragg had
appeared in Kentucky-an event for which he was
not responsible-and the clamor ran high for his
removal. McCOok mentioned by his friends
for the succession and his name was often heard in
the halls of the Gait House, where he had his
quarters. the incoming man. At the dinner Mr..
Crittenden proposed and drank the health of Gen.
McCook, the coming leader of the Army of the
Ohio" This act, which. if not pre-arranged at
least met with considerable favor and at a table
made up largely of Gen. Buell's officers, where
Buell. had been invited, impressed me upleasantly.
and have always associated it with our failure at
Perryvile. 1t was the last time ever saw either
Nelson or jackson The next day Davis
shot Nelson, and Oh the Sth of October IL days
after Jim jackson was killed in battle at Perry
vile.
After reciting the circumstances of Gen.
Nelson's death, Gen. Hazen says:
OF Nelson. excepting his quarterback manner
(he had been Lieutenant in the navy), which in
practced toward almost everybody every thing was
in his favor. To IN extraordinarily large stature
were added a perfect figure, robust health and a
commanding presence. / knew him only
as IA kind and genial gentleman. AS soldier he
vigilant and painsakng to the last degree.
No man could be drawer more just to those
he thought meritorious, or more severe with every
manner Of dereliction; but mt times he was very
harsh and petulant. This latter quality led to IA
,.I,,x