The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-05-28
FOR OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
New York's Sentiments In Regard to Gen John A.
Reynolds.

New YOrk's Sentiments In Regard to Gen John A.
Reynolds.
To THE EDITOR: 1t will be great surprise
to large majority of the delegation from the
Department of New York TO the National En-
campment to learn, as announced in your issue
of May Z. 1885, that Gen. Henry A. BarnHm
will have the united support of that delegation
for Commander-in-C Chief. 1t is also a matter
of no little curiosity to know by what authority
the writer of the communication referred to,
assumed TO speak for the New York delegation,
since he is neither delegate nor alternate.
From information received | venture to as
sert, in contradiction of the writer Of that arti-
Gle, that Gen. Barnum will not be presented by
the New York delegation, but that Gen. John
A. Reynolds, Past Department Commander, of
Rochester, n. Y, will be their candidate. Gen.
Barnum has frequently been candidate, and
the fact that he did not receive at the last Ma
tional Encampment strong support, would in
dictate that he could probably not succeed if
again presented. Comrade Barnum has con-
stantly been, and still is, in politics, holding
public office, and could not probably devote the
requisite time to the work of the Grand Army
if elected to that position. The Grand Army
has suffered in the past by too close connection
with politicians. Gen. Barnum has always
been warm friend and strong advocate of
Fitz-John Porter, and his position in regard to
that matter has never commended him to
majority in previous Encampments.
Gen. Reynolds, on the other band, is not
politician. but a business man of strict integ-
rity. He has always been strongly devoted TO
the Grand Army, not for personal and selfish
ends, or for political advancement. but from
love of his comrades and the Order. He is
honest, capable and trustworthy. His admin
istration as Department Commander was one
of the most successful in the history of the
Order, and won for him the praise and affection
of his comrades throughout the Department of
New York. Gen. Reynolds enlisted in July,
1861, taking command of Battery l., 1st \. y.
L. A, raised in this city, and known as Rsy-
nolds's Battery. This battery served through
the entire war in the Army of the Potomac,
achieving great distinction for effective service
1t was present and took part in nearly all the
engagements of that army. In May, 1868,
Comrade Reynolds was promoted and left the
battery. He was frequently promoted aud
breyetted for meritOriOuS service; was appoint
ed Assistant Chief of Artillery of the First
Corps at Gettysburg and afterwards Chief Of
Artillery of the Twelfth Corps. going with that
command to re-enforee Gen. Thomas after the
battle of Chickamauga- At the opening of the
battle of Lookout Mountain he was. by Gen.
Hooker appointed his Chief of Artillery re-
naming with him until Gen. Hooker was re-
lieyed. Afterwards he aecompanied Gen. Sher-
man on his march 10 the sea, and subsequently
| through the Carolnas Chief of Artillery OF
| the Army of Georgia. Gen. Reynolds WAS re-
garded as one of the most efficient artillery OH
GERS in the service. His modest, unassuming
ways and kindness of heart and warm love for
his comrades commend him TO their respect
and affectionate regard. No selection for Com
mander-in- Chief could be more fortunate for
our Order.-A. L. MABBErT, Rochester, \. \.