The Portland daily press., 1885-03-14
JOHN H. FOGG.
A Man Who Has Reen FaithfaI TO Every
Duty,

To the Editor Of the Press:
sir:-The limits to which party "organs" go
in discussing the merits and demerits of candi-
dates for public Office, often extend beyond the
bounds Of decency. But the recent attack of
the Argus upon the Republican candidate for
Mayor, "outArguses the Argus" for indecent
brutality.
have known John 81. Fogg long and well /;
and my relations with him have been such as
to make me very familiar with his life in neaf-
ly all Of its various phases. And, knowing
that life as do, from the day when, as bare
footed boy Of seven, he went out one day to
pick strawberries to earn the money to pay for
his first pair of shoes, up to his unanimous
nomination for the chief official position in his
adopted city. do not hesitate to say that John
Fl. Fogg is such man as good citizens delight
to honor; and that, if elected Mayor, he will
discharge the duties of the Office as ably and
acceptably as any one of the long line of dis
tingulshed men the Republicans of Portland
have called to that position.
Mr.. Fogg is modest and unassuming man.
But he has discharged SO faithfully and we'll
the duties of every position he has been called
upon to occupy, as to have merited and receiv-
ed the commentators of his superior officers
and the confidence and respect of his associ-
ates. And while he is too modest to 'push"
himself for recognition, those who had the
right SO to do, have never failed to ask him to
step up higher.
am writing warmly as friend, but If your
readers could have seen John Fl. Fogg as
have, struggling over obstacles such as few
men have been called upon to sarmount,
quietly and unostentatioasly performing the
duties sof adjutant of his regiment to which
position he was called from the ranks by his
colonel, graduate of West Point; and later,
as captain, to which position he was promoted
for meritcrious services; his steady fortitude
under fire, though marked by three rebel bul-
let's; his patient calmness when told by army
surgeons that he was claimed by death, and
must go home to die, they would understand
something of the respect entertain for him.
John H. Fogg is not pushing or obtrusive
man, yet his services in the army had so at
tracted the notice and respect Of bis superiors
that he was accorded peculiar honor.
After the battle of Fredericksburg he came
uOmct do ulb buIEcUuo cd!u anu as u0 anu HIS
friends believed, to die, After it was dis
covered that his life would be prolonged
though with ruined health he resigned his
commission, rather than to draw his pay with
out the health to perform his duties. But
when his health was SO far and SO unexpected
ly restored as to give promise Of his ability
longer to serve his country, he wrote to the
War Department and asked if he could be of
service in any capacity commensurate with his
experience. For reply he received a COM
mission as captain, and orders to report direct
ly to the Secretary of War. Arriving in Wash
ington he was assigned to an independent and
important position, receiving his orders from
and reporting directly to the Secretary of
War.
Among other duties deyolved upon him in
this position was the disbursement Of more
than a quarter Of million OF dollars. And
though meanwhile called upon to participate
in skirmishes, night surprises, raids and bat
ties he was able to satisfactorily account for
every dollar of that large sum.
Closing useful and eventful life as q SOL
dier he returned to his home with shattered
constitution and for years suffered indescriba-
bly, from diseases contracted in the service.
Those who like myself stood by his bedside
and witnessed his sutferings and his heroic
patience, learned to respect the m anly traits of
character he then and everywhere has mani
tested.
He has recently served three years in the
City Council. OF his political life know but
little. But 1 can we'll understand that his
counsel and assistance in the City Council was
priced very highly by the ablest men OF both
parties.
l know that he did not desire to be nomin-
ated for Mayor know that there has not
been q moment since that nomination, in
which, if he felt at liberty 10 consult bis own
wishes, he would net have declined.
Called to his position OF candidate by his
fellow Republicans he is entitled to as he is
worthy Of their earnest support.
The Argus says that he has accumulated DO
property. 1 know moro about that matter
than the Argus does, But If he is not rich he
has done better than to accumulate property
for himself. He has been faithful to every
trust. He has been true to every interest
committed to his care. He has neglected no
duty in the past; and he will prove himself in
the future as in the past worthy the conf
dence and esteem of every good citizen.
A. #. II.