The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-11-25

against Vicllsburg, in 1863, Gen. Hovey COM
manded division in the Thirteenth Corps, and
his command participated in most OF the en-
gagements of that campaign, notably at Port
Gibson and Champion Hills. His division
bore the brunt of the latter engagement, losing
nearly so per cent. of those engaged.
This brilliant victory was achieved at great
loss of precious life, but the sacrifice was not
in vain, for it decided the fate of the great
rebel stronghold OF the Mississippi. Hovey,
aided by Logan and Crocker literally broke up
Pemberton's army. The Count of Paris, in his
History Of the Civil War in America" styles
Champion Hills "the Hill Of DEATH" adding
that " it the battlcl was the most complete de-
feat the COnfederates had sustained since the
commencement of the war" Gen. Hovey con-
tnUed with the Army of the Tennessee until
January, 1861, when he was ordered to Indiana
to aid Gov. Morton in organizing troops. Upon
arriving at indianapolis, one Of his first acts was
the addressing of a circular letter to the young
men of the State to stimulate them to rapid
enlistment. He appealed to them as follows:
To THE YoUSG MEN OF INDIANA I have been
ordered by Mai -Gen. Grant to take command of the
United States volunteers now being raised in Indl-
ana and organize them into bFigades and divisions.
For the first time during the war you will have
a chance to belong to an Indiana brigade. Come,
and let place the proud name of our State still
higher on the scroll of fame. This is ordinary
opportunity it is that has been aTdently sought
by almost every regiment that has entered the
ice This may be the only chance you will have oil
serving your country, and those who stand back
will hereafter deeply regret that they have failed 70
respond to their country call. Young men, do not
permit fathers and husbands to fill the ranks that
properly belong to you in the field Of glory and o
danger.
| This appeal had the desired effect. Ten regi
| ments Of / 900 men each were promptly organ
| lied and sent to the front to Gen. sherman
| Six regiments of this force were attached Il
/ Gen. SchOfeld's Twenty third Corps, and were
| designated the Fist Division to the command
/ of which Gen. HOaey was assigned. The divis
\ ion was humOrousiy styled HOvey'S Babies,
| from the fact that it was made up largely o
boys under age. But the youngsters were made
| Of good stuff and they earned good record fol
ceived the plauditS Of their veteran comrades
| including Gems. Sherman and Thomas, FOL
| a brilliant bayOnet charge by which the stub
born rebel line was broken.
In 1854 Gov. Morton had " home rebellion
| to face. Treason had become very bold. Tn
i leaders of the reasonable orders known as tn
| knights of the Golden Circle and the Sons 0
Liberty were vigorously cOnspiring to over
/ throw the authority of the Government no
only in Indiana, but in other Of the loyal West
| ern States. The State was even Threatened
/ with another rebel invasion. The situation o
affairs WAS critical and it became apparen
i that heroic action was required to avert diSas
/ ter to the National cauSc. The Governor need
ing the aid Of q trusty Lieutenant in thi
crisis, signifed q desire that Gen. H0yey shoul'
be sent to him. Accordingly, in August, 1864
the General was assigned TO the command o
the District of Indiana, with headquarters a
Indianapolis. During the ensuing turbulen
| period he commanded the District with grea
frmness and ability, and much of the success
attending the arrest, trial, conviction and exc
Cution Of deserters, bounty.iumpers and con
spirators was due to his vigorous action. L
give his own language: Knowing the DANCE
and the necessities of the hour, / smote q
many of the heads Of the hydra as my sabe
could safely reach"
Since the war Gen. Hovey has held variou
offices Of public trust, among them being tha
Of Minister to Peru, serving his country at a
times and in every position with characteristic
ability.
Gen. HOvey is an active member of th
Grand Army of the Republic, and in his cleo
ion TO Congress the cause of the loyal soldiC
has gained u staneh supporter.