The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-27

education from his father and afterwards at
tended local academy. When the war with
Mexico broke out Logan, being then twenty
years old, volunteered AS a private, was chosen a
lieutenant In the First Illinois Infantry, and
served creditably during the entire war. At its
close tIS4S}, returning home, he began the study
of law with his maternal uncle, Alexander VI.
Jenkins, who was afterwards Lieutenant-gov-
ernor Of Illinois. The next year he was elected
CLERK of jackson county, held the Office till $780,
when he resumed his law studies at the Louis
vile University, where he graduated and was
admitted to the bar in 1852. His popularity,
tastes and training made his early entrance into
politics inevitable. In the fall of his admission
20 the bar he was elected TO the State Legisla-
ture. in the following year as prosecuting attor-
ney, and the next year to the Legislature again.
where he served till 1856. In 1856 he was
Presidential elector on the Democratic ticket, in
1853 was elected to the Thirty sixth Congress,
aud re elected to the Thirty seventh. Logan
was born and bred Democrat, and was a zeal
Gus partisan of that school until the Southern
secession movement began. In the campaign of
1860 he publicly declared that if Abraham Lin
coin was elected he would shoulder his musket
to have him inaugurated." He kept bis word,
for in July. 1861. he left his seat In Congress,
overlook the troops that were marching out of
Washington to meet the enemy, joined an Hi
nois regiment and participated in the battle of
Bull Run.
Returning home, he announced his intention
20 enter the service of the government '.as pri-
Ais country best in defending the old blood
stained flag every foot of soil in the United
States" The Thirty first Illinois Volunteers
was raised in September, Logan was chosen
Colonel, and seven weeks later Colonel Logan
had his horse shot beneath him and his pistol
shattered at his side during successful bayonet
charge. He led the Thirty-f first at Fort Henry,
and then charged with them on Fort Doneson,
where he was wounded and compelled to retire
In March, 1862, he joined Grant at Pitts
general of volunteers; took part in the
movement against Corinth in May and was then
placed in command Of the forces at Jackson
Tenn. In the summer of 1862 he was urged to
run for Congress- but, in letter full of patriot
ism, replied that he had entered the field to die,
If need be, for the government. and did not ex-
pect to return to peaceful pursuits until the OBJ
Jeet or the war was accomplished. For his con-
duct during Grants northern Mississippi
paien. in 1862 and 1863, Logan was made major
general. Assigned to command under General
Mcpherson, his column led the entrance to
Vlcksburg. June Is. after the explosion of the
mine, and the first to enter the city of which
he was made military Governor.
Port Gibson, Raymond and Champions Hill
were among the other battles in which he fig
ured during that campaign. In November 1868,
he succeeded Sherman at the head of the Fiji
teenth Army Corps for the Atlanta campaign
After the death of General Mcpherson, who was
killed in the battle of Peach Tree creek, July 90,
1868; Logan was placed in command of the Army
OF the Tennessee, and, as General Sherman
said Commanded it with the same success and
ability that had characterized him in the com
mand of corps or division" After leaving the
troops in summer quarters General Logan
stumped the Western States during the presi-
Dental campaign of 1864. He then rejoined his
corps at Atlanta, shared the fatigues and hon.
ors of Sherman's march to the sea, remained
with him until Johnstons surrender, and partici-
pated III the grand review OF
the national armies at Washington, May,
1868 Space forblds more detailed
review of his military services he was the typ
, ical volunteer general, and was universally re-
earded as one of the best fighting generals in the
army In May, 1865, Andrew johnson rendered
him the appointment of minister to Mexico, but
he declined 1t. In 1866 he was elected as Re
publican Congressman atarge from Illinois,
and served in Congress till 1871, when he was
elected as United States Senator. His first term
as Senator expired March 3, 1877, and for short
time he resumed the practice of law in Chicago,
but was again elected to the Senate for the term
beginning March 4. 1879. On the expiration of
tina. term, in 1885, occurred the memorable con-
test in the Illinois Legislature, first for Speaker
of the House and afterward for United States
Senator For the latter Office the Democrats
Eominated William r. Morrison and the Repub
licans renominated General Logan. Each party
had 102 votes. The balloting began Feb.
Is. and continued day after day. until
May 10. when Logan vas elected. In the SEN
ate, as in the House of Representatives, General
Logan fully maintained his reputation a
strong, able man. Industrious in committee
work, forcble speaker and well versed in pub
lie affairs, he faithful representative of the
people, and became identified with great deal
of useful legislation. In 1885 the Republican
convention at Chicago nominated General Logan
for Vice president During the campaign that
followed he made number OF speeches In diff
ferent parts of the country, including several in
Indiana everywhere renewing and strengthen
ing the high esteem in which he was held by the
people. During this campaign he carried him
self with admirable discretion and dignity, and
from the beginning to the end of 1t he
grew In public estimation everywhere. Accepting
his defeat with philosophic composure he
turned to his senatorial duties and to labor on
his book This work, 1.-THE Great Conspiracy
bears ample testimony to his wide knowledge of
public affairs and men, to his careful research
and skillfu handling of materials It has
brought him a considerable sum of money,
placing him almost for the first time in his life
In independent circumstances. He had recently
purchased house in Washington. and with his
salary as Senator and the proceeds of his book
was beginning to feel financially comfortable.
Iu appearance General Logan was striking.
Tall, sodly built, erect as an Indian, with long
black hair, prodigious mustache, keen. piercing
eyes, and swarthy complexion he was man to
attract attention anywhere.