The National tribune., 1886-10-07

airy Ridge kinggold, Resaca, New Hope Churen,
Pine Knob, siege of Savannah, and Gen.
Sherman's campaign through the CarOinas.
In evidence that the above commission for
great gallantry is not overstated. but clean,
earned proof of service rendered, the writer
appends herewith an extract from letter
written by Gen. Jno. w. Geary when Comrade
Neale was candidate for Recorder Of Deeds OF
Philadelphia, in which he says Maj. Neale was
the bravest of the brave; aud the writer
copies entire a letter written at the same time
by that splendid soldier, Fighting Joe Hooker:
II gives me great pleasure TO state for the infor-
nation of all concerned that / knew Maj. Neale
well during the late war. and that regarded his
services on the staff of Gen. Geary as being the
most able and distinguished of all his officers
among whom were many OF brilliant regulations
and Of prominent standing. am conscious OF no
political excitement that will justify the impeach-
ment of his military record or private character.
To be the recipient Of such letter rs the above
from Gen. Hooker was almost worth dying for
ComradeNeale was appointed Acknowledgement,
with the rank of Brgadier- General, for the
Territory of Montana, Jan. 6, 1868
Maj. Neale was a participant in 20 pitched
battles beside the sieges of and capture of At
lanta and Savannah. He was wounded in the
action at Wauhatchie by ball passing through
his right shoulder. He narrowly escaped death
from a ball passing through his hat and a sec
ond through the shirt collar, while still another
penetrated his uniform coat and fourth
wounded his horse. At Kenesaw Mountain he
was shot through the right lung, aud his horse
was shot from under him and mortally wounded
Comrade Veale was commissioned United
States Attorney for the Territory of Montana,
and was Clerk Of Indian Affairs for the Terri
tory Of Montana. Returning TO Philadelphia
/ he was chosen for Common Council from the
| 29th Ward at the February election in 1876,
and for State Senator, Fifth Senatorial District,
at the November election of 1S76, and is at
present the Health Officer of the City of Phila-
delphia.
lie is member of Post 2, and has been
member of Encampment No. 2, Union Veteran
Legion, almost since its organization, and is
held in the highest esteem not only for his
| splendid military service, but for his high
character as a private citizen. He is one Of the
few who hold official obligations as sacredly as
private trusts.
il may be repeated here that when Comrade
Yeale was directed by Gen. Geary 10 carry an
| order of attack TO a regiment at Missionary
| Ridge, its Colonel, fearing TO lead his men 20
the attack, was forced TO go into the fight by
COmrade Neale leading the regiment in and
compelling thereby the success Of the attack
upon the enemy.
There have sprung up many heroes since the
war, but among the many who wear the badge
Of veterans none can get companonship in the
| Union Veteran Legion unless his record as a
soldier is, among his surviving comrades of
those other days, beyond suspicion, and his
| character as a citizen is fair 10 all mankind.
! In other words, we believe a Union defender
in arms is a better citizen from the fact OF that
service, and. banded together as we now are in
this Legion, il will be demonstrated that laws
enacted for the protection and care Of those
clearly aud justly entitled thereto will and
must be carried out as expressed in the several
acts Of Congress. In the observation Of the
writer he has found much that indicated a for
getfulness Of the great service these men rem
dered, and many in those other days who were
ready 10 make any promise of help, are now
among the readiest to help along the cry that
the old soldier business is played out. The
writer thinks not Wherever injustice has
been done these men, when placed in just and
digni6ed manner before the proper authority
and supported by the influence Of the Loyal
men and women Of the land, wrong has been
exposed and the measure of full justification
melted oct 10 the worthy old soldier
The writer has reviewed with much satisfac
ton the efforts Of few comrades banded TO
gether as the Veteran Rights Union. He rec
ognizes the great difficulties il has had TO con
tend with in its progress. lie knows something
Of the helpful hand they have given TO many
worthy old soldier and he bespeaks for then
the hearty support Of each and every one 10 the
end that they are striving to attain. He know!
that the Union Veteran Legion will at any
time turn in for assistance rs an organized body
10 help i'm the prosecution Of all statute law
passed by Congress in aid of the old soldier
when his case is clear one for their assistance
Push ahead, my comrades Of the Veteran
Rights Union. You have back Of you the in
fuence and power in this Union Veteran Legion
that will demonstrate that the comradeshil
born in battle is dear TO us in its helpful aiC
10 the survivors of this class Of our people "a
when we marched elbow 10 elbow in serrieC
ranks toward the enemy of our beloved anC
cherished Union Of States Fraternity amonj
soldiers indeed does mean something.-CoM
RADE Philadelphia.