The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1888-07-11

young Colonel and said to him, in his Hookerish
style: by -, Ben Harrison, I'll make you a
Brigadier for this days work
HOOKER KEPT HIS WORD.
Gen. Hooker kept his word, for shortly after
ward the following letter was forwarded to the
Secretary OF War:
"HEADoUAKrERs NORTHERN DEPARTMENT.
CINCINNATI, o., Oct. 81 1864
Hon. T. NJ Stanton, Secretary of War:
Il desire TO call the attention of the depart
ment TO the claims Of Col. Bon jainin Harrison
OF the 70sh Indiana Volunteers, for promotion
TO the rank Of brigadier neral volunteers.
-Col Harrison first joined me in comman1 Of
brigade of Wards iii, ision in Lookout Valley
preparatory 10 entering upon what is called the
campaign OF Allan n. My attention was first at
tracte TO u is young officer by the superior ex-
cellence of his brigade in discipline and ins
ton, the result of mis- labor, skill and devotion.
With more foresight than have witnessed in
any officer OF his experience, he seemed TO act
upon the principle that success depended upon
the thorough preparation in discipline and
esprit of his command for conflict more than on
any influence that could be exerted in the field
itself, and when collision came his command
indicated his wisdom as much as his valor. In
all the achievements of the Twentieth Corps in
that campaign Col Harrison bore a conspicuous
part. AT Resaca and Peach Tree Creek the con-
duct of himself and command especially
distinguished. Col Harrison is officer Of SUI
perior abilities and of great professional and
personal worth IL gives me great pleasure 10
commend him favorably to the Honorable Secre-
tary, with the assurance that his preferment
martial accomplishments. Very respectfully,
your obedient servant. JOSEPH HOOKER,
Major General Commanding"
Col Harrison soon afterward brevetted a
Brgadier General. Later on, for his gallantry at
Peach Tree Greek, where he led his command
through the enemy and back again, he was made
n Brigadier in full commission.
During the absence of Gen. Harrison In the
field the Democratic Supreme Court declared the
Office of Supreme Court Reporter vacant and an
other person cleo cd TO the position From
the time OF leaving Indiana with his regiment
until the fall of 1864, after the capture Of Allan
Ia, Gen. Harrison had taken no leave Of absence
but having been nominated by the State Conven-
ton of that year for the Office from which he had
been ousted, he took a thirty-day leave OF alb
sence, and, under orders from the War Depart
inent, reported TO Gov. Morton for duty. During
that thirty days leave he again made n brilliant
canvass OF the State and was elected for another
term. Then he rejoined tho army, was in the
siege and battle of Nashville, served until the
surrender OF Johnston, and with his COM
mand Mt the final grand review of the Union
forces at Washington at the close Of the war.
DEFEATED FOR GOVERNOR.
In 1869 Gen. Harrison declined reelection as
reporter and resumed his legal practice. In 1876
he was a candidate for Governor of Indiana, and
though defeated he polled nearly 1000 more votes
than the general average of the Republican
ticket. He again took a very active part in the
campaign Of 1880, and when the Republicans car
ried the Legislature Gen. Harrison became their
choice for United States Senator. He served six
years In the Senate, his term expiring March A.
1887. The election Of $780, when the Legislature
10 eject MS buccessOr was cnOSefl was one Oh Tue
closest ON record, the Republicans losing the
Legislature by two votes ON joint ballet.
Gen. Harrison, since his retirement from the
Senate, has maintained leading position at the
Indiana bar. He is an effective speaker, though
not counted n great orator. He is not rich, bat
owns a handsome home i'm Indianapolis.
Gen. Harrison's wife is daughter of Professor
Scott, OF Oxford, Ohio. They have a married
daughter, and son who is prominent poll
tician i'm Montana.
Gen. Harrison is FIVE feet seven inches tall
and weighs 100 pounds. He Is somewhat cold
and brusque in manner. His personal character
il said by his friends TO be invulnerable. In re-
ligion no 10 q Presbyterian.